Discovering Dentistry

Latest About Herpese labialis, Blood Glucose And Magnifying Loupes

2011-05-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

What Is The Role Of Gingival Blood Glucose In Prediction Of Diabetes ?

Gingival blood glucose was tested for its glucose content in patients reporting to an OPD. It was found that 40% of the patients who tested positive for the preliminary glucose test were actually having diabetes, when confirmed by other confirmatory lab diagnostic procedures.

What Gives Better Results - Microscope Or Magnifying Loupes ?

A 4 year retrospective study undertaken by Massimo revealed that the final outcomes of surgeries done under the magnification of a microscope or a magnifying loupe is same. The final result of both the type of magnification yields similar post operative results.

New Effective Treatment For Herpes Labialis

In vivo studies have confirmed the effectiveness of a new drug combination for the treatment of herpes labialis. Combining monocaprin with low doses of doxycycline has been proven to treat the herpes labialis infection, with much shorter recovery time. It is noteworthy that both the prodromal and active cases respond well to this new combination

How To Remove "Red Complex" After SRP ?

2011-04-29T00:32:00.000-07:00

Patients who report with the chief complaint of bleeding gums are usually treated easily. A few cases may just don't respond. So What could be the best measure to stop the gingival bleeding?
Use Chlorhexidine (CHX) chips immediately after SRP. A recent study suggests that placing CHX chips is very effective in reducing the "red complex". Red Complex is the group of oral microorganisms chiefly responsible for bleeding. Clinical Attachment Levels also improve twice as much as those in controls.
Ref: http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2011.100287

Antifungal Denture Base Resin

2011-03-09T18:55:00.000-08:00

The denture base resin is prone to candidal infection and leads to denture stomatitis. Recently it was found that phosphated methyl methacrylate dramatically reduces the colonization of candida on the denture. This will prove to be a great relief for denture wearers.

Ref: Raj PA, Dentino A. New phosphated poly(methyl methacrylate) polymers for the prevention of denture induced microbial infection: an in vitro study [Internet]. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry. 2011 Mar ;25.[cited 2011 Mar 10]

Which endodontic sealer shows highest bacterial leakage ?

2011-03-06T02:32:00.000-08:00

A study tested six different endodontic sealers. AH Plus, Sealer 26, Epiphany SE, Sealapex, Active GP, Endofill, and two MTA-based sealers - Endo CPM Sealer and MTA Sealer.
Among all of them, MTA based sealers show the highest bacterial leakage as compared to other non MTA based sealers.
Ref. Oliveira ACM, International Endontic Journal DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2011.01852.x

Which is the best instrument for removal of guttapercha from root canal ?

2011-02-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

Protaper Universal Files are the best when it comes to removal of gutta percha from the root canal during re-treatment cases. In fact it is much more efficient than the Protaper Retreatment Files. Both these files extrude equal amount of Gutta percha into the periapex during the standardized procedure.
Ref: J Appl Oral Sci. 2010;18(6):542-5

How To Make A Dedicated Page For Reading Latest Journal Articles

2010-12-21T22:26:00.000-08:00

Latest and current knowledge of research is of utmost importance to keep pace with the ever growing field of dentistry. One of the best methods to peacefully read journal articles without being disturbed by the distraction on the web is to make a dedicated page for the very same purpose.
It is a fairly simple process and one can make it with existing or new Gmail / Google id.
Steps:
1. Log in to iGoogle at www.igoogle.com with your existing gmail id.
Click on the page tab labeled "HOME" and you will see a dropdown list. At the bottom of this list see "add a tab" and click it. See Fig 1. below.

Fig 1: Adding a new tab in igoogle home.

When you click this tab a box pops up. Fill the "tab name" to any sensible name you like, shorter the better. I have used OMR Journals. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Adding the name of the journal page tab

When you are done you will get a Message sating "Sorry............" But don't panic. Say thank you ! and click on the blue button labeled "Look for new stuff to add". See Fig 3.

Fig 3: The blue button to click despite the error message.

This will take you to a next page. Scroll a bit and see "Add a feed or gadget" and click. A new box pops up. Enter the RSS or Atom feed address of the journals you want to add.

Fig 4: Add a feed or gadget link when pressed give up a pop box.

An violoa ! you have a tab with the latest headlines from the journal you wish. Clicking these headlines will take you to the actual journal article. If the journal give full length articles you can read the entire article at its earliest.

