Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of enhancing deficient interdental papilla with hyaluronic acid gel injection. Materials and Methods: Eight patients (three males and five females) were included. Patients had papillary deficiency in the upper anterior area. Prior to treatment, photographic images were taken for each patient. After the administration of a local anesthetic, a 23G needle was used to inject <0.2 mL of a commercially available and Food and Drug Administration-approved hyaluronic acid gel this treatment was repeated up to 2–3 times. Clinical photographic measurements of the black triangle area (BTA), black triangle height, and black triangle width were undertaken before the treatment and during follow-up. The interdental papilla reconstruction rate was calculated to determine the percentage change of the BTA between the initial and final examinations of the interdental papilla by means of injectable hyaluronic acid gel were evaluated. Results: Eight sites had complete interdental papilla reconstruction and six sites showed improvements ranging from 78.5 ± 19.83%. More specifically, when contact point and the bone crest reached 6 mm, virtually complete interdental papilla reconstruction was achieved. Conclusions: The results from this study are encouraging and present evidence that small papillary deficiencies between teeth can be enhanced by the injection of a hyaluronic acid gel.

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Objective: Description of Langerhans' cells (LCs) as an important antigen-presenting cells responsible for detecting the antigens, recruiting T-cells, and thereby initiating the immune response. An adequate response of the mucosal immune system is essential to protect the mucosa against pathological conditions. Hence, a detailed review was planned about this unique antigen-presenting cell. Methods: A literature search of the electronic databases included the MEDLINE, EBSCOHOST, PUBMED, and hand searches of references retrieved were undertaken using the following MeSH terms “Langerhans cells,” “LCs in Oral Lichen Planus,” “Langerhans cell histiocytosis,” “LCs and HIV,” “LCs in Periodontitis.” Results: LCs are present suprabasally in the epithelium of oral mucosa and in the epidermis of the skin. The role played by LCs though not fully elucidated, but several research studies indicate that these cells are involved in the pathogenesis of many oral diseases. In this article, the historical perspective, structure, function, origin, and phenotypic expressions of LCs are discussed in detail. The current understanding on the role of LCs in various oral lesions and its immunological characteristics are discussed. Conclusion: LCs act as immune mediator cells, tumor cells, vectors of infected cells, and phagocytic cells. Further studies could bolster the knowledge about the role of Langerhans cells in the immune response of various oral diseases and thereby provide diagnostic tools and help for prognostic evaluation. This review illuminates the pivotal role of Langerhans cells and its immune surveillance as a “Sentinels” of the oral mucosa.

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Periodontitis has a multifactorial etiology as a result of interactions between periodontal pathogens and the host response. Due to the complex etiology and esthetic complications, the management of such patients is a challenging task. Vast arrays of treatment modalities are employed in the treatment of generalized periodontitis with varying success rates. Placental-derived tissues as allografts have recently been introduced for guided tissue regeneration in dentistry with favorable results. In this case report, successful periodontal treatment of a 25-year-old male patient with generalized periodontitis; Stage IV, Grade C, is presented with a 3-year follow-up. An interdisciplinary approach using regenerative periodontal surgery and a modified Andrew's bridge was used to successfully rehabilitate the patient. In a compliant patient with a well-structured interdisciplinary approach, questionable and hopeless teeth too can be retained over an extended period of time with no detrimental effect on the adjacent teeth.

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Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of root coverage through vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) technique using platelet rich fibrin (PRF) or subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in multiple gingival recessions. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients with multiple gingival recessions were included, and 10 subjects were randomly allocated to test group (VISTA with PRF) and 10 patients to control group (VISTA with SCTG). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Patient's response toward the treatment was also assessed by questionnaire. Results: All the clinical parameters in the study have showed better results in test group when compared to control group after a follow up period of 6 months with statistical significance. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggested that multiple gingival recessions can be successfully treated with both procedures, but better root coverage and a greater increase in keratinized tissue were achieved with the VISTA technique with SCTG. All the patients in both groups felt it was worth undergoing the treatment.

