Sunil Kumar Mishra

Role of prosthodontist in forensic odontology. A literature review

Dental identification assumes a primary role in the identification of remains when postmortem changes, traumatic tissue injury, or lack of a fingerprint record invalidate the use of visual or fingerprint methods. The most common role of the forensic dentist is the identification of deceased individuals. Forensic identification based on assessment of prosthodontic appliances is assuming greater significance, as labeling of dentures and other prosthetic appliance could provide vital clues for patient identification. Various recommendations have been made concerning the importance of denture identification. This paper presents a review of available literature highlighting the fact that how a prosthodontist can play a key role in identification of a deceased individual if trained to do so.

A Comparison of Masticatory Performance and Efficiency of Complete Dentures Made with High Impact and Flexible Resins: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND In patients with extensive tooth loss, restoration of masticatory function and aesthetics is main concern for a prosthodontist. AIM OF STUDY This study aimed to evaluate and compare differences in masticatory efficiency of patients treated with complete dentures made with either high impact or flexible resins. SETTING AND DESIGN The sample size consisted of 10 study subjects. Two sets of dentures first conventional followed by flexible dentures were fabricated for each subject and both the sets of dentures were accessed for masticatory performance and efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study compared the masticatory performance and efficiency of dentures by means of standardized mesh sieves. Masticatory efficiency was calculated by recording the total number of chewing cycles and time required to completely swallow a standardized food item. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was given and evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED The statistical analyses were performed using Z-test of Proportion and Paired t-test. RESULTS The masticatory performance ratio was found to be more for hard food in conventional dentures. The values of masticatory performance ratios for soft food, time and number of masticatory strokes were indicating better masticatory efficiency of conventional dentures. CONCLUSION Though masticatory efficiency and performance were found to be better for patients dentures made with Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a statistically significant number of patients reported that the flexible dentures were more satisfying than the conventional dentures.

Is there enough evidence so that mandible can be used as a tool for sex dimorphism? A systematic review

Statement of Problem: One of the most challenging tasks for forensic science is to identify the unknown human skeletal remains of deceased individuals. Study of sex by distinguishing the various morphological characteristics of bones is utmost important in forensic anthropology and for medico-legal assessment. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the literature, to find if there is sufficient evidence to establish the use of mandible in sex identification. Materials and Methods: An electronic search was performed to identify suitable literature, using database of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EBSCOhost. Published articles in between January 2000 and April 2015 were searched. The main focus of search was on the various parameters of mandible studied in last 15 years for sex dimorphism. The focus was on the articles published on radiographic studies as well as on morphometric studies of dry mandible in which skeletal parameters were studied. The screening of titles and abstracts were done, suitable literature that fulfilled the inclusion criteria was selected for a full-text reading. Results: The initial literature search resulted in 89 articles, out of which only 36 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Conclusion: Out of 16 radiographic studies, 14 showed statistically significant results that the adult mandible could be used with increased sensitivity and objectivity to identify both sex and population affinity compared to other standard analytical techniques, whereas two studies showed insignificant results. Out of 20 morphometric studies of dry mandible 15 studies showed a positive correlation between sex dimorphism and mandibular parameters and five studies did not show any positive correlations between the two.

Primary failure of eruption

Primary failure of eruption (PFE) is a partially understood oral condition associated with tooth eruption failure. Failure of eruption may affect one or a number of teeth, in either the primary or the permanent dentition, and depending on the underlying etiology, it can be partial or complete absence of teeth in oral cavity. For proper diagnosis, the differential diagnosis of PFE should always begin with the exclusion of potential systemic and local factors which can affect the eruption of teeth.

Rehabilitation of amputed thumb with a silicone prosthesis.

Creating prosthesis, having realistic skin surface and seamless visual integration with the surrounding tissues, requires both artistic and technical skill. Anatomical design, thin margins, lifelike fingernails and realistic color/contours are essential for patient satisfaction. Prosthesis is especially useful in case of lost body parts, as reconstructive surgery cannot fully restore aesthetics. This case report describes a simple technique for fabricating silicon finger prosthesis for a patient.

Effects of fluconazole, chlorhexidine gluconate, and silver-zinc zeolite on flexural strength of heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate resin

Aim: We evaluated the effect of incorporating Fluconazole, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, and Silver-Zinc Zeolite as bioactive materials (10% of mass) on the flexural strength of commercially available heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA; Travelon). Materials and Methods: The following four groups were compared; Group 1: Control group with pure PMMA, Group 2: Antibacterial drug group with chlorhexidine gluconate in powder form + PMMA, Group 3: Antifungal drug group with fluconazole in powder form + PMMA, Group 4: Antimicrobial agent group with silver zinc zeolite in powder form + PMMA. After processing, the specimens were subjected for flexural strength testing using three-point bending test in a universal testing machine. Results: A significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in flexural strength following incorporation of Fluconazole, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, and Silver-Zinc Zeolite to heat polymerized acrylic resin was observed when compared with the control group. The decrease in mean flexural strength was minimal in the fluconazole group. Conclusion: Although the addition of a bioactive material to PMMA acrylic is desirable, it is not practical as it reduces flexural strength of the acrylic base.