Coronally advanced flap combined with sticky bone and i-PRF-coated collagen membrane to treat single maxillary gingival recessions: Case series

INTRODUCTION

Numerous techniques have been reported in the literature for the reconstruction of gingival recession defects. The purpose of this case series was to evaluate clinically and radiographically the efficacy of sticky bone with i-PRF-coated collagen membrane in the treatment of gingival recession.

CASE PRESENTATION

Sixteen patients exhibiting isolated Miller's Class I or II recession in the maxillary esthetic zone were treated using sticky bone (i-PRF + freeze-dried bone allograft) with i-PRF-coated collagen membrane using the coronally advanced flap. Clinical parameters including probing depth (PD), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), gingival thickness (GT), and recession depth (RD) were recorded at baseline and 6 months post-surgery. The radiographic (ST-CBCT) measurements computed were labial plate thickness (OT1, OT3, and OT5) and GT (GT1, GT3, and GT5) at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. Twelve out of sixteen treated cases achieved complete root coverage. An increase in GT was observed in all the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this case series, sticky bone with i-PRF-coated collagen membrane showed promising results in the treatment of isolated maxillary Miller's Class I or II gingival recession and serves as an altered approach for root coverage procedure. However, histological analysis and larger sample size are needed to establish definitive proof of soft and hard tissue regeneration.

Knowledge, attitude, and implementation of nicotine replacement therapy by dental and medical interns in Davangere city: A cross-sectional survey

Background:

One of the prime causes of illness and premature death is smoking. Almost 50% of smokers attempt to quit the habit; however, at most, 2%–3% achieve success. The rationale is that innumerable withdrawal attempts are unplanned, and the most effective cessation aids are unacquainted. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the most common cessation aid. Furthermore, motivation from dental and medical professionals can be effective for patients to quit smoking. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the implementation of NRT among dental and medical interns in Davangere city.

Materials and Methods:

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted, which included 442 dental and medical interns from two dental and two medical colleges in Davangere city, Karnataka. The questionnaire included multiple-choice questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and implementation of NRT. The response rate of interns was 93.67%.

Results:

Among dental and medical interns, there was no statistically significant difference in knowledge about NRT with P = 0.976 (P > 0.05). However, a statistically significant difference existed regarding attitude and implementation in the interns about NRT among dental and medical interns with P = 0.001 (P < 0.05). Among dental and medical interns, dental interns had a positive attitude and implementation toward NRT than medical interns.

Conclusion:

The overview implicated that the dental interns had better vision than medical interns; however, both the groups' comprehension concerning NRT is scanty and advocates education about the fundamentals of NRT either via workshop or by continuing dental education programs.

The ability of spore formers to degrade milk proteins, fat, phospholipids, common stabilizers, and exopolysaccharides

Spore formers are common spoilage-causing microorganisms in dairy products; however, their modes of spoilage (proteolysis, lipolysis, etc.) have not been described in detail for cultured dairy products such as sour cream and yogurt. The objective of the present study was to test the ability of spore-forming strains isolated from dairy environments for their spoilage-causing activities at typical sour cream (24°C) and yogurt (42°C) fermentation temperatures. A total of 25 spore-forming strains were isolated from different sources, including raw milk, pasteurizer balance tank, biofilms formed on heat exchangers, and milk powder. These strains were tested for proteolytic and lipolytic activities and for their ability to degrade phospholipids, common stabilizers (starch, gelatin, xanthan gum, pectin), and exopolysaccharides (EPS) at sour cream and yogurt fermentation temperatures. A higher percentage of positive strains was observed for selected activities at yogurt fermentation temperature compared with sour cream fermentation temperature. Identified proteolytic spore-forming strains, based on a skim milk agar method, were subsequently quantified for their level of proteolysis using non-casein nitrogen (NCN) content and sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE (SDS-PAGE). The proteolytic strains that showed the highest levels of proteolysis (highest percentages of NCN content) at 24°C were Bacillus mojavensis BC, Bacillus cereus DBC, Bacillus subtilis DBC, B. mojavensis DBC1, and Paenibacillus polymyxa DBC1. At 42°C the strains with the highest levels of proteolysis (highest percentages of NCN content) were B. subtilis DBC, B. mojavensis BC, B. mojavensis DBC1, B. cereus DBC, and Bacillus licheniformis DBC6. Results of SDS-PAGE demonstrated that proteolytic strains had primarily hydrolyzed β- and κ-CN. A viscometric method was used to evaluate the susceptibility of exopolysaccharides (EPS) to degradation by selected spore formers. This method helped to determine that EPS produced by commercial yogurt and sour cream cultures is susceptible to degradation by spore formers present in dairy environments.

