Early childhood caries (ECC) is an oral disease affecting primary teeth of children below the age of 6. ECC is a major health concern, negatively affecting the infants' and young children's oral and general health as untreated carious lesions can lead to pain, disruption of growth and development, and in rare cases, life-threatening infections. Dental decay in Aboriginal children in Canada is epidemic and disproportionately affects disadvantaged Canadian communities. Multiple risk factors are associated with ECC and should be recognized to provide appropriate preventive strategies. The risk factors for ECC, which are particularly relevant to Aboriginal children include poverty, diet factors, and parents' smoking tobacco, in addition to multiple other factors common to dental caries. Recommended strategies to combat tooth decay in Aboriginal children include oral health promotion, caries prevention using fluoride and sealants, and access to publicly funded oral health programs and services. This requires close collaboration between dental professionals, health professionals, policymakers, child health advocates, Aboriginal communities, and researchers, to address social determinants of health and other social disadvantages affecting Aboriginal communities.

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Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of passive ultrasonic on the cleanliness of dentinal tubules in curved root canals during endodontic retreatment with and without solvents using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: A total of 36 extracted maxillary molars were obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. Retreatment was done with or without using solvent. Time was also recorded. Passive ultrasonic irrigation was done in one group. The roots were split longitudinally and observed under an SEM at ×2000. All the specimens were evaluated for a total number of dentinal tubules and the number of those either completely or partially filled. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc was used for intergroup comparison. Results: It was observed that more open tubules were present in Group IV followed by Group III, Group II, and Group I, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) hence, endodontic retreatment without using any solvent showed more cleanliness of dentinal tubules when compared with the groups using Endosolv-R solvent. However, cleanliness was better in the group where ultrasonic irrigation was done. Conclusion: The use of solvent in this study did not hasten the removal of gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. Use of passive ultrasonic irrigation after gutta-percha and sealer removal in non-surgical endodontic retreatment enhances the cleanliness of dentinal tubules.

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Background: This study was done to assess the effectiveness of removal using chemomechanical agent (Papacarie Duo) and conventional hand excavation methods in primary and permanent molars on the residual cariogenic bacteria, analyzing the time required for the procedure and the need for anesthesia. Materials and Methods: The present in vivo study was conducted 30 children of the age groups between 4 and 8 years. Using a split- mouth design, the teeth were randomly allocated into two groups, Group I - Papacarie Duo and Group II - hand excavation method. The groups were further subdivided into Group IA and Group IIA for primary molars and Group IB and Group IIB for permanent molars. The dental caries samples before and after caries removal from each group were taken to the Department of Microbiology and processed to check for the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. The colony forming units were counted using a digital colony counter, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. The degree of discomfort during caries excavation was evaluated and the time taken for complete removal of caries was recorded using a digital stopwatch. Results: The mean total viable count of S. mutans and Lactobacillus considerable reduction after caries removal in both Papacarie Duo and the hand excavation groups. The difference in the mean values for S. mutans between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001). However, the difference was not statistically significant for Lactobacillus (P = 0.91). The mean time required for the Papacarie Duo gel was lesser than hand excavation method. The degree of discomfort was significantly higher in the hand excavation group compared with that of Papacarie Duo group. Conclusion : The chemomechanical method (Papacarie Duo) is more effective in the reduction of both S. mutans and Lactobacillus from the carious dentine of primary and permanent molars than the hand excavation method.

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Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with the occurrence of sports- related orofacial injuries among 8-11 years old school children in National Capital Region, India. Materials and Methods: It included a stratified random sample of 2000 boys and girls attending various private schools. The sample size was calculated using a 95% confidence interval level; statistical significance was preset at 5% and a sample power of 98% was achieved. Data were collected through personal interview using a questionnaire. Data pertaining to the number and type of injury encountered was collected. The risk factors for sports injuries evaluated in this study were sex, use of protective equipment, velocity, and intensity of sports played; the level of coaching; the activity level and exposure time; the focus of attention; participation in contact/non-contact sports. Data were summarized and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS version 18.0. Results: The prevalence of sports-related orofacial injuries was found to be 26.65%. All the risk factors evaluated in the study did yield statistically significant differences among the participants except sex, intensity of the game and exposure time. Conclusions: The prevalence of sports-related orofacial injuries in national capital region is high and protective measures need to be strictly enforced so that the incidence of injuries associated with the significant risk factors can be reduced.