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Purpose: To comparatively evaluate the wear resistance of two different implant abutment materials with titanium implants after cyclic loading. Methodology: Two groups utilizing 20 titanium implants secured in resin blocks, in which 10 titanium implants are connected with titanium abutments (Group I, n = 10) and the other 10 titanium implants are connected with Polyether ether Ketone (PEEK) abutments (Group II, n = 10). Abutments are cyclically loaded for 550,000 cycles. Surface profilometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) are carried out for all the abutment in both Group I and Group II before and after cyclic loading. The abutment surface at the implant-abutment interface is analyzed for wear. Results: On comparison using independent “t”-test, it was found that the mean difference values of pre- and post-cyclic loading surface roughness (Ra value) of Group I (premachined titanium straight abutments) (−0.073 μm) was lower than the Group II test samples (premachined PEEK straight abutments) (−0.0004 μm), and this was found to be statistically insignificant (P = 0.272). SEM micrographs and EDS results also corroborate with the results of surface profilometry. Conclusion: The new concept in this study is Group II (PEEK abutments) are connected with titanium implants, to prove its compatibility and aesthetics. Within the limitations of the study, the surface roughness values before and after cyclic loading of two different abutment materials revealed that the wear resistance of titanium abutments is more than PEEK abutments, but the difference was found to be statistically insignificant.

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Context: Marginal fit being the prime concern of indirect restorations. Inlays can be either fabricated by conventional technique or computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. CAD/CAM is the most evolving digital technique with faster, quicker, and precise results. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the marginal fit of MOD inlays fabricated with two different CAD/CAM methods and conventional fabrication methods. Settings and Design: Mesio-occlusal-distal preparation was done on a maxillary premolar typhodont tooth and divided into the following groups. Group A: 30 inlays were fabricated through the conventional impression technique. Group B: Preparation was scanning using an intraoral scanner followed by subtractive milling (Group B1) and subtractive milling of wax patterns (Group B2). Similarly, subgrouping was carried out for Group C except that an extraoral scanner was used. Occlusal and the cervical marginal fit were assessed using the replica technique and stereomicroscope. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc test for determining differences at a 95% level of confidence (P = 0.05). Results: Group A had the highest marginal discrepancy in comparison to Group B and Group C at occlusal and cervical edges, whereas subtractive milling showed comparatively better results than subtractive milling of wax patterns at cervical edges and similar results at occlusal edges. Conclusions: Ceramic inlays fabricated by subtractive milling yielded better results.

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Background: Platelet concentrates usage in the treatment of intrabony defects has been improved due to advancement of research. Many generation of platelet concentrates were used, but research regarding advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) regarding periodontal treatment is scanty. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare PRF and A-PRF in the treatment of human periodontal infrabony defects (IBDs) both clinically and radiographically. Materials and Methods: Twenty- eight patients having IBDs were divided into Group A (PRF) and Group B (A-PRF). Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months and radiographic examination at baseline and 6 months were also recorded to evaluate defect fill, resolution, and change in the alveolar crest height. Then, all the data were tabulated in a Microsoft Excel sheet and subjected to statistical analysis. Mean and standard deviations of the clinical and radiographic parameters were calculated, and unpaired t-test was performed to assess intergroup comparison at different time intervals. Results: Intragroup comparison showed statistically significant improvement in PPD and CAL at 3 and 6 months while statistically significant improvement was observed in mean defect fill and resolution in Group B. Conclusion: Individually, both the materials have shown promising results. However, statistically, PRF group (Group A) showed better treatment outcome in terms of bone fill and A-PRF group (Group B) in terms of soft tissue healing.

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The objective was to describe the use of a maxillary obturator supported by dental implants and ball abutments in an adult edentulous unilateral cleft patient. Adult edentulous cleft patients who have had no corrective surgeries or failed attempts at cleft repair in childhood suffer from oronasal communication resulting in hypernasal speech, dysphagia, and compromised masticatory ability. Tissue-supported obturator prostheses in such patients provide for compromised function due to instability and lack of retention. The treatment using fibromucosal-supported obturators is well established in the literature; few articles have also described osseointegrated implants supporting the prosthesis in adult cleft patients supported by bar attachments and magnets; however, reports of implant-supported maxillary obturators retained by ball/stud attachments are scarce. The implants provided retention and stability to the prosthesis, simplifying the laboratory procedure using ball abutments, improving swallowing, speech, and the patient's general quality of life. This article reports the rehabilitation of an adult cleft palate patient with a totally edentulous maxilla using an implant-retained prosthesis.

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Background and Aim: Nasal septum deviation (NSD) increases the chance of nasal obstruction, sinusitis, and upper airway and middle ear infections and can affect vocal cord activity, beauty, and breathing. The present study investigated the prevalence of NSD and its relation to gender, age, and history of trauma using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on the data from CBCT examinations of 386 patients referred to two oral and maxillofacial radiology centers in Tehran, Iran, from January 2016 to January 2017. The presence of NSD and its type according to the Mladina's classification were evaluated. The effect of age, gender, and history of trauma on the prevalence of NSD was considered using a logistic regression. Results: 86.6% (confidence interval = 0.81, 0.91) of the patients showed NSD. The prevalence was 19.4% type 1, 6.2% type 2, 20.7% type 3, 5.4% type 4, 4.4% type 5, 0.3% type 6, and 30.3% with type 7. The logistic regression indicated that the chance of deviation of nasal septum increased with age and every 10-year increase in age increased the odds of septal deviation by 0.32 (P < 0.001 and odds ratio = 1.032). Gender (P = 0.094) and history of trauma (P = 0.79) had no effects on the chance of deviation of nasal septum. Conclusion: This study showed that the frequency of NSD was 86.6%, with type 7 being the most common type, followed by type 3 and 1. NSD showed no association with trauma and gender, and the increase in age increases the chance of NSD.

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Maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation is almost always indicated after surgical treatment of affected individuals with oral cavity and pharynx cancers. Few articles have described in detail the technical sequence of maxillofacial prosthesis fabrication. The first case is a 56-year-old woman who was rehabilitated with pharyngeal obturator prosthesis after a partial maxillectomy, including soft palate, tonsil, oropharynx, and retromolar space regions. The second case is an 83-year-old man who was rehabilitated with hard palatal obturator prosthesis after a maxillectomy, including hard palate and nasal floor. In both cases, the patients complained of oronasal regurgitation and difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and speaking. A multi-professional approach including oral rehabilitation should be part of the treatment plan for individuals with oral and pharyngeal cancer after tumor resection.

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Context: A new case of an allergic reaction due to the use of toothpaste was found in California, United States, causing the death of an 11-year-old girl. Ingredients contained in toothpaste suspected as a cause of allergies are milk protein compounds. Aims: The aim is to compare the protein level and molecular weight in children's toothpaste. Settings and Design: Stratified random sampling. Subjects and Methods: Samples used were children's toothpaste products in society, namely, Pepsodent^®, Cussons^®, Enzyme^®, Kodomo^®, Formula^®, Colgate^®, the toothpaste contain recaldent of GC Tooth Moose^® and pure cow's milk. Those samples were divided into eight groups, randomly selected according to the purpose (stratified random sampling), and then coded to maintain product confidentiality. Meanwhile, samples used as comparison groups were recaldent paste and pure cow's milk. Results: Each sample was analyzed for protein content using a biuret test and protein molecular weight using the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis test. The protein content in toothpaste is compared with the similarity of the molecular protein weight in toothpaste that contains recaldent. Protein was found in samples 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 through a biuret test, with a concentration of 1.82; 1.53; 2.76; 1.92; 1.85; and 3.2 μg/mL. However, the protein bands were only found in sample 5 with a molecular weight of 20.7 kDa, sample 6 with a molecular weight of 19.1 kDa, sample 7 with a molecular weight of 17.7 kDa, and sample 8 with 2 bands, namely, 28.7 and 39.7 kDa. Conclusions: We found the presence of protein in children's toothpaste. The protein molecular weight of recaldent paste is 17.7 kDa. Toothpaste containing protein with its molecular weight similar to recaldent's are found in samples 5 and 6.

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Introduction: Homocysteine (Hcy), an inflammatory biomarker, is a sulfur-containing amino acid. Elevated levels of plasma Hcy are evident in various inflammatory conditions and have been described as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The literature has also stated that a similar association could exist between the chronic periodontitis and plasma-Hcy levels, in otherwise systemically healthy individuals. However, studies on Hcy levels in periodontitis are scarce. Hence, this study aimed to assess the levels of plasma Hcy in patients with chronic periodontitis before and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal, case–control clinical study included a total of 60 patients who were divided into two groups. Periodontal parameters including Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level were recorded at baseline and 12 weeks after periodontal therapy. A high-performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed to measure the Hcy levels. The results were evaluated statistically for intergroup pair-wise comparisons by Mann–Whitney U-test and intragroup comparison by Wilcoxon-matched pairs test. Correlation between the plasma-Hcy levels with other clinical parameters in all groups was done by Spearman's rank correlation method. Results: The Hcy was detectable in all the samples. At baseline, the mean levels of plasma Hcy were found to be low in the control group, whereas in the test group, it is found to be higher. These plasma-Hcy levels and all periodontal parameters were reduced significantly after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that plasma-Hcy levels are reduced after nonsurgical periodontal therapy but not to the levels comparable with those found in healthy individuals. Therefore, nonsurgical periodontal therapy may be used as an adjunctive Hcy-lowering therapy, contributing toward primary prevention against cardiovascular diseases.

