Comparative evaluation of vascular and clinical changes in micro and macrosurgical techniques in the management of mucogingival problems.

Background: Mucogingival surgery is performed to resolve the problems arising due to high frenum attachment and shallow vestibular depth (VD). The surgical procedures are mainly indicated to prevent gingival recession and for esthetic reasons. The aim of this study was to compare the degree of vascularization in the treatment of mucogingival problems by both microsurgical and macrosurgical techniques. Materials and Methods: Forty-two participants with aberrant frenum and shallow VD were randomly selected for frenectomy, frenotomy, and vestibular deepening either by a microsurgical (test) or macrosurgical (control) approach. Fluorescein angiography was performed at 1, 7, and 14 days after the surgical procedures. In addition, patient's satisfaction scores were recorded postoperatively. Results: Angiographic evaluation at test site revealed a statistically significant vascularization at 1, 7, and 14 days after the surgical procedure when compared to control sites. Probing pocket depth(PPD) in both the groups in vestibular deepening procedure decreased from 1 month to 6 months, but the reduction was insignificant. There was significant reduction in VD in both the groups over a period of 6 months. Microsurgical approach in all three procedures was superior in terms of patient satisfaction than macrosurgical approach. Mean surgical time spent in vestibular deepening and frenectomy procedures was highly significant in micro group as compared to the macro group. Conclusion: This clinical study indicates that microsurgical approach improved the percentage of vascularization and patient satisfaction compared with macrosurgical approach.

Understanding how patients perceive physician wellness and its links to patient care: A qualitative study.

Despite increased interest in physician wellness, little is known about patients' views on the topic. We explore patients' perceptions of physician wellness and how it links to patient care. This exploratory, qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 20 patients from outpatient care settings in a western Canadian city. Using inductive thematic analysis, interview transcripts were independently coded by two authors and then discussed to ensure consensus and to abstract into higher-level themes. Three overarching premises were identified. First, patients notice cues that they interpret as signs of physician wellness. These include overt indicators, such as a physician's demeanor or physical appearance, along with a general impression about a physician's wellness. Second, patients form judgments based on what they notice, and these judgments affect patients' views about their care; feelings, such as trust, in their interactions with physicians; and actions, such as following care plans. Third, participants perceive a bi-directional link between physician wellness and patient care. Physician wellness impacts patient care, but physician wellness is also impacted by the care they provide and the challenges they face within the healthcare system. Patients' judgments regarding physician wellness may have important impacts on the doctor-patient relationship. Furthermore, patients appear to have a nuanced understanding about how physicians' work may put physicians at risk for being unwell. Patients may be powerful allies in supporting physician wellness initiatives focused on the shared responsibility of individual physicians, the medical profession, and healthcare organizations.

Dentascan an excellent tool for assessment of variations in the management of periodontal defects.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to envisage the effectiveness of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) and bovine bone graft (BBG) for promoting defect fill in periodontal intrabony defects using dentascan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 13 subjects (15 intrabony defects) aged between 24 and 56 years affected by moderate to severe periodontitis were randomly divided into Control (CG) and Test groups (TG1 and TG2). In CG only debridement, TG1 debridement plus DFDBA, and TG2 debridement plus BBG were performed. The clinical parameters probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) was used. The radiological analysis was done by dentascan, which is a single-slice spiral computed tomographic scanner. Six months after, regenerative treatment clinical measurements were recorded. The bone fill was assessed using Dentascan as previously mentioned. RESULTS: PPD reduction and CAL gain were significant in all the groups after 6 months whereas, on intergroup comparisons, insignificant finding was observed both at baseline and after 6 months. Coronoapical bone status decreased significantly in all groups, buccolingual measurements decreased significantly in TG1 and TG2, but no such trend was seen in CG. Significant reduction in mesiodistal bone status was noticed only in TG1 whereas insignificant on intergroup comparisons. CONCLUSION: Dentascan-based analysis attested that DFDBA was superior to BBG.

