Indian Journal of Dental Education

Introduction: The intricate interplay between oral health and systemic well-being is gaining increasing recognition, challenging the traditional separation between dental and medical care. Mounting evidence implicates oral pathologies in the progression of systemic conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease. However, in urbanized Indian population, awareness of this interconnection remains relatively limited. This study aims to assess awareness and identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral-systemic health interactions. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire and 100 credible responses were included. Data were nalysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of participants belonged to the 25-40 age group (41%) and were predominantly male (61%). Most participants (92%) were graduates or above. Nearly half were students. While a significant proportion recognized that oral health affects general health, awareness regarding specific links such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases was comparatively lower. Dental visits were largely symptom-driven rather than preventive. Conclusion: While urban India shows improved access to healthcare, awareness of oral-systemic health interactions remains insufficient. Bridging this gap requires integrated healthcare models, targeted education, and policy level interventions. KEYWORDS • Oral Health • Systemic Health • Awareness • Diabetes Mellitus • Cardiovascular Disease • Public Health Dentistry

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and underdiagnosed sleep disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia and fragmented sleep. This condition is closely associated with obesity and is more common in men than women. Clinically, OSA manifests through symptoms such as loud snoring, choking episodes during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. However, these signs are not pathognomonic, necessitating comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, typically through polysomnography. Untreated OSA has significant implications for various organ systems. Cardiovascularly, it is linked to systemic and pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Pulmonary complications can include chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Neurocognitively, OSA is associated with cognitive deficits, mood disorders, and an elevated risk of motor vehicle accidents due to impaired alertness. The increasing prevalence of OSA underscores the need for heightened awareness and early intervention to prevent its associated morbidities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and current management strategies for OSA, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in its management

Craniofacial development is a highly regulated process in which the cranial base plays a key role in guiding the growth and spatial orientation of facial structures. Cranial base growth occurs primarily through endochondral ossification at cartilaginous joints known as synchondroses. The major midline synchondroses spheno-occipital, spheno-ethmoidal, and intersphenoidal function as intrinsic growth centers that contribute to anteroposterior elongation of the skull and positioning of the maxillofacial complex, exhibiting proliferative activity comparable to epiphyseal growth plates. This review summarizes the anatomy, histology, developmental biology, and molecular regulation of cranial base synchondroses, highlighting key signaling pathways such as the Indian Hedgehog–parathyroid hormone-related protein (Ihh–PTHrP) axis, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling that regulate chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and endochondral ossification. Particular emphasis is placed on the spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS), which remains active until adolescence and plays a significant role in cranial base growth. Its maturation and fusion serve as useful indicators of skeletal maturity and have important implications for orthodontic diagnosis and the timing of growth-modifying therapies. Understanding the biology of cranial base synchondroses therefore enhances the assessment of craniofacial growth and supports more effective orthodontic treatment planning.

Immediate implant placement in posterior molar extraction sites presents clinical challenges due to complex multi-rooted anatomy and limited interradicular bone. The Natural Tooth Surgical Stent Technique, uses retained tooth structure as a natural surgical stent, facilitating precise osteotomy and implant placement in a single session. This case report describes the management of a non-restorable right mandibular first molar with a separated endodontic instrument and apical perforation but no active infection or periodontitis. Immediate implant placement using the NTSS technique was performed with successful primary stability and osseointegration. Clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 months showed stable peri-implant bone and excellent prosthetic outcomes. This report discusses the surgical and prosthodontic considerations, advantages of the NTSS technique, and its role in immediate implantation protocols supported by current literature.

Postoperative maxillary cysts, also termed as surgical ciliated cysts (SCCs), arise from the entrapment of nasal or maxillary sinus mucosa following surgical procedures involving the maxilla and mandible, due to transplantation of respiratory mucosa. Clinical presentation varies according to cyst size, location, direction of growth, and degree of bone resorption. In the maxilla, they are most commonly located along the lateral wall and may extend into the orbital floor or ethmoid sinuses. Radiographically, they appear as well-defined, unilocular radiolucent lesions closely associated with the maxillary sinus. Objective: To report a clinical case of a surgical ciliated cyst (SCC) of the maxilla following tooth extraction. Case Report: A 50-year-old male presented with chief complaint of swelling in the right upper posterior region of the jaw and a history of dental treatment. On the basis of clinical and radiographic findings the treatment was planned. Complete enucleation was performed, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. Discussion: Surgical ciliated cysts are rare in Western populations but more commonly reported in Asian countries. Their etiology is attributed to the entrapment of respiratory mucosa in the maxilla or mandible during or shortly after surgery. SCCs are benign, slow-growing lesions that radiographically appear as well-defined, unilocular radiolucency closely associated with the maxillary sinus. Histopathology typically demonstrates pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with areas of squamous epithelium. Complete enucleation is the treatment of choice.