Fig 5: A new tab added from the journal Journal Of Rehabilitation. Similar more tabs can be added.

The gadget is customizable, and you can choose how many head lines to display ranging from 1 to 9. The number of columns can also be customized in the settings tab. Keep adding more journal and stay ahead of the crowd - in fact ahead of even the intelligent crowd.

How To Read Dental Journals For Free And Download As Well

2010-09-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Here is list of free and open access dental journals. No hacking, cracking or fake passwords. Genuine content free of charge.

Acta Stomatologica Croatica

The Acta Stomatologica Croatica is a leading scientific non-profit journal in the field of dental, oral and craniofacial sciences during past more than 40 years in Croatia. It appears in 1966. in one volume with four issues annualy. Acta Stomatologica Croatica publishes original scientific papers, preliminary communications, case reports, book reviews and news. All manuscripts are subjected to peer review by two editors from the profession.

Angle Orthodontist

The Angle Orthodontist is the official publication of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists and is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November by The EH Angle Education and Research Foundation Inc.

Annals And Essences Of Dentistry
Annals And Essences Of Dentistry is a dental journal which takes into account, almost all the subjects and publishes in combined form.

Archives Of Orofacial Sciences
he Archives of Orofacial Sciences (AOS) is published by the School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The main aim of the AOS is to be a premiere journal of all aspects of orofacial science in Malaysia and internationally. The focus of AOS will be original articles and case reports comprising interesting and original findings pertaining to the orofacial complex, topics in relation to general dentistry, medical and dental education as well as state of the art dental technology.

BMC Oral Health
BMC Oral Health is an open access journal publishing original peer-reviewed research articles in all aspects of the prevention, diagnosis and management of disorders of the mouth, teeth and gums, as well as related molecular genetics, pathophysiology, and epidemiology. BMC Oral Health (ISSN 1472-6831) is indexed/tracked/covered by PubMed, MEDLINE, CAS, EMBASE, Scopus, Cinahl, CABI and Google Scholar.

Brazilian Journal Of Oral Science
The Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences is an international non-profit journal, which publishes Original Research Articles, Short Communications, Literature Reviews, Case Reports, and Letters to the Editor, dealing with Dentistry or related disciplines.

Brazilian Oral Research
Brazilian Oral Research is a new quarterly published journal (January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December), with an annual supplement (Anais da Reunião de Pesquisa Odontológica da SBPqO), by the Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica [Brazilian Society of Odontological Research]. It replaces Pesquisa Odontológica Brasileira (ISSN 1517-7491).

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry
An international, peer-reviewed, open access journal focusing on the latest clinical and experimental research in dentistry with specific emphasis on cosmetic interventions. Innovative developments in dental materials, techniques and devices that improve outcomes and patient satisfaction and preference will be highlighted.

Dental Research Journal
The aim of Dental Research Journal (DRJ) is to keep its readers informed of research, clinical developments, clinical opinions and treatments as well as other key issues of relevance to dentistry

Hellenic Orthodontic Review
The Hellenic Orthodontic Review is published biannually in the Greek and English language and includes original articles on matters related to Orthodontics (reviews, research papers, case presentations), interviews of leading researchers and clinicians, book reviews, abstracts, news on products and recent advances in Orthodontics, and letters to the Editor.
The Hellenic Orthodontic Review is published biannually (2 issues per volume).

Indian Journal Of Dental Research
Indian Journal of Dental Research (IJDR) is the official publication of the Indian Society for Dental Research (ISDR), India section of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), published quarterly. IJDR publishes scientific papers on well designed and controlled original research involving orodental sciences. Papers may also include reports on unusual and interesting case presentations and invited review papers on significant topics.

Indian Journal Of Dental Sciences
Dental science has been witnessing countless change in the last decade and a half bringing in its wake a dental revolution. Consistent with these changes in dental science and modalities of treatment options available, there has also been an increase in spectrum of diseases that manifest in the oath. Oral disease which influences care has continued to grow following life style changes and fast paced life. These developments have also been posing challenges to dental practice.

Indian Journal Of Stomatology
Indian Journal of Stomatology is an international, peer reviewed, open-access journal which publishes original research articles, literature reviews, case reports, and letters to the editor. The scope of the journal covers all fields related to the present-day practice of dentistry. The Journal encourages submissions from all authors throughout the globe. Manuscripts will be peer-reviewed by two anonymous individuals from the review board, who are highly qualified and experience in the related subject.

