Root and Root Canal Configuration Characterization Using Microcomputed Tomography: A Systematic Review

This systematic review’s objective was to conduct a complete analysis of the literature on the root canal morphology using advanced micro-computed tomography. The electronic web databases PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane were examined for research papers concerning the chosen keywords, evaluating the root canal morphology using Micro-CT, published up to 2021. The articles were searched using MeSH keywords and searched digitally on four specialty journal websites. DARE2 extended (Database of Attributes of Reviews of Effects) was used to assess bias risk. The information was gathered from 18 published studies that strictly met the criteria for inclusion. In the included studies, a total of 6696 samples were studied. The studies were conducted on either maxillary (n-2222) or mandibular teeth (n-3760), permanent anteriors (n-625), and Third molars (n-89). To scan samples, a Scanco Medical machine in was used in 10 studies, Bruker Micro-CT in 34, and seven other machines were utilized in the rest. Bruker Micro-CT software from Kontich, Belgium, VG-Studio Max 2.2 software from Volume Graphics, Heidelberg, Germany, was the most commonly used software. The minimum Voxel size (resolution) adopted in the included studies was 11.6 µm. However, 60 µm was the maximum. Most studies classified the root canal morphology using Vertucci’s classification system (n-16) and the four-digit system (n-6).

Smoking a Dangerous Addiction: A Systematic Review on an Underrated Risk Factor for Oral Diseases

Despite growing knowledge of the adverse effects of cigarette smoking on general health, smoking is one of the most widely prevalent addictions around the world. Globally, about 1.1 billion smokers and over 8 million people die each year because of cigarette smoking. Smoking acts as a source for a variety of oral and systemic diseases. Various periodontal issues such as increased pocket depth, loss of alveolar bone, tooth mobility, oral lesions, ulcerations, halitosis, and stained teeth are more common among smokers. This systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines from PRISMA, and research articles were retrieved from the Web database sources on 31 May 2021. The quality of research articles was ensured by the type of evidence from combined schema incorporating as schema-13 evidence type description, Cochrane health promotion and public health field (CHPPHF), and the health gains notation framework-14 screening question for quality assessment of qualitative and quantitative studies. Smokers have been found to have bleeding on probing, periodontal pockets, and clinical attachment loss compared to nonsmokers. Oral and respiratory cancers are among the most lethal known diseases caused by cigarette smoking and other commonly occurring sequelae such as stained teeth, periodontal diseases, etc.

Current status of disinfection of dental impressions in Indian dental colleges: a cause of concern

INTRODUCTION

Dentistry is predominantly a field of surgery, involving exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials and therefore requires a high standard of infection control and safety practice in controlling cross-contamination and occupational exposures to blood- and saliva-borne diseases.

METHODOLOGY

A questionnaire survey was conducted in 60 dental colleges throughout India to establish routine methods of treating impressions of the oral cavity for disinfection. An email describing the purpose of the study along with a short questionnaire was sent to one of the teaching faculty of concerned departments of the colleges. Questions were asked regarding availability of materials required to disinfect the impressions, the preferred method to treat the impression, and whether postgraduate courses were offered by the department.

RESULTS

The routine method of treating the impression reported by 75.9% of the respondents was washing under running water, while 24.1% of the respondents reported that impressions were treated by chemical disinfectants.

CONCLUSION

Strict infection control measures are necessary to ensure the health and safety of dental workers and patients. The present study showed that there is a lack of commitment to high standards of infection control practices in dental colleges in India.

Exposure to high-fluoride drinking water and risk of dental caries and dental fluorosis in Haryana, India

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of and relationship between dental caries and dental fluorosis at varying levels of fluoride in drinking water. The study was conducted among 3007 school children in the age group of 12 to 16 years in 2 districts of Haryana having varying fluoride levels in drinking water. Type III examination for dental caries according to the WHO index and dental fluorosis estimation according to Dean's index was done. The prevalence of dental caries decreased from 48.02% to 28.07% as fluoride levels increased from 0.5 to 1.13 ppm, but as the fluoride level increased further to 1.51 ppm, there was no further reduction in caries prevalence, but there was a substantial increase in fluorosis prevalence. The optimum level of fluoride in drinking water was found to be 1.13 ppm, at which there was maximum caries reduction with minimum amount of esthetically objectionable fluorosis.

Internet usage among dental students in north India

The study was conducted to investigate the extent to which students of two dental schools in northern India make use of internet during their undergraduate course and to assess their attitude towards the internet in general. All undergraduate students were assessed using a specially designed, self-administered questionnaire. Overall, 470 (88.84%) students used the internet. Among the internet users, only 207 (44%) accessed it for academic purposes. Also, 356 (75.7%) found information about dentistry easily accessible, whereas 114 (24.3%) reported difficulty in doing so. The study showed that a good number of Indian dental students are using internet, but they are lagging behind their counterparts in the western world.

Mandibular midline supernumerary tooth associated with agenesis of permanent central incisors: a diagnostic conundrum

Concomitant hypo-hyperdontia is a rare mixed numeric anomalous condition. The presence of this condition in the same area of dental arch and specifically in the mandibular anterior region is reported very infrequently. This case report presents a case of 20 years old male with congenitally missing permanent mandibular central incisors in conjunction with a mandibular midline supernumerary tooth. Only 3 cases have been documented in English literature till date. The article focuses on the review of mandibular mesiodens and the clarity regarding the usage of the terminology "mesiodens".

Behaviour management of an anxious child

Children with dental anxiety may refuse treatment, which can lead to dental emergencies. Behavior management is an essential skill and should be acquired by all members of a dental team treating children. Dental surgery staff should be relaxed, welcoming and friendly. Make the child the centre of attention and smile. Use age-appropriate language and avoid the use of jargon. Decide who will talk to the child and when, as he/she may only be able to listen to one person at a time. Avoid non-dental conversations with colleagues during procedures.