Various methods of canine retraction in premolar extraction space: A case series

Following article is the review and presentation of various methodologies of canine retraction [e.g.– methods under sliding and friction less mechanics, facilitation with TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) and MOPs (Micro-Osteo-Perforations), and invasive procedures etc.] and comparison of these methods in terms of rate of canine retraction, and molar anchorage loss. Patient’s age ranges between 15y to 19y and only right maxillary canine was taken for comparison purpose.

Orthodontics - during and after COVID-19 pandemic

The rapid outbreak of coronavirus syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has engulfed the entire international community and triggered serious public health issues. Orthodontists may encounter patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and may need to work vigilantly to avoid the spread of infection, consecutively provide care and emergency treatment. The objective of this review is to provide a brief overview of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on orthodontic treatment, and to address risk management and the facilitation of orthodontic emergency care and post-pandemic orthodontic practice, using data and literature currently available.

Efficacy of providing free nicotine replacement chewing gum to induce quit attempts in tobacco users- A prospective observational study

To assess the effectiveness of providing free NRT to tobacco users in increasing quit attempts and to assess the perception of adherence, side effects and safety issues related to the usage in increasing quit attempt. A observational study was conducted to motivate tobacco users to have a quit attempt with a nicotine replacement sample among patients visiting out-patient department of a dental college. Baseline evaluation (demographic), Modified Fagerstrom test for Nicotine Dependence (MFTND) to assess nicotine addiction level, “breath analyzer” for the quantitative detection of levels of carbon monoxide were assessed. A free NRT sample was given. Telephonic follow up was done at an interval of 2 weeks, 1 month to assess the reduction in the mean MFTND score and to assess the perception of using NRT sample. All data was entered and analysed in SPSS for Windows version 22. Among the 40 subjects 80% were in the age group of 30-50 years and were males. The levels of carbon monoxide using breath analyser showed 80% of the subjects as heavy and chain smokers. Out of 40 subjects, 29 (72.5%) subjects were having high dependence calculated using MFTND which reduced to 2(5%) after using nicotine chewing gum. The mean and standard deviation of pre MFTND was 7.97±2.35 and for post MFTND it was 5.57±2.14 and the difference was highly significant (p< 0.005).: The results of this study confirm the efficacy of providing free nicotine replacement sample a novel strategy in motivating tobacco users to induce quit attempt.

Evaluation of full cup test and numeric pain rating scale in the assessment of orofacial pain

Pain intensity is a common outcome domain assessed in pain clinical trials. The patient’s self-report is the gold standard and it appears to be embedded in everyday clinical practice. Most often pain assessment is considered to be the cornerstone for ideal treatment.The aim of this study was to assess the dental patients’ level of pain using Full Cup Test (FCT) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and to compare and validate the Full Cup Test in the assessment of orofacial pain with Numeric Pain Rating Scale.A total of sixty patients presenting with various forms of orofacial pain were included in this cross-sectional study. Data collected include the patient demographic details and the diagnosis of each case was made after proper history taking, clinical examination and radiographic investigation. Pain assessment was done for each patient using both numeric pain rating scale and full cup test.All the data were analysed using inferential statistics Mann Whitney test and the analysis was carried out with SPSS 17.The comparison of mean pain scores using full cup test and numeric pain rating scale shows there was significant differences between acute and chronic pain with P- value of 0.023 and 0.005 respectively. FCT had shown 83 percent sensitivity and 94 percent specificity.Patients who presented with either acute or chronic dental conditions experienced moderate to severe level of pain. FCT is useful for both evaluating and discerning changes in pain and it can be used as a tool in pain assessment.

Mural ameloblastoma- A case report

Ameloblastoma is a benign neoplasm of odontogenic epithelial origin which comprises of several clinical, radiological and histological varieties. Among these, unicystic variant is the least explored and its mural subtype shows a high aggressiveness and risk of recurrence and comparable with that of conventional ameloblastoma. Herein, we present a case of mural ameloblastoma of maxilla in a 32-year old female.

Evaluation of tongue posture & dimensions in relation to skeletal Class I and Class II patterns- A cephalometric study

Association of tongue posture with dental and facial skeletal pattern have been suggested in past. This study was undertaken to assess tongue posture and dimensions in Class I and Class II Dentoskeletal patterns to determine whether any correlation exists between tongue posture and skeletal pattern of an individual. Cephalograms of 150 individuals (aged 18-23 years), taken in Natural Head Position (NHP) and tongue at rest were divided into three groups i.e. Group 1 – Class I Normal occlusion, Group 2 – Class II Division 1 Normodivergent and Group 3 – Class II Division 1 Hypodivergent, consisting of 50 samples each. To ensure the rest position of tongue, patient was asked to relax for 30 seconds after coating the tongue with barium sulphate in midline and then to swallow, and the X-ray was taken at the end of swallowing. Each group was divided into two subgroups according to sex. Groups were constituted according to the Frankfort mandibular plane angle (FMA) angle. The subjects who had skeletal Class II pattern due to mandibular retrusion and not due to maxillary prognathism were only included in the study group. Statistical analysis was done using the software SPSS version 21.0. The statistical tests used were unpaired t-test and One-way ANOVA test with post-hoc bonferroni test. The p-value was considered significant if less than 0.05.The dorsum of the tongue was higher at back and lower in front in Class II Division 1 Hypodivergent group as compared to Class I Normal occlusion group (P<.05). Tongue height and tongue length were significantly reduced in Class II Division 1 Normodivergent and Class II Division 1 Hypodivergent malocclusion groups when compared to Class I control group (P<.05).The study supports the existence of a relationship between posture & dimensions of the tongue with Class I and Class II skeletal patterns.

