Context: The use of intracanal medication aims to provide antimicrobial activity in the root canal system, leading to a more satisfactory condition for root canal obturation. However, it is important to evaluate whether such medication would affect the sealing-off from the main root canal of ramifications such as lateral canals. Aim: Evaluate the influence of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH) ₂ ] paste on the filling of lateral canals. Settings and Design: Ex vivo quantitative laboratory study. Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted teeth with lateral canals created were used, 10 teeth per group. Group A was described respectively as lateral condensation technique (subgroup 1), thermomechanical compaction (subgroup 2), and continuous wave of condensation (subgroup 3). In Group B, subgroups 4, 5, and 6 were filled with Ca(OH) ₂ for 7 days before filling using the techniques applied in subgroups 1, 2, and 3. Radiographic evaluation was performed to count the number of filled lateral canals in each group. The teeth were cross-sectioned over the lateral canals; thus, 180 specimens were obtained. Each specimen was immersed in a polyester resin. Digital images were obtained and specific software (Image Tool^; ) was used to evaluate the number of obturated lateral canals and the filling length in each lateral canal of groups. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 12.0 for Windows (Descriptive statistical analysis and Newman-Keuls test). Results: A greater number of simulated lateral canals were filled in Group A (91.1%). Group B had less filled lateral canals (33.3%). The sealing of lateral canals was statistically different between Group B (26.15%) and Group A (74.43%). Conclusions: According to the radiographic analysis and the linear filling measurement, the use of Ca(OH) ₂ decreased the number and the length of sealed lateral canals.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiplaque effect of Lippia sidoides (LS) by in vivo investigation. Materials and Methods: Ten healthy volunteers participated in a cross-over, double-blind clinical study, using a 3-day partial-mouth plaque accumulation model. The participants abolished any method of mechanical oral hygiene and they were randomly assigned initially to use just the following mouth rinses: Distilled water (negative control group), 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (positive control group) or 10% LS (test group). The plaque index was recorded in the six anterior upper teeth at the end of the trial and the one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were used to estimate the difference among groups. Results: The clinical results did show statistically significant difference among three groups (P < 0.05), favoring the positive control group and test group, however, no difference in efficacy was found between them (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The mouth rinses containing 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate and 10% LS were equally able to inhibit plaque re-growth.

Objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with sonic agitation devices. Materials and Methods: Fifty extracted human single-rooted teeth were collected. Canals were prepared up to Profile #35/0.06. Forty teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated for 24 hours. The teeth were then divided into five groups based on the agitation device used. Group 1- was agitated with EndoActivator . Group 2 was agitated with Waterpik Power Flosser. In Group 3, Waterpik flosser was used with a nickel-titanium file. Group 4 (positive control) was not subjected to any agitation, and Group 5 -was the negative control. Superficial and deep dentinal shavings were collected from coronal and apical halves and sowed in brain heart infusion (BHI) agar to evaluate colony-forming units (CFU/mL). Results: Krusal Wallis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney U test showed that Group 3 showed a smaller number of CFUs/mL Group 2 showed a relatively greater number of CFU/mL. The deep apical dentin areas showed more number of CFUs relative to other sites. Conclusion: The nickel-titanium file attached to the Waterpik Power Flosser system was found to be as effective as the EndoActivator in antibacterial efficacy against E.faecalis.

Context: The pulse oximeter is a device that noninvasively provides continuous information about the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) rate. This device is utilized in the detection of hypoxemia, due to its able to sense changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation. Aims: The objective of this study was to verify the accuracy of the Choice^® Medical MD300C3 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, as compared to that of a hospital oximeter coupled with a Dräger^® Infinity Delta monitor, with the purpose of using this first methodology in dental procedures to monitor the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) of patients submitted to dental treatments. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five adult patients, both genders, were selected in the Santa Casa Hospital of Maringa, Brazil. The volunteers did not present cardiac problems, prosthetic cardiac valves, pacemakers, or pulmonary diseases, and were not pregnant or children. Each patient received a portable fingertip pulse oximeter (PPO) on the middle finger of the left hand and the hospital oximeter (control device) on the forefinger of the same hand. A total of six measurements were developed. The Pearson correlation coefficient and the Bland and Altman method was used to calculate the statistical analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the measurements taken by the utilized devices. The average of comparative analysis presented by the devices was 0.2337 ± 0.4355 (mean ± SD), suggesting a strong correlation between the obtained results. Conclusion: According to the methodology of the research, the PPO has similar accuracy to the conventional hospital oximeter with digital sensor. The PPO can be used in dental treatments.