Prevalence of gingival biotype and its relationship to clinical parameters

Introduction:

The dimensions of gingiva and different parts of the masticatory mucosa have a profound impact in periodontics as it governs the way; the gingival tissue reacts to various physical, chemical, or bacterial insults. The purpose of the following study was to assess the gingival thickness (GT) and correlate it to gender, presence of recession, and width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) in a subset of the Indian population.

Methods:

A total of 400 subjects in the age range of 20–35 years (200 males and 200 females) were included in the study. Clinical parameters such as probing depth, recession depth, WKG, and GT were recorded for all the patients.

Results:

The prevalence of thin biotype was 43.25%, and that of thick gingival biotype was 56.75%. The mean GT of central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine in Group I was 1.11 ± 0.17, 1.01 ± 0.16, and 0.82 ± 0.17 mm, respectively. No significant association was observed between the gender and the presence of gingival recession to GT. The mean WKG of central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine in Group I was 4.38 ± 1.18, 5.18 ± 1.25, 4.16 ± 1.16 mm, respectively. A positive correlation exists between WKG and the GT (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

It was concluded that the prevalence of thick and thin gingival biotype is 56.75% versus 43.25%, respectively, and there is no significant relationship between age, gender, and the presence of recession to gingival biotype. A positive correlation exists between WKG and the GT.

Three-dimensional profilometry of microlenses by phase shifting interferometery using nematic liquid crystal material filled cell as a phase modulator

In this paper, we report the use of a nematic liquid crystal material filled cell in transmission mode as a voltage controlled phase modulator for the characterization of microlenses. In one arm of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, a nematic liquid crystal filled cell with DC voltage connection was placed, and in another arm of the interferometer microlenses with a 4-F imaging system were placed. Interference takes place between the light beams coming from the two arms of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, one after passing through the nematic liquid crystal cell and another after passing through microlenses. Interference patterns were recorded by a CCD camera. By applying DC voltage to the nematic liquid crystal filled cell, various phase shifted interferograms were recorded, and from phase shifted interferograms, the shape and size of microlenses were determined. The results of the reconstructed profile of the microlenses are compared with white-light profilometry.

Understanding the adsorption behavior of surface active molecules on ZnO nanostructures by experimental and first-principles calculations

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with different morphologies are prepared in the presence of surface active molecules such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Tween 80 and Triton X-100 by a chemical method.

Evaluation of specifically designed implants placed in the low-density jaw bones: A clinico-radiographical study

AIM

In the less dense bone, it is difficult to obtain implant anchorage. The present study was undertaken to determine the survival rate of Maestro™ implants placed in d3 and d4 bones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients (10 males and 4 females) were selected for the study and implants were evaluated for posttreatment changes in at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from implant placement. The implant probing depth and mobility were recorded 3 and 6 months after prosthesis placement. Also, peri-implant bone level was assessed at the baseline and 12 months postoperatively, followed by a statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean plaque and gingival indices showed a reduction at repeated intervals. The mean sulcular bleeding showed a slight reduction which was statistically significant. An overall mean bone loss was observed after 12 months follow-up, which was statistically not significant. The overall survival rate of implants was reported as 92.3%.

CONCLUSION

The specific implant used in the study is advantageous in the soft bone condition.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Although, there is a great evidence of implant failure in compromised jaw quality, the newer designs and approaches suggest that the poor quality is not a contraindication.

Amnion membrane for coverage of gingival recession: A novel application

INTRODUCTION

Amnion allograft has been used in the field of medicine for its exceptional wound-modulating properties. However, in the field of dentistry, only a limited number of reports have explored its potential in healing of oral wounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Amnion allograft in conjunction with coronally advanced flap has been used in the management of gingival recession.

RESULTS

A complete coverage along with excellent esthetics and an improvement in gingival biotype was observed at 6 months postoperatively.

