Karthikeyan Ramalingam

Cheiloscopy for Sex Determination: A Study

Objective: To find out the possibility of sex determination of an individual using lip prints. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients (20 males and 20 females) of the age group 20-30 years were included in this study. Lip impressions were made using lipstick, cellophane tape, and white bond paper. Tsuchihashi′s classification of lip prints was used for analysis using magnifying glass. Results: The analysis revealed that 12 females (60%) and 15 males (75%) were identified correctly with the lip prints. Type III pattern was predominant in males and Type I/I′ pattern was predominant in females. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the potential use of lip prints for sex determination in forensic dentistry, as they are unique to every individual.

Gingival pigmentation index proposal of a new index with a brief review of current indices

Cosmetic expectations have increased with time and current trends speak volumes about gingival esthetics and smile designing. Gingival pigmentation especially on the labial aspect of anterior teeth has become an important component of general esthetics. Various physiologic and pathologic factors cause gingival pigmentation. The existing indices do not deal with the etiology, extent and severity of gingival pigmentation. Hence, we propose a new classification and index for gingival pigmentation to assess the treatment needs for the patient.

Hereditary nonsyndromic gingival fibromatosis: report of family case series.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare, benign disorder with slowly progressive enlargement of maxillary and mandibular gingiva. Herewith, we report the first case series of HGF presenting among mother and all of her 3 children. Their complaints included unaesthetic appearance due to gingival growth, malocclusion, and difficulty in mastication. Conventional gingivectomy with oral hygiene measures and regular followup is the treatment of choice for such presentation.

Nonsyndromic familial oligodontia: A case series from Libya

Congenitally missing teeth are described in many terms in literature. Oligodontia is such a relatively rare condition that affects only small percentage of the population. We report the dental agenesis affecting five siblings of same parents, presenting among four females and one male. Clinical examination revealed the absence of many teeth including second molars, canines, and mandibular incisors. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case series of nonsyndromic familial oligodontia from Libya. The management will need coordinated efforts of various disciplines in dentistry to restore function and normalcy in such patients.

Differences in candidal carriage and speciation among diabetic smokers, diabetic nonsmokers and controls: A study

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the difference in carriage and species recognition of Candida in diabetic smokers, diabetic nonsmokers, and healthy controls. Materials and Methods:Nonstimulated whole saliva was used from 75 subjects. Imprint culture and cytosmears were sampled from the buccal mucosa. Isolation was performed on Sabourauds dextrose agar media and various biochemical tests were performed for identification of Candida species. Cytosmears were stained by periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Grocotts Methenamine silver (GMS) stains to evaluate the presence of candidal organisms. Results:Candidal isolation was more in diabetic smokers (72%). Candida albicanswas the dominant species in all subjects (84.7%). GMS stain (74.66%) was more specific than PAS stain (29.33%) in fungal identification of cytosmears. Conclusion:The findings of the present study suggest that alterations in oral mucosa of diabetic smokers could provide increased attachment of Candida. Grocotts stained smears demonstrated Candida more readily than PAS stained smears and hence is suggested for a wider use.

Rely-X unicem self-adhesive universal resin cement

There is an expansive usage of adhesives in all branches of dentistry. Newer adhesives can be more beneficial to the patients. This review attempts to highlight the important features of adhesive cements in general and emphasize the applications of Rely-X Unicem cement.

Local anesthetic methods used by UK NHS general dental practitioner's for mandibular central incisor anesthesia: A study

Objective: To determine the methods of dental local anesthesia employed by UK general dental practice to anesthetize mandibular central incisor teeth and to evaluate any variations with the technique with an increase in experience. Materials and Methods: A total of 233 general dental practitioners attending postgraduate courses in dental local anesthesia and British Endodontic Society meeting completed a written questionnaire. Respondents were requested to provide information on their year and university of qualification, their location of practice and the primary local anesthetic technique employed for pulp extirpation of an inflamed vital mandibular permanent incisor. Analysis was undertaken to determine whether dentists qualified for 10 years adopted different strategies. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results: Buccal infiltration was employed by 110 (49.1%) practitioners. There were significant differences in choice of anesthetic method among practitioners of differing seniority. Conclusions: Buccal infiltration is the most commonly used the local anesthetic method to anesthetize the permanent mandibular central incisor teeth. More experienced practitioners, qualified >10 years, were more likely to employ a combination of methods from the outset.

Knowledge and attitudes of libyan dental students about HIV/AIDS infection and HIV-positive patients

Introduction: Though the possibility of contracting infection from human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infected patient is very slim, dental professionals show high reluctance to treat such patients. Their attitude and behavior is a reflection of their understanding about the disease. Aim: The aim of the survey was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dental students toward HIV/acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), oral indicators, ethical aspects of its treatment, and their inclination to treat HIV/AIDS patients. This is the first attempt of such evaluation among Libyan students to the best of our knowledge. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire among 101 dental students comprising 3 rd year, the final year and BDS interns in Faculty of Dentistry, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya. The results were analyzed for statistical significance using SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results and Discussion: The response rate to the questionnaire was 100%. Statistical significant correlations were observed in attitudes toward the curriculum, modes of transmission, treatment of HIV-infected patient, information of HIV status to patients, rights to reject treatment of infected patients, stress on treating and resuscitation of such patients. Conclusion: Our study reflects the knowledge status and positive attitude of Libyan students toward management of HIV. Sincere efforts should be made to improve the modes of educating the students about the HIV infection and its dental implications.

Infiltrating lipoma of oral cavity: A rare entity

Introduction: Lipomas are rare in the oral cavity comprising less than 5% of benign neoplasms in head and neck region. Infiltrating lipomas are much less common than other variants. Case Report: We report a rare case of infiltrating/intra-muscular lipoma in the retro-molar region of a 28-year-old male. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report from Libyan population and in the Middle East & North Africa region (MENA). Surgical excision is curative but, regular follow-up is needed to identify recurrences of this unusual variant.