Impact of fully guided implant planning software training on the knowledge acquisition and satisfaction of dental undergraduate students.

BACKGROUND: A majority of dental school students do not undergo hands-on clinical training in implantology in the undergraduate curriculum. Training is usually restricted to pre-implant evaluation and post-implant prostheses. Virtual implant planning software (VIPS) provides an alternative opportunity for undergraduate students to experience implant planning much before gaining hands-on experience. However, not many studies have the contribution of VIPS to the knowledge acquisition of students. We conducted a preliminary study to evaluate the knowledge acquisition of the students when exposed to a hands-on session of VIPS. We also evaluated students' satisfaction levels, when exposed to hands-on training in fully guided implant planning software. METHODS: A two-part theory lecture on fully guided implant planning was delivered to 90, 5th (final)-year dental undergraduate students by the oral radiology faculty. The students were then randomly divided into three groups. Group A was exposed to didactic lectures only. Group B was shown a video for fully guided implant planning in addition to the didactic lecture. Group C was shown a video for fully guided implant planning in addition to a didactic lecture and then performed a hands-on session of virtual implant planning under faculty guidance. Students from all groups were given an MCQ-based test. After the completion of the test students from group A and B also received VIPS hands-on training. Students from all three groups answered and a feedback questionnaire regarding their satisfaction levels with VIPS. RESULTS: The overall test score of students in Group C was higher than their colleagues in both Groups A and B and the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.01). More than 85% of the students were satisfied with the teaching approach. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of VIPS in the training of dental undergraduate students improves their performance confirming better knowledge acquisition and content mastery.

Artificial intelligence in early diagnosis and prevention of oral cancer.

The global occurrence of oral cancer (OC) has increased in recent years. OC that is diagnosed in its advanced stages results in morbidity and mortality. The use of technology may be beneficial for early detection and diagnosis and thus help the clinician with better patient management. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve OC screening. AI can precisely analyze an enormous dataset from various imaging modalities and provide assistance in the field of oncology. This review focused on the applications of AI in the early diagnosis and prevention of OC. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Scopus databases using the search terminology "oral cancer" and "artificial intelligence." Further information regarding the topic was collected by scrutinizing the reference lists of selected articles. Based on the information obtained, this article reviews and discusses the applications and advantages of AI in OC screening, early diagnosis, disease prediction, treatment planning, and prognosis. Limitations and the future scope of AI in OC research are also highlighted.

Estimation and correlation of serum and salivary glucose and immunoglobulin A levels and salivary candidal carriage in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Background. A correlation has been noted between diabetes mellitus (DM) and changes in the oral cavity. The present study aimed to estimate, compare, and correlate serum and salivary glucose and IgA levels and salivary candidal carriage in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Methods. Eighty-eight subjects were categorized into three groups: group 1 (controlled DM; n=27), group 2 (uncontrolled DM; n=32) and group 3 (non-diabetics; n=29). Serum and salivary glucose levels were estimated by glucose oxidase/peroxidase method, serum and salivary IgA by a diagnostic kit, and candidal colonization by inoculating samples into Sabouraud dextrose agar plate. Statistical analyses were carried out by one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey tests, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results. Significant elevation of serum IgA levels was observed in group 2 compared to group 3 and significant decreases in salivary IgA levels in groups 1 and 2. The candidal carriage was significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 3. Serum glucose and salivary IgA levels showed a significant correlation in group 1. There was a positive correlation between serum/ salivary glucose and serum/salivary IgA levels in group 2. In addition, there was a significant correlation between serum glucose and serum IgA levels in group 3. Conclusion. Saliva could be a potential, non-invasive diagnostic tool to estimate glucose levels. The evaluation of salivary components, like IgA, might be useful in diagnosing and managing oral manifestations in diabetic individuals. Elevated salivary glucose levels contribute to elevated candidal carriage, making individuals susceptible to oral candidiasis.