Objectives: To compare mutans streptococci levels in saliva, before and after consumption of probiotic ice-cream and curds. Materials and Methods: Forty caries free children in the age group of 12-14 years were selected and equally divided into four groups I, II, III, IV. Children in group I and II were given 100 ml probiotic ice-cream and plain ice cream respectively and group III and IV were given 100 ml probiotic curd and plain curd respectively for a period of 7 days. Saliva samples were assessed at baseline, 1 hour after consumption and after 7 days intervention period using Mitis salivarius Bacitracin agar. The number of colonies was counted and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The study revealed a reduction in salivary mutans streptococci (MS) counts after 1 hour in all the groups. However after 7 days, probiotic ice-cream and curd showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) reduction in MS counts as compared to the control ice cream and curd. The difference in the reduction of MS counts with probiotic ice-cream and probiotic curd at 1 hour and 7 days was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The use of probiotic products could be an alternative strategy of displacing pathogenic microorganisms by probiotic bacteria and can thus be exploited for the prevention of enamel demineralization.

Introduction: The prevalence of group function and canine guided occlusion is common in natural dentition, but cross arch balance is not often seen. Hence, a study was carried out with following objectives: Analysis of incidence of cross arch balance in different age groups and working side occlusal wear facets in following subjects. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 patients with natural dentition were included in the study. Subjects with cross arch balance were analyzed for working side occlusal wear facets. Data were analyzed statistically by Chi-square test. Results: The incidence of cross arch balance in the study group was 0.7%. On examination, subjects with group function on the working side and cross arch balance on the non-working side had more occlusal wear facets. Conclusion: From the study, it was observed that there was no significant variation in the number and extent of wear facets between the cross arch and without cross arch subjects due the smaller sample size hence it was difficult to conclude the relationship non-working side contact as interference and its influence in wearing of dentition in this study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between occlusal tooth wear and mandibular alveolar bone density (ABD) and alveolar bone height (ABH) using computer-assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA) program. Materials and Methods: The study was comprised of 134 mandibular first molar teeth in 90 patients with various degrees of occlusal tooth wear. The degree of tooth wear was classified according to the tooth wear index (TWI). Periodontal examinations were performed on all patients and included plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss measurements. ABD and ABH were measured from intraoral digital periapical radiographs and analyzed using CADIA. Results: No increases in ABD were observed between TWI 0 and TWI 1 or between TWI 0 and TWI 2 (P > 0.05). However, increases in ABD were observed between TWI 0 and TWI 3 (P < 0.01), TWI 1 and TWI 3 (P < 0.01), TWI 1 and TWI 2 (P < 0.05) and TWI 2 and TWI 3 (P < 0.05). In addition, ABH was found to increase with increase in wear, with the exception of the interval between TWI 0 and TWI 1. Conclusions: Occlusal tooth wear does not result in any radiologically identifiable changes in the alveolar bone during the initial stages of wear; however, significant increases in both ABD and ABH may be observed as tooth wear progresses.

Aims: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the agreement among different methods used to estimate angular deviation of the body to determine the risk for development of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry undergraduates. Materials and Methods: Students (n = 79) enrolled in the final year undergraduate course of the Araraquara School of Dentistry-Sγo Paulo State University-UNESP were evaluated. Photographs were taken of students performing clinical procedures. The work postures adopted by each student were evaluated by means of rapid upper limb assessment (RULA). The basis used to obtain the individual's final risk score is the measurement of the angular deviations in the neutral positions of the regions evaluated. Two methods were used to estimate the angular deviation of the body: Visual exam and Image Tool software. A RULA final risk score was attributed to each procedure the student performed (n = 333). Study of the agreement between the methods about risk of musculoskeletal disorders was conducted by means of Kappa (κ) statistics. The level of significance adopted was 5%. Results: Fair agreement (κ = 0.32) between the evaluated methods was verified. Conclusion: The risk for development of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders by dentistry undergraduates evaluated by using RULA was not in agreement with the results obtained by use of visual exam and Image Tool.

