Vidya Bhat

Direct pulp capping in an immature incisor using a new bioactive material.

Preservation of the pulp in a traumatized immature fractured incisor tooth is of prime importance in order to achieve apexogenesis, a natural apical closure. The main factor influencing this is pulpal protection by a bioactive material proving optimum marginal seal in preventing any microleakage. This case report presents an 8-year-old female diagnosed with Ellis Class 3 fracture of immature tooth 11 involving the mesial pulp horn. Under rubber dam isolation, a partial pulpotomy was performed and the pulp was sealed using a new bioactive material BIODENTINE to stimulate apexogenesis, dentine replacement and pulp protection. The fractured segment was reattached for optimum esthetics, which was a concern for the patient. The patient was followed-up for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, which revealed continued apical closure and maintenance of pulp vitality. The patient remained asymptomatic. This case report provides evidence for the potential use of Biodentine as an effective pulp capping material in the future.

Infection control in the prosthodontic laboratory

Although a lot of importance is given to infection control in the dental clinic, it is usually overlooked in the laboratory. This article reviews the various issues of infection control in the dental, especially the prosthodontic laboratory.

An In Vivo study to compare and evaluate the correlation of the facial measurements with the combined mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth between males and females

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the correlation of the facial measurements (interalar, intercommissural, intercanthal, and interpupillary distance) with the combined mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth between males and females. Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (a) To evaluate the correlation of the facial measurements (interalar, intercommissural, intercanthal, and interpupillary distance) and combined mesiodistal width of maxillary anterior teeth. (b) To compare the correlation of the facial measurements (interalar, intercommissural, intercanthal, and interpupillary distance) with the combined mesiodistal width of maxillary anterior teeth between males and females. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 120 dentate Subjects selected from Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore. The vernier caliper was used to measure the interalar, intercommissural, intercanthal, and interpupillary distance. The mesiodistal width of maxillary anterior teeth was measured on the cast. For accuracy, every distance was measured three times and the mean taken. Results: Comparison of parameters between males and females was calculated using independent sample t-test. The values obtained for each variables are interalar distance: for males 38.89 ± 2.19 and for females 35.58 ± 2.33. Intercommissural distance: for males 50.96 ± 2.99 and for females 47.15 ± 2.97. Intercanthal distance: for males 31.92 ± 1.46 and for females 30.46 ± 2.07. Interpupillary distance: for males 65.15 ± 2.82 and for females 61.78 ± 3.18. Mesiodistal width of maxillary anterior teeth: for males 52.55 ± 1.82 and for females 51.33 ± 2.50. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the study concluded there is a significant correlation between interalar, intercommissural, intercanthal, interpupillary distance, and mesiodistal width of maxillary anterior teeth in total subjects. In females, there is a significant correlation between interalar, intercanthal, interpupillary distance, and mesiodistal width of maxillary anterior teeth.

Assessment of maternal risk factors and its relationship with early childhood caries among preschool children in Mangaluru city

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the maternal risk factors and its relationship with early childhood caries (ECC) among preschoolchildren in Mangaluru city. Methods: Children aged 3–5 years attending preschool (Anganwadi) and their mothers were included in the study. A total of 120 child–mother pairs participated in the study. The maternal risk factors were assessed by a pretested questionnaire. After obtaining the consent, the mother and their children were clinically examined for dental caries using the WHO criteria (1997). Results were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. Results: Significant difference was found in mothers caries activity, high level of Streptococcus mutans, brushing frequency, diet of the mother, and their childs caries experience. Conclusion: A relationship between maternal risk factors and ECC is a result of a multifactorial and a comprehensive model that includes psychological and behavioral aspects. Caries prevention strategy should be that every child should receive oral care before age of one so that needful children can be instituted with preventive measures and their parents can be targeted for educational programs.

Intelligent nutrition: Oral health promotion by probiotics

Probiotic bacteria have been added to various foods because of their beneficial effects for human health, especially gut. Numerous studies have proved definite reliability of these viable bacteria in the treatment of gastrointestinal infections and diseases. The effect of probiotic in prevention and treatment of various oral disorders is also being studied. Although only a few clinical studies have been conducted so far, the results to date suggest that probiotics could be useful in preventing and treating oral infections, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and halitosis. This article summarizes the currently available data on the potential benefits of probiotics for oral health.

Magnets in dentistry

Magnets have generated great interest within dentistry. They have been used for various applications in orthodontics and prosthodontics. Earlier use of magnets was limited due to the unavailability of small size magnets, but after the introduction of rare earth magnets and their availability in smaller sizes, their use has increased considerably. They can be placed within prostheses without being obtrusive in the mouth. Their main use in orthodontics has been for tooth movement and in prosthodontics has been in maxillofacial prosthesis and in overdentures as retentive aids. This article reviews the types of magnets available and their application in maxillofacial prosthesis and overdentures, followed by other advantages and disadvantages.