DISCUSSION

Because of its inherent wound-modulating properties, amnion allograft may be used to enhance periodontal wound healing and enable tissue regeneration such as that in the coverage of gingival recession.

CONCLUSION

Amnion allograft may provide an alternative to other conventional methods of treating gingival recession.

Successful management of phenytoin and phenobarbitone induced gingival enlargement: A multimodal approach

Medication-related gingival enlargement is a common reactionary phenomenon that occurs with the use of several types of therapeutic agents, including antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This disorder has been documented since 1939, shortly after the introduction of phenytoin. In the present case, a concise review of literature concerning the etiopathogenesis and management of AEDs (phenobarbitone and phenytoin) induced gingival enlargement has been described. It is vital that not only the periodontist, but also dental surgeons and medical practitioners should become aware of the potential etiologic agents, characteristic features, and the differential diagnosis of drug induced gingival enlargement in order to be able to prevent, diagnose and successfully manage the condition.

Treatment of localized gingival recession using the free rotated papilla autograft combined with coronally advanced flap by conventional (macrosurgery) and surgery under magnification (microsurgical) technique: A comparative clinical study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the conventional (macro-surgical) and microsurgical approach in performing the free rotated papilla autograft combined with coronally advanced flap surgery in treatment of localized gingival recession.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 sites from 10 systemically healthy patients were selected for the study. The selected sites were randomly divided into experimental site A and experimental site B by using the spilt mouth design. Conventional (macro-surgical) approach for site A and micro-surgery for site B was applied in performing the free rotated papilla autograft combined with coronally advanced flap. Recession depth (RD), recession width (RW) clinical attachment level (CAL.) and width of keratinized tissue (WKT.) were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively.

RESULTS

Both (macro- and microsurgery) groups showed significant clinical improvement in all the parameters (RD, RW, CAL and WKT). However, on comparing both the groups, these parameters did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Both the surgical procedures were equally effective in treatment of localized gingival recession by the free rotated papilla autograft technique combined with coronally advanced flap. However, surgery under magnification (microsurgery) may be clinically better than conventional surgery in terms of less post-operative pain and discomfort experienced by patients at the microsurgical site.

Multilayer thin film encapsulation for organic light emitting diodes

Thin film encapsulation for OLEDs using alternate layer pairs of organic films and magnesium fluoride thin films deposited by normal and glancing angle deposition methods.

Measurement of birefringence of nematic liquid crystal material by multiple-wavelength interferometry using nearly common-path single-stage Mach-Zehnder interferometer

We report the measurement of birefringence of nematic liquid crystal (NLC) material using multiple-wavelength interferometry. A nearly common path single-stage Mach-Zehnder interferometer was used for recording interferograms of high stability. The Fourier transform fringe analysis technique was used to reconstruct the two-dimensional phase maps of interferograms consisting of the entire active area of the liquid crystal cell. Change in phase as a function of applied voltage to a liquid-crystal cell was measured for blue, green, and red color laser light, keeping the temperature constant during the experiment. From the change in phase, the birefringence for three colors, i.e., red, green, and blue light, was determined. It is found that the birefringence of NLC material for red, green, and blue colors decreases with the increase in wavelength in the visible range. The present method is noncontact, nonmechanical scanning and highly stable due to a common path interferometer.

Evaluation of single-tooth replacement by an immediate implant covered with connective tissue graft as a biologic barrier

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the survival rate of Screw-Vent(®) immediate implants augmented with sub epithelial connective tissue graft for single-tooth replacement for 1 year.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients (five men and five women), with the mean age of 25.3 years, were consecutively treated on the out-patient basis by the placement of Screw-Vent(®) dental implants in to the fresh extraction sockets in association of augmentation with sub epithelial connective tissue graft harvested from the palate, supporting single crowns. The clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded to evaluate the peri-implant soft tissue health and marginal bone loss, respectively, for each patient at baseline and at every 3 months interval for 1 year.