Background: Bleeding on probing (BOP) is a frequent observation in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and a sialagogue is routinely prescribed for these patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sialagogue (muscarinic cholinergic agonists) on BOP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Materials and Methods: This observational study included 57 subjects. Study population was divided into two groups: Subjects on sialagogue (n = 32) and subjects not on sialagogue due to their side-effects (non-sialagogue, n = 25). The number of sites with BOP was recorded on all teeth. Results: The subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower mean (standard error) number of sites with BOP 22.97 (2.65) as compared with the non-sialagogue group 46.59 (6.20), P < 0.001. After adjusting for the use of remineralizing rinse the subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower number of sites with BOP (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this observational study treatment with sialagogue may prevent BOP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Aims: It is widely accepted that dentin hypersensitivity is an uncomfortable condition, which affects the function and quality of life. This study determines the difference in efficacy of four desensitizing agents. Subjects and Methods: An in vivo study was conducted to compare four dentin desensitizing agents on 40 patients. Age, sex, and place of the patient were recorded. Hydroxyapatite containing agent, potassium nitrate containing, sodium fluoride containing, and natural resin containing agents were used for the study. The baseline measurement for pain perceived due to hypersensitivity was recorded by visual analog scale (VAS). Then after application of the respective desensitizing agent, the last score was taken after 7 days. Statistical Analysis Used: The agents were compared in terms of mean differences in their VAS scale readings. Kruskall-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the efficacies of the four agents. Results: The four desensitizing agents which contain different active agents were effective in relieving dentin hypersensitivity. Not much significant difference was found among the four. However, propolis (natural resin-containing agent) showed better clinical response in patients among the four, followed by sodium fluoride-containing agent. Conclusions: Propolis proves to be a good natural and nontoxic option for treatment of dentin sensitivity.

Background: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is already proven as an antibacterial agent in vitro. Present study was formulated to compare the efficacy of SDF as an antibacterial as well as antiplaque agent in vivo with fluoride varnish and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel. Study Design: Total 123 children (male = 82, female = 41) were included in the study for a period of 18 months. Children were divided into three different groups-Group 1: SDF; Group 2: fluoride varnish; and Group 3: APF gel. All subjects were evaluated via plaque score at 6 ^th , 12 ^th , and 18 ^th months as well as Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva at 72 h, 6 ^th , 12 ^th , and 18 ^th months of follow-up. Results: Significant reduction was found in plaque score as well as S. mutans counts irrespective of group division. On intergroup comparison, no statistically significant difference was found in plaque score, but significant reduction in S. mutans counts was found in Group 1 as compared with Groups 2 and 3, while no significant difference was found between Groups 2 and 3. Conclusion: In vivo application of SDF on enamel significantly decreases S. mutans counts as compared to fluoride varnish and APF gel.

Background: Periodontitis involves intricate interactions of the biofilm with the host immunoinflammatory response and subsequent alterations in bone and connective tissue homeostasis. Neopterin is a marker, belonging to the class of pteridines, which is associated with cell-mediated immunity. It is produced by interferon-γ stimulated macrophages. The levels of neopterin in body fluids are elevated in infections, autoimmune diseases, malignancies and allograft rejections. This investigation was designed to estimate the levels of neopterin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in health, chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects were divided into three groups of ten subjects each as with healthy periodontium (Group 1), chronic gingivitis (Group 2) and chronic periodontitis (Group 3). The GCF samples were obtained from the subjects by placing color-coded calibrated, volumetric, micro-capillary pipettes extracrevicularly. The samples were placed in plastic vials and stored at −70°C until the time of neopterin estimation using enzyme immunoassay. Results: The mean neopterin level in Group 3 (126.28 ± 37.70 nmol/L) is significantly higher than the mean neopterin level in Group 1 (48.66 ± 18.82 nmol/L) and Group 2 (70.68 ± 18.26 nmol/L) (P < 0.05). However, there is no significant relationship between neopterin levels and various clinical parameters in each study group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that the neopterin levels in GCF are positively associated with periodontal disease, which may provide a useful tool in monitoring its progression. Nevertheless, further longitudinal studies are required with larger sample sizes in which neopterin levels are progressively estimated and compared to baseline values.