Dentistry & COVID-19: Spreading facts not myths

Dental professionals are trying to adapt to the new norms, while the medium to long-term impact of COVID-19 on dentistry needs further investigation. The COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies include strict adherence to infection control practices (use of hand sanitizers, facemask and maintaining social distancing), reducing the amount of aerosol production in the dental setting, and managing the quality of air in the dental treatment rooms by reducing the use of air conditioners and improving air exchange. Among several potential transmission sources in the spreading of the COVID-19, dental services have received a high volume of attention. The aim of this article was to review the available literature on the relevant aspects of dentistry in relation to COVID-19 and to discuss potential impacts of COVID-19 outbreak on clinical dentistry, dental education and research. Although the coronavirus pandemic has caused many difficulties for provision of clinical dentistry, there would be an opportunity for the dental educators to modernize their teaching approaches using novel digital concepts in teaching of clinical skills and by enhancement of online communication and learning platforms. This pandemic has also highlighted some of the major gaps in dental research and the need for new relevant knowledge to manage the current crisis and minimize the impact of such outbreaks on dentistry in the future.

Comparative evaluation of radiographic density of different endodontic material

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the densities of four different brands of root canal sealers using three different intraoral imaging receptors. Four different root canal sealers used were – AH Plus (Dentsply Germany, Resin based), Epiphany (Pentron USA, Resin based), U/P (Sultan Healthcare, Zinc oxide eugenol based) and Apexit (Ivoclar / Vivadent, Calcium hydroxide based). The sealers were mixed according to manufacturer instructions and six specimens of each material were fabricated. All the specimens were imaged using three different intraoral #2 sized imaging receptors-D and E speed film and storage phosphor plates. D and E speed films were digitized and stored in JPEG format. All the images were exported into the Image J software (rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/) and the mean grey values and integrated density of each material was calculated from four random areas of each image and averaged. Mixed model ANOVA was performed. Pair wise comparison of mean grey values between the three imaging receptors and integral densities recorded by the receptors showed high statistical significance for all the four different root canal sealers. Results showed that the four different types of root canal sealers showed different optical densities on all the three receptors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the optical densities of four different brands of root canal sealers using three different intraoral imaging receptors.

Pulpotomy: Modern concepts and materials

Pulpotomy is one of the most common treatment modalities in pediatric dentistry where amputation of only coronal pulp is done. Radicular pulp remain untouched and treated with long term clinically successful medicaments such as formocresol, glutaraldehyde, ferric sulphate etc. The success of pulpotomy depends on assessment of the pulp and the technique. Due to the availability of newer material nowadays pulp regeneration can also be done.

Comparative evaluation of the efficiency of cone-beam computed tomography, clinical analysis, and dental loupes in detecting the MB2 canal in maxillary first molars. An in-vitro study

The success of an Endodontic treatment relies on the position and morphology of root canals. It is important for a clinician to be familiar with the canal morphology to negotiate and thereby filling the canals with an inert material. But, the possibility of negotiating the canals with the use of conventional technique alone is difficult. Hence, careful examination with the use of advanced techniques to enhance vision is required to minimize the rate of treatment failures. To compare the efficiency of three methods Cone-Beam computed Tomography (CBCT), clinical analysis, AND Dental Loupes in detecting the MB2 canal in maxillary first molars.One hundred and fifty extracted intact permanent molars were collected. Two examiners i.e., one Endodontist and a Radiologist examined CBCT images of teeth for the number and position of root canals. The first stage included unaided examination using an explorer and K- files. While those teeth that were failed to locate the canals were examined using dental loupes for better magnification. The results were analyzed by McNemar's tests with Bonferroni correction, and Chi-square test using SPSS software v21.Among 150 extracted teeth that were compared,MB2 was detected using CBCT in around 68% of the teeth, while with the use of naked eye and dental loupes, it was found to be around 30% and 66% respectively and the difference in the detection rates was statistically significant.With the view of the parameter under consideration, CBCT has high detection rates followed by dental loupes and naked eye vision. The efficiency of CBCT scans and dental loupes in detecting a second mesio-buccal canal, thus making it more likely to be treated by the clinician.