Temporary Anchorage Devices.

Reaction to the force application is observed in the clinical scenarios as anchorage loss, which is the unwanted movement of the teeth. A plethora of approaches have been developed over time in orthodontics to overcome anchorage loss. These approaches are termed anchorage reinforcement procedures. Anchorage loss refers to the unintended movement or shifting of teeth that are intended to remain stable and serve as anchoring points during orthodontic treatment. This loss of stability can occur in various dimensions, including horizontal, vertical, or transverse, and can result in undesired changes to the overall positioning and alignment of teeth. Anchorage can be termed as conventional intraoral anchorage which usually leads to significant anchorage loss. The conventional extraoral anchorage such as headgear suffers from the issue of compliance.

Self-Ligating Bracket Systems: A Comprehensive Review.

Currently, ligature-free bracket technologies, including self-ligating brackets (SLBs), are all the rage in orthodontics. Self-ligating mechanisms have been shown to be more effective and less time-consuming in orthodontic treatment than traditional appliances due to their enhanced frictional properties. Crucial to the success of the multi-band/bracket method is the transmission of forces and moments from the bracket to the archwire. Advances in bracket design and ligation techniques are constantly being made to better distribute loads and increase the efficiency of leveling.

Asymmetric Extraction Decision in Orthodontics.

During the treatment planning process, extraction decisions are crucial. As a therapy option, the extraction of teeth should be considered in instances where there is a lack of facial harmony and stability in the occlusion. Treatment aims, the kind of malocclusion, aesthetic considerations, and growth patterns are all factors that influence asymmetric extraction. For the most part, premolar extractions are required when there is a significant midline difference or an asymmetrical connection between the teeth. Premolars, which are the first teeth to erupt and occupy the posterior position in chewing, are more vulnerable to injury than other permanent teeth. The optimal time to remove a second molar is at the moment when the connection between the molars has normalized or when a major front cross-bite can be remedied.

Comparative Evaluation of Three Probiotics for Streptococcus mutans Prevention in Plaque Around Orthodontic Braces.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Orthodontic brackets can be a significant factor in enamel demineralization due to their complex structure, which makes brushing the teeth difficult and promotes the accumulation of food particles and dental plaque. The fact that metal braces have the highest surface tension and are more likely to cause enamel demineralization, which can result in the development of white spot lesions and enamel caries, is of critical significance to doctors, dentists, and patients. Probiotics have a beneficial effect in preventing and treating oral infectious diseases like tooth decay, gingival disorders, and bad breath. Research has shown that taking probiotics lowers the amount of Streptococcus mutans in the body. There has not been much research done to examine the results of administering a probiotic medication locally. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of three separate probiotics in the prevention of S. mutans accumulation in plaque surrounding orthodontic braces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The volunteers for each group were chosen using a straightforward random method. The sample size was 160 empirically determined subjects. They were divided as follows: study group 1 received probiotic lozenges (n=40). Study group 2 received probiotic sachets (n=40). Study group 3 received probiotic beverages (n=40). Group 4 was the control group, those who did not get probiotics (n=40). The samples were then plated onto culture media to test for Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans colonies were counted using a computerized colony counter. RESULTS: The mean values of colony forming units (CFU/mL) of S. mutans at baseline in the control group were 354±23.6, while they were 232±41.7 at the end of the observation duration. The difference was non-relevant statistically (p=0.793). The mean values of CFU/mL of S. mutans at baseline in the group taking probiotic lozenges were 358.7±39.93, while they were 57±10.12 at the end of the observation duration. The difference was relevant statistically (p=0.021). The mean values of CFU/mL of S. mutans at baseline in the group taking probiotic sachets were 321.36±41.67, while they were 215.5±22.66 at the end of the observation duration. The difference was relevant statistically (p=0.043). The mean values of CFU/mL of S. mutans at baseline in the group taking the probiotic drink were 335.76±40.12, while they were 75.1±28.74 at the end of the observation duration. The difference was relevant statistically (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: There was a significant decline in the number of colonies of S. mutans in all three forms of probiotics; however, the decline was greatest in the study participants taking probiotic lozenges.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Recent Caries Removal Techniques: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Dentistry is undergoing a gentle revolution that will consign drill and fill to history. In order to increase the acceptance of dental treatment, efforts are directed toward changing traditional painful dentistry into a new concept of painless dentistry. It is common practice to utilize burs for caries removal and cavity preparation. Chemomechanical caries removal is a painless procedure that uses a chemical substance to eradicate diseased dentine. With the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er: YAG) laser systems for caries removal and cavity preparation, the discipline of laser operational dentistry was born out of a desire to find a way to remove the decay without causing any pain or stress to the surrounding healthy tissue. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This in vitro research aimed to assess the relative advantages of chemomechanical and laser caries extraction techniques in comparison to the more traditional bur technique. The efficacy of each method was evaluated by microscopic examination of samples treated with each experimental method. We also evaluated the efficiency of each method by recording the time required for caries excavation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The methods used for caries excavation were bur excavation, chemo-mechanical method, and laser method. Histological slices were produced after all the samples had been treated with the experimental techniques, and they were studied using a binocular light transmission microscope. The samples were then scored as '0' for absence and '1' for the presence of demineralized dentine. These scores and the time recorded for each method were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study found no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of the different approaches to removing caries; however, bur excavation was the quickest and chemo-mechanical was the slowest, with the latter not being useful in cases with low caries activity. The laser method of caries removal doesn't remove caries existing in the undercut areas of the cavity thus making the use of bur mandatory. CONCLUSION: With more practice and experience, the chemo-mechanical and laser methods can be used in a more efficient way to render painless operative procedures to patients.

