Neeraj Grover

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by the presence of multiple odontogenic keratocysts along with various cutaneous, dental, osseous, ophthalmic, neurological, and sex organ abnormalities. Early diagnosis is essential as it may progress to aggressive basal cell carcinomas and neoplasias. Gorlin-Goltz syndrome has rarely been reported from India. We report here one such patient, diagnosed at a rural hospital.

Age estimation from physiological changes of teeth: A reliable age marker?

Background: Age is an essential factor in establishing the identity of a person. Teeth are one of the most durable and resilient part of skeleton. Gustafson (1950) suggested the use of six retrogressive dental changes that are seen with increasing age. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results and to check the reliability of modified Gustafsons method for determining the age of an individual. Materials and Methods: Total 70 patients in the age group of 20-65 years, undergoing extraction were included in this present work. The ground sections of extracted teeth were prepared and examined under the microscope. Modified Gustafsons criteria were used for the estimation of age. Degree of attrition, root translucency, secondary dentin deposition, cementum apposition, and root resorption were measured. A linear regression formula was obtained using different statistical equations in a sample of 70 patients. Results: The mean age difference of total 70 cases studied was ±2.64 years. Difference of actual and calculated age was significant and was observed at 5% level of significance, that is, t-cal > t-tab (t-cal = 7.72). P < 0.05, indicates that the results were statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study concludes that Gustafsons method is a reliable method for age estimation with some proposed modifications.

Attitude and knowledge of dental students of National Capital Region regarding HIV and AIDS

Background: India is estimated to have third highest number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in world with about 2.4 million people currently living with HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There is a possibility of HIV transmission in the oral health care setting and thus adequate knowledge and proper attitude among dental students is vital to prevent the chances of transmission and for proper care of the patient. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the knowledge of dental students about HIV infection and their attitude toward treating HIV/AIDS patients and behaviour practiced. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 600 dental students of different colleges present in National Capital Region (NCR). The students were from third and fourth year and they completed a predesigned questionnaire assessing the knowledge, attitude and willingness to treat HIV/AIDS patients. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare mean level of knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS. Result: The results showed that only 28% students have excellent knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Certain misconceptions were prevalent regarding mode of transmission. It also shows that around 43% of the dental students have an overall negative attitude. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the students had adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS and their attitude toward this group of people was significantly negative. There is need and scope to provide correct and detailed information on HIV/AIDS for dental students.

Long-term effect of tobacco on unstimulated salivary pH

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of tobacco on salivary pH between tobacco chewers, smokers and controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects (males and females) aged 25–40 years, were divided equally into three groups: Tobacco smokers (Group A), chewers (Group B) and controls (Group C). Saliva of each subject was collected under resting condition. Salivary pH was determined using the specific salivary pH meter. Results: The mean (±standard deviation) pH for Group A was 6.75 (±0.11), Group B was 6.5 (±0.29) and Group C was 7.00 (±0.28) after comparison. The significant results showed lower salivary pH in Groups A and B as compared to controls. Salivary pH was lowest in Group B compared to Group A and Group C. Conclusion: This study indicates that a lower (acidic) salivary pH was observed in tobacco users as compared with control. These alterations in pH due to the long-term effect of tobacco use can render oral mucosa vulnerable to various oral and dental diseases.

Herbal dentistry: A boon

Oral health influences the general quality of life and poor oral health is linked to chronic conditions and systemic diseases. Inter-relationship of oral diseases and the oral microbiota is well established. A number of species of bacteria that are inhabitant of the oral cavity are also implicated in oral diseases. Various plant species like Garlic, lemon, walnut and their extracts are now a days used in place of allopathic drug regimen because of near to minimum side effects. The advent and progression of dental caries involves acid producing gram-positive and gram negative bacteria and these bacterial strains have also been seen as the cause of periodontal diseases. Keeping in view the adverse effects of the various medications used in dentistry such as vomiting, diarrhoea and tooth staining and financial considerations in developing countries, there is a need for a safe and effective alternative and treatment options. Natural medicinal extracts isolated from plants come as good alternatives as they inhibit the growth of oral pathogens thereby reducing the development of biofilm on the tooth thus reducing the symptoms of oral diseases thereby enhancing the immunity.

Radicular Cyst: A Review and Case Report

The most common odontogenic cystic lesions of inflammatory origin affecting the jaws are the radicular cysts. Apices of the involved teeth are the most common site. Epithelial remnants stimulated to proliferate by an inflammatory process originating from pulpal necrosis of a non-vital tooth leads to arising of a radicular cyst. In this case report we present the complete and successful surgical treatment of a large infected radicular cyst which involves the entire body region of Mandibular teeth region of right side along with histopathological features.

Mixed Tumor of Parotid Gland: A Case Report

Salivary gland tumours are rare and the most confusing tumours, which comprise <3% of all neoplasia of head and neck region. Pleomorphic adenoma accounts for 60–80% of benign tumours of salivary glands and present as a solitary unilateral, firm and mobile, painless, slow-growing mass. Surgical management involves surgical resection by superficial or total parotidectomy.

Palatal Rugae: A Key Adjunct in Forensic Investigation

Palatal rugae are transversely running crests, which are exclusively formed by the mucosa of the hard palate, except where an ossified base can be distinguished. Palatal rugae are defined as anatomical folds or wrinkles (usually used in the plural sense); the irregular fibrous connective tissue located on the anterior third of the palate. They are permanent and unique to each person, and clinicians and scientists can use them to establish identity through discrimination (via casts, tracings or digitised rugae pattern). When traffic accidents, acts of terrorism or mass disasters occur, in which it is difficult to identify a person according to fingerprints or dental records, palatine rugae may be used as an alternative method of identification. The aim of this review article is to highlight the salient features of palatal rugae along with providing an update that establishes it as a key adjunct in forensic identification.