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Decellularization is regarded as a xenogenic antigen-reduction technique because it effectively eliminates all cellular and nuclear components while mitigating any negative impact on the composition, biological functionality, and structural integrity of the remaining extracellular matrix. This study aimed to histologically evaluate native, freeze dried and chemically decellularized bovine pericardium membrane. Also, this study focused on preservation of extracellular matrix after decellularization. Bovine pericardium membrane was decellularized by freeze thaw cycle followed by freeze drying and 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate. Unprocessed pericardium was used as control. The effectiveness of Decellularization was assessed based on the reduction of histologically visible nuclei. Decellularization by freeze thaw cycle followed by freeze drying resulted in 17.84% reduction in nuclei content and decellularization by sodium dodecyl sulphate results in 92% reduction in nuclei content compare to control group. Picrosirius red staining for freeze dried group displayed loosely organised, thin collagen bundles that exhibit reddish-yellow birefringence and sodium dodecyl sulfate group revealed dense collagen bundles that are parallelly organised and compact, exhibiting reddish-yellow birefringence and showed good structural integrity. These results suggested that the sodium do decyl sulfate showed optimal decellularization results with better extracellular matrix preservation. It may be a suitable protocol for producing a suitable scaffold for periodontal tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of bone morphogenetic proteins in demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) are responsible for developing hard tissues in intraosseous defects. The most common mode of sterilization of bone allografts, i.e., Gamma rays, have dramatic effects on the structural and biological properties of DFDBA, leading to loss of BMPs. Ultraviolet-C radiation is a newer approach to sterilize biodegradable scaffolds, which is simple to use and ensures efficient sterilization. However, UV-C radiation has not yet been effectively studied to sterilize bone allografts. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of Gamma and Ultraviolet-C rays in sterilizing indigenously prepared DFDBA and assess their effect on the quantity of BMP-7 present in the allograft. DFDBA samples from non-irradiated, gamma irradiated, and UV-C irradiated groups were tested for BMP-7 level and samples sterilized with gamma and UV-C rays were analysed for sterility testing. The estimated mean BMP-7 level was highest in non-irradiated DFDBA samples, followed by UV-C irradiated, and the lowest in gamma irradiated samples. Our study concluded that UV-C rays effectively sterilized DFDBA as indicated by negative sterility test and comprised lesser degradation of BMP-7 than gamma irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing furcation defects constitutes a problem in successful periodontal therapy. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is the mainstay for the management of such defects but is expensive. This study makes use of indigenously prepared demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) and amniotic membrane (AM) as a cost-effective alternative. The purpose of the study was to compare the clinical outcome of grade II and III furcation defects with and without using indigenous DFDBA and AM prepared at Central Tissue Bank, MAIDS. 18 systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis displaying either grade II or III furcation defects were treated with open flap debridement (OFD) + intramarrow penetration (IMP) (control group) and OFD + IMP + DFDBA + AM (test group). The clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. All parameters were statistically analyzed. Both treatment modalities resulted in improvement in all clinical variables evaluated. Radiographic dimensions evaluating bone fill showed a statistically significant difference in the test group compared to the control group. Within the limitations of this study, data suggest GTR using indigenously prepared DFDBA and amniotic membrane to be an economical and viable option for treating furcation defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gingival recession being the most common mucogingival problem among adult patients is often associated with root hypersensitivity, erosion, root caries, and compromised aesthetics. The primary goal of treating gingival recession include complete root coverage along with improving gingival biotype to facilitate proper plaque control, improve patient aesthetics, and to prevent further periodontal breakdown. Although numerous root coverage techniques and regenerative materials are available, a novel technique involving the bilateral pedicle flap with subperiosteal tunnel in