Clinical Evaluation of Insulin like Growth Factor-I and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor with Alloplastic Bone Graft Material in the Management of Human Two Wall Intra-Osseous Defects.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, emphasis on the use of growth factors for periodontal healing is gaining great momentum. Several growth factors showed promising results in periodontal regeneration. AIM: This study was designed to compare the clinical outcomes of 0.8µg recombinant human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (rh-VEGF) and 10µg recombinant human Insulin Like Growth Factor-I (rh-IGF-I) with ß-Tricalcium Phosphate (ß-TCP) and Polylactide-Polyglycolide Acid (PLGA) membrane in two wall intra-osseous defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 intra-osseous defects in 27 subjects were randomly divided into 3 test and 1 control group. Test group I (n=8) received rh-VEGF+ rh-IGF-I, Test group II (n=7) rh-VEGF, Test group III (n=7) rh-IGF-I and control group (n=7) with no growth factor, ß-TCP and PLGA membrane was used in all the groups. Baseline soft tissue parameters including Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), and Gingival Recession (GR) at selected sites were recorded at baseline and at 6 months. Intrasurgically, intra-osseous component was calculated as a) Cemento-Enamel Junction to Bone Crest (CEJ to BC), b) Bone Crest to Base of the Defect (BC to BD) at baseline and at re-entry. The mean changes at baseline and after 6 months within each group were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The mean changes for each parameter between groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: After 6 months, maximum mean PPD reduction occurred in test group I followed by test group II, III and control group. Similar trend was observed in CAL gain. Non-significant GR was present in test group I and control group whereas in test group II and III GR was absent. The use of rh-VEGF+ rhIGF-I exhibited 95.8% osseous fill as compared to 54.8% in test group II, 52.7% in test group III and 41.1 % in the control group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that, rh-IGF-I+rh-VEGF treated sites resulted in greater improvement in PPD reduction, CAL gain as well as in osseous fill after 6 months when compared with rh-VEGF, rh-IGF-I and control sites.

Gingival Overgrowth Leading to the Diagnosis of Familial Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a neurocutaneous syndrome, is characterized by the development of benign tumours affecting different body systems. We herein present a report of a 40-year-old female patient presenting with dental enamel pits and localized gingival overgrowth that eventually lead to the diagnosis of a case of familial TSC. Diagnosis of familial TSC by comprehensive oral examination and detection of oral manifestations proved to be inevitable as it resulted in institution of appropriate treatment strategies and genetic counselling of the affected family.

Nasal Sinus Tract of Odontogenic Origin: Report of a Case.

Extraoral sinus tract often poses a diagnostic challenge to the clinician owing to its rare occurrence and absence of symptoms. The accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management are inevitable as the aetiology of such lesions is often masked and requires holistic approach. The present case report encompasses the management of an extraoral discharging sinus tract at the base of the right nostril in a chronic smoker. The lesion which was earlier diagnosed to be of nonodontogenic origin persisted even after erratic treatment modalities. Our investigations showed the aetiology of sinus tract to be odontogenic. Initially, a five-step program as recommended by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality was used for smoking cessation followed by root canal therapy (RCT) and surgical management of the sinus tract. The patient has been under stringent follow-up and no reoccurrence has been noted.

Coverage of denuded labial bone resulting from post space preparation with a free gingival autograft: lessons learnt.

Rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth by post and core preparation is a common procedure in day to day dental practice. However, in some instances, post space preparation can produce excessive frictional heat leading to significant damage to the attachment apparatus of the tooth as well as to the overlying soft tissue. This report describes a case of mucosal dehiscence arising due to trauma induced by inadvertent post space preparation. The denuded mucosa was restored to its physiological position with the help of free gingival autograft obtained from the palatal donor site. The aesthetic results obtained were excellent and have been stable for a period of 2 years.

Ancillary role of vitamin C in pink aesthetics.