Turmeric based oral rinse "HTOR-091516" ameliorates experimental oral mucositis.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence and incidence of oral mucositis (OM) are rigorously increasing and there is no effective treatment. The herbal formulation "HTOR-091516" containing Curcuma longa, Triphala and honey were evaluated for the treatment of OM. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HTOR-091516, employing cellular model, human gingival fibroblasts-1 (HGF-1), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced mucositis model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cell viability was assessed using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the inhibitory effect of HTOR-091516 on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was evaluated using TNF-α bioassay in lipopolysaccharides-induced HGF-1. 5-FU and glacial acetic acid were used to induce OM in rats. Animals were divided into two groups, group 1 served as mucositis control and group 2 was treated with HTOR-091516 at the dose of 200 µl and TNF-α was estimated in plasma samples. RESULTS: The in vitro safety of HTOR-091516 was evaluated in reconstructed human oral epidermis and was found to be nontoxic and exhibited concentration-dependent TNF-α inhibition in HGF-1. The treatment with HTOR-091516 reduced mucositis scores and mortality rate and also decreased the plasma TNF-α level. CONCLUSION: The present data indicate that HTOR-091516 is effective in the treatment of OM.

Clinical and Histopathological Analysis of Odontogenic Tumors in Institution-A 10 Years Retrospective Study.

AIM: The present study was conducted to analyze the clinical and histopathological cases of odontogenic tumors (OTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present 10-year retrospective study comprised of 104 OTs. Parameters such as name, age, gender, clinical features, location, extension, etc were noted. H and E stained slides were carefully assessed by an oral pathologist and were classified according to the latest WHO classification of head and neck tumors. RESULTS: Out of 104 OTs, the most common was ameloblastoma constituting 45 cases, KCOT (28), odontoma (17), odontogenic myxoma (4), Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) (5), cementoblastoma (3) and calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (2). The p value found to be 0.01 (significant). Common OTs was ameloblastoma (25 males and 20 males), KCOT (12 males and 16 females), odontoma (10 males and 7 females), odontogenic myxoma (3 males and 1 female), CEOT (3 males and 2 females), cementoblastoma (2 males and 1 female) and calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (1 male and 1 female). Ameloblastoma, KCOT, and odontoma were predominantly seen in the age group 21-30 years, CEOT and cementoblastoma in age group 31-40 years. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Common clinical features in OTs were facial disfigurement (65), swelling (78) and pain (55). The difference was non significant (P > 0.05). The average size of ameloblastoma was 6.8cm, KCOT was 4.2 cm, odontoma was 3.9 cm, odontogenic myxoma was 2.7 cm, CEOT was 5.5 cm, cementoblastoma was 3.8 cm and Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour (COC) was 3.6 cm. The difference was non-significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mandible exhibited more OTs as compared to the maxilla. The most common lesion was ameloblastoma, KCOT, and odontomas. We observed male predominance. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study helps in assessing the occurrence of the odontogenic tumor. This is useful for identification and clinical management.

Status of thiocyanate levels in the serum and saliva of non-smokers, ex-smokers and smokers.

BACKGROUND: Use of tobacco is often implicated in the development of oral diseases. Questionable accuracy of the traditional questionnaires to assess cigarette exposure necessitates the use of biomarkers like thiocyanate which provide a definitive quantitative measure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the rise in the level of thiocyanate for measurement of smoking behaviour in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum and salivary thiocyanate levels were estimated in 20 non-smokers, 20 ex-smokers and 40 smokers. Smokers were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of oral mucosal lesions. RESULTS: The mean serum and salivary thiocyanate levels were increased significantly in smokers when compared to non-smokers and ex-smokers. The levels were not significantly different between ex-smokers and non-smokers and between smokers with tobacco related oral mucosal lesions and those without. Statistically significant correlation was seen between the serum and salivary levels of thiocyanate. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the high level of thiocyanate in the serum and saliva of smokers when compared to non-smokers and ex-smokers. Significant increase in thiocyanate level was also seen in saliva. Hence it can be stated that saliva can be used as a reliable, non-invasive tool to assess smoking behaviour in the population and its changes over time.

Evaluation of salivary tumour necrosis factor-alpha in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

PURPOSE: Present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the salivary levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in subjects with RAS, traumatic ulcers (TUs) in the oral mucosa and in healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present study involved 90 participants of which 30 subjects were diagnosed with RAS, 30 subjects with TUs and 30 healthy controls grouped as group 1, group 2 and group 3 respectively. Unstimulated saliva was collected from the subjects through 'Spit Technique' and the estimation of TNF-α was done by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The data collected was statistically analysed. RESULTS: Salivary level of TNF-α was significantly higher in RAS patients than in patients with TUs and healthy controls. Difference between the Salivary TNF-α level in our study groups were statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Present study suggests that saliva is a convenient and ideal medium for the detection of TNF-α. Statistically significant difference in the level of salivary TNF-α between the RAS and TUs subjects as well as controls suggests the significant contribution of TNF-α in pathogenesis of RAS.

