Indian Journal of Dental Education

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Rehrmann’s flap in oro-antral communication, acute and chronic oro-antral fistula along with its Critical evaluation, indications and contra- ndications, complications and compare with other studies. Study Design : In this prospective study, 20 patients with oro-antral communication, actue and chronic oro-antral fistula’s, treated with modified rehrmann’s flap is presented. Out of which nine cases were oroantral communication, seven cases were acute oro-antral fistula and four were of the chronic oro-antral fistula. Results : The successful closure of oro-antral communication, acute & chronic oro-antral fistula’s were treated by modified Rehmann’s flap. Caldwell luc & intranasal antrostomy were carried out whenever indicated. recurrence was seen in one case of chronic oro-antral fistula which was carried out by palatal flap operation. One patient complained of pain two months after surgery which was treated by symptomatic treatment & one patient failed to come for the follow-up. Conclusion : This study concludes that, modified buccal Rehmann’s flap is effective in oro-antral communication. Acute oro-antral fistula gives better results following the control of sinus infection while the chronic oro-antral fistula there can be some failures.  

Key words: Oro-antral fistula; Oro-antral communication.

Supernumerary teeth occur frequently in the permanent dentition, but they are rare in the primary dentition. Mesiodens is a supernumerary tooth with a cone shaped crown and a short root. The etiology of supernumerary teeth is still unknown and not well understood. Incidence of mesiodens in children varies from 0.15 – 0.38%. Morphologically, mesiodens may be of three types: the most commonly seen is conical, while tuberculate and supplemental types are less common.

Keywords: Supernumerary teeth; Mesiodens; Primary dentition. 

Odontomes are most common type of odontogenic tumours & generally they are asymptomatic & discovered during routine radiography. This paper describes a case of complex odontoma associated with impacted permanent maxillary premolar with clinical, radiographic & microscopic findings. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed and follow up was done for 1 year. This paper also highlighted the significance of CT attenuation values as an adjunct to diagnosis.

Key Words: Complex odontoma; Impacted maxillary premolar; Computed tomography. 

Human breast milk is the healthiest form of milk for human babies. Breast feeding promotes health, helps vto prevent disease, and reduces health care and feeding costs. There is another compelling benefit to exclusive breastfeeding: positive effects on the development of an infant’s oral cavity, including improved shaping of the hard palate resulting in proper alignment of teeth and the proper development of the swallowing action of the tongue. The purpose of this article is to stimulate further research as well as to propose the importance of breastfeeding to developing and maintaining the physiologic integrity of the oral cavity.

Key words: Breast feeding; Oral cavity; Cranio-facial development; Malocclusion; Bottle feeding. 

Introduction of Lasers into the field of clinical dentistry helped in overcoming some of the drawbacks posed by the conventional methods of dental procedures. Since its first use for dental application in the 1960s, it has evolved rapidly in the last couple of decades. At present, wide varieties of procedures are carried out using lasers. The purpose of this review is to describe laser use in dental procedures. Lasers are found to be effective in cavity preparation, caries removal, restoration removal, etching, and treatment of dentinal sensitivity, caries prevention and bleaching. Based on development in adhesive dentistry and the propagation of minimum intervention principles, lasers may revolutionize cavity design and preparation.  

Key words: Laser; Dental tissue; Adhesive dentistry.

The traditional approach to dental caries management presumed caries was inevitable. Therefore, the philosophy was to treat the effects of the disease (caries and/or gum disease) then initiate a preventive program. Contemporary guidelines, however, recommend early professional intervention to provide examination, risk assessment, and anticipatory guidance for parents so that disease can be prevented. Therefore, traditional professional intervention aimed at oral health beginning at age 3 years is no longer appropriate. Contemporary management recommendations are that professional intervention begins at approximately 12 months of age or shortly after the primary teeth begin to erupt. This way, disease can be prevented and the effects will never have to be dealt. 

Keywords: Infant; Anticipatory guidance; Oral health.

