Evaluation of biphasic hydroxapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft material in the treatment of periodontal vertical bony defects - A clinical and digital radiological measurement study.

Aims and Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate 2 bone graft materials, that is, biphasic hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate, in the treatment of periodontal vertical bony defects. In term of attachment level, probing depth and radiographic bone level changes. Also, a new digital method of radiographic assessment was used for measurement of vertical bone defect. Material and Methods: Ten subjects with periodontitis and having two or more vertical bony defects were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified randomly into 2 groups. Group I consisted of the experimental site where defect was filled with biphasic hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate graft and Group II consisted of control site where only the open flap debridement (OFD) was carried out. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months; Radiographs were taken at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Results: Overall, by the end of 6 months, biphasic hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate and OFD treatment groups exhibited a significant reduction in probing depth almost by 75% and gain in clinical attachment level at follow-up. In the biphasic hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate group, radiographic bone level gain appeared to be greater than in the OFD group. Conclusion: In the present study, biphasic hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate have shown promising results and have showed reduction in probing depth, a resolution of osseous defects and gain in clinical attachment level when compared to open flap debridement.

Review and Classification Update: Unilateral condylar hyperplasia.

Unilateral condylar hyperplasia is characterised by slow progressive growth of the different parts of mandible, the aetiology of which is still unclear. It is a self-limiting condition mostly seen between the age of 11-30 years causing facial asymmetry and its progression ceases after a certain time. In literature until now very few cases have been reported and every case that is being reported adds to its features or the aetiology. Previously, it has been classified into two types that is, hemimandibular hyperplasia and hemimandibular elongation. Here, we report a similar case with a few features distinct from those reported earlier.

TMJ Arthritis Imaging: Conventional Radiograph vs. CT Scan - Is CT Actually Needed?

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of conventional TMJ imaging in depicting osseous changes in mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) by comparing the finding against CT and with an objective that if conventional TMJ imaging modality can appreciate the osseous changes in RA and OA then what is the need for CT scan. Thus further reducing the patient's radiation dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 patients (40 Rheumatoid Arthritis; 30 Osteoarthritis) were taken in the study aged between 40 - 60 years and divided in to age groups. Then according to clinical history they were divided according to being symptomatic and asymptomatic. Further radiographic examination was carried out. First the trans-cranial view was obtained (conventional view left and right TMJ) and subsequently a CT scan was obtained and the interpretation was carried out to note the osseous changes like erosion, flattening, sclerosis and osteophyte formation. RESULTS: After comparison of the two radiographic methods it was observed that both were equally efficacious in evaluating the osseous changes in arthritic patients. CONCLUSION: Thus, it was concluded that when both the radiographic methods (conventional and CT scan) are equally efficacious in evaluating the osseous degenerative changes of TMJ in arthritis. Thus we should prefer the conventional technique so that the patient in not exposed to unnecessary radiation dosage.

Prevention of Malignant Transformation of Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Lichen Planus Using Laser: An Observational Study

Objectives: The present observational study was conducted with an aim to evaluate the efficacy of diode laser in management of homogenous oral leukoplakia (OL) and reticular oral lichen planus (OLP), so that these potentially malignant disorders can be limited and further malignant transformation can be prevented. Further the assessment of associated postoperative complications after laser therapy was also carried out. Study Design: Present study was carried out using diode laser 810nm on 60 subjects, of whom 30 subjects were of homogenous OL and 30 subjects were of reticular OLP aged between 20 ­ 60 years, the diagnosis of which was histopathologically confirmed. Results: Of the 60 subjects none complained of pain during and immediately after surgery with no bleeding at any stage of the procedure. By the end of 3rd day post operative most subjects reported no pain and swelling and very few subjects had negligible pain and swelling when evaluated. On subsequent follow-up of 1,2 and 4 week(s) none of the subject reported of pain, swelling or bleeding and it was noted that all the areas treated with laser had healed without scarring with no signs of recurrence. Fibrosis was seen in two male patients and one female patient treated for OL and OLP respectively. Conclusion: Patient compliance and contentment without any postoperative complications were observed to be of high degree in the present study. Thus diode laser can be considered as a best alternative to conventional surgical treatment modality in managing OL and OLP and preventing its further transformation.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Role Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Drug-induced Gingival Overgrowth in Response to Phenytoin, Cyclosporine, and Nifedipine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate for the presence of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in drug (phenytoin, cyclosporine, and nifedipine)-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) and to compare it with healthy controls in the absence of overgrowth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients were chosen for the study and segregated into study (25) and control groups (10). The study group consisted of phenytoin-induced (10), cyclosporine-induced (10), and nifedipine-induced (5) gingival overgrowth. After completing necessary medical evaluations, biopsy was done. The tissue samples were fixed in 10% formalin and then immunohistochemically evaluated for the presence of CTGF. The statistical analysis of the values was done using statistical package SPSS PC+ (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 4.01). RESULTS: The outcome of immunohistochemistry shows that DIGO samples express more CTGF than control group and phenytoin expresses more CTGF followed by nifedipine and cyclosporine. CONCLUSION: The study shows that there is an increase in the levels of CTGF in patients with DIGO in comparison to the control group without any gingival overgrowth. In the study, we compared the levels of CTGF in DIGO induced by three most commonly used drugs phenytoin, cyclosporine, and nifedipine. By comparing the levels of CTGF, we find that cyclosporine induces the production of least amount of CTGF. Therefore, it might be a more viable drug choice with reduced side effects.

Primary oral tuberculosis on the tongue mimicking squamous cell carcinoma.

Tuberculosis is chronic granulomatous disease with rare oral manifestations. But if so are overlooked by most of the health care professionals. Clinically, most of the times, a tuberculous ulcer may mimic an ulcer of malignant origin and may be misdiagnosed. So, keeping in mind the etiology and the nature of the ulcer, it should be differentially diagnosed and a histopathological examination should only confirm the final diagnosis of the ulcer.

Assessment of oral health among seafarers in Mundra Port, Kutch, Gujarat: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A seafarer is a person who navigates waterborne vessels or assists as a crewmember in their operation and maintenance in all tough weather, but little research has been done to identify conditions that may lead to assess seafarer general health as well as oral health. AIM: To assess oral diseases including dental caries and periodontal conditions among seafarer's population arrived in Mundra Port, Kutch, Gujarat, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess oral health condition of seafarer community of Mundra Taluka of Kutch District, Gujarat, India, from July 2014 to September 2014. RESULTS: Total of 385 subjects participated in the survey. Adverse habits show the overall 72.3% prevalence among the study population. Occurrence rate of caries, periodontal disease and prosthetic status were 88%, 75.1% and 6.5%, respectively. The best predictors for Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT), Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and prosthetic status were oral hygiene practices, adverse habit and educational status. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study suggest that oral health condition of seafarer community was relatively poor, with high caries prevalence and poor periodontal health. This epidemiological survey has provided baseline information to underpin the implementation of oral health programmes.