Relationship Between the Periodontal Status of Pregnant Women and the Incidence and Severity of Pre-term and/or Low Birth Weight Deliveries: A Retrospective Observational Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Literature worldwide has linked periodontitis to preterm births and/or low-birth-weight infants. However, to our knowledge, research on this topic is scarce in India. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that South Asian nations, particularly India, have the highest rates of preterm births and low-birth-weight infants as well as periodontitis due to poor socioeconomic conditions. Overall, 70% of perinatal fatalities result from prematurity and/or low birth weight, which also increases the incidence of morbidity and drives up the cost of postpartum care by a factor of ten. The frequency and severity of the illness may be greater among the Indian population due to their poor socioeconomic status. To lower the mortality rate and the cost of postnatal care, it is necessary to investigate the impact and severity of the effect of periodontal conditions on pregnancy outcomes in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following the collection of obstetric and prenatal records from the hospital in compliance with inclusion and exclusion criteria, a sample of 150 pregnant women were chosen from public healthcare clinics for the research. Within three days of delivery following enrolment in the trial, a single physician recorded each subject's periodontal condition using the University of North Carolina-15 (UNC-15) probe under artificial lighting and the Russell periodontal index. The gestational age was calculated based on the latest menstrual cycle, and a medical professional would order an ultrasound if they felt it was essential. The doctor weighed the newborns soon after delivery and in accordance with this prenatal record. The acquired data was analyzed using a suitable statistical analysis technique. RESULTS: The severity of a pregnant woman's periodontal disease was significantly correlated with the infant's birth weight and gestational age. Preterm births and low-birth-weight infants became more prevalent as the severity of the periodontal disease rose. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that periodontal disease in pregnant women may increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight in infants.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Severity of Periodontal Disease.

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are among the most common diseases which could not dissociate from general conditions with regards to impacts on quality of life (QoL). The present study is aimed to assess the impact of the severity of periodontal disease on oral health QoL using oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL)-UK questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The OHQoL-UK questionnaire consists of 16 variables within four domains made up of symptoms, psychological, social dimensions, and physical dimensions. Summing up the responses produce overall OHQoL-UK scores ranging from 16 to 80. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's reliability coefficient. Each patient underwent a periodontal examination including periodontal attachment levels with Williams' periodontal probe as part of his or her routine assessment by one clinician collaborating on the study. RESULTS: Within 200 patients participating in this study, 51% were < diploma, 32% were < bachelor's degree, and 17% were bachelor's degree and higher. Patients with higher educational level have a higher mean QoL score (P = 0.0001) which was statistically significant in regard to all aspects. CONCLUSION: The mean QoL score was significantly lower in patients with severe periodontitis when compared to patients with mild periodontitis, patients with better academic qualification have higher mean QoL score. According to the effect of severity of periodontal condition and educational level on QoL, required intervention should be done for treatment to improve QoL as a result.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, Awareness, Fear, and Anxiety Levels in Pateints Visisting the Routine Dental Outpatient Department during COVID 19 Pandemic - A Cross-sectional Hospital-Based Observational Research.

BACKGROUND: Since the COVID 19 pandemic has hit worldwide wide being one of the biggest psychological menace that had an impact on all socioeconomic strata as well age group of society. Looking at the present scenario of confusion and anxiety a cross-sectional research was planned to see the level of fear and anxiety among a patient who is already having concern about his oral health and when he comes to a dental outpatient department (OPD) what are his main areas of concern and anxiety. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study was planned in faculty of dental sciences, all the patients coming to dental OPD over a period of 3 months from November 2020 to March 2021 were asked to self-fill or fill with assistance a google form compromising of 10 multiple response questionnaire validated according to previous studies and surveys. Later on, the data was compiled and evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 511 Patients enrolled in the study after taking their online consent. 28.2% of population did not know about COVID 19. 67.4% were aware about the pandemic whereas 4.4% were confused and did not know about the complete scenario. 36.9% of population were not in stress and 62.4% were in stress and had anxiety regarding their visit for dental check up and treatment. 30.4% had no fear of catching the infection from dental procedure, 62.4% had fear and 7.2% of population was ignorant regarding the same. About 70.7% had quarantined themselves before coming for dental treatment. 62.4% were willing for dental treatment post-vaccination and 26% were not willing for treatment 11.6% were not sure. After applying statistical analysis, it was found that P < 0.05 and people coming to dental OPD were in lot of stress and anxiety regarding the dental procedures during the COVID pandemic. CONCLUSION: Since the global pandemic has caused major worry among the populations but still there are many who are not so anxious. Knowledge and awareness regarding the disease and vaccination have led to a wave of calmness in some, but still many people have been impacted and are in major dilemma whether they should get a dental treatment or should delay it ??