International Journal of Dentistry
International Journal of Dentistry is a peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes original research articles, review articles, case reports, and clinical studies in all areas of dentistry, including periodontal diseases, dental implants, oral pathology, as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Internet Journal Of Dental Science

This is a peer reviewed journal. Every published article has been reviewed by members of the editorial board and the editor-in-chief. All articles are archived by Internet Scientific Publications LLC and recognized by The Library of Congress Catalog of Publications.Indexed with Directory of Open Access Journals DOAJ, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, Cinahl, Ebsco, and Gale.

Journal Of Applied Oral Sciences
The Journal of Applied Oral Science is a continuation of the Revista da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru. The Journal is published every 2 months in February, April, June, August, October and December by the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo.

Journal Of Conservative Dentistry
The journal is indexed with Caspur, DOAJ, EBSCO Publishing’s Electronic Databases, EMCARE, Expanded Academic ASAP, Genamics JournalSeek, Google Scholar, Health & Wellness Research Center, Health Reference Center Academic, Hinari, Index Copernicus, OpenJGate, PrimoCentral, ProQuest, PubMed, Pubmed Central, SCOLOAR, SIIC databases, Summon by Serial Solutions, Ulrich’s International Periodical Directory

JODDD
Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects is an open-access peer-reviewed journal devoted to dental sciences and related disciplines, published by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Dentistry. Please see Information For Authors on how to contribute and publish with this Journal.

Journal Of Forensic Dental Sciences
Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences (JFDS) is the official publication of the Indian Association of Forensic Odontology that is published Semiannually. JFDS publishes scientific papers on well designed and controlled original research involving forensic science. Papers may also include reports on unusual and interesting case presentations.

JOMFP
Journal of Oral and Maxillo Facial Pathology, the official publication of Indian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists is published half yearly.

JOPID
Journal of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry is the official publication of Iranian Association of Periodontology published by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

JCDA
Journal Of The California Dental Association. This award-winning monthly peer-reviewed scientific publication keeps dentists up-to-date about scientific advances, business management strategies and new products. It also features thought-provoking editorials, comprehensive statewide continuing education listings, California practices for sale, and dentistry's favorite humor columnist - Dr. Bob, Robert E. Horseman, DDS.

Journal Of Canadian Dental Association
JCDA (Journal of the Canadian Dental Association) is the flagship peer-reviewed publication of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). CDA has focused its efforts on knowledge and advocacy initiatives and the new JCDA.ca is an essential part of CDA’s knowledge strategy.

JISPPD
Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry (ISSN - 0970-4388) is the official organ of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. The journal publishes original articles and case reports pertaining to pediatric and preventive dentistry.

Journal Of Indian Society Of Periodontology

The Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology publishes original scientific articles to support practice , education and research in the dental specialty of periodontology and oral implantology.The JISP, Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology, is the official publication of the Society and is managed and brought out by the Editor of the society. The journal is published once every quarter with special issues being brought out for specific occasions. The ISP had a bulletin as its publication for a large number of years and was enhanced as a Journal a few years ago.

The New York State Dental Journal

The New York State Dental Journal is the official publication of NYSDA. It is peer reviewed and devoted to publishing significant and original scientific articles, news of the Association and events of interest to the dental community. The Journal is published in Jan., March, April, June/July, Aug./Sept., and November. During the months of Feb., May, October and December, the new and improved NYSDA News is published in place of the Journal. The NYSDA News focuses on news from the New York State Dental Association and about NYSDA members, to keep our readers informed about what is happening outside of their offices.

The Open Dentistry Journal

The Open Dentistry Journal is an Open Access online journal, which publishes research articles, reviews and letters in all areas of dentistry and the oral cavity.
The Open Dentistry Journal, a peer-reviewed journal, aims to provide the most complete and reliable source of information on current developments in dentistry. The emphasis will be on publishing quality papers rapidly and freely available to researchers worldwide.

Perspectives In Oral Sciences

Perspectives in Oral Sciences, the new journal of the Masters Program in Clinical Dentistry of Positivo University, was created with the purpose to increase scientific knowledge of researchers, graduate students and clinicians in dentistry and other related areas.

Perspectives in Oral Sciences is based on the four values that govern Positivo University: Knowledge, Ethics, Work and Progress. Therefore, we are certain that this journal will become a vehicle for updating, qualification and democratization of access to dental research.