A smile expresses feelings of joy, affection and self-confidence in an individual. Melanin hyperpigmentation of the gingiva jeopardises the aesthetics of an individual significantly. In the present case, gingival depigmentation was performed with a surgical scalpel along with local applications of ascorbic acid, yielding satisfactory aesthetic results with low subjective pain levels, and no recurrence has been observed after 9 months of follow-up.

Jalili syndrome presenting with situs inversus totalis and keratoconus: the first case in the Indian subcontinent.

Jalili syndrome (JS) (MIM#217080) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the comorbid appearance of cone-rod dystrophy (CORD) and amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). JS is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by different mutations, all with a linkage at achromatopsia locus 2 q11 on the metal transporter gene CNNM4. The case report presented here describes JS with distinct phenotypic variations such as situs inversus totalis (SIT) along with additional ophthalmic findings such as keratoconus and ectopia lentis. It is the first case of JS reported from the Indian subcontinent, affecting a male patient of Muslim faith from an area having high fluoride levels in the ground water. A positive history of consanguineous marriage among his family members of past generations was also evident.

The effects of periodontal therapy on serum and salivary leptin levels in chronic periodontitis patients with normal body mass index.

SUMMARY: Leptin concentrations are altered in favour of pro health after periodontal therapy. BACKGROUND: Leptin, a non-glycosylated peptide hormone, not only maintains fat stores, but is also an integral part of host defense repertoire. Leptin levels have been found to be altered in an array of inflammatory diseases including chronic periodontitis (CP), but the role of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in altering the leptin concentrations in saliva and serum of CP patients is yet to be ascertained. The aim of the present study is to quantify leptin levels in CP patients having normal body mass index (BMI) pre-therapy as compared to periodontally healthy controls and to address whether successful NSPT alters leptin concentration in serum and saliva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two saliva (modified draining method) and serum samples (by venipuncture) were collected from CP patients with normal BMI (n = 22), before and at 4 and 12 weeks after completion of NSPT, and periodontally healthy, age- and gender-matched controls (n = 22). Leptin levels were estimated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: At baseline, CP patients had significantly different periodontal clinical parameters and the leptin concentrations in saliva of CP patients were found to be significantly lower than periodontally healthy volunteers (4710.10 ± 1133.21 vs 8721.10 ± 1019.58 pg/ml) (p < 0.05), whereas in serum the leptin concentrations were significantly higher than healthy controls (10749 ± 2062.24 vs 8085.00 ± 2859.68 pg/ml). Significant improvement in periodontal parameters, serum and salivary leptin levels were observed in CP patients at 4 and 12 weeks post-therapy (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Altered concentrations of leptin in serum and saliva are observed in CP patients which can be restored in favor of health after periodontal therapy.

'Granuloma gravidarum': persistence in puerperal period an unusual presentation.

Granuloma gravidarum (GG), an inflammatory lesion, develops in the oral mucosa of pregnant women in response to chronic low-grade irritants and hormonal factors. A persistent granuloma gravidarum post partum and appropriate management strategies are discussed. Patients must be encouraged to undergo regular dental check-ups during the gestational period. Simple oral hygiene measures are highly effective in combating most oral lesions encountered in pregnancy.

Salivary and serum leptin concentrations in patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of leptin has led to the elucidation of a robust physiologic system that not only maintains fat stores but is also an integral part of the host defense mechanism. However, leptin concentrations in the saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) has not been explored despite the potential role of salivary biomarkers in determining the presence, risk, and progression of periodontal disease. METHODS: Eighty-four participants (44 with generalized severe CP and 40 without periodontitis) were enrolled. For each patient, the values of periodontal parameters were recorded, such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (AL), and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical AL ≥5 mm. Saliva and serum samples were collected to estimate the leptin concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Statistical analysis was performed using software. RESULTS: Participants with CP demonstrated significantly higher BOP, PI, GI, and percentage of sites with clinical AL >5 mm (P <0.05). Leptin was detectable in all the clinical samples. Salivary leptin concentrations in patients with CP were significantly lower than in healthy volunteers (6,200.61 ± 2,322.11 versus 8,799.60 ± 901.70 pg/mL), whereas serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with CP than in healthy volunteers (11,600.00 ± 1,705.01 versus 7,616.62 ± 1,169.83 pg/mL). In addition, the results reflected a significant negative correlation of salivary leptin and a positive correlation of serum leptin with PD (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that leptin concentrations in saliva and serum are significantly altered in CP and relate closely to current disease activity; however, further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Conflation of gingival overgrowth and schwannoma.