RESULTS

The 1 year cumulative survival rate of Screw-Vent(®) dental implants was 100% for all 10 patients. Statistical analysis demonstrated highly significant values indicating an improvement in peri-implant soft tissue parameters in terms of peri-implant aesthetic parameters, which estimated the keratinized mucosa width. Statistically, non-significant marginal bone loss or gain indicated stable condition in hard tissue parameters.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

Single-tooth replacement by Screw-Vent(®) dental implants in to a fresh extraction socket, in association with guided bone regeneration using autologous connective tissue graft is a predictable treatment as demonstrated by the 100% implant survival rates and appreciable increase in the width of the keratinized mucosa at 1 year follow up.

Modified single incision technique to harvest subepithelial connective tissue graft

Dental therapy in general and periodontal therapy in particular is directed increasingly at the esthetic outcome for patients. Gingival recession is one of the most common esthetic concerns associated with periodontal tissues. Although various treatment modalities have been developed, subepithelial connective tissue grafting remains the most successful and predictable technique for treatment of gingival recession. Harvesting a connective tissue graft from the palate is many times not only traumatic, but also very painful for the patient. Use of single incision to harvest the subepithelial connective tissue graft is one of the least traumatic, but relatively difficult technique to accomplish. This article presents a modified single incision technique, which is not only less traumatic and painful, but comparatively simple to employ and master. Two new instruments have been introduced to make harvesting of the connective tissue graft easier.

Treatment of an early failing implant by guided bone regeneration using resorbable collagen membrane and bioactive glass

Implant failure can be divided into early (prior to prosthetic treatment) or late (after prosthetic rehabilitation). Early failure is generally due to interference in the healing process after implant placement. Implants undergoing early failure will show progressive bone loss on radiographs during the healing period (4 to 6 weeks). In the present case report, early progressive bone loss was seen at 6 weeks, after placement of a non-submerged single piece mini implant. Clinical examination revealed peri-implant bleeding on probing and pocket and grade-1 mobility. Treatment protocol included mechanical debridement (plastic curettes), chemical detoxification with supersaturated solution of citric acid, antibiotics and guided bone regeneration therapy using the collagen membrane as guided bone regeneration barrier in combination with bioactive glass as bone grafting material. The 6 month postoperative examination showed complete resolution of the osseous defect, thus suggesting that this technique may hold promise in the treatment of implants undergoing early failure.

Evaluation of immediately loaded dental implants bioactivated with platelet-rich plasma placed in the mandibular posterior region: A clinico-radiographic study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to clinically and radiographically assess the soft and hard tissue changes around the immediately loaded single tooth implants bioactivated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), placed in the mandibular posterior region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 11 patients having single tooth edentulous space in the mandibular posterior region were selected. An endosseous implant was placed after clinical and radiographic examination in each selected site using single stage surgical approach. The patients were followed up at 3, 6, 9, and at 12 months of post implant insertion. The patients were subjected to recording of clinical parameters like modified plaque index, modified gingival index, probing depth, and clinical implant mobility scale. Radiographs made at different intervals were subjected to assessment of bone level mesial and distal to each implant using computer assisted image analysis.

RESULTS

Scores for clinical parameters were minimal and comparable. The probing depth around the implant was measured during the follow-up period and the changes observed were statistically non-significant. None of the implants were clinically mobile during the follow-up period. Radiographically, the peri-implant bone resorption both on mesial and distal sides was within normal limit after one year of immediate loading. Finally, the overall success rate for the immediately loaded bioactivated implant placed in the mandibular posterior region was recorded as 100%.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

The use of platelet-rich plasma may lead to improved early bone apposition around the implant; and thus, results in increased rate of osseointegration. Single stage implant procedure with the adjunctive use of PRP enhances the ability of peri-implant healing tissue to create favorable soft and hard tissue relationships. It also gives the added advantage of psychological boost for the patient by getting fixed replacement of tooth within a short time period.

Comparative evaluation of bovine porous bone mineral

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present clinical study was to compare the efficacy of bovine porous bone mineral (BPBM) with and without platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty eight identical bilateral periodontal intrabony defects were selected from 14 chronic periodontitis patients. The subjects were randomly assigned to test group (BPBM+PRP) or the control group (BPBM). The clinical, radiographic, and intrasurgical (re-entry) measurements were made at baseline and at 9 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Both treatment modalities resulted in significant reduction in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment level as compared to baseline values. The probing depth reduction was 6.20±1.40 mm in BPBM and 6.60±1.43 mm for the BPBM/PRP-treated sites. The gain in clinical attachment level observed was 4.16±1.05 mm for BPBM and 4.70±0.76 mm for the BPBM/PRP group. Radiographically, there was a significant defect fill (3.83±1.01 mm) for the BPBM group and (4.04±1.77 mm) in the BPBM/PRP group. Similar trend was observed between the two groups in relation to intrasurgical parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination therapy (BPBM+PRP) showed more favorable clinical outcome in the treatment of intrabony defects than the BPBM alone group, although the mean difference between the two groups was statistically nonsignificant.