interdental papilla along with use of Titanium Prepared Platelet-Rich Fibrin (T-PRF) has been described in this case report. A 20-year-old male patient reported with the chief complaint of teeth sensitivity in lower front teeth. Intraoral examination revealed Recession Type 1 (RT-1) defects in mandibular central incisors which were treated using modified bilateral pedicle flap and tunnel technique combined with T-PRF. This technique allowed excellent blood supply at recipient site along with complete coverage of T-PRF membrane and root surfaces. The subperiosteal tunnel created in between the two affected teeth, allowed better stabilisation of membrane and inhibited apical retraction of flap during healing phase. Using this novel technique, complete root coverage was achieved along with gain in gingival thickness hence, it can be considered as a predictable approach for the treatment of RT-1 defects involving two adjacent teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to compare surface electromyographic activities (EMG) of four muscles, that is anterior temporalis (AT), masseter (MST), sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and anterior belly of digastric (ABD), between chronic periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy individuals as well as to correlate these EMG findings with periodontal parameters. Methods: Thirty chronic periodontitis patients were recruited in Group I and 30 periodontally healthy individuals in Group II. Clenching and resting EMG for 4 muscles (AT, MST, SCM and ABD) were recorded for each participant. These EMG values were compared between the groups and correlated with periodontal parameters (plaque index, modified sulcular bleeding index, probing depth and clinical attachment loss). Results: Resting EMG (rEMG) showed no significant difference between the groups for any muscle. Clenching EMG (cEMG) values were significantly lower in Group I than Group II for AT and MST (P =.001), but not so for SCM and ABD. Within Group I, AT and MST showed a significant negative correlation of cEMG with probing depth and clinical attachment loss (P <.05). Conclusion: Electrical muscle activities of AT and MST are lower in chronic periodontitis than periodontally healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) (Synthograft, Bicon USA) in periodontal osseous defects in comparison to open flap debridement (OFD). Method and Materials: Twelve patients showing clinical and radiographic evidence of almost identical bilateral infrabony defects were selected. The infrabony defects in the 12 patients were treated with OFD+β-TCP on one side and OFD on the other side. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline and 6 months following therapy. Results: No differences in probing depth (PD) reduction or clinical attachment level (CAL) gain were observed, although a statistically significant difference was observed for the defect fill between the two groups. Six months after therapy, sites treated with OFD+β-TCP showed a reduction in mean PD from 9.67 ± 2.35 mm to 4.00 ± 1.60 mm (P < .05), a change in mean CAL from 9.92 ± 3.15 mm to 5.00 ± 3.86 mm (P < .05), and the mean defect fill was 2.92 ± 0.90 mm. In the sites treated with only OFD, the mean PD was reduced from 7.58 ± 1.08 mm to 2.67 ± 0.65 mm (P < .05), the mean CAL changed from 6.83 ± 1.34 mm to 1.83 ± 1.64 mm (P < .05), and the mean defect fill was 0.83 ± 0.39 mm. Reduction of 5 mm in PD was observed in 5 of the 12 defects (42%); 4 of the 12 defects (33%) gained 3 mm of CAL in the test sites. PD reductions and CAL gains of 3 to 6 mm were measured in the majority of the cases (60% to 75%) regardless of treatment modality. Conclusion: Within the constraints of this study, both therapies resulted in significant PD reductions and CAL gains 6 months after surgery. Sites treated with OFD+β-TCP showed a significant defect fill compared to those treated with OFD alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) (Synthograft, Bicon USA) in periodontal osseous defects in comparison to open flap debridement (OFD). Method and Materials: Twelve patients showing clinical and radiographic evidence of almost identical bilateral infrabony defects were selected. The infrabony defects in the 12 patients were treated with OFD+β-TCP on one side and OFD on the other side. