Adaptive Changes in the Posterior Pharyngeal Wall Following Large Retraction of Incisors During Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

Objective:To evaluate the effects of large retraction of incisors on the adaptive changes in the posterior pharyngeal wall and soft palate during comprehensive orthodontic treatment.Methods:Twenty-seven females with Class I mild crowding or spacing who required non-extraction treatment (group I) and 34 females with Class I bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion who required all first premolars extraction for the retraction of their incisors (group II) were included in the study. The effects of non-extraction and incisor retraction following all first premolars extraction orthodontic treatment on the sagittal dimensions of pharyngeal airway passage and posterior pharyngeal wall thickness were evaluated from pre- and post-treatment cephalograms.Results:The dimensions of pharyngeal airway passage were comparable among the groups. The length of the soft palate increased (P < .01) and the thickness of the soft palate decreased (P < .01) following retraction of incisors, and the difference between the groups was significant (P < .05). The posterior pharyngeal wall thickness was reduced significantly at PPWT2 (P < .05), PPWT3 (P < .001), PPWT4 (P < .001), PPWT5 (P < .001), and PPWT6 (P < .01) regions following retraction of the incisors, and the difference between the groups was statistically highly significant.Conclusions:The large retraction of incisors during comprehensive orthodontic treatment in Class I bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion malocclusion subjects did not affect the sagittal dimensions of pharyngeal airway passage, but the thickness of the posterior pharyngeal wall reduced significantly as an adaptation to maintain the patency of the upper airway

Variation in location of the distobuccal root canal in a permanent maxillary second molar: A case report

Key Clinical Message Clinicians should be aware of the variations in the number of roots and root canals and the peculiar or eccentric location of root canals. An intraoperative CBCT can be very useful in improved visualization of the anatomical variations. Abstract This case report describes the unusual location of the distobuccal root canal in a maxillary second molar with root fusion. On access opening, three distinct root canal orifices, the mesiobuccal canal, palatal canal, and a third orifice closer to the palatal canal, were seen, giving an illusion of an additional palatal canal. An attempt was made to search for the distobuccal canal in its usual position, leading to the gouging of the pulp chamber floor. An intraoperative limited field of view cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed the root orifice adjacent to the palatal canal was the distobuccal canal. CBCT also revealed fusion of both the buccal and palatal roots in the root's coronal and middle third region, but they were not fused apically

Avulsion of Permanent Mandibular Incisors: A Report of Two Cases with Pertinent Literature

Introduction. This study reports two rare cases of avulsion of permanent mandibular incisors with their sequelae after being reimplanted by two contrary methods. The relevant literature regarding the avulsion of permanent mandibular incisors is also being discussed. Case Presentation. In Case I, a 9-year-old girl reported an avulsion of the permanent mandibular left lateral incisor that was immediately reimplanted within 20 minutes after injury, whereas in Case II, all four permanent mandibular incisors were avulsed and reimplanted after a prolonged extraoral dry time of 36 hours in an 18-year-old female. Both cases missed their scheduled follow-up visits and were reported after 3.5 years and 7 months, respectively, with severe root and alveolar bone resorption that was confirmed by clinical examination and Intra oral periapical radiograph (IOPA) radiographs. Discussion. Avulsion of permanent mandibular incisors is rare. The similar unfavorable outcome of contrary cases at a variable duration of time after missed follow-up illustrates the role of the appropriate treatment protocol and regular follow-up visits for the long-term success of reimplanted teeth

Oral leukoplakia: Management protocol for primary health-care providers and family physicians

Oral cancer is very common in India. Most of the oral cancers develop on a potentially malignant (precancerous) lesion. Leukoplakia is the most common precancerous lesion in the oral cavity. The malignant transformation rate of oral leukoplakia is very high. There is no marker to distinguish those lesions that may transform to frank cancer from those that may not. Thus, early identification of oral leukoplakia and its proper treatment is important for best prognosis. This article highlights on the diagnosis and treatment protocol for oral leukoplakia

Finger prosthesis: A novel way to restore the form, function, and esthetics

Key Clinical Message A well‐customized prosthesis with a life‐like esthetic and function are the primary determining factors for its acceptance and success. RTV silicones can prove to be very effective and useful in fabricating such prosthesis. Abstract Complete or partial finger amputations impact an individual's psychological and physical well‐being and are considered the most frequently observed pattern of hand loss. A customized prosthesis offers the patient rehabilitative, functional, and psychological advantages. Retention is the key to the success of such prosthetic restoration. The present case report describes a novel technique that utilizes passive vacuum fit and mechanical retention to restore controlled function movements as a metal wire framework. The procedure was economical, most importantly, produced life‐like anatomy of the missing digit and restored the function to some extent

Applications of Nanomaterials in Dental Science: A Review

Nanotechnology has revolutionized health care industry in a large scale and its applications are a boon to modern medicine and dental science. It is expected to pervade and further revolutionize the art and science of dentistry and may well have important applications spanning all the aspects of oral diseases, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Materials science in dentistry has embraced the technology to produce nanomaterials that are being used in caries inhibitors, antimicrobial resins, hard tissue remineralizing agents, targeted drug delivery, scaffolds, bio-membranes, nanocrystalline hydroxyl apatite, restorative cements, adhesion promoters and boosters, bioactive glass, tissue conditioners, reinforced methacrylate resins, root canal disinfectants, friction free orthodontic arch wires and nano composites life. These upcoming technologies have potential to bring about significant benefits in the form of improvement in dental science and to society. The present review presents the latest recent developments in this interdisciplinary field bridging nanotechnology and dental science

Severe skeletal Class II Division 1 malocclusion in postpubertal girl treated using Forsus with miniplate anchorage

This case report outlines the treatment of a 17-year-old female with Class II Division 1 malocclusion with mandibular retrusion, deep bite, and convex facial profile. The Forsus fatigue resistance device with miniplate was used for this patient and it was very affecting tool in correcting both skeletal and dental parameters. The total active treatment time was 19 months. This method can serve as an alternate choice of treatment, especially those who refuse orthognathic surgery. Hence, Forsus with miniplate might be useful in both growing and postpubertal patients

Gingival hyperplasia: An initial oral manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia

Various systemic diseases can manifest oral signs and symptoms early, which may be crucial for diagnosis and outlining the treatment plan. This case report highlights the presentation of acute leukemia (a malignancy of white blood cells) in a young female. An 11-year-old girl presented with gingival overgrowth and bleeding from the gingiva, weakness, and recent history of weight loss. A detailed workup consisting of complete blood count, bone marrow examination, flow cytometric immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, and molecular studies were carried out. The investigations confirmed the infiltration of blast cells of myelomonocytic origin, and a confirmatory diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (French–American–British classification M5) was made. The patient was put on induction chemotherapy and responded well. She developed febrile neutropenia following chemotherapy, which was managed conservatively. Gingival overgrowth subsided after the chemotherapy, and at the time of discharge, she was asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable. The oral health-care professionals must recognize that gingival overgrowth/enlargement may represent an initial manifestation of an underlying systematic disease