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Maxillofacial prosthodontics is one of the most challenging branches in dentistry. Whether congenital or acquired, the treatment of defects may improve his/her quality of life. This paper is a case report of a patient who had undergone cranioplasty on right forehead region following a surgical excision of tumor. The patient reported to the department of prosthodontics after the healing of cranioplasty wound, and hence, was not willing for further surgical intervention to correct the defect. Thus, it was decided to manage the defect through extra-cranial prosthetic rehabilitation. Among the numerous maxillofacial prosthetic materials, room temperature vulcanizing silicone material was selected for fabrication of the final prosthesis. Pigmentation and shade matching were done for improved aesthetics. The prosthesis tremendously improved her quality of life in terms of appearance and confidence. The face is the forefront of aesthetics and the restoration of the lost tissue is of benefit to the patient because of the social acceptance in the family as well as public.

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One of the serious complications during routine dental procedure could be accidental ingestion/aspiration of the instruments or materials of dental and non-dental origin. Considering such risks during dental treatment clinicians must follow safety guidelines and have through knowledge about management of such events. Current case report presents with the accidental ingestion of pin during restorative procedure. Lateral cephalogram was taken to locate the presence of pin and it was situated at C-4 level below the angle of mandible. Attempts were made to retrieve pin, however, the attempts failed. It was decided by the operating general surgeon to allow the pin to move along the normal path of digestion. The patient was continuously monitored in ICU. Laxative was prescribed and next morning patient reported that the pin passed in stool. This article further emphasize that practitioners should make patients aware of all the possibilities of ingestion and aspiration of dental objects. The operator shall instruct the patient to immediately spit if any type of dental material or an instrument is accidentally swallowed during treatment. Nevertheless, it is of prime importance that all the possible precautionary measures should be taken in account including mandatory use of rubber dam whenever possible. In case of such accidents, a line of treatment should be organized, and all the possible emergency management protocols should be followed.

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Biofilm is one of the basic survival strategies employed by microorganisms in all natural and industrial ecosystems in response to starvation. They are responsible for most of the chronic infections and almost all recalcitrant infections in human beings, as bacteria in biofilm are resistant to both antimicrobials and host defense mechanisms. Biofilms may be associated with each branch in dentistry. However, as an endodontist who are more viable regarding these biofilms during an endodontic procedure should have in-depth knowledge to achieve the treatment goals during the procedure.

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Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of periodontal health status in rural population of central Maharashtra of India. Materials and Methods: A total of 1710 dentate adult patients were examined from the villages in Hingoli, Akola, and Pune districts of the central Maharashtra, India, for occurrence of periodontal disease, and the treatment needs using community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) inducing system. Patients were drawn from the age groups of 14-18 years, 19-28 years, 29-33 years, 44-59 years, and 60 years and overhead. Results: It was perceived that as the age increased, the CPITN score also increased. It was observed that the CPITN Score 2 (calculus) was maximum in the age groups 14-18 years and 19-28 years; the CPITN Score 3 (i.e., the pathological pocket of 4-5 mm) was common in the age groups 29-43 years and 44-59 years. The CPITN Score 4 (the pathological pocket more than 6 mm) was the uppermost in age groups 60 years and overhead. The treatment need was mainly TN-1 (oral hygiene instructions). The need for multipart treatment, i.e., TN-3 (deep scaling, root planning, or surgery) was less in the age group 14-18 years, but TN-3 was found increased with increasing age and was significantly high in the age group 60 years and overhead. Conclusion: The present study shows surge occurrence of periodontal diseases, and hostile treatment needs as the age in the population of the rural area. Steadily higher prevalence of periodontal disease (64%) and treatment needs was observed in rural populations of central Maharashtra population. It concurs with absence of awareness among the individuals about periodontal health status.

