Radhika Sharma

Psychogenic Disorders-A Review

Psychosomatic disorders are defined as disorders characterized by physiological changes that originate partially from emotional factors. This article aims to discuss the psychosomatic disorders of the oral cavity with a revised working type classification. The author has added one more subset to the existing classification, i.e., disorders caused by altered perception of dentofacial form and function, which include body dysmorphic disorder. The author has also inserted delusional halitosis under the miscellaneous disorders classification of psychosomatic disorders and revised the already existing classification proposed for the psychosomatic disorders pertaining to dental practice. After the inclusion of the subset (disorders caused by altered perception of dentofacial form and function), the terminology “psychosomatic disorders of the oral cavity ” is modified to “psychosomatic disorders pertaining to dental practice ”.

Laser: A revolutionary boon in dentistry

Introduction: Aphthous ulcers, commonly referred to as canker sores, are autoimmune and ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa. Due to the indeterminate etiology of these lesions, it is often difficult to find a definitive cure and current treatment options are aimed toward ameliorating the symptoms. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of aphthous ulcers. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of parameters such as reduction of pain, burning sensation, and healing time. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients who presented with aphthous ulcers were included in the study. A single visit application of LLLT was given to each patient followed by recall visits. The first visit consisted of three sessions of low-level laser applications, lasting about 45 s, with a gap of about 30-60 s between each session, for a total laser application time of about 3 min. The pain scores and burning sensation were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) before and immediately post-operative laser applications, at third visit and at fifth visit. Results: For evaluation of the reduction in pain and burning sensation, the mean of the reduction in VAS scores was evaluated for all the patients; P = 0.004 was highly significant in all the study groups. Conclusion: LLLT is an effective modality for the treatment of aphthous ulcers. It provides immediate relief from pain, burning sensation and promotes healing time also.

Tens versus ultrasonic massage therapy in temporomandibular disorders - a study

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasonic massager in the management of TMJ Pain disorders. A total of 20 subjects with clinical diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders were randomly allocated in two study groups GROUP A received TENS therapy and GROUP B received ULTRASOUND MASSAGER therapy. All patients were examined before and after the treatment using a visual analogue scale(VAS). A significant pain reduction was observed in both TENS and Ultrasound massage therapy groups. Decrease in pain and muscle tenderness was significantly more in Ultrasonic therapy group than TENS group, so Ultrasonic therapy appears to be valuable physiotherapy method for pain reduction in TMD disorders.