Traumatic optic neuropathy in orbital wall fractures- diagnostic parameters and treatment outcomes: A prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the associated patterns of orbital wall fractures, diagnostic parameters of Traumatic optic neuropathy and its progress with Mega dose steroid therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 patients with unilateral orbital wall fractures of traumatic aetiology were evaluated with ophthalmologic and radiographic parameters. All patients were prescribed Mega Dose Intravenous steroids irrespective of the timing of presentation. Ophthalmic assessment was repeated for same parameters every alternate day upto 2 weeks. RESULTS: Lateral orbital wall was found to be most commonly involved. Visual acuity, Pupillary Reactivity, Visual Field and Visual Evoked Potential showed statistically significant improvement post steroid therapy in early as well as late presenters. DISCUSSION: Highest incidence of Traumatic optic neuropathy was noted in multiple linear orbital wall fractures with highest incidence with lateral orbital wall involvement. Literature regarding Choice and timing of initiation of steroids based on timing of presentation is inadequate to justify skipping steroids to observe or undertake surgical intervention. In the present study marked improvement was noted post steroid therapy regardless of timing of presentation. The authors conclude that Visual evoked potential should be objectively tested and Mega dose steroid therapy should be initiated for all patients with Traumatic optic neuropathy for maximum benefit to the patient.

Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma after Third Molar Surgery.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the third molar impactions, with respect to: pain, swelling, healing, and periodontal status distal to the second molar in patients who need surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients of both sexes aged between 16 and 60 years who required bilateral surgical removal of their impacted third molars and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. After surgical extraction of the third molar, primary closure was performed in the control group, whereas PRP was placed in the socket followed by primary closure in the case group. The outcome variables were pain, swelling, wound healing, and periodontal probe depth that were follow-up period of 2 months. Quantitative data are presented as mean. Statistical significance was checked by t-test. RESULTS: There was a difference in the pain (0.071) and facial swelling (0.184), reduction between test and control on day 3, but it was not found to be significant. Periodontal pocket depth (0.001) and wound healing (0.001) less in case group compared with the control group was found to be significant. CONCLUSION: The use of PRP lessens the severity of immediate postoperative sequelae and decreases preoperative pocket depth.

Evaluation of the Need for Antibiotic Prophylaxis During Routine Intra-alveolar Dental Extractions in Healthy Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized double-blind controlled trial was to evaluate the role of antibiotics in the perioperative period of dental extractions in healthy patients. METHODS: The study population included patients visiting the outpatient department of our institute. Four hundred patients were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups and underwent routine dental extraction. In group A, patients were prescribed only anti-inflammatory drugs in the postoperative period. In group B, patients were prescribed antibiotics for 3 days and concomitant anti-inflammatory drugs in the postoperative period only. In group C, patients were prescribed a single dose of antibiotic 1 hour before the extraction procedure with no postoperative antibiotics, and only anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed in the postoperative period. In group D, patients were prescribed mouthwash starting 15 minutes before the procedure and continuing twice daily for a period of 7 days along with anti-inflammatory drugs in the postoperative period. Patients were asked to follow up on the seventh postoperative day for suture removal and were evaluated for pain, swelling, dry socket, and local signs of infection. The study was approved by the Internal Ethics Review Committee of the institute. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen among the groups with respect to pain (χ2 [1, N = 171] = 4.939, P = .552), swelling (χ2 [1, N = 171] = 10.048, P = .347), or postextraction complications. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic antibiotics are not required during routine dental extractions in healthy patients. The use of antibiotic therapy without appropriate indications can result in the development of resistant organisms. However, a clear trend is seen in which practitioners overprescribe antibiotics as well as medications in general. The current evidence questions the benefits of prophylactic antibiotic therapy for patients undergoing dental extractions. In our opinion, there is no justification for routine antibiotic prophylaxis for dental extractions in healthy patients.

Combined treatment for a combined enlargement.

Calcium channel blockers are widely used in medical practice for the management of hypertension and in the prophylaxis of angina. Gingival overgrowth is now a recognized unwanted effect associated with many of calcium channel blockers. This can have a significant effect on the quality of life as well as increasing the oral bacterial load by generating plaque retention sites. Amlodipine, a third generation calcium channel blockers has been shown to promote gingival overgrowth, although reported in very limited cases. The management of gingival overgrowth seems to be directed at controlling gingival inflammation through a good oral hygiene regimen. However, in severe cases, surgical excision is the most preferred method of treatment, followed by rigorous oral hygiene procedures. This case report describes the management of gingival overgrowth in a hypertensive patient taking amlodipine.

Surgical removal of fractured endodontic instrument in the periapex of mandibular first molar.

The purpose of this article is to present the surgical removal of a broken endodontic file from the periapical region of the distal root of a mandibular first molar. The methods of diagnosis and measurement of the distance of the instrument to the adjacent vital structures in the periapical region was done with simple means and in an economical manner.