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Background: Streptococcus mutans is one of the species in the biofilm adjacent to cariogenic lesions. Photo-activated disinfection (PAD) is a new method which reduces cariogenic bacterial without common side effects. The success of PAD depends on the sensitivity of the organism, type of dyes, a dose of dyes, and the depth of emitted laser. In this study, effect of PAD on S. mutans reduction using indocyanine green (ICG) compared with methylene blue was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The standard turbidity (0.5 McFarland) of S. mutans suspension was prepared. Bacterial suspensions were transferred to the wells. Then, samples were subsequently divided into 7 groups. 1: Negative control, 2: Only methylene blue without laser, 3: Only 640 nm laser, 4: PAD by methylene blue, 5: Indocyanine without laser, 6: Only 810 nm laser, and 7: PAD by ICG. Subsequently, the bacterial suspension from each well was cultured, colony counts were determined, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (P < 0.05). Results: There was a significant decrease of S. mutans colony counts after PAD using by both methylene blue and ICG photosensitizers. The highest decreased amount belonged to the ICG (PAD group). Methylene blue group (without laser application) also had a significant decrease of S. mutans colony counts (less effective than both PAD groups). Other groups (laser applications alone and ICG dye without laser) showed no significant bacterial reduction. Conclusion: With the parameters of this study PAD by ICG seems to be more effective than PAD by methylene blue, in reducing S. mutans bacteria as etiological factors of dental caries.

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The jaws are host to a wide variety of cysts and tumors, contributed largely by the tissues involved in tooth formation. Ameloblastoma, the second most common odontogenic tumor is usually a benign, locally aggressive neoplasm of enamel organ type tissue, which does not undergo differentiation to the point of enamel formation. It commonly manifests as a slow-growing, locally invasive neoplasm, located intraosseously showing few or no clinical signs in early stages whichmaygraduallyresultinfacialdeformity,looseteeth,pathological fracture, and pain due to secondary infection or impingement on peripheral nerves. This tumor shows a male predilection and mandible (ramus area) is affected more commonly than the maxilla. These tumors also tend to show wide morphological variations. We report a case of solid multicystic ameloblastoma (SMA) in a 27-year-old male patient who presented with the complaint of pain and a slow growing swelling in the lower right posterior region of the jaw since 3 months. Hemimandibulectomy was done and the resected specimen, when subjected to histopathological examination, confirmed the diagnosis of SMA showing a mix of histological patterns comprising of follicular, plexiform along with the uncommon granular type. This case report also reviews various mixed histopathologic patterns seen in SMA.

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Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local doxycycline (Atridox) as an adjunctive to non-surgical periodontal treatment on clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of matrix meatalloproteinase-8 in patients with chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A double-blind spilt mouth; randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 30 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. Two teeth were selected from similar quadrants with a probing pocket depth ≥5 mm, and randomly allocated into test and control groups. The control group was treated with scaling and root planning (SRP) only; the test group was treated with SRP and received adjunctive local Atridox. Periodontal clinical parameters were recorded and matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) level in GCF samples were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 1, 3 months. Results: Statistically significant reduction in probing depth and clinical attachment level and GCF MMP-8 was found in test and control groups compared with baseline, test group showed a significant reduction in clinical parameters and GCF MMP-8 level compared with the control group. Conclusion: Local delivery doxycycline (Atridox) combined with SRP significantly improved the clinical parameters and decreased GCF level of MMP-8.

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Background: The aim of the present study was to analyze clinically and radiographically the pattern of mandibular third molar impaction in terms of age, gender, rural/urban population, angulation of impaction, position of impacted tooth, pattern of eruption, level of eruption, and associated pathologies. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 338 patients attending the outpatient department of the oral surgery department for the duration of 1‑year. Both sides' mandibular third molars were taken into consideration, and a total of 500 impacted third molars were examined. Clinical parameters such as age, sex, clinical features, and urban/rural area were taken into consideration. Intraoral periapical views (IOPA) and orthopantomograms of patients were also studied for the radiological features such as angulation, position, level of the eruption, and associated pathological features. Results were analyzed using percentage analysis, and tabulation was done. Results: Out of 338 patients examined, 30 (8.8%) patients showed absence or agenesis of a mandibular third molar. Among 616 third molars reviewed in 308 patients, 500 (81.16%) were classified as impacted. The most prevalent angular position was found to be mesioangular (49.2%) followed by distoangular (26.8%). Conclusion: Impacted mandibular third molars more commonly seen in the third decade of life, in females and in urban population; and mesioangular impaction is more common than other types of mandibular third molar impaction.

