Anuj Chhabra

Genetic basis of dental agenesis--molecular genetics patterning clinical dentistry.

Tooth agenesis is one of the most common congenital malformations in humans. Hypodontia can either occur as an isolated condition (non-syndromic hypodontia) or can be associated with a syndrome (syndromic hypodontia), highlighting the heterogeneity of the condition. Though much progress has been made to identify the developmental basis of tooth formation, knowledge of the etiological basis of inherited tooth loss is still lacking. To date, the mutation spectra of non-syndromic form of familial and sporadic tooth agenesis in humans have revealed defects in various such genes that encode transcription factors, MSX1 and PAX9 or genes that code for a protein involved in canonical Wnt signaling (AXIN2), and a transmembrane receptor of fibroblast growth factors (FGFR1). The aim of this paper is to review the current literature on the molecular mechanisms responsible for selective hypodontia in humans and to present a detailed overview of causative genes and syndromes associated with hypodontia. Key words:Tooth agenesis, hypodontia, growth factors, mutations.

Sodium hypochlorite dental accidents

Abstract Sodium hypochlorite is widely used in dentistry as an intra-canal irrigant, for debridement and to disinfect root canals. Although it is considered to be safe, serious mishap can result from its inappropriate use, and this has been reported infrequently in the literature. Two unusual cases of sodium hypochlorite toxicity and their successful non-surgical management are described in a 14-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy.

Understanding dental status and treatment need of geriatric patients: oral health trends in an Indian population.

BACKGROUND Comprehensive data on the oral health status and dental treatment needs of the elderly population in India is deficient. AIM To understand and assess the dental status and treatment needs of a geriatric population in Northern India. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken in National capital of India, New Delhi, and 412 subjects aged 60 years and above was involved in this study (259 females and 153 males). An intraoral clinical examination and a questionnaire performa were performed. The treatment needs were evaluated independently of the patients request based on their dental and prosthetic status. RESULTS he prevalence of edentulism was 75%, with gender difference (69% of the men and 81% of the women). Eighty percent wore removable dentures, 10% had natural teeth only, and 10% had neither prostheses nor natural teeth. Most of the subjects needed to redo the prostheses (50%), 60% extractions and 25% conservative treatments. The treatment needs were extensive and mainly accumulated due to lack of awareness, neglected care and economic barriers. CONCLUSION high unmet need for perceived oral care and dental treatment existed among the sample elderly population studied.

An innovative approach to cessation of thumb-sucking in a child with epilepsy: a case report

The thumb-sucking habit is acquired in infancy, but if it persists beyond preschool age, it can have deleterious effects on facial growth, oral function, occlusal relationship, and aesthetics, leading to dental and skeletal deformities. This paper presents a clinical case history of using nonpunitive reminder therapy to intercept the thumb-sucking habits of an 8-year-old child with epilepsy. A modified Bluegrass appliance was used along with the positive reinforcement. The modified Bluegrass appliance utilized an acrylic roller and was very comfortable for the patient; it was also successful in eliminating the habit within a short period of time.

Craniofacial manifestations and dental considerations in association with achondroplasia: Clinical insight and report of a case

Achondroplasia is of clinical interest in dental practice because of its distinctive craniofacial features, which include relative macrocephaly, a short posterior cranial base, depressed nasal bridge, and maxillary hypoplasia. Treatment planning for such patients is often considered challenging as the presence of a large head, implanted shunt, airway obstruction, and difficulty in head control require special precautions during dental management. The present article reports the craniofacial manifestations of a 14-year-old male patient having achondroplasia, considerations taken in his dental management and the management done.