Radiographic assessment of agenesis, impaction, and pararadicular radiolucencies in relation with third molar in Nashik City of Maharashtra

Introduction: The third molar develops entirely after birth and also it is the last tooth to erupt in all ethnic groups despite racial variations in the eruption sequence. Tooth development with effects on tooth size, shape, position, and total absence is affected due to environmental factors, systemic diseases, genetic polymorphisms, and teratogens. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of agenesis, impaction, and pararadicular radiolucencies in relation with third molars. Materials and Methods: One hundred digital orthopantomograph (OPG) scans of patients of age ranging from 18 to 25 years were selected randomly from the digital OPG database of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, and then assessment and analysis were carried out. Results: Overall agenesis rate was about 14.5%. Bilateral agenesis of maxillary and mandibular third molars was about 14% and 13%, respectively. Overall impaction rate was about 21.92%. Mesioangular impaction rate was about 57.33% whereas distoangular impaction rate was about 26.66%. Prevalence of pararadicular radiolucencies was only about 0.8% with mandibular predilection. Conclusion: As the agenesis of the third molars is increasing, they can be considered as vestigial. Prevalence of impaction of the third molars is increasing. Pararadicular radiolucencies are mostly seen with mandibular third molar

Awareness of patients about existing oral precancerous lesions/conditions in Nashik city of Maharashtra

Introduction: Many oral squamous cell carcinomas develop from premalignant lesions/conditions of oral cavity. Hence, the awareness of such lesions/conditions is important. Aim: To assess the awareness about existing oral precancerous lesions/conditions among patients arriving for dental treatment at a dental hospital, in Nashik city of Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect information from 80 patients with existing oral precancerous lesions/conditions attending the dental hospital, in Nashik city of Maharashtra. The questionnaire included questions to ascertain information on sociodemographic parameters, awareness, and sources of information about of oral precancerous lesions/conditions, habit of tobacco, areca nut chewing, smoking, alcohol, and combined habits. Results: We found that 40% (n = 32) respondents knew about the existence of lesion in their mouth of which only 50% (out of 40%) had thought that it was precancerous lesion/condition. Among all subjects, only 47.5% (n = 38) were aware of oral precancerous lesions/conditions. Television was the major source of information about oral precancerous lesions/conditions almost all the subjects (97.5%) wanted more information about oral precancerous lesions/conditions but through television (42.5%) and lectures (27.5%). Conclusion: Awareness of patients (coming to hospital) about oral precancerous lesions/conditions was found to be low. The people must be made aware of symptoms, signs, and preventive strategies of oral precancerous lesions/conditions through their preferred media – television and lectures

An epidemiological study to assess the awareness of hepatitis B infection in the dental students, college staff, practitioners, and auxiliary staff in city of Maharashtra

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a major health problem worldwide and more serious in India. Hepatitis B virus has only human reservoir, and it is easily transmitted to one another. In the field of dentistry, it involves with saliva and blood, and it also involves many accidental injuries. Dentist with their associates are more prone to get infected. Aim: To assess the level of understanding and awareness about hepatitis B infection among the dental undergraduate and postgraduate students, institutional staff of a reputed dental college, dental practitioners, dental auxiliary, and paramedics of a city in Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 350 subjects using a self-administered pretested questionnaire containing 15 questions on awareness about prevention and transmission, vaccination status of hepatitis B, awareness of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), and complications associated with hepatitis B. Descriptive analysis was carried out and was presented as a percentage. Results: The response rate was 100% (n = 350). Majority of the undergraduate and postgraduate students, college staff, and dental practitioners were aware of hepatitis B infection, its vaccination, and its importance but knowledge and awareness regarding the incubation period, PEP, and complications associated were less. Dental auxiliary staff has the minimal knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B infection. Conclusion: Overall good knowledge and awareness are observed among the undergraduate and postgraduate students, college staff, and in the dental practitioners. The auxiliary and paramedical staffs are minimally aware

Evaluation of the posterior superior alveolar artery using cone beam computed tomography

BACKGROUND: Maxillary posterior tooth region is an important area with respect to periapical surgery, implant placement, and sinus lifts. Posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) is located on the lateral wall of maxillary sinus and may become injured during such surgical procedures. Therefore, knowledge of the subject is essential to a clinician. The goal was to determine the anatomical relationship of posterior superior alveolar artery to the floor of maxillary sinus and alveolar crest. In our study we attempted to present the locations and course of posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CBCT scans of 50 patients (30 males, 20 females) who had undergone computed tomography imaging were analyzed. We assessed the visibility and location of vascular canal/notch of posterior superior alveolar artery on cross sectional images and measured the distances from lower margin to the floor of maxillary sinus and alveolar crest in the 1st molar and 2nd molar regions. Unpaired t-test was carried out in the analysis to determine the level of significance. RESULTS: Maxillary PSAA was visualized in 36 patients (70%). Mean diameter of the vessel was 0.63 mm. Mean distance between PSAA and alveolar crest was the shortest in the 2nd molar region. The mean distance between PSAA and floor of maxillary sinus was 9.96 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Periapical surgeries, implants and maxillary sinus lift are performed on routine basis. PSAA is an important structure in the posterior maxillary region; the clinician should be aware of its location and course. CBCT is an excellent tool to localize the PSAA because of it provides finer details at low exposure and less radiation. It should be recommended in clinical practices