Clinical and radiographic features of parry-romberg syndrome.

Parry-Romberg syndrome or progressive hemifacial atrophy is a craniofacial disorder characterized by slow and progressive atrophy, generally unilateral, of facial tissues including muscles, bones and skin. The coup de sabre is a clear line of demarcation seen between the normal and abnormal structures. The severity of the facial deformity is dependent on the age of onset of the disease. Cosmetic management is the only available treatment and has to be delayed until facial growth is completed. The present case report deals with a 43-year-old woman with progressive hemifacial atrophy which started from the age of 10 months. Despite almost complete involvement of the right paramedian area and the early age of onset, she had neither eye changes nor any dental malformations.

Rare features associated with Mobius syndrome: Report of two cases.

Mobius syndrome is a rare congenital disorder with the preliminary diagnostic criteria of congenital facial and abducent nerve palsy. Involvement of other cranial nerves, too, is common. Prevalence rate of this syndrome is approximately 1 in 100,000 neonates. It is of unknown etiology with sporadic occurrence. However, data regarding the occurrence rate in India is limited. Features such as orofacial malformations, limb defects, and musculoskeletal, behavioral, and cognitive abnormalities might be associated. A thorough evaluation to identify the condition and establishing an adequate treatment plan is of utmost important in this condition. We are reporting clinical and radiographic features of Mobius syndrome in two cases along with unusual findings of limb and neck deformity.

Human Papilloma Virus Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Oral cancer is one of the commonest causes for mortality and morbidity with squamous cell carcinoma being the sixth most frequent malignant tumour worldwide. In addition to tobacco and alcohol, human papilloma virus (HPV) is associated with a proportion of head and neck cancers. As in cervical cancers, HPV types 16 and 18 are the cause of malignant transformation. HPV-positive cancers of head and neck have unique characteristics such as occurrence in a younger age group, distinct clinical and molecular features, and better prognosis as compared to HPV-negative carcinomas. They also possess the potential for prevention by using vaccination. The present review describes in detail the salient features of HPV associated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), its differences from HPV-negative OSCC, diagnostic features, and recent strategies in prevention and management.

Status of trace elements in saliva of oral precancer and oral cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Several studies in recent years have linked association between micronutrient levels and various forms of cancer. Copper and zinc have been the most researched micronutrients. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of copper, zinc and iron in saliva of patients with oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: There was a highly significant increase in the level of salivary copper in oral submucous fibrosis patients when compared to controls (P = 0.001). Salivary copper levels were also elevated in oral leukoplakia and oral cancer patients (P = 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the salivary zinc levels in all three study groups when compared to controls (P = 0.001). A highly significant reduction in salivary iron levels was noticed oral submucous fibrosis group. The copper to zinc ratio significantly increased in all the study groups when compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that salivary copper zinc and iron could be used as biomarkers for oral precancer and cancer.

Status of salivary lipid peroxidation in oral cancer and precancer.

INTRODUCTION: Lipid oxidation gives rise to number of secondary by-products. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the principal and most widely studied product of polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxidation. This aldehyde is a highly toxic molecule and should be considered as more than just a marker of lipid peroxidation in oral carcinogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Salivary malondiadldehyde was evaluated in 65 healthy controls (HC), 115 subjects with oral, potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and 50 subjects with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using the Thiobarbituric-Trichloroacetitic acid (TBA-TCA) method. RESULTS: A consistent elevation in the levels of salivary MDA was observed in HC with tobacco related habits, subjects with PMD and subjects with OSCC. The elevation in the salivary MDA was significant (P = 0.001) in the groups PMD and OSCC and group OSCC when compared to HC. CONCLUSION: The significant and encouraging findings of this study thus validate and reinforce that salivary malodialdehyde analysis can be used as an efficient, noninvasive tool for the early diagnosis of PMD and OSCC for planning comprehensive treatment protocol.

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus : A future antimicrobial agent?

Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs) are small, predatory, Deltaproteobacteria that prey on other Gram-negative pathogens. Many authors have unfolded the possible use of BALOs as biological control agents in environmental as well as medical microbiological settings. They are found strongly associated with natural biofilms and recent studies have shown that effective predation occurs in these naturally occurring bacterial communities. Periodontal infections could also be an interesting target for the application of BALOs as biological Gram-negative bacteria and therefore potentially susceptible to BALOs antimicrobial agents. This proposition is based on the fact that almost all periodontal pathogens are predation. Accordingly, this review aims to present the evolution toward applying Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus as an antibacterial agent to deal with oral infections, general medical conditions, environmental and industrial issues.

Intraoral Burkitt's lymphoma in an HIV positive patient.

Burkitt's lymphoma is an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma composed of malignant cells of B lymphocyte origin. Burkitt's lymphoma is a rarity in the Indian subcontinent. Though intraoral Burkitt's lymphoma in HIV positive individuals is very uncommon, its importance lies in the fact that it is often the first sign of the underlying immunosuppression. We present a case of Burkitt's lymphoma in right maxillary region which was the first manifestation of HIV in the patient.

Multiple unerupted teeth with amelogenesis imperfecta in siblings.

Amelogenesis imperfecta encompasses a group of inherited abnormalities that are generally considered to primarily affect the formation and/or calcification of enamel. This case report describes the unusual presentation of amelogenesis imperfecta in siblings as multiple unerupted teeth, multiple pulpal calcifications, and multiple dilacerations of roots along with the defect in the enamel. The intent of our report is to highlight a rare co-occurrence of amelogenesis imperfecta with multiple morphologic alterations in siblings.

Radiological features of familial Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder principally characterized by cutaneous basal cell carcinomas, multiple keratocystic odontogenic tumors, and skeletal anomalies. This syndrome may be diagnosed early by dentist because keratocystic odontogenic tumors are usually one of the first manifestations of the syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance in reducing the severity of long term sequelae of this syndrome. This report presents a rare event of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome occurring in a 39-year-old male and his 8-year-old daughter. The clinical and investigative features of this familial disorder has been described in detail.

Erupted compound odontome associated with impactedmaxillary second premolar: a case report / Odontoma composto erupcionado associado a segundopré-molar superior impactado: um relato de caso

Introduction: Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumour. They are considered to be hamartomasrather than neoplasms. They are generally asymptomatic and are discovered on routine radiographicexamination. Odontomas might be associated with disturbance in tooth eruption. Other symptoms includeretention of deciduous teeth, pain, swelling, expansion of cortical bone, tooth displacement. Eruption ofodontoma in the oral cavity is rare with only 11 cases being reported about erupted compound odontomas.Case report: An unusual case of erupted compound odontome associated with pain and impacted maxillaryleft second premolar is reported. We have also discussed the clinical, radiographic and histopathologicfeatures of this rare condition.

Introdução: Odontomas são os mais comuns entre os tumores odontogênicos. Eles são considerados hamartomas,ao invés de neoplasias. Eles geralmente são assintomáticos e descobertos em exames radiográficos derotina. Odontomas podem estar associados com distúrbio na erupção dentária. Outros sintomas incluem retençãode dentes decíduos, dor, inchaço, expansão do osso cortical e deslocamento do dente. A erupção de um odontoma na cavidade oral é rara, com apenas 11 casos relatados de odontomas compostos erupcionados.Relato de caso: Um caso incomum de odontoma composto associado à dor e segundo pré-molar superior esquerdoimpactado é relatado neste artigo. Os aspectos clínicos, radiográficos e histopatológicos dessa doençarara também são discutidos.

Imaging and histopathological features of Jacob's disease: a case study.

A pathologically elongated coronoid process forming a joint with the zygomatic arch and bone is termed as "Jacob's disease." Herein, we present a case of Jacob's disease, which has rarely been reported in the literature. Moreover, very few cases have been reported from the Indian subcontinent. A 28 years-old male reported to us with progressive restriction of mouth opening. After detailed imaging, coronoidectomy was performed through an intraoral approach. A mushroom-shaped gross specimen was obtained. Osteochondroma of the coronoid process was diagnosed based on the histopathologic examination of the excised tissue. Although Jacob's disease is seldom considered in the list of differential diagnoses for restricted mouth opening, our case highlights the need for evaluation of the coronoid process, which is usually ignored during routine radiographic examination. The report also highlights the miniscule incidence of this condition in the available literature.