Primary Dentition Analysis: Exploring a Hidden Approach.

BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of the mesiodistal widths (MDWs) of canines and premolars in children with primary dentition facilitates interception of malocclusion at an early age. Boston University (BU) approach is one, i.e., based on primary teeth for predicting canine and premolar dimensions. AIM: To predict the canine and premolar dimensions, in the contemporary population, using BU approach and compare with the values obtained using Tanaka-Johnston (T/J) approach. DESIGN: Children in the age range of 7-11 years with presence of all permanent mandibular incisors and primary maxillary and mandibular canines and first molars were included in the study. Those with interproximal caries or restorations, abnormalities in shape or size and history of orthodontic treatment were excluded. Impressions of both arches were made using irreversible hydrocolloid and poured with dental stone. The MDWs of the required teeth were measured on the models using electronic digital vernier caliper from which widths of permanent canines and premolars were predicted using both T/J and BU approaches. RESULTS: Statistically significant (p = 0.00) positive correlation (r = 0.52-0.55) was observed between T/J and BU approaches. A statistically significant (p = 0.00) strong positive correlation (r = 0.72-0.77) was observed among girls, whereas boys showed a statistically nonsignificant weak positive correlation (r=0.17-0.42) based on gender. CONCLUSION: Boston University approach can be further studied prospectively to make it possible as a prediction method of permanent tooth dimensions for children in primary dentition stage. How to cite this article: Nuvvula S, Vanjari K, Kamatham R, Gaddam KR. Primary Dentition Analysis: Exploring a Hidden Approach. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):1-4.

Efficacy of tranexamic acid mouthwash as an alternative for factor replacement in gingival bleeding during dental scaling in cases of hemophilia: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the following study is to evaluate freshly prepared tranexamic acid mouth wash (FTAMW) as an alternative to factor replacement therapy (FRT) in controlling gingival bleeding in hemophiliacs during dental scaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental treatment regime (ETR) involved saline transfusion followed by FTAMW and the control treatment regime (CTR) involved FRT followed by placebo mouthwash. A total of 22 hemophiliacs randomly received dental scaling under either CTR or ETR at two different visits, following a split mouth design. They were instructed to use the rendered mouthwash 4 times a day for 5 days and record the mouthwash usage and bleeding episodes in a logbook. The difference in the bleeding episodes was analyzed using Chi-square test with the level of significance predetermined at 0.05. RESULTS: Totally 19 patients completed the study. Seven patients reported no bleeding either in ETR or CTR; five patients noticed bleeding in CTR, but not in ETR. Three patients noticed bleeding in ETR, but not in CTR. Patients reported ease in usage and cost-effectiveness of ETR. CONCLUSION: FTAMW was found to be an effective alternative to FRT in controlling gingival hemorrhage in hemophiliacs during dental scaling.

A rare report of mandibular facial talon cusp and its management.

Talon cusp is an uncommon dental anomaly showing morphologically well delineated, accessory cusp-like structure projecting from cingulum to the incisal edge of anterior teeth. This anomaly is rare in the mandibular dentition and rarer on the facial aspect. A case of this infrequent entity of mandibular facial talon cusp and its management is reported here.

Protostylid: A case series.

Human jaws and teeth display a high degree of morphological individuality as they represent personal, family and population characteristics. A protostylid is a supernumerary or accessory cusp located on the mesial half of the buccal surface on the molars that may seldom pose problems while its presence may not be a cause for alarm in most instances. This case report presents a rare finding of protostylid on the buccal surface of the primary molars in 4 children. From the perspective of forensic dentistry, this morphological feature, though uncommon, may be useful for classification and identification of victims in mass causalities and bite marks on bodies or inanimate objects.