Combined periodontic-orthodonticendodontic interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of periodontally compromised tooth

Orthodontic treatment in adult patients is one of the most frequently encountered components involving multidisciplinary approaches. In the present report, a 28-year-old male patient was treated for localized chronic periodontitis with pocket formation, mobility, pathologic migration and malalignment of maxillary left lateral incisor tooth #22. The periodontal therapy included motivation, education and oral-hygiene instructions (O.H.I.), scaling and root planing and periodontal flap surgery. Subsequently on resolution of periodontal inflammation, orthodontic therapy was carried out using the orthodontic aligner for a period of 6 months. Post-treatment (3 years) results showed complete resolution of infrabony pocket with significant bone fill, reduced tooth mobility and complete alignment of the affected maxillary left lateral incisor, thus restoring the esthetics and function.

Amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth

Gingival overgrowth represents an over-exuberant response to a variety of local and systemic conditions. Certain anticonvulsants, immuno-suppressive drugs and a number of calcium channel blockers have been shown to produce similar gingival overgrowths in certain susceptible patients. Amlodipine is a comparatively new calcium channel blocker and has been used with increasing frequency in the management of hypertension and angina. Although amlodipine is considered as a safe drug, very rarely it may induce gingival overgrowth also. A rare case of amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth has been reported herein in a 50-year-old female patient. The treatment aspect included Phase-1 therapy, substitution of the drug, the surgical excision and the maintenance and supportive therapy resulting in excellent clinical outcome.

Is the role of probiotics friendly in the treatment of periodontal diseases !!

Probiotics utilize naturally occurring bacteria to confer a health benefit when administered in adequate amounts. A few conventional foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, soy beverages etc. Most often, they come from two groups of bacteria, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Probiotics have been extensively studied for their health promoting effects. Scientific understanding of probiotics and their potential for preventing and treating periodontal conditions is at its infancy, but moving ahead. Extensive research to create a probiotic product intended to maintain dental and periodontal health is needed.

Comparison of sonic and ionic toothbrush in reduction in plaque and gingivitis

BACKGROUND

A paucity of conclusive research exists on the optimal design and mode of action of toothbrushes, leading to the introduction of new generation of toothbrushes. Sonic and ionic toothbrushes belong to this new generation of toothbrushes. The aim of the present study was to clinically assess and compare the efficacy of the sonic and ionic toothbrushes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single blind study, using a split-mouth method, was conducted for 45 days on a total of 22 (11 males and 11 females) student volunteers, with age of 17 to 21 years. Plaque, gingival, and bleeding indices were recorded after every 15 days.

RESULTS

Both the toothbrushes showed significant reduction in all three parameters. However, the sonic toothbrush proved to be more effective than the ionic toothbrush on the percentage basis, the difference in parameters was statistically nonsignificant.

CONCLUSION

It may be concluded from the present study that though the sonic toothbrush was insignificantly superior to the ionic toothbrush, both the toothbrushes are clinically effective in removing plaque and improving the gingival conditions.

A comparative evaluation of hepatocyte growth factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva and its correlation with clinical parameters in patients with and without chronic periodontitis: A clinico-biochemical study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the relationship between the levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva, both clinically and biochemically, in patients with and without chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this study, 36 patients (12 male, 24 female) were selected in the age range of 18-60 years (mean, 32.7±11.1 years). The subjects were assigned to three groups, which included Group I (control), Group II (chronic periodontitis with probing depth PD <5 mm), and Group III (chronic periodontitis with PD ≥5 mm). Clinical parameters included plaque index, gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, PD, and clinical attachment level. The GCF samples were taken by using the capillary tubes whereas saliva was collected by the suction method. The levels of HGF in GCF and in saliva were estimated using an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay reader.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation in the levels of HGF in GCF and in saliva of patients with and without chronic periodontitis. The results also indicated that the HGF levels in GCF and saliva correlated well with the clinical parameters and with the severity of the periodontal disease.

