Raman Kumar

Correlation Between Clinical Findings of Temporomandibular Disorders and MRI Characteristics of Disc Displacement.

Objectives : Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common condition that is best evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The first step in MR imaging of the TMJ is to evaluate the articular disk, or meniscus, in terms of its morphologic features and its location relative to the condyle in both closed- and open-mouth positions. Disk location is of prime importance because the presence of a displaced disk is a critical sign of TMJ dysfunction. However, disk displacement is also frequently seen in asymptomatic volunteers. It is important for the maxillofacial radiologist to detect early MR imaging signs of dysfunction, thereby avoiding the evolution of this condition to its advanced and irreversible phase which is characterized by osteoarthritic changes such as condylar flattening or osteophytes. Further the MR imaging techniques will allow a better understanding of the sources of TMJ pain and of any discrepancy between imaging findings and patient symptoms. Henceforth, the aim of the study was to evaluate whether MRI findings of various degrees of disk displacement could be correlated with the presence or absence of clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Materials and Methods : In this clinical study, 44 patients (88 TMJs) were examined clinically and divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 22 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of TMDs either unilaterally or bilaterally and considered as study group. Group 2 consisted of 22 patients with no signs and symptoms of TMDs and considered as control group. MRI was done for both the TMJs of each patient. Displacement of the posterior band of articular disc in relation to the condyle was quantified as anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDR), anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWR), posterior disc displacement (PDD). Results : Disk displacement was found in 18 (81.8%) patients of 22 symptomatic subjects in Group 1 on MRI and 4 (18.1%) were diagnosed normal with no disc displacement. In Group 2, 2 (9.1%) of 22 asymptomatic patients were diagnosed with disc displacement while 20 (90.1%) were normal. Sensitivity and Specificity tests were applied in both the groups to correlate clinical findings of TMD and MRI characterstics of disc displacement and results showed Sensitivity of 90% and Specificity of 83.3%. Conclusion : Disk displacement on MRI correlated well with presence or absence of clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders with high Sensitivity and Specificity of 90% and 83.3% respectively.

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.

Stem Cell Therapy - A Review

Stem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide (through mitosis) and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can renew by itself to produce more stem cells. In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are extracted from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells, which are located in various tissues. Stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing tissues in adult organism. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all the specialized cells (these are called pluripotent cells), but also help in maintainance of the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues.