Evaluation of the Prevalence of White Spot Lesions During Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Among Patients Reporting for Correction of Malocclusion: A Prevalence Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent breakthroughs in caries preventive measures, one of the biggest issues clinicians confront is preventing demineralization while undergoing orthodontic therapy. The buildup of plaques around orthodontic brackets over time causes white spot lesions (WSLs). The goal of the present research was to assess the prevalence of WSLs in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment before starting therapy and at six and 12 months into therapy, adopting the visual examination approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We looked for WSLs on tooth surfaces gingival to an archwire because this is the area most likely to experience enamel demineralization during orthodontic treatment. The visual assessment was conducted using the following scale at baseline, six months, and 12 months for orthodontic patients: score 0: no demineralization or noticeable white patches on the surface; score 1: mild demineralization with a visible white spot but no surface disruption; score 2: moderate demineralization with a noticeable WSL that has a roughened surface but does not need repair; and score 3: severe demineralization with a noticeable WSL that needs repair. Fisher's exact test was used after a chi-square analysis to determine whether there were any differences between all three categories (six months, 12 months, and control). RESULTS: The frequency of WSL in patients at 12 months of orthodontic treatment was 46.57%, while it was 11.86% in patients who just started orthodontic treatment. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01), showing that the frequency was greater in patients at 12 months of orthodontic treatment as compared to patients who had just started undergoing orthodontic treatment. The frequency of WSL in patients at six months of orthodontic treatment was 37.34%, while it was 11.86% in patients who just started orthodontic treatment. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03), showing that the frequency was greater in patients at six months of orthodontic treatment as compared to patients who had just started undergoing orthodontic treatment. The frequency of WSL in patients at six months of orthodontic treatment was 37.34%, while it was 46.57% in patients at 12 months of orthodontic treatment. The frequency was greater in patients at 12 months of orthodontic treatment as compared to patients at six months of orthodontic treatment; however, the difference was non-significant statistically (p = 0.76). CONCLUSION: This clinical investigation revealed that the number of WSLs increased significantly during the first six months of treatment and then increased gradually until the final 12 months. During the first few months of treatment, doctors should assess the patients' dental hygiene habits and, if necessary, take further precautions to prevent demineralization.

Platelet Rich Fibrin Membrane Grafting After Laser Excision for Oral Mucosal Lesions.

Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is a novel surgical biomaterial which has shown immense healing and regenerative potential with diverse clinical applications. Surgical excision is a routinely employed treatment modality for mucosal oral lesions with or without grafting or repair of the base of the wound. We proposed a hypothesis that covering of the base of excised lesion with this platelet rich fibrin membrane can accelerate the rate of physiological healing process and regeneration. To evaluate the role, efficacy, advantages and adverse effects if any, of placement of PRF membrane grafts over surgical excision sites of oral mucosal lesions. Platelet rich fibrin membrane graft was prepared as per recommendation and established protocols. Patients were selected for surgical excision of localized, superficial oral mucosal lesions after meticulous clinical and radiological considerations and informed consent was taken. After laser excision with safe margins, the base of wound was covered with PRF membrane graft, stitched in place by 3-0 vicryl sutures. The operated site was clinically evaluated at regular intervals and a healing score was calculated and statistically tabulated on the basis of various parameters of healing. A total of 34 patients were included in the study with a male preponderance (21 males and 13 females). Satisfactory and clinically acceptable wound healing was observed in most of the patient with minimal morbidities. Surgical site demonstrated good healing score and clinically complete healing with good epithelialisation was achieved in all patients. Platelet rich fibrin membrane is an effective grafting biomaterial after excision of oral mucosal lesions as it enhances the rate of healing with minimal complications. We recommend further multicentre studies with higher sample size to explore its utility and clinical applications in different avenues of oral and head neck surgery.

Assessment of C-Reactive Protein Level in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient.

BACKGROUND: Potentially malignant disorders are highly prevalent in India. In this study, we assessed C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODOLOGY: Sixty-four patients (OSMF and OSCC) were undertaken and were classified into 3 groups, OSMF patients (Group I, 34), OSCC (Group II, 30), and healthy controls (Group III, 26). Immunoturbidimetry method was used for the estimation of CRP levels. RESULTS: Maximum cases in Group I was seen in the age group 40-60 years (males-10, females-3), Group II in the age group 40-60 years (males-11, females-5) and Group III (males-5, females-6). The mean CRP level in Group I was 6.12 ± 4.5 mg/l, in Group II was 28.4 ± 21.5 mg/l, and in Group III was 3.15 ± 2.19 mg/l. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Authors found that OSMF and oral cancer patients had increased CRP levels as compared to healthy subjects.