Rahul Chopra

Comparison of cardiovascular disease risk in two main forms of periodontitis.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant and has been proved to be a significant predictor of future cardiovascular events. Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation between periodontitis and elevated CRP levels. However, comparison between the levels of CRP in two main forms of periodontitis is ambiguous. This study aims at determining and comparing the relative levels of serum CRP in aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 240 systemically healthy subjects were divided into three groups of 80 based on having generalized aggressive periodontitis, chronic generalized periodontitis and non-periodontitis (NP; controls). Venous blood samples were collected for quantitative CRP analysis using turbidimetric immunoassay. Results: Mean CRP levels were significantly greater in both generalized aggressive periodontitis (7.49±2.31 mg/l) and chronic generalized periodontitis (4.88±1.80 mg/l) groups as compared to NP (0.68±0.23 mg/l) controls. Moreover, CRP levels were significantly higher in aggressive periodontitis as compared to chronic periodontitis patients. Also, CRP levels positively correlated with the amount of periodontal destruction as measured by probing depth and clinical attachment loss for both chronic generalized periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicated that periodontitis should be of particular concern in younger individuals, where elevated levels of CRP may contribute to early or more rapid cardiovascular disease in susceptible patients. Thus, further research should be carried out at a community level to ascertain these findings.

Combating child abuse: the role of a dentist.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Child abuse has serious physical and psychosocial consequences which adversely affect the health and overall well-being of a child. However, in a developing country like India there has been no knowledge of the extent, magnitude and trends of the problem. This study reviews the overall scenario of child abuse in India as well as the role of the dentist in recognising and thereby combating this problem. RESULTS Among health professionals, dentists are probably in the most favourable position to recognise child abuse, with opportunities to observe and assess not only the physical and the psychological condition of the children, but also the family environment. The high frequency of facial injuries associated with physical abuse places the dentist at the forefront of professionals to detect and treat an abused child. Screening for maltreatment should be an integral part of any clinical examination performed on a child. Although many injuries are not caused by abuse, dentists should always be suspicious of traumatic injuries. The dental professionals role in child abuse and neglect is to know the current state law regarding reporting child abuse and to follow the law. Awareness, identification, documentation and notification should be carried out by the dentist. CONCLUSION Paediatric dentists can provide valuable information and assistance to physicians about oral and dental aspects of child abuse and neglect. Such efforts will strengthen the ability to prevent and detect child abuse and neglect and enhance care and protection for the children.

Endodontic therapy in a four-rooted mandibular first molar—a case report

Abstract This report describes the case of two additional roots in the permanent first molar of a 14-year-old girl. Literature fails to reveal any significant data related to variations in root numbers although variation in root canal morphology has been mentioned. This report emphasizes the importance of detecting these variations, a failure of which may lead to the failure of endodontic treatment.

Role of Drama in Oral Health Education - The Point of View of Dental Student

Oral health care is the most important part of person day to day life. Many methods are documented in literature so far for oral health programmes which includes interventions aiming at affecting attitudinal and behavioural change through interactive sessions such as role-play, nukkad nataks, have led to self-reported reductions in risk habits in adults as well as children. Use of applied drama and theatre in oral health promotion is increasing, but knowledge about its effectiveness for health and well-being is still limited. This review is aimed to detect the role of drama in oral health care programmes

Awareness & attitude regarding biomedical waste disposal among post-graduate students, under-graduate students & auxiliary staff of a dental college – a questionnaire survey

Purpose : Indiscriminate disposal of bio medical waste poses a serious threat to environment and human health and is currently a burning issue with increasing health care facilities and associated waste generation. Hence this study assesses the awareness levels and attitude regarding biomedical waste disposal among post-graduates, under-graduates & auxiliary staff of a dental college. Materials and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among post-graduates, under-graduates & auxiliary staff using a questionnaire. A total of 120 participants, 40 in each group answered the questionnaire. The answers were analyzed and graded for each group. Results: The results depict satisfactory awareness about biomedical waste disposal among post-graduates and under-graduates. However, the auxiliary staff lacks the awareness about proper biomedical waste disposal. Conclusion: The study reveals that there is a need to increase knowledge among the auxiliary staff regarding biomedical waste management by continuing training program.

The unintended obturation: Thrusting bizarre in the root canals!

A wide array of habits is found in children; of these inserting foreign objects in the oral cavity is a common practice among children. Children often tend to insert sharp objects mainly in the open carious lesions to relieve pain caused due to food lodgment. The objects sometimes break and get embedded in the root canals. Sometimes, the patients do not reveal this to parent out of fear and ultimately are diagnosed accidently by the dentists when the symptoms appear or while diagnosing some other lesion. These foreign objects may act as a possible cause of infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory in such cases to avoid further complications. Thorough case history, clinical, and radiographic examinations are essential to determine the nature, size, location of the foreign body, and the difficulty involved in its retrieval. This paper discusses series of three such case reports where the foreign objects were diagnosed, retrieved, and treatment was followed.

Bilateral masseter muscle hypertrophy—a case report

Abstract This case reports the findings and the treatment planning of a 16-year-old girl who complained of localized swellings on both sides of the jaws along with pain and restricted mouth opening. Clinical and radiographie examinations revealed bilateral masseter muscle hypertrophy which was associated with severe clenching under stressful conditions. Occlusal splint therapy along with muscle relaxants and infrared therapy was implemented to relieve pain and restricted mouth opening. On subsequent follow-ups, patient reported with significant relief in pain as well as an appreciable increase in mouth opening.