Context: In a developing country like India, where expensive cephalometric apparatus is unavailable everywhere, photography assumes importance for diagnostic and treatment planning procedures as it is low cost and less technique sensitive. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare and correlate craniofacial measurements from cephalometric radiographs with analogous measurements from standardized facial photographs in the Gujarati population. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out using standardized cephalometric radiographs and photographs of 60 Gujarati subjects (30 males, 30 females). Eight facial landmarks were identified on both the photograph and cephalogram. Five angular and three linear measurements were created from these landmarks and planes. Statistical Analysis Used: The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to estimate the correlations between the photographic and cephalometric variables. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was estimated to measure the reliability of the repeated tracings. Results: On comparing the cephalometric and photographic variables for the entire sample, positive and significant correlations were found for all the variables studied (r > 0, P < 0.05). The ICCs for all of the angular measurements were higher than those for linear measurements. Conclusion: Photographs may be used reliably for epidemiological purposes, screening, initial consultations and cases where irradiation is contraindicated or needs to be avoided.

Objectives: The primary objective of the following study is to determine and secondary objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of 5% amlexanox oral paste in the treatment of recurrent minor aphthous ulcers and also to evaluate the recurrence rate of aphthous ulcers over a period of 1 year. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed to have recurrent minor aphthous ulcers of which, 50 patients were advised to apply 5% amlexanox oral paste directly on the ulcer 4 times a day for 6 days and the other 50 patients were given placebo paste for the same duration. The baseline parameters were recorded on the first visit which includes ulcer size, pain, erythema and exudation. Efficacy and safety evaluations were made on the 4 ^th day and 6 ^th day. In total 30 patients with increased frequency of ulcers were advised to use 5% amlexanox paste for one whole year and the number of ulcers per month was recorded to evaluate any decrease in the recurrence rate. Results: Male patients dominated the study with 73 males and 27 females. The mean age of the total sample was 26.6 years. The amlexanox group showed marked reduction in ulcer size (P < 0.001), significant reduction in the visual analog scale scores of pain (P < 0.001), significant lower scores of erythema and exudation (P < 0.001) when compared to the placebo group on the 6 ^th day of follow-up. The incidence of recurrence of ulcers was significantly reduced up to the 6 ^th month, but thereafter recurrence rate slowly increased. Conclusions: Almost 5% of Amlexanox oral paste is clinically beneficial in reducing the pain, erythema, exudation and size of the ulcer over a period of 6 days. There was no definite conclusion drawn with respect to its effect on the recurrence rate of aphthous ulcers over a period of 1 year.