The authors describe a seminal case report of a 10-year-old boy with enlarged gingivae in relation to his maxillary anterior teeth. The lesion, provisionally diagnosed as idiopathic gingival enlargement, was completely excised and divided into two sections. The histological and immunohistochemical findings in one of the sections showed it to be characteristic of schwannoma while the other section showed indications of idiopathic gingival enlargement. The patient has been followed up carefully and no recurrence has been noted.

Two dimensional alveolar ridge augmentation using particulate hydroxyapatite and collagen membrane: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ridge augmentation procedures require bone regeneration outside of the existing bony walls or housing and are therefore often considered to be the most challenging surgical procedures. The bony deficiencies can be managed with GBR techniques involving bone grafting material and membrane while vertical augmentation may require the use of space-creating support mechanisms. Non-degradable membranes have been used for ridge augmentation with encouraging results however; requirement of second surgery for its removal and associated infection on exposure may compromise the desired results. These problems can be overcome by employing resorbable collagen membranes. Different bone graft materials are also used in combination with resorbable membranes, for prevention of membrane collapse and maintenance of space, as they lack sufficient rigidity. Particulate hydroxyapatite bone graft may be better alternative, because it treats the underlying bone defect to restore the natural support of the tissue architecture. Moreover, its use avoids potential donor site complications associated with autogenous block grafts. METHOD: Patient described in this report presented with missing right maxillary incisor with ridge deficiency. A treatment approach involving localised ridge augmentation with particulate hydroxyapatite and collagen membrane was used. RESULT: Six month post-operative periapical radiograph demonstrated a significant vertical bone fill. CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiographic findings of the present case suggests that HA in conjunction with a resorbable collagen membrane may be an acceptable alternative to the autogenous block graft and non-resorbable membrane in the treatment of compromised alveolar ridge deficiencies.

Odontogenic myxoma presenting as localized inflammatory gingival enlargement: A diagnostic dilemma.

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare and locally invasive benign neoplasm found exclusively in the maxillofacial region. The radiographic and clinical features are variable, and the diagnosis is therefore not easy. A case of OM of the maxilla is described in a 19-year-old female, previously diagnosed as inflammatory gingival enlargement. Clinical, histological, radiographic, and computed tomographic (CT) scan assessments were done, which were confirmatory for OM. Surgical excision of the lesion was done. The patient was put on periodic recall, as the recurrence rate of the lesion was high. The biological spectrum of OM was highly variable and diagnosis at an early stage was very difficult. Gingival enlargement presentation might not always be an inflammatory reaction. All possible differential diagnosis should be explored and various diagnostic tools utilized, to screen the enlargement.

Insulin catalyzes the curcumin-induced wound healing: an in vitro model for gingival repair.

OBJECTIVES: Human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) play a major role in the maintenance and repair of gingival connective tissue. The mitogen insulin with IGFs etc. synergizes in facilitating wound repair. Although curcumin (CUR) and insulin regulate apoptosis, their impact as a combination on hGF in wound repair remains unknown. Our study consists of: 1) analysis of insulin-mediated mitogenesis on CUR-treated hGF cells, and 2) development of an in vitro model of wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apoptotic rate in CUR-treated hGF cells with and without insulin was observed by AnnexinV/PI staining, nuclear morphological analysis, FACS and DNA fragmentation studies. Using hGF confluent cultures, wounds were mechanically created in vitro and incubated with the ligands for 48 h in 0.2% fetal bovine serum DMEM. RESULTS: CUR alone showed dose-dependent (1-50 µM) effects on hGF. Insulin (1 µg/ml) supplementation substantially enhanced cell survival through up-regulation of mitogenesis/anti-apoptotic elements. CONCLUSIONS: The in vitro model for gingival wound healing establishes that insulin significantly enhanced wound filling faster than CUR-treated hGF cells over 48 h. This reinforces the pivotal role of insulin in supporting CUR-mediated wound repair. The findings have significant bearing in metabolic dysfunctions, e.g. diabetes, atherosclerosis, etc., especially under Indian situations.