CONCLUSION

Both GCF and saliva can be used to estimate the levels of HGF and thus may be regarded as a novel marker for periodontal disease activity.

Clinical evaluation of regenerative potential of type I collagen membrane along with xenogenic bone graft in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects assessed with surgical re-entry and radiographic linear and densitometric analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of periodontal therapy is to restore the tooth supporting tissues lost due to periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of combination of type I collagen (GTR membrane) and xenogenic bone graft with open flap debridement (OFD) in treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty paired intrabony defects were surgically treated using split mouth design. The defects were randomly assigned to treatment with OFD + collagen membrane + bone graft (Test) or OFD alone (Control). The clinical efficacy of two treatment modalities was evaluated at 9 month postoperatively by clinical, radiographical, and intrasurgical (re-entry) parameters. The measurements included probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), bone fill (BF), bone density (BD) and intra bony component (INTRA).

RESULTS

The mean reduction in PD at 0-9 month was 3.3±0.82 mm and CAL gain of 3.40±1.51 mm occurred in the collagen membrane + bone graft (Test) group; corresponding values for OFD (Control) were 2.20±0.63 mm and 1.90±0.57 mm. Similar pattern of improvement was observed when radiographical and intra-surgical (re-entry) post operative evaluation was made. All improvement in different parameters was statistically significant (P< 0.01).

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

Treatment with a combination of collagen membrane and bone graft led to a significantly more favorable clinical outcome in intrabony defects as compared to OFD alone.

Effect of carbon nanotubes on response time of ferroelectric liquid crystals

We present the results of the fast electro-optic response of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-doped deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (DHFLC). The fastening of the response in MWCNTs-doped DHFLC has been attributed to the decrease in rotational viscosity and increase in anchoring energy. The decrease in the former is due to the experience of the torque both by MWCNTs and DHFLC and perturbation of order parameter of the DHFLC while the increase in the latter is due to the pi-pi electrons stacking between the MWCNTs, DHFLC molecules, and alignment layers. The increase in conductance in doped cells has also been observed.

Memory effect in weakly anchored surfaces of deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystals

A wide-range memory effect in deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystals (DHFLCs) has been investigated by electro-optical and textural methods. A comparative study has been performed on strongly and weakly anchored surfaces of DHFLC cells. The saturation voltage has been compared in both types of cells by studying the variation of tilt angle and spontaneous polarization with applied voltage. The long-lasting memory effect has been observed in untreated (weakly anchored) cells. It has been proposed that perfect memory in DHFLC cells without any surface treatment is due to the possibility of the absence of depolarization and ionic charges over the surfaces of the cells.

A Morphologic Comparison of Gingival Changes Influenced by Cyclosporin and Tacrolimus in Rats: An Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the morphologic changes in the gingiva brought about by the administration of cyclosporin and tacrolimus in rats.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 30 six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into three groups of 10 rats each, for a period of 4 weeks. Group I rats received cyclosporin (30 mg/kg body weight), and group II rats received tacrolimus (1.5 mg/kg body weight), by means of a gavage. Group III served as control and received olive oil alone. Impressions of the mandibular incisal region were made weekly, and stone casts were prepared for measuring morphologic changes of the gingiva.

RESULTS

An increase in the measured gingival dimensions was observed in the test groups as early as week 2 after the commencement of drug administration. Intergroup comparison revealed that the increase in the measured dimensions was greater in group I than group II at the end of 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclosporin and tacrolimus were capable of causing gingival enlargement in Sprague-Dawley rats. However, the magnitude of tacrolimus-influenced gingival enlargement seemed to be comparatively less than cyclosporin.