Background: Histologic grading has been used as a prognostic factor and for clinical behavior evaluation of oral squamous cell carcinoma for the past several decades. At the same time, the prognostic value of different grading classifications remains controversial. A major problem for most histopathological grading systems is the intraobserver and interobserver disagreement. Aims and Objectives: To validate the prognostic efficiency of the histologic assessment of the primary tumor in predicting cervical metastasis, to identify those histologic features in the tumor most closely associated with cervical metastasis and to evaluate the reliability of the multifactorial grading (MFG) system by measuring intraobserver and interobserver agreement using kappa statistic. Materials and Methods: A set of 60 cases were chosen at random out of the 292 squamous cell carcinoma cases reported in our institution from 2007 to 2010. All cases were graded according to: Modified Broders' descriptive system and Anneroth et al., MFG system. Two Pathologists independently graded the tumor forefront blinded to the node metastasis. Results: The MFG showed a significant relation between the degree of histologic malignancy and presence of metastasis in the nodes. Among the components of grading, a significant difference was observed in the nuclear polymorphism and the pattern of invasion between the metastatic and non-metastatic patients. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was acceptable and satisfactory. Conclusions: Moderate to good agreement between observers greatly increases the validity of the MFG system. The multifactorial malignancy grading could serve as a predictor for metastasis in the cervical lymph nodes.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of accelerated artificial aging (AAA) on the color change of composite resins used in dentistry. Materials and Methods: Three composite resins were evaluated: Two microhybrids and one hybrid of higher viscosity, with different amounts and sizes of filler particles, shades C2 and B2. A total of 54 specimens were obtained (18 for each composite resin), made of a Teflon matrix (15 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height). The color measurements were obtained with a Spectrophotometer, (PCB 6807 BYK Gardner) before and after AAA. Data were submitted to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (α >0.05), ANOVA and Tukey test (α <0.05). After statistical analysis, the color difference among composite resins with the same shades was analyzed. Results: All composite resins showed unacceptable color changes after AAA (ΔE > 3). Considering the variable ∆E, it was observed that the color tone C2 was already statistically different for the microhybrid composite resin prior to AAA (P < 0.05) and in shade B2 for hybrid of higher viscosity and microhybrid with barium glass fluoride aluminum and silica dioxide (P < 0.01). After this process, a statistically significant difference was observed only for shade B2 between microhybrid composite resins (P < 0.01) and for hybrid of higher viscosity and microhybrid with barium glass fluoride aluminum and silica dioxide (P < 0.05). Regarding the color difference within a same composite resin group, before aging the composite resin hybrid of higher viscosity B2 showed the highest color variation rate and microhybrid with zirconium/silica C2 showed the lowest. Conclusions: All composite resins presented unacceptable color changes after 382 h of aging and different composite resins with same hue, presented different colors before being subjected to the aging process (B2 and C2) and after (B2). It was also observed color difference within a group of the same composite resin and same hue.

The most common clinical failure in metal ceramic restoration is at the ceramo-metal interface. For the clinical longevity, metal-ceramic prostheses must have satisfactory bond strength between metal and ceramic. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Laser etching on shear bond strength between base metal alloys and ceramic. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 specimens were made (Base 5 mm diameter and 1 mm thickness, step with 4 mm diameter and 4 mm in length). They were divided into three groups. Group A-control, Group B-sand blasting, and Group C-laser etching. The Surface morphology, surface roughness, and wettability of the specimens were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) Ceramic application was carried out layer by layer for an optimal height of 4 mm. The shear bond strength test was performed using a universal testing machine and the nature of the fracture was examined under SEM. Results: The mean shear bond strength values for laser etched (Group C) Nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy bonded with ceramic was (49.12 ± 7.12 MPa) and ceramic bonded with Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) was (50.04 ± 4.27 MPa), sand blasted (Group B) Ni-Cr alloy bonded with ceramic was (26.00 ± 5.22 MPa), and ceramic bonded with Co-Cr was 24.54 ± 4.78 MPa. The SEM image after debonding showed 10% of adhesive failure and 70% cohesive failure and 20% of both adhesive and cohesive failure for Laser etching. However, there was no significant difference in the values of shear bond strength between the two base metal alloys in Group C. Conclusion: The s hear bond strength between ceramic bonded with Ni-Cr alloys using the Laser etching as surface treatment was 49.12 ± 7.12 MPa and for Co-Cr alloys 50.04 ± 4.27 MPa. Laser surface treatment produces an excellent surface roughness and achieved good shear bond strength values and aid in achieving a better bond strength between metals and ceramic.

Context: Alcohol is known to degrade and dissolve the bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate present in the composite resin. The effect of alcohol containing mouthrinses on the shear bond strength of orthodontic metal brackets bonded with composite resin has not been verified until date and is the purpose of this study. Aims: The aims and objectives of the present study were to evaluate (1) Whether there is a significant difference in the shear bond strength of metal orthodontic brackets after the 1 year (12 h) and 2 years simulation (24 h) of mouth rinsing with 4 different commercially available mouthrinses (2 alcoholic and 2 alcohol-free mouthrinses) when compared to the control. (2) Whether alcohol containing mouthrinses have more adverse effect on the shear bond strength when compared with alcohol-free mouthrinses. (3) To assess the site of bond failure using adhesive remnant index. Setting and Design: Experimental - laboratory based. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 upper premolars extracted for orthodontic purpose were collected immediately after extraction, cleared soft-tissue debris and blood and immediately stored in distilled water with 0.1% thymol crystals added to inhibit bacterial growth. Two alcohol containing mouthrinses and two alcohol-free mouthrinses were used and the bonded teeth were placed in the mouthrinses for a stipulated period of time (1 year simulation and 2 years simulation) and shear bond strength were tested using Lloyd Universal Testing Machine. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and paired samples t-test. Results: After the 1 year and 2 years simulation time, samples stored in alcohol containing mouthrinses showed lower bond strength (P < 0.05) when compared to samples stored in alcohol free mouthrinses and distilled water (control). Conclusion: Alcohol containing mouthrinses affect the shear bond strength of the metal orthodontic brackets bonded with composite resin (Transbond XT in the present study), more when compared with alcohol-free mouthrinses. It is, therefore, highly advisable to avoid alcohol containing mouthrinses in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and use alcohol-free mouthrinses as adjuncts to regular oral hygiene procedures for maintaining good enamel integrity and periodontal health, without compromising the shear bond strength of the bonded metal brackets.