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Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a proliferative fibrous lesion causing severe gingival enlargement, affecting the esthetics, as well as posing various periodontal problems. This case report addresses the diagnosis and treatment of one such rare case of HGF where the patient presented with generalized diffuse gingival enlargement involving the maxillary and mandibular arches extending on the buccal and lingual/palatal surfaces and covering the incisal/occlusal third of the tooth, resulting in altered esthetics, difficulty in speech, and mastication. Gingivectomy was carried out in all the four quadrants using diode laser. The healing was uneventful; the patient was satisfied with her esthetics and was able to resume her oral hygiene practices. Even though recurrence cannot be predicted, the risk of recurrence can be outweighed with the psychological and functional benefits. Long-term follow-up will be required to evaluate the predictability of the different surgical techniques.

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Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune mucocutaneous disease characterized by epithelial blistering affecting the mucosal/cutaneous surfaces. This case report demonstrates the oral manifestations of PV in the uncommon locations such as the attached, marginal, and interdental gingiva with no involvement of oral mucosa, tongue, palate, or buccal mucosa.

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Background: Oral cancer is the most frequent type of cancer of the head and neck area, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common single entity. Worldwide, oral cancer accounts for 2%–4% of all cancer cases, the prevalence being highest in India. Lymph node metastases occur in about 40% of patients with oral cancer. Clinically, their manifestations are hidden in rates of 15% to 34%. More accurate imaging techniques can reduce the risk of undiagnosed metastasis. Ultrasonography has gained wide acceptance as a diagnostic aid in the evaluation of reactive and metastatic lymph nodes. The present study is an attempt to assess the earliest evaluation of the cervical lymph nodes by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Methodology: A descriptive diagnostic evaluation study was carried out to find out the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound-guided FNAC in detecting metastasis to cervical lymph nodes from oral SCC in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College, Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with the Department of Imageology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram during the time period from July 2015 to September 2016. Results: A total of 112 patients with histologically proven oral SCC having palpable lymph nodes were evaluated clinically and ultrasonographically. In this study, sensitivity and specificity of >90% were obtained for ultrasonographic criteria such as the long axis to short axis ratio <2, the absence of hilum, heterogeneous architecture, and altered vascularity in the evaluation of metastatic lymph nodes. The diagnostic yield in the detection of metastatic lymph nodes was much higher in the ultrasonographic examination. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided FNAC offers an opportunity to enhance patient prognosis through early detection and a specific diagnosis (92.5%) when compared to clinical examination (78.6%) in the current study.

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Context: Displacement of bracket after initial placement on tooth surface in the precure phase of bonding influences the shear bond strength. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of bracket displacement during the precure phase after initial placement on the tooth surface on shear bond strength of chemical cure and light cure composites. Settings and Design: In vitro experimental study. Subjects and Methods: Stainless steel orthodontic premolar brackets were bonded to the buccal surfaces of 88 maxillary 1^st premolar teeth. Teeth were divided into four groups: (1) Group 1 – Control group for light-cure composites, (2) Group 2 – Displacement group for light-cure composites, (3) Group 3 – Control group for chemical cure composites, and (4) Group 4 –Displacement group for chemical cure composites. In the control groups, the brackets were bonded with no precure bracket displacement. In the displacement groups, the brackets were bonded with 2 mm precure linear displacement. Photoactivation was carried out for light-cure composites. Shear bond strength tests were carried out using the universal testing machine. Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance test. Results: The mean shear bond strength of Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were observed to be 14.49 ± 0.75, 13.40 ± 0.61, 12.34 ± 0.53, and 11.55 ± 2.43MPa, respectively, with the displacement groups showing lower shear bond strength when compared to the control groups. Whether displaced or not, chemically cured composites showed lower bond strength when compared to light-cured composites. Conclusions: Displacement of brackets during bracket placement seemed to reduce the enamel bond strength after the final positioning of the bracket.

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