What Is The Best Line Of Treatment For This Sinus Perforation

2010-09-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

A 22 year old patient was undergoing root canal. The file perforated in the maxillary sinus. The irrigating solution did not return back. A few seconds later it came out through the patients nose. What is the best line of treatment from this stage.

Latest Dental Journal Points For PG Entrance August 2010

2010-08-31T02:18:00.000-07:00

All India AIIMS and other PG Entrance Exams are framing some "out of the box " questions. They usually come from recent journals. Students preparing for entrance hardly have time to go through these. So it was found that if a summarizing information is made available on relevant topics it would be of immense help to these students.
I have compiled the following from the recent journal. I hope it helps all the students. Keep a vigil on this blog for similar compilations next week.
1. Capsaicin and Alpha Lipoic Acid are the latest drugs which have shown effectiveness in controlling the symptoms of burning mouth.
Ref: Different therapeutic strategies for burning mouth syndrome: preliminary data by Roberto Marino, Sara Torretta, Pasquale Capaccio, Lorenzo Pignataro, Francesco Spadari J Oral Pathol Med (2010)

2. Crestal Core Elevation Technique is the technique for Sinus lift procedures before implants.
Ref: JOP Online, Effect of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics on Pain Perception during Scaling by Ultrasonic or Hand Instruments : A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial (doi:10.1902/jop.2010.090748)

3. The latest cement having high compressive strength and permanent antibacterial action is the PQSA- Cement or the Poly Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cement.
Ref: European Journal Of Oral Sciences, Short communication: A novel antibacterial dental glass-ionomer cement DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0722.2010.00770.

7 Reasons Why The Future Of Dentistry Lies In Online Learning

2010-08-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

It is now an established fact that the future of Dentistry is in online learning. No doubt, some practical sessions are required. I wrote this article after readin te latest issue of the Journal Of Oral Rehabilitation where J. SCHÖNWETTER, P. A. REYNOLDS, K. A. EATON, J. De VRIES⁴have written about the future of dental education going online. The greatest reasons that I feel this is true is because :

Freedom to choose the area of interest rather than attend all boring lectures
Easy access of information
No need to skip clinical schedules
Time management by dividing the course into small segments
Flexible and customized study schedules
Comprehensive immediate assessment
Higher involvement

We are definitely feeling a sense of satisfaction because your very own Discovering Dentistry has always made sincere attempts to make online dental education available at you fingertips.

Earn Free DCI Approved CDE Points Without Moving From Your Chair

2010-08-24T03:24:00.000-07:00

CDE points are the most sought after reason for conferences now. Since it is mandatory to earn certain CDE points, we have to gain it from all possibe resources.
Sometimes time does not permit to leave a full fledged dental clinic and sometimes employed staff do not get permission and leave from the collges and hospital and thus loose CDE points.
To receive the method in detail join this site and subscribe to our news letter.
If you have not joined then join this site by clicking on the button [I want to join this site] as shown below.

Click this button to join as a member.

You can join with a number of id like Gmail, Google, Twittter, Yahoo, Aim Netlog and any of the open id.

Choose to receive the newsletter by checking the square box.

After joining a pop up window appears as shown above. Tick in the checkbox besides "Receive newsletter from this site".
Within a week the next newsletter will be posted and you have the method of DCI approved CDE points right from your desk.
Thanking You All.

Fatal Error 001 In PGDEE

2010-08-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

If you are preparing for PG Entrance and you have gone through PGDEE from Elsevier publications, this error can cost you your PG seat.
Page No. 12 Q No. 46: In taurodontism the affected teeth ehibit.. The Answer given is c) Elongated large pulp chambers and large roots.
Page No. 24 Q No. 86: InTaurodontism the teeth exhibit .. The Answer given is a) Elongated large pulp chambers and short roots.

Is Dental Caries A Disease / Diagnosis, Or Only A Finding / Sign ?

2010-08-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

Is dental caries a disease or only a finding / sign ? Can caries be written in final diagnosis eg Final Diagnosis : Carious 36, 37 etc ?
This topic is probably the most discussed in the dental fraternity. I would like to know what do you think and why ?