Context: Overdentures are the choice of treatment for most of them, but the only snag is its cost. In India, the rural areas are still deprived of quality treatment. This manuscript is showcasing a study, which is a cheaper, but effective way to provide the best to the patient. Aims: The aim of this study was to develop a custom made system, which can be used as an alternative treatment for the management of patients who need overdentures. The primary objective of this study was to provide a cost-effective attachment with the best functional efficacy. Materials and Methods: The semi-precision attachments were made by using the conventional technique of preparation of post space. The patterns were prepared by using the pattern resin material and the rest of the male and female attachments were fabricated by using innovative methods fulfilling the criteria. Results: The attachments were successfully used in patients with remarkably good function and comfort. Conclusion: It was a successful attempt to provide the specialized treatment in affordable cost. There is a need of innovative work to make the sophisticated systems more economical and readily available.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) in periodontal regeneration in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients. Two patients diagnosed with GAgP were selected for this study. Baseline clinical and radiographic examination was performed and patients were treated by surgical periodontal therapy along with PRF. Post-surgical re-evaluation was carried out at regular intervals to evaluate clinical and radiographic changes. Surgical periodontal therapy accompanying the placement of PRF in angular defects of GAgP patients showed decreased probing pocket depth, increased attachment level and radiographic bone fill when baseline and 9 month follow-up data was compared. Surgical reconstructive therapy with placement of PRF in angular defects of GAgP patients can be an effective approach to enhance the periodontal regeneration.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare tumor arising from immature bone forming cells or through neoplastic differentiation of other immature mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts. Chondroblastoma-like OS is one of the rare forms of OS to be seen in jaw bones. Aggressive clinical behavior, osteolytic areas in the radiograph and histological presentation of chondroblastoma such as cells with grooved nuclei, typical chicken-wire calcification along with areas of tumor osteoid, implied the diagnosis as chondroblastoma-like OS. Use of reticulin stain further confirmed the diagnosis. A case of chondroblastoma-like OS is reported, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis of aggressive jaw lesions with the help of routine radiography, histopathology, and special stains.

Benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) is a benign fibrohistiocytic neoplasm. It is documented to occur in all anatomic sites with a strong predilection for sun exposed skin surfaces. Intra oral occurrence of BFH comprises a lesser percentage of cases with tongue being the least reported site. We report a case of BFH of the tongue with an emphasis on its histogenesis and a review of the literature.

Alternaria alternata is one of the rarest fungi associated with paranasal sinusitis. Alternaria species are pigmented (also known as dematiaceous or phaeoid) filamentous fungi, which are well-known soil saprophytes and plant pathogens that infrequently cause infection in humans mainly, cutaneous lesions. We present a case of osteomyelitis of maxilla caused by a rare fungus- A. alternata in a diabetic patient with poor glycemic control who was successfully treated with antifungal and surgical debridement over the period of 6 months.

Oral lesions indicative of biopsy represent unique presentation either in the form of proliferations/ulcerations of the squamous lining epithelium. These lesions have similar appearance clinically and histopathologically hence are excised for microscopic evaluation to rule out early or hidden malignancy. Verrucous mucosal lesions clinically present a diagnostic dilemma, which makes histopathological examination a significant one in the differentiation of the lesion to ascertain the nature. This short communication aims to discuss the different histological characterization of oral verrucous mucosal lesions.