Primary care providers’ involvement in infant oral health is an essential public health priority and initiatives should begin in early childhood. This study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of graduating Medical students towards infant oral health and to propose ways to improve oral health education in the Medical curriculum. A cross- sectional survey was conducted among 359 graduating Medical students belonging to 8 (all) Medical colleges in Bangalore city, India. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 21 questions divided into four domains assessing Infant Dental Anatomy, Early childhood caries, Fluorides, and Preventive strategies were distributed among participants included in the study. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 12 and data was subjected to student –t test . The average knowledge percentage score was 56.7% and average attitude percentage score was 42.9%. 66.66% of students were aware that First tooth erupts at 6 and half months after birth. Only 60.7% knew that problems with deciduous teeth will affect permanent teeth and 65.2% knew that first dental visit should be from 6 months to 1 year. This study has identified several factors that need consideration in the future exploration and development of knowledge and attitude on infant oral health care among graduating Medical students.

Key words: Knowledge and attitude; Infant oral health; Graduating medical students.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of different Root Canal irrigants. To evaluate comparative efficacy of different root canal irrigants when used singly or in combination for the removal of smear layer and debris. Methods: One hundred fifty freshly extracted premolars, for orthodontic purposes were selected. Access cavities were prepared and working lengths were established. The teeth were divided into 6 groups of 25 teeth each. Six groups of teeth were irrigated with Saline, Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5.2%, Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX) 0.2%, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) 3%, Ethyldiamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) 17% and Sodium hypochlorite and EthylDiamine Tetra Acetic Acid respectively. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally and examined under Scanning Electron Microscope for removal of smear layer and debris at different levels of root canal system. Results: The best smear layer and debris removal was obtained with 5.2% Sodium Hypochlorite and 17% Ethyldiamine Tetra Acetic Acid combination followed by Ethyldiamine Tetra acetic Acid 17% when used alone. Conclusion: The intracanal irrigation was found to be most effective with a combination of irrigation rather than when used alone. 

Key words: Root Canal Irrigants; Efficacy; Smear Layer; Scanning Electron Microscope.   

Background: Leukoplakia is most common premalignant lesion of the oral cavity. Candida albicans is the most common fungal species isolated from oral leukoplakia. Malignant transformation of Leukoplakia has been linked to several factors like habits, duration of lesion, location, clinical appearance and presence of Candida albicans.This study was done on 50 healthy individuals with oral leukoplakia to determine the prevalence of Candida in leukoplakia and to examine the relationship between presence & absence of Candida with the histological feature and to determine the possible role of Candida in its malignant transformation. Method: The presence of Candida was determined by microscopic examination of gram stain section & by culture. Biopsy material was obtained from all lesions for histological grading. Result: Association between occurrence of Candida & type of leukoplakic lesion clinically & histologically were observed. 82% of non-homogeneous leukoplakic lesions yielded Candida & 89% histologically grade 3 lesions were found to be associated with presence of Candida in smear. Conclusion: Findings implicates possible role of Candida albicans in transformation of untreated leukoplakia into malignancy.

Key words: Candida albicans; Oral leukoplakic lesions; Malignant transformation. 

Objective: The predictive value of a single diagnostic test on an individual can be misleading in disease of a multifactorial nature such as dental caries. Hence this study was undertaken to seek the relationship of salivary microbiologic parameters. (Mutans streptococcus count) and salivary physiochemical parameters (flow rate, buffering capacity) and sucrose intake with the occurrence of dental decay on the primary dentition among 3-5 years old of preschool children. Materials and Methods: The present study comprised of 100 healthy children in the age group of 3-5 years, divided into two categories on the basis of their caries experience Group 1:50 children with no detectable caries & Group 2:50 children with caries. Children in caries group are categorized into Grade 1: 1 – 3 decayed teeth, Grade 2: 3 – 5, Grade 3: > 5. A questionnaire was specifically designed which sought to discover the frequency of sugar consumption rather than the total amount of sugar eaten. The Stimulated saliva was collected to determine Flow rate, buffering capacity and Mutans streptococci count. Results: There was a highly significant relation between frequency of sugar consumption, microbial parameter and the caries experience (P < 0.001) and an inverse relation between salivary parameters (salivary flow rate, buffering capacity) and the caries experience. (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, it is observed that there was a significant relation between caries experience and salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, salivary streptococcus mutans count, and sugar intake. This multifactorial approach of identifying high caries risk group children and implementation of preventive strategies represents an improvement over an approach that relied solely on single parameter.

Key words: Salivary flow; Buffering capacity; Dental caries; Streptococci mutans.