Indian Journal of Dental Education

Background: Age estimation has many factors, viz, skeletal age, sexual age, chronological age (CA) and dental age (DA). Assessment of tooth development is widely being used these days for age estimation because of its reliability and ease of procedure. The tooth with its developmental phases impart non-invasive, non-destructive attributes to assess the person’s age. However, ethnicity, influence of hormonal and racial factors, environmental changes, and various diseasesmay alter the results in certain areas. Aim of the study: To estimate the Dental age of children aged 7-10 years by Nolla’s method using Orthopantomographs, in the region of Mahe. Materials and Methodology: 60 digital Orthopantomographs (OPGs) were used for the study to estimate the DA of children, using Nolla’s method of DA estimation. Seven permanent teeth in the left mandibular quadrant were assessed as per Nolla’s method. This was compared to the other quadrants and the results were analysed to determine the DA. The mean difference between the DA and CA was calculated using a paired t-test. Correlation between CA and DA was analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Results: The DA of children of Mahe showed under estimation using Nolla’s method of age determination. Among the quadrants, the maxillary right quadrant showed the least under estimation or most accurate age estimation. Conclusion: By using a proper regression equation, the Nolla’s method can be made more accurate for age determination in the children of Mahe.

Social media platforms are increasingly utilized in pediatric care to promote oral health education, assist in remote monitoring, and influence patient behavior. These tools play a crucial role in providing dental care in regions with limited access to pediatric dental specialists. Additionally, social media supports monitoring between appointments and offers remote diagnosis and guidance for children’s oral health. This approach became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, where virtual consultations via mobile devices and webcams helped ensure safety by minimizing in-person contact. Teledentistry serves as an effective supplement to traditional dental care, improving patient management and bridging the gap in pediatric dental services in underserved areas. However, further research is necessary to ensure its safe and evidence-based application in pediatric dentistry.

Maxillofacial deformities may be congenital, resulting from malformations or developmental disturbances, or acquired, caused by conditions such as necrotizing diseases, oncological surgeries, or trauma. Often, surgical reconstruction is not feasible due to factors like the defect’s size, location, or the patient’s medical condition, making prosthetic rehabilitation essential. The success of such rehabilitation heavily relies on the physical and mechanical properties of the materials used. Contemporary materials include acrylic resins, acrylic copolymers, vinyl polymers, polyurethane elastomers, and silicone elastomers. Over the years, researchers have sought materials that replicate natural tissues in appearance and properties. This article discusses the historical evolution, emerging trends, and future directions in materials used for maxillofacial defect rehabilitation

A digital impression technique has revolutionized dental diagnostics and restorations by offering enhanced precision, faster workflow and improved patient comfort. However like any technological advancements it is not immune to challenges. Failures in digital impression techniques can arise due to various factors including operator error, equipment malfunction, inadequate scan data, etc. These failures can result in inadequate impression, poor fit of restoration, delay in treatment. This abstract explores the common causes of failure in digital impression techniques, including issues related to scanning protocols, patientrelated factors (such as motion or anatomy), and technical limitations of the equipment used. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of proper training, calibration, and troubleshooting to mitigate these issues and enhance the reliability of digital impressions. Understanding these failure points is crucial for dental professionals to optimize the use of digital technologies and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Medical emergencies, though infrequent, can occur in prosthodontic settings. This review highlights common emergencies like angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, asthma attacks, hypoglycemia, Addisonian crisis, airway obstruction, anaphylaxis, seizures, and syncope. Effective management of these emergencies requires prompt recognition, timely intervention, and a well-equipped practice. Dental professionals should be trained in basic life support, CPR, and the use of AEDs. A comprehensive emergency protocol, including a well-stocked drug kit, is crucial. Regular training and drills can enhance preparedness and ensure a swift, effective response to medical emergencies, ultimately safeguarding patient safety.

Fractures of the mandible are less common in pediatric populations than adults due to child protected anatomic features. Treatment protocols of mandibular fractures in pediatric populations differ from adults due to mandibular growth and developing dentition. This case report presents a step wise treatment of a sixyear-old boy with fractured mandibular parasymphysis by using acrylic cap splint and circummandibular wiring.

Objective: To describe a rare case of monomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary gland. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 50-year-old patient presented with a painless swelling of 2-3 years duration in the chin region, appearing large permeative destruction lesion involving symphysis-menti and adjacent bodies of mandible with soft tissue component infiltrating into right sublingual and sub-mental space in MRI imaging. Histological findings were suggestive of a monomorphic adenoma. Treatment: A complete surgical enucleation of the lobular tumor with an additional zone of adjacent normal tissue was performed. No recurrence was observed after a 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: This case showed the possibility of minor salivary gland tumors and highlighted the need to consider them when making a differential diagnosis of swellings located in the sub-mental region.