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline and 6 months following therapy. Results: No differences in probing depth (PD) reduction or clinical attachment level (CAL) gain were observed, although a statistically significant difference was observed for the defect fill between the two groups. Six months after therapy, sites treated with OFD+β-TCP showed a reduction in mean PD from 9.67 ± 2.35 mm to 4.00 ± 1.60 mm (P < .05), a change in mean CAL from 9.92 ± 3.15 mm to 5.00 ± 3.86 mm (P < .05), and the mean defect fill was 2.92 ± 0.90 mm. In the sites treated with only OFD, the mean PD was reduced from 7.58 ± 1.08 mm to 2.67 ± 0.65 mm (P < .05), the mean CAL changed from 6.83 ± 1.34 mm to 1.83 ± 1.64 mm (P < .05), and the mean defect fill was 0.83 ± 0.39 mm. Reduction of 5 mm in PD was observed in 5 of the 12 defects (42%); 4 of the 12 defects (33%) gained 3 mm of CAL in the test sites. PD reductions and CAL gains of 3 to 6 mm were measured in the majority of the cases (60% to 75%) regardless of treatment modality. Conclusion: Within the constraints of this study, both therapies resulted in significant PD reductions and CAL gains 6 months after surgery. Sites treated with OFD+β-TCP showed a significant defect fill compared to those treated with OFD alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freezing is the most common method for storing bones until use in skeletal reconstruction. However, the effect of freezing at different temperatures on antibiotic delivery from antibiotic-coated bone chips has not been evaluated. In this study, we compared antibiotic delivery in vitro from gentamicin-coated human bone stored at different temperatures impregnated for different time periods. Bone chips obtained from human femur heads were chemically cleaned and mixed with gentamicin sulfate solution for 1 h and 10 h respectively. Samples of both groups were cryopreserved for 4 months at - 20 °C, 4 months at - 80 °C, or evaluated immediately without freezing. Antibiotic release from the bone chips was measured using Bacillus subtilis as an indicator strain. Zones of inhibition and rates of gentamicin were higher for the samples impregnated for 10 h as compared to 1 h. There was no significant difference between non-cryopreservation, cryopreservation at different temperatures of - 20 and - 80 °C on the release of gentamicin from bone chips even after storage for 4 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During bone allograft processing, despite stringent donor screening and use of aseptic techniques, microbial invasion may occur due to the porous nature of the graft and cause potentially fatal infections. The aim of the present study was to prepare bone allograft with and without gentamicin and to compare bioburden and sterility in the obtained grafts to evaluate the role of antibiotic in enhancing graft safety. Fifty samples of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft were prepared from suitable donors according to international standards. Randomly selected 25 samples were placed in 8 mg gentamicin/gram bone solution for 1 h. Packaging and sealing was done to ensure no microbial ingress during transportation. 40 samples were selected for bioburden testing. Remaining 10 were subjected to 25 kGy gamma radiation and tested for sterility. Microbiological evaluation revealed no evidence of colony forming units in all the samples of both the groups (Bioburden = 0). Post-radiation sterility testing also revealed no bacterial colony in the tested samples from both the groups. Favorable results validate the processing protocol while comparable results in both groups indicate no additive benefit of gentamicin addition. Nil bioburden may be used in further studies to determine a lower radiation dose to achieve adequate sterility and minimize the disadvantages of radiation like collagen cross-linking and decreased osteoinductive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marginal gingival recession can cause major functional and esthetic problems. Advanced flaps are the simplest, yet unpredictable procedures for managing these conditions. The predictability of root coverage can be increased by combining coronally advanced flap (CAF) or its modified approach with other regenerative techniques.Objective: To ascertain the potential benefits of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on modified CAF for the treatment of gingival recession.Materials and Methods: Study comprised of 12 patients with Millers' class I and class II gingival recession in two non-adjacent anterior teeth having a minimum 3 mm width of attached gingiva. Following split-mouth design, one tooth with gingival recession was subjected to modified CAF, while another was treated by CAF with PRF. The clinical parameters, i.e., plaque index, modified sulcular bleeding index, vertical gingival recession depth (VGRD), gingival recession width (GRW), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival thickness (GT) were recorded at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.Results: VGRD, GRW, CAL, and GT improved significantly from baseline to 1 month in both test and control groups. However, change in these parameters from 1 month to 3 months and 3 months to 6 months were statistically nonsignificant in both groups. On intergroup comparison, only the change in GT was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) at all three post-treatment visits.Conclusion: Benefits of the combined technique in terms of increased GT appear to justify the use of PRF along with