Worlds Largest Dental Calculus Weighing 2850 mg And 31mm X 32 mm

2010-08-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

The patient, 34 years old female, reported with the chief complaint of mobile teeth and bad breath. On examination it was found that she is having chronic generalize periodontitis. The most amazing finding however was a large calculus that lied in relation to the lower anterior teeth. One of tooth was completely embedded in the huge mass of calculus.
I removed the labial aspect of calculus to find out that the tooth is really completely embedded in the calculus from occlusal to the apical area. The entire apex was inside the calculus. The root was not even attached to the gingiva and the alveolar bone was far below the calculus.
After careful removal of the remaining part I weighed it in Pharmacology lab. It weighed a whopping 2850 mg. To measure the exact dimension I used Vernier calipers. The dimensions were 31 mm by 32 mm.

Intraoral view of the patients, where this giant calculus was found.

Tissue side of the calculus, mark the embedded apex in the calculus mass

A huge mass of dental calculus removed from the lower lingual area.

Measuring the same with Vernier Calipers

Weighing the calculus in pharmacology lab.

What are your comments for this. Please write it down here.

What is the cause of this central incisor notching?

2010-08-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

What is the cause of this central incisor notching?
The patient is 32 years old male, presented with the chief complaint of sensitivity in anterior teeth.

Bilateral Central Incisor Notching

The story of this and similar cases is based on a very old tradition of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh And Some Areas of Bihar. Some people in these areas get their teeth tattooed with gold in various forms. Most common pattern is a triangle with three dots at each corner and apex at the superior end. Small round holes are drilled in the teeth with the help hand driven drills. The holes are placed at about 2 to 3 mm superior to the incisal edges. Gold is then filled in the prepared cavities.
In this patient, the teeth underwent severe attrition which lead to the expulsion of the tattoos and conversion of round holes into semicircles which appear as notches.
Finally the complete correct answer was given by Dr. Zulfiqar Hafeez (AMU) and a closest best was given by Dr. Anshul Gupta (JDC) and Dr. Kritika Roy (JDC).

Dramatic Appearance Of An Innocuous Gingival Lesion

2010-07-21T03:45:00.000-07:00

The patient age 27 years male reported with the chief complaint of swelling and spontaneous bleeding from the lesion. Swelling started about 7 months back. Since then it is growing in size and shown increased tendency to bleed. No tenderness on palpation. Very soft in consistency. Profuse bleeding on palpation. Both the Maxillary Central Incisors have been RC treated about 3 years back.

The final diagnosis was Localized Inflammatory Gingival Hyperplasia

Post operative result at 14 days recall.

Treatment

The treatment instituted was oral prophylaxis with manual scaling instruments. The patient was advised to swish and gargle with warm saline water 3 times a day. Second prophylaxis was performed after 7 days. The results can be seen in the above picture.

Winner Of Discovering Dentistry Quiz No. 10001 Announced

2010-03-01T04:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
I thank you all for the tremendous response to Discovering Dentistry Quiz No. 10001. Since multiple correct enteries were recieved, the prize was selected on the basis of a lucky draw as mentioned in the terms.

Dr. Sayeeda (with yahoo profile id) is the Winner of Discovering Dentistry Quiz No. 10001. We congratulate her for winning - A Pocket Atlas Of Oral Diseases, Thieme Publications.

The winner is requested to send the postal address for the shipment of the prize. The address should be written in the same comment section, through the same profile id that was used to write the answer, for the quiz.

Indian Dental Association Launches "Child Task Force" Project Report By Pranav Damle

2010-02-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

The Indian Dental Association launched its prestigious project “Child Task Force” on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at a glittering function organized at the Taj Lands End, Bandra. Under its banner, Child Dental Centre, IDA has plans to initiate a preventive programme to intercept dental caries with the aim of significantly improving child dental health in the country and eradicating dental caries, one of the commonest dental problems affecting almost 80 per cent of the child population in the country.

Consistent with its long-standing commitment to improving oral health among school children, IDA announced today at the launch of the Child Task Force the establishment of a Child Dental Center for prevention of dental caries among children. This Center will undertake, besides oral check up programmes of school children, the correct method of brushing, teacher and parent education programmes to create dental awareness, provision of critically needed preventive dental services through promotion of sealants and fluoride gells for prevention of dental caries through school based oral health programmes.

The Child Dental Centre, to begin with, plans to undertake a dental check up of school children in 86000 primary schools in Maharashtra State and will help the school maintain oral health records of primary school children.