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Background: One of the techniques suggested for the provision of adequate bone in the maxillary sinus area for placement of endosteal implants with a standard length is to use the sinus lift surgical technique along with autogenous bone graft or bone substitute materials. The aim of this study was an evaluation of the effect of low-level laser on graft materials used for augmentation of the maxillary sinus. Materials and Methods: In the present randomized clinical trial with a split-mouth design, 19 patients aged 30-80 years were evaluated. All the subjects underwent a bimaxillary sinus lift surgical procedure. In the control group, freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) allograft materials were used; in the case group, in addition to the materials mentioned above, low-level 980-nm diode laser beams were applied. Six months after surgery, the density of bone in the augmented area was determined with the cone-beam computed tomography technique. Results: The results showed that the percentages of bone formed in the control and case groups were 20.10 ΁ 5.67% and 36.26 ΁ 11.26%, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the means of connective tissue between the two groups (P = 0.612). The Hounsfield unit exhibited a significant difference in relation to mean bone density within the graft material between the two groups (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Low-level 980-nm diode laser beams can improve the results of treatment rendered with the use of FDBA and PRF.

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The posterior maxillary ridge affected severely by resorption remains a challenge for the prosthodontist to rehabilitate. Extensive grafting procedure and the restriction of a transitional denture during the healing phase in most situations are deniable to the patient. The zygoma implant provides posterior maxillary support when the existing osseous structures do not allow the placement of a conventional implant fixture. A 57-year-old female patient came with a chief complaint of completely missing upper and lower front teeth and wanted a fixed replacement for the same. The conventional full arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis was not possible because of the severe posterior maxillary atrophy, and so it was decided to place two zygoma implants bilaterally splinted with four implants placed conventionally in the anterior ridge. The mandibular arch was treated with four implants based on the All-On-4® concept. The success of an implant-supported prosthesis is based on how effectively the forces of mastication are distributed through the implants and tissue surface. The scope of a zygoma implant in rehabilitating severely resorbed maxilla and the various prosthodontic principles pertaining to a full arch implant-supported prosthesis are discussed in detail.

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Background: The mass media are of immense benefit when employed intensively in favor of public health. These media are utilized at all levels of public health in the hope of achieving three major effects: The learning of correct health information and knowledge, the changing of established health attitudes and practices, and the introduction and establishment of new health behavior. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the improvement of communicative, interactive, and oratory skills among the interns of 2006 and 2007 batch in Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences by conducting live dental health education program (The Radio Program - Pushpavani Aarogyam). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among the interns of 2006 and 2007 batch in Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Tiruvalla. A sample of 73 interns was enrolled for the study. A closed-ended questionnaire in English was sent by E-mail to all interns, and the improvement of communication skills was evaluated. Data were collected from E-mail, which was mailed back by all interns in 2006 and 2007 batch, and percentage was calculated for each answer. For statistical purpose, mean scores were calculated. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16.0 software, and appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Nearly, 91.8% of interns got more knowledge about the subject from their radio program. 93.2% of interns were confident in doing another live dental health education program. 43.8% of interns were confident in attending telephone calls during the radio program. 87.7% of interns had sufficient speech clarity. 74% of interns were tensed while presenting the radio program. 84.9% of interns have improved their mother tongue after radio program. 95.9% of interns had improved their communication skills. 94.5% of interns considered it beneficial and proposed that it should be continued as a curriculum program. Conclusion: The radio program was found to be highly effective and beneficial to the public as well as to the dental interns who put their efforts in educating the masses. The subject knowledge, presentation skill, communication skills, and self-confidence were found to be significantly improved in dental graduates through the radio programs.

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