A comprehensive review of new innovations in dental implant imaging techniques

Background: Over the past three decades, dentistry has undergone considerable development in all of its branches. The need for more accurate diagnostic methods have become inevitable with these progresses. Advanced imaging methods such as computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging have also found space in modern dentistry from the traditional intra-oral periapical X-rays. Aim: This paper is intended to explore recent developments in imaging technology and its applications in various dental disciplines. Conclusion: The three - dimensional visualization has made the complex cranio-facial structures more available for analysis and early and precise diagnosis of deep rooted lesions. Clinical Significance: Moving from analog to digital radiography has not only made the process easier and quicker, but has also enabled image storage, manipulation (brightness/contrast, cropping of images, etc.) and recovery

Cryosurgery for the treatment of oral leukoplakia: Satisfying or not?

Background: Oral leukoplakia is a common precancerous lesion that may transform into squamous cell carcinoma. Epidemiology reports available from studies conducted in different parts of India reveals the prevalence rate of leukoplakia from 0.2% to 8%. The malignant transformation rates of oral lesions are reported to be 1%–7% for homogenous thick leukoplakia, 4%–15% for granular or verruciform leukoplakia, and 18%–47% for erythroleukoplakia. Context: Although there are many treatment options ranging from the simple discontinuation of the tobacco habits in mild cases to more aggressive approaches like surgical excision to exceedingly sophisticated techniques such as laser surgery, and photodynamic therapy. Cryosurgery has also been implemented as an effective treatment for precancerous lesions of the oral cavity and has shown to have various advantages over the other procedures such as minimal/no pain, less swelling, no bleeding, simplicity, versatility, and low cost. Aims: To check whether cryosurgery can provide as good results as those obtained by today's latest and super sophisticated surgical modalities. Settings and Design: Experimental observational study. Materials and Methods: In this study, 25 lesions of different types of leukoplakia, in 19 patients were treated using closed type cryosurgical system. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and independent t-test. Results: Complete regression was achieved in 22 (88%) lesions, 2 (8%) cases resulted in incomplete regression thus were retreated and complete regression. 1 (4%) subject did not report for follow up after the 7th postoperative day. Conclusions: In this study, results were found to be very promising but more research in this field is required as the sample size in this study was small

Immediate loading of bicortically engaged long implants in maxillary and mandibular esthetic region – A clinicoradiographic evaluation

Background: Bicortical engagement is the engagement of nasal cortical plate and basal cortical plate in maxillary and mandibular esthetic zone, respectively. These are longer implants which offer osseointegration along with high osseofixation. Increased length of implant provides increased bone–implant contact offering primary stability which permits immediate loading. Aim: The aim of the study was to clinicoradiographically evaluate immediate loading in bicortically engaged long implants in maxillary and mandibular esthetic region. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with missing teeth in esthetic region were selected for the study. Implants were placed in both arches engaging nasal cortex and basal bone wherever required. One-time definitive abutment was placed and immediate loading was done. Results: No failure was observed in the study period of 9 months. The mean insertion and reverse torque was 66.67 ± 6.794 and 41.67 ± 3.101, respectively, indicating high primary stability. No pain, discomfort, infection, or implant mobility was observed. The mean crestal bone loss changes were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Hundred percent implant survival was observed