Oral melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: Management of a case affecting the maxilla.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor is a rare benign congenital neoplasm involving the head-and-neck region found in infants <1 year of age. The lesion most commonly affects the maxilla. We report the case of a 4-month-old male child with a tumor involving the anterior region of the maxilla along with a brief review of literature, differential diagnosis, and treatment.

Assessment of knowledge and anxiety levels due to COVID-19 pandemic among health care professionals and general population in Indore City: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: COVID 19 pandemic has led to economic downturn worldwide, and it has negatively affected mental health of the health workers as well as the general population. The pandemic has created psychological impact in the minds of people that even after recovery from critical illness assessment of anxiety symptoms is necessary. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and anxiety levels among health care workers and non-medico/ general population of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. METHODS: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted among 247 participants comprising of medical and dental professionals , paramedical staff and non medico/ general population of Indore city, India. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, the first section comprised questions pertaining to socio demographic characteristics, second section comprised ten questions pertaining to awareness and attitude towards preventive measures whereas the third section assessed anxiety levels by use of 21 item Depression, Anxiety , Stress Scale ( DASS-21). RESULTS: Participants of medical profession (50.2%) outnumbered other participants; significant difference (p=0.001) was reported among dental professionals on answering minimum physical distance to be maintained. Anxiety scores were found to be low (92.7%) and statistically significant association was seen between age of participants and anxiety levels (p=0.021). CONCLUSION: Participants in the present study reported good knowledge regarding COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety scores among the participants were found to be low.

Effective management of focal reactive gingival overgrowths by diode laser: A review and report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Focal reactive gingival overgrowths (FRGO) are a common observation in a clinical dental practice that may occur in response to external and internal chronic stimuli in form of fibrous connective tissue lesions in the oral mucosa. Gingiva is the most commonly involved site of oral reactive lesions. For the confirmed diagnosis of FRGO not only clinical, but the histopathological presentation of the lesion plays a vital role. Various surgical treatment modalities like a scalpel, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and lasers have been applied in the management of FRGO. The laser is new treatment modality being employed for treatment of FRGO. CASE REPORT: The purpose of this paper is to attempt short review on FRGO with the management of FRGO using diode laser. Here, we present effective management of peripheral giant cell granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma using diode laser. The follow-up of 01year showed no recurrence in both the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Diode soft tissue laser has added advantages like a bloodless surgical field, reduced bacteremia, minimal intra and postoperative discomfort over conventional modalities. Thus it is highly effective in the surgical management of FRGO.

Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Oral Dexamethasone and Intramuscular Dexamethasone in Mandibular Third Molar Surgeries.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical removal of impacted third molar is the most commonly performed dento-alveolar procedure and is associated with post-operative pain, swelling and trismus. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone administered orally with that of dexamethasone administered as an intra-masseteric injection in surgical removal of mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with impacted mandibular third molars were selected to undergo surgical removal of mandibular third molars. They were divided into three groups of twenty each, viz., Control Group, Group taking Oral dexamethasone and Group taking Intra-masseteric dexamethasone. Evaluation was done over a period of seven days postoperatively to study the effects of the drug in terms of swelling, trismus and pain. RESULTS: ANOVA test was done and comparisons were made. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference with respect to the group taking oral dexamethasone in terms of resolution of trismus. It was also found that there was no statistical significance with respect to reduction in swelling in either of the groups. CONCLUSION: Thus, it can be concluded that the oral route is superior compared to the intramuscular route when administering dexamethasone in surgical removal of mandibular third molars, with respect to drug dosage, bio-availability and resolution of trismus.

Tumor of the maxilla-odontogenic or glandular? A diagnostic challenge and the role of immunohistochemical markers.

Today's practice in medicine has reached remarkable change mainly due to the advances in the field. Odontogenic tumors represent a spectrum of lesions ranging from hamartomas to benign and malignant neoplasms. Rarely, odontogenic tumors pose a challenge due to varied histological features. But appropriate and accurate diagnosis is crucial for further treatment and follow-up as these have an influence on the prognosis. In such situations, immunohistochemical. (IHC) markers play a significant role in the differentiating various lesions. Within its palette of histology, there are multiple histopathological presentations, many a times these features come in an intermixed pattern simulating different origin. We here, report such a case presented in a 70-year-old female came with a complaint of swelling in the posterior maxilla. The microscopic findings were indicative of a benign neoplasm. To know the nature of the lesion and arrive at a diagnosis, many IHC markers were used. Based on all these findings, a final diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma was arrived.

Non-familial cherubism: clinical and radiological findings.

Cherubism is a rare, self-limiting, usually hereditary, benign fibro-osseous disease mostly affecting the jaws of the paediatric population. The disease is characterised by bilateral, diffuse and multilocular bony enlargement of the mandible and maxilla, and a tendency towards spontaneous remission. It has a typical radiographic and histopathological appearance. We present a case of a 9-year-old child lacking family history of this genetic disorder.