Large reccurent gingival growth in the maxilla: A case report

Gingival growths are one of the frequently encountered types of lesion in the oral cavity. It is the common site for neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions. Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is one of the inflammatory reactive hyperplasias of the gingiva. It represents a separate clinical entity with diverse histopathological features. Even after adequate surgical excision of the lesion, repeated recurrence is not uncommon. Studies show a recurrence rate of 16-20% in these lesions. The suggested etiology for POF is low-grade irritation due to plaque and calculus. Proper excision of such overgrowths and appropriate oral hygiene instructions will ensure that the lesion does not recur. This case report is of a large, solitary gingival swelling in the maxilla of a 36-year-old male patient that had recurred for the third time after the surgical excision

Serum alkaline phosphatase in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its association with clinicopathological characteristics

Context: Biochemical changes occur in biological fluids and tissues of different types of malignancies. Tumor markers in serum, tissue, and other body fluids during neoplastic process are of clinical value in the management of patients with cancers. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is potentially a useful indicator for detection of malignancies, but its status in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is less explored. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the serum level of ALP in OSCC patients and assess its relation with the clinicopathological features. Settings and Design: A total of 175 participants (145 OSCC patients and 30 healthy controls) were included in the study. One hundred and forty-five patients with OSCC who underwent treatment at our institution were included to obtain the clinicopathological data. Materials and Methods: Fasting blood ALP activity was evaluated using ALP assessment kit and biochemistry analyzer. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed by SPSS-21 software (SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0, Armonk, NY, USA), using t-test, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: Raised ALP was seen in 24% of OSCC patients. The mean ALP in OSCC was significantly higher than the control. ALP level in patients with advanced stage was significantly higher than with early stage. The serum ALP level in OSCC patients with bone involvement (BI) by local extension of tumor was significantly higher than without BI. Conclusion: ALP showed statistically significant differences in relation to tumor stages and BI. Hence, ALP could be useful in advanced stage disease for expressing the endurance of patient and tumor expansion. Elevated ALP in OSCC patients may indicate BI

Self-Inflicted Intraoral Hematoma in a Cardiac Patient Receiving Oral Anticoagulant Therapy- A Case Report

Intraoral hematoma secondary to systemic anticoagulant therapy is rare, but it is a potentially fatal condition requiring immediate medical management. Case report: Here we report a case of self-inflicted hematoma in the anterior maxillary gingival region in a 65year old female cardiac patient who was on systemic anticoagulant therapy with a poor periodontal condition, manifesting as a periodontal swelling for a period of one week. Oral anticoagulant therapy is considerably imperative to prevent thromboembolic complications in various medical conditions, in such patients there are chances for spontaneous bleeding or hematoma by means of minor trauma due to sharp teeth or dental prosthesis in the mouth leading to life threatening complications such as partial or complete airway blockage. Therefore,directives about possible bleeding complications secondary to anticoagulant drugs in the oral cavity and the importance of maintaining oral health hygiene are necessary for the patient

The various methods and benefits of denture labeling

Labeled dentures can be important in identifying the owners in case of an accident, loss of memory, states of unconsciousness, being inadvertently misplaced on admission to a hospital or, in identifying the bodies of those who have died in a calamity. Positive identification through labeled dentures plays a key role in forensic scenario. Marking dentures has been considered as an important part of forensic dentistry, although no standardized method is followed. A number of labeling systems are available and can be broadly separated into either surface marking methods or inclusion systems. Each of the commonly described techniques is assessed with respect to their strengths and weaknesses. The more contemporary methods, though hi-tech, are expensive and may not be suitable for all dental practitioners to use. This article reviews the strengths and weaknesses of various methods involved in labeling dentures concluding by recommending that this valuable topic be included in the dental curriculum in India