Free gingival autograft for augmentation of keratinized tissue in apical to gingival recession - A case report.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of the mucogingival problem is one of the main objectives of the periodontal therapy. The insufficient or absent attached gingiva increases the risk of development of gingival recessions. METHOD: One patient with Miller class II gingival recession and small vestibule depth in the frontal mandibular region was selected for treatment. Autogenous free gingival grafts harvested from the palatal mucosa were used to gain the attached gingiva. RESULT: The initial healing completed in 2 weeks without complication. The augmentation of the attached gingival tissue using the free gingival graft technique led to gain of attached gingiva in the treated regions. CONCLUSION: The limitations of the apical mucosal flap displacement for preparation of recipient site in situations with inadequate vestibule depth and small alveolar bone height require a graft with small width. The result from the presented case report with application of the free gingival graft indicates that it could be applied when augmentation of the attached gingiva tissue.

Biomaterials in periodontal osseous defects.

INTRODUCTION: Osseous defects in periodontal diseases require osseous grafts and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using barrier membranes. The present study was undertaken with the objectives to clinically evaluate the osteogenic potential of hydroxyapatite (HA), cissus quadrangularis (CQ), and oxidized cellulose membrane (OCM) and compare with normal bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty subjects with periodontitis in the age group ranging from 20 years to 40 years were selected from our outpatient department on the basis of presence of deep periodontal pockets, clinical probing depth ≥5 mm, vertical osseous defects obvious on radiograph and two- or three-walled involvement seen on surgical exposure. Infrabony defects were randomly divided into four groups on the basis of treatment to be executed, such that each group comprised 5 defects. Group I was control, II received HA, III received CQ and IV received OCM. Probing depth and attachment level were measured at regular months after surgery. Defects were re-exposed using crevicular incisions at 6 months. RESULTS: There was gradual reduction in the mean probing pocket depth in all groups, but highly significant in the site treated with HA. Gain in attachment level was higher in sites treated with HA, 3.2 mm at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Hydroxyapatite and OCM showed good reduction in pocket depth, attachment level gain and osseous defect fill. Further study should be conducted by using a combination of HA and OCM in periodontal osseous defects with growth factors and stem cells.

Assessment of combination techniques in enhancing the regenerative potential of tricalcium phosphate graft in treatment of infrabony periodontal defects.

AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcome of infrabony defects following reconstructive surgery with the use of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) alone; TCP and citric acid (CA) root conditioning; and TCP, CA, and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine systemically healthy subjects with vertical infrabony defect were initially selected based on intraoral periapical radiographs and clinical examination to record probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Only 21 defects revealed two-walled configuration on surgical debridement. These defects were selected and randomly allotted to the study groups. Group 1 defects were treated with TCP, group 2 with TCP+CA, and group 3 with TCP+CA+ORC. PPD, CAL, defect depth (DD), and level of alveolar crest (AC) were evaluated at the time of initial surgery and after 6 months at surgical re-entry. These measurements were utilized to calculate PPD reduction, CAL gain, defect fill (DF), %defect fill (%DF), and crestal resorption (CR). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A paired t-test was used for assessing changes in each group. Unpaired t-test was used for intergroup comparisons. RESULTS: All three groups showed statistically significant PPD reduction, CAL gain, DF, and %DF, but insignificant CR at the end of 6 months. On intergroup comparison, no statistically significant differences were noted between the groups for all the parameters. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of combination techniques using TCP+CA; TCP+CA+ORC in treatment of periodontal infrabony defects is at least equal to that of TCP alone.