A Light Microscopic Study Comparing Pulp Histological Alterations Following Tooth Preparation Using a High-speed Handpiece and an Er: YAG Laser.

Introduction: Histological alterations were evaluated in this study after tooth preparation with carbide burs using a traditional handpiece and Er: YAG laser. Methods: Tooth preparation was done on 30 intact maxillary first premolars of healthy patients. Ten maxillary first premolars were used as control, wherein no tooth preparation was done. Box-shaped tooth preparation was done on the occlusal surface of maxillary first premolars using carbide bur in the handpiece and Er: YAG laser (n = 10). After performing the recommended procedure for different groups, each tooth was extracted and 4-5 µm thick sections were prepared and stained using H and E stains. A 4-40× microscope was used to examine the morphological alterations in the odontoblasts. The Chi-square test was used to compare the outcomes. Results: The high-speed drill group and the control group had statistically significant differences (P = 0.05). High-speed drill and laser group differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The histological findings as seen with laser tooth preparation were nearly identical to those of control or nonmanipulated teeth under light microscope, whereas disruption of odontoblastic layer was seen with high-speed drills.

A Rare Occurrence of Mucocele in the Floor of the Mouth of an Infant.

A mucocele is a prevalent benign oral lesion distinguished by the extravasation or retention of mucous within submucosal tissue originating from minor salivary glands. Mucoceles predominantly manifest on the lower lip, followed by occurrences on the floor of the mouth and the buccal mucosa. Trauma and lip biting habits are one of the main causes of lesions. Mucoceles are rarely observed in infants. This paper highlights an atypical case of mucocele located within the floor of the mouth in the first year of life (9 months old) in a child who was treated successfully with complete surgical excision, and the patient is on regular postoperative follow-up.

A Rare Complication of Maxillary Third Molar Extraction.

The removal of tuberosity post extraction of the maxillary third molar is a very rare complication and there has not been ample discussion in the literature. Forceful extraction of a maxillary third molar can lead to soft and hard tissue loss. Various techniques have been used for the management of such defects such as local flaps, free soft tissue flaps, free bone flaps, and even tissue engineering. We present a case report of a large post-traumatic defect of maxillary tuberosity caused by forceful extraction of the maxillary third molar, which was managed conservatively by secondary healing, and the patient is on regular follow-up.