Short-Term Assessment of the Nd:YAG Laser With and Without Sodium Fluoride Varnish in the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity – A Clinical and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinically and under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the efficacy of Nd:YAG laser irradiation alone and in combination with 5% sodium fluoride varnish in the management of dentin hypersensitivity.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 40 patients divided into four groups who had at least one tooth of Grade III mobility with clinically elicitable dentin hypersensitivity. Following the pretreatment assessment of hypersensitivity using the visual analog scale (VAS) and cold air blast test, the selected tooth in all the groups received 1% citric acid treatment for 1 minute. Group 1 patients received no further treatment; group 2, 3, and 4 patients received additional treatment with 5% sodium fluoride varnish, Nd:YAG laser for 2 minutes, and a combination of 5% sodium fluoride varnish and Nd:YAG laser, respectively. Two hours following treatment, hypersensitivity was again assessed, and the teeth were extracted, sectioned, and scanned using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

The mean VAS score in group 1 showed a 27% increase from baseline, but groups 2, 3, and 4 showed a decrease of 33%, 44%, and 62%, respectively. The mean cold air blast score showed a 22% increase in group 1, but values decreased by 43%, 50%, and 83% in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The number of patent tubules also progressively decreased from group 1 through group 4.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of Nd:YAG laser and 5% sodium fluoride varnish seems to show an impressive efficacy, when compared to either treatment alone, in treating dentin hypersensitivity. The SEM findings seem to relate to the clinical findings in that reduction in number/patency of tubules was associated with improvement in treatment efficacy.

Periodontal regeneration--fantasizing the future

Periodontal Regenerative Surgical Procedures are, by definition, supposed to restore all three tooth-supporting tissues i.e. periodontal ligament fibres, alveolar bone and the cementum. In humans, we can now regenerate considerable amounts of alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament with the use of bone graft material and barrier membranes. The purpose of this article is to acquaint the reader with the current trends as well as some new areas along which periodontal regenerative therapy might shape up in the future. Since, some fields are still in their infancy, it can be only envisioned as to how these new fields of science might constantly evolve to redefine periodontal therapy in due time.

Intracrevicular application of 0.3% Flurbiprofen gel and 0.3% Triclosan gel as anti inflammatory agent. A comparative clinical study

This study compared the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Triclosan and Flurbiprofen in a gel form on clinical parameters of moderate gingivitis cases. The study comprised of 100 sites from 16 volunteers and used split mouth technique. 0.3% Triclosan/0.3% Flurbiprofen gels applied intracrevicularly once daily for one week. Clinical parameters like Plaque index, Gingival index and Bleeding index scores were recorded at 0 day, 4th day and 8th day. The obtained results showed significant reductions in clinical parameters from baseline to 8th day. This indicates local delivery of 0.3% Triclosan/0.3% Flurbiprofen gel can be used as an anti-inflammatory agents either alone or as an adjunct to scaling in periodontal therapy.

Spontaneous gun pellet migration in the brain

Majority of airgun injuries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are accidental and involve children and adolescents. Potentially lethal penetrating injuries to the head often result from airguns. Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice to determine the location of the pellet, and any associated brain parenchymal damage or haematoma formation. CT is also useful in demonstrating the fracture at the entry site of the pellet and any bone fragment which may be propelled into the brain. Although there have been a few case reports of spontaneous migration of metallic foreign body within the brain in the world literature, this case highlight the speed with which it can occur, even in a patient on complete bed rest.

An appraisal of periodontal bone loss surgically and by radiovisiography. A comparative study

The objective of the present study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of periodontal bone loss surgically and by radiovisiography. This study included 26 subjects with 23 mesial and 20 distal sites. Majority of RVG measurements were marginally higher than surgical values. On drawing a comparison between surgical and RVG bone loss, the difference value was statistically significant. On mesial sites, the 't' value was 4.55 with p < .001 and on distal sites 't' value was 2.79 with p < .02. In total 60% of sites showed a difference of < 0.5 mm between RVG and surgical values, 28% of sites showed values between 0.6-1.0 mm and 12% showed a1 mm difference.

Bilateral dens invaginatus involving impacted supernumerary teeth

The occurrence of bilateral dens invaginatus in the supernumerary teeth is rare. In the patient described in this report the supernumerary teeth were palatally impacted. The tip of one tooth had emerged through the palatal mucosa, and this tooth had pulpal and periapical infection. Both were extracted.

Ameloblastic fibroma--a case report

An unusual case of ameloblastic fibroma involving two supernumerary teeth in the anterior part of maxilla has been presented here. The radiographic picture mimics a dentigerous cyst where there is a gross migration of one of the involved super-numerary tooth. After the histopathological diagnosis, the lesion was treated with enucleation and curettage.