Oral health is passing through a rapid transition consistent with the changing scenario of medical and scientific knowledge. In order to effectively meet the challenges posed by these changes, policy makers need the information, capacity and tools to assess and monitor health needs, choose intervention strategies and design policy options appropriate to the given situations. The findings of the school dental check ups under the IDA Child Dental Center, it is felt, would go a long way in improving the oral health scenario of school children in the country.

Answer And Win A Pocket Atlas Of Oral Diseases, Softbound Quiz No. 10001

2010-02-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

Pocket Atlas Of Oral Diseases by G. Laskaris, Thieme Publications, Pages 370

Table of Contents For The Book.

Quiz Questions
Q1. Can Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Affect Patients With Bone Grafts Of Bovine Origin ?
1. Yes
2. No

Q2. Which Antibiotic Removes Smear Layer From Root Canals ?
1. Doxycycline
2. Penicillin

Q3. Can Bone Regeneration Occur In Uncontrolled Diabetic Patients ?
1. Yes
2. No

Terms And Conditions

The quiz is open only For Indian Dental Association Members
Last date of receipt of answers is 28 February 2010.
Shipping address for the book (prize) only in India.
All answers should be written below in the comment box. E-mails not entertained.
In case of more than one candidate with maximum number of correct answers, a draw will be taken out.
The announced prize cannot be exchanged with any other form of cash or object.
Please choose a working email because all the further correspondence will be done through emails.
Do not write your address in the comment section, you will be contacted through your email, for address if your entry wins.
Prizes will be announced on 4th of March 2010.
Please check the site for the announcement of results.

Which Antibiotic Removes Smear Layer From Root Canals ?

2010-01-12T04:26:00.000-08:00

Recent study shows that doxycycline is effective in removing the smear layer from the cervical and middle third of the root canal. The study was conducted in four groups comprising of G1- Doxycycline, G2- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid + Sodium hypochlorite, G3- Doxycycline + Sodium hypochlorite, G4- Water.
Ref: Australian Endodontic Journal
DOI 10.1111/j.1747-4477.2009.00191.x

Stem Cell Dentistry: Charismatic Regeneration

2010-01-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

Stem cells are unspecialized cells which can renew themselves and give birth to various specialized cells (totipotent cells, pleuripotent cells, multipotent cells and progenitor cells) that constitute an embryo. They act as basic building blocks and have a potential to repair the damaged and regenerate new organs and tissues.

Stem cells of dental origin:
* Bone marrow stem cells
* Dentin pulp stem cells
* Periodontal ligament stem cells
* Cemetoblast like cells
* SHED(Stem cells of human exfoliated and deciduous teeth)
* Wisdom teeth

Major prospective uses of stem cells in dentistry:

Development of a new tooth
Primary teeth, wisdom tooth, jaw bones, periodontal ligament and pulp are used to regenerate an entire tooth, restore nerve cells damaged in Parkinson’s disease , correction of cleft palate and treatment of missing teeth replacing the removable dentures and implants. Eg -If a tooth is injured during an accident usually root canals are needed and the tooth dies, instead stem cell aided new pulp can be generated in a tooth.

Regenerative techniques for periodontal diseases
In the coming future, periodontium injectible gel will prove to be useful in the development of new periodontal tissues through guided tissue and bone regeneration techniques.
[Injectible gel is a mixture of ex-vivo cultured mesenchymal stem cells, ex-vivo cultured osteoblast like cells differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells and scaffold {human thrombin, platelet rich plasma and calcium chloride}]

Dentofacial orthopaedics
Mesenchymal stem cells provide a continuous supply of osteogenic cells (osteoblasts and chondroblasts) required for bone remodelling and fracture repair throughout adulthood. Therefore these cells play a significant role in the field of growth modification in orthodontics.

Fractures:
Especially delayed non union fractures.

Geno-dental interrelations:
Stem cells in the cervical loop of continuously growing mouse incisors shows that their maintenance and differentiation depends on genetic signal pathways (FGF –Fibroblast Growth Factor and Ectodysplastin)
They are used to correct defects caused by ectodermal dysplasia and cleidocranial dysplasia.

About The Author:

Dr. Dipika Bumb; www.omrcafe.blogspot.com;
Contact email: drdipikabumb@gmail.com

Can Dental Implant Develop A Tactile Sensibility Of Its Own?