Background: Aggressive periodontitis (AP) is a complex disease whose phenotype is determined by genetic and environmental influences on the affected individuals. About 45% of the adult population in India has periodontitis. In Tumkur district of Karnataka, India, consanguineous first cousin and uncle-niece marriages are common, with a high incidence of AP. These discrepancies in the expression of periodontal disease directed us to find genetic etiology with respect to the Tumkur population. The clinical and genetic aspects of AP from this area have been presented in this paper. Materials and Methods: A total of nine families were ascertained at the Department of Periodontics, Sri Siddhartha Dental College and Hospital (Sri Siddhartha University), Tumkur. The clinical and radiographic data were gathered according to 1999 Consensus Classification of Periodontal Diseases. Peripheral blood samples were collected for total genomic DNA isolation using a Wizard ^TM Genomic Purification Kit (Promega, USA). The homozygosity mapping was carried out in a large consanguineous family to map a novel locus using autosomal markers from the CHLC/Weber Human Screening Set 10 (Research Genetics Inc., USA) at Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore. Results: The pedigree analysis suggested that the disorder is segregating as an autosomal trait. The homozygosity mapping failed to identify a locus for generalized AP in the family. Conclusion: The disorder may not be segregating as an autosomal recessive trait and we could have been misled by consanguinity in the family. It could be a multifactorial trait, or it could be still segregating as an autosomal recessive trait, but the region of homozygosity could be small and we failed to detect it using microsatellite markers. Therefore, SNP-marker-based analysis is warranted in future.

Background: Denture-related stomatitis is probably the most common form of oral candidiasis and its reported prevalence varies widely ranging up to 65%. In this thorough study, we evaluate the effect of Delmopinol application on Candida albicans adherence on heat cured denture base acrylic resin. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 specimens of heat-cured acrylic resin were made, 20 specimens were contaminated before Delmopinol treatment and 20 specimens were contaminated after Delmopinol treatment. The each specimen in each tube was individually transferred to a spectrophotometer at 530 nm wavelength in order to measure the turbidity degree, through the transmittance. Aliquots of 10 μL of each tube was then collected and inoculated into agar sabouraud plates containing 500 mMol/L of sucrose, which was incubated for 24 hours at 37°C, in order to check microbial growth. Results: Mean of the turbidity Degree of contamination after Delmopinol application (1440.80, colony-forming unit [CFU] [×10 ⁶ /ml]) was significantly higher than the mean of the turbidity degree of contamination before Delmopinol application (550.85 CFU [×10 ⁶ /ml]). Conclusion: Heat-cured acrylic resin shows greater reduction in adherence of Candida albicans by contamination after Delmopinol application as compared with contamination before Delmopinol application.

Background: Patent policies have proved to be extremely important for several countries to develop. India has achieved its global status since 2005; a critical analysis of the patents at IPO will help us to identify the potential, available for patents with Indian Dental Fraternity. Aim: The aim of this study is to critically analyze and review Indian Patents in the field of Dentistry from 2005-2009 for evaluation of status of Indian Patents in Dentistry. Materials and Methods: A total of 110 patents were scrutinized from 2005-2009 available by IPO on www.patentoffice.nic.in. Following which a preliminary data were collected from individual patents and recorded in a record sheet. Statistical Analysis: The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software and were subjected to ANOVA test. Results: All patents scrutinized were applied for dental materials (100%). Company applicants (70%) were the maximum followed by the individual applicants (27.2%). A total of 87.3% of patents had enrolled for International Application. Priority country had maximum favor with USA (39.2%) followed by Europe (36.1%). Single inventors (44.5%) were the maximum followed by two inventors (22.7%). Europe (37.3%) had the maximum first inventor, followed by United States of America (30%) and India (10.9%). Individual inventors were maximum in Europe (38.8%) followed by USA (20.4%) and India (16.3%). Conclusion: Contribution from Indian Nationals as inventors for patents in the field of Dentistry is limited, thus reducing the pace of progress and development. Indian inventors in the field of Dentistry have to go a long way to compete with the fellow mates of developed countries like USA and Europe. Continuing Dental Education programs on Intellectual property rights should be conducted on regular basis especially for Dentist's involved in research.