2010-01-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

By evaluating patients to bite on copper foils it is concluded that dental implants develop ability to detect tactile sensations. This is known as osseoperception. Though much of this tactile sensing ability is attributed to the opposing natural tooth in early stages.
Ref: Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research,
DOI 10.1111/j.1708-8208.2009.00252.x

Oral Submucous Fibrosis Recent Advances 2009

2009-12-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

In Vivo OSF Treatment Effectiveness Detection by Autofluorescence

Autofluorescence is the latest technique to assess the effectiveness of treatment in Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF). When tissues interact with light they emit back a light in minute quantities, known as autofluorescence. It can be detected with highly sensitive spectrophotometres. Normal mucosa shows emissions in different spectral range than the fibrosed mucosa. In cases that responded to the treatment showed emission spectrum similar to that of normal mucosa. The greatest advantage of this test is that it can be performed invivo , it is non invasive and does not show any related adverse effects.
Ref: Vedeswari CP, Jayachandran S, Ganesan S. In vivo autofluorescence characteristics of pre- and post-treated oral submucous fibrosis: A pilot study. Indian J Dent Res [serial online] 2009 [cited 2009 Dec 16];20:261-7. Available from: http://www.ijdr.in/text.asp?2009/20/3/261/57354

This Red Dye Writes About Oral Submucous Fibrosis In Greater Detail

Various dyes are used for staining sections of Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF). Picrosirius red stain under polarizing microscopy shows staining the finer fibres and correlation with clinicofunctional staging.
Ref: Ceena DE, Bastian TS, Ashok L, Annigeri RG. Comparative study of clinicofunctional staging of oral submucous fibrosis with qualitative analysis of collagen fibers under polarizing microscopy. Indian J Dent Res [serial online] 2009 [cited 2009 Dec 16];20:271-6. Available from: http://www.ijdr.in/text.asp?2009/20/3/271/57356

Efficacy Of Licopene In Management Of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

2009-12-26T06:10:00.000-08:00

Background And Objective: OSMF is an avancing premalignant condition for which a reliable treatment modality has not yet evolved. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of newer anti-oxidant - Lycopene in the treatment of OSMF.

Material And Methods: The study group included 50 patients with OSMF. The diagnosis of OSMF was established thrugh a composite of clinical and histopathologic characteristics. Out of 50 patients, 25 were given licopene (8 mg Lycored/ day in divided doses of 4 mg each for a period of 3 months. Remaining patients recieved placeo tablets twice a day. Patients were examined for changes in mouth opening and oter symptoms of OSMF during 3 months and were followed for the next 2 months.

Results: Lycopene was found to be significantly effeficaious in the amelioration of signs and symptoms of OSMF. It was also effective in reducing the objective signs of OSMF as demonstrated by the improved maximal mouth opening, ercentage of which was 69.56 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Reactive oxygen compounds or free radicals have been implicated as one of the major harmful sector for premalignant and malignant conditions. Our study concludes that lycopene appears to be very promising drug in the management of OSMF.

Author Dr. Rajeev Sharma (standing left)

Co-Author Dr. Durgesh Bailoor (standing left)

The Effect Of Anti-Retroviral Therapy On The Prevalence Of Oral Manifestation In HIV Sero Positive Patients

2009-12-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

Background & Objectives: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a highly lethal, progressively epidemic viral infection characterized by profound impairment of the immune system. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new classification system, clinical AIDS is defined by a CD4 count of less than 200 (<200) and / or a CD4 percentage of less than 14. The main objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence of oral manifestation of HIV patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and to compare these with the prevalence of those who were not on (HAART) therapy.
Methods: Patients were selected from the out patient department of P.M.N.M dental college and hospital Bagalkot and patients from NGOs centers working for HIV/AIDS, Karnataka. A cross sectional was conducted amongst 100 patients diagnosed as HIV sero positive. Information regarding, date of birth, CD4 cell count were obtained from the medical records. Oral examination was done using universal precautions recommended by (CDC). Findings were recorded by using internationally accepted presumptive clinical criteria. Chi-square statistical test were conducted to describe the relationship between the prevalence of Oral manifestation and HAART therapy
Results: The detection of oral manifestation was significantly decreased in subjects on HAART therapy (32%) compared to those who were not on HAART therapy (56%), (P<0.05).
Interpretation & Conclusion: Compared to non-HAART group, subjects on HAART group had significantly fewer HIV related oral manifestations-probably as a result of an expression of their reconstituted immune system.
By: Dr. Neelkant Patil