modified CAF for the treatment of mild to moderate gingival recessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral cavity manifests signs of various systemic diseases. This entails thorough examination of the oral mucosa, gingiva, teeth, tongue and other oral tissues. Occasionally, oral signs can be an expression of systemic conditions such as endocrine imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and blood disorders. Leukemia is a malignancy of white blood cells, which may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Oral changes maybe the first and only presenting features in leukemia patients, making it imperative for the dentist to diagnose the disease accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to compare the gingival tissue response following placement of a light cure dressing (Barricaid®) and a non-eugenol periodontal dressing (Coe-Pak™) after periodontal flap procedure. This was carried out by evaluating plaque deposition underneath both the dressings, healing response and the patient preference for each. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 patients with chronic generalized periodontitis requiring surgery in at least two different quadrants were enrolled for this split-mouth study. After periodontal flap surgery, Coe-Pak™ was placed in the quadrant assigned to Group I and Barricaid® was placed in the other quadrant assigned to Group II. Clinical parameters were recorded on day 7 and day 14. Patient comfort and pain levels were also evaluated by a questionnaire. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in wound healing and the clinical gingival parameters between two groups. The only significant difference was found in the plaque attached underneath the dressing, with Coe-Pak™ showing greater plaque accumulation than Barricaid®. Seventy five (75) % of the patients preferred Barricaid® over Coe-Pak™, based on its appearance and taste. Conclusion: The non-eugenol dressing seemed to retain more plaque on its undersurface than light-cure dressing. However, this did not have much influence on the healing outcome and clinical gingival parameters, which were optimal and comparable in both groups. The greater number of patients showed a preference for light cure dressing, based on its superior esthetics and taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mucus extravasation cyst is a commonly occurring lesion in oral cavity that may result from traumatic severance of a salivary gland duct with subsequent extravasation of mucus into fibrous connective tissue. After a conventional excision or marsupialization, recurrence is not uncommon. Diode laser offers an effective modality for management of such lesions. Case Reports: Four patients were referred with painless fluctuant swellings on labial and buccal mucosa. After recording history and clinical examination, provisional diagnosis of mucocele was made. All the lesions were excised with a diode laser and biopsy was performed. Surgical wounds were treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Results: Uneventful healing was observed in all 4 cases. Significant reduction in postoperative discomfort was recorded after application of LLLT. Histopathological findings were suggestive of mucus extravasation cysts. Conclusion: Diode laser appears to be a good alternative to conventional modalities for the management of mucus extravasation cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Deep periodontal pockets pose a great challenge for nonsurgical periodontal treatment. Scaling and root planing (SRP) alone may not suffice in cases where surgical therapy cannot be undertaken. Various recent studies have suggested the use of antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) for the management of periodontal infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using aPDT along with SRP, compared to SRP alone for the management of deep periodontal pockets. Methods: Thirty patients with chronic periodontitis, who met the criteria of having periodontal pockets with depth ≥ 6 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) in at least 2 different quadrants were included. After SRP, one quadrant was randomly selected for aPDT (test), while another served as control. Clinical parameters i.e. plaque index (PI), modified sulcular bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline, 1 month and 3 months post-treatment intervals. Results: All clinical parameters significantly improved in both groups after 1 and 3 months. At 1-month interval, inter-group difference in mean change was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in terms of mSBI (0.85 ± 0.41in test vs 0.54 ± 0.47 in control group) and PD (1.77±0.86 in test vs 1.3 ± 0.95 in control group). At 3 months interval, no statistically significant difference was observed between test and control groups except in terms of mSBI (0.97 ± 0.45 in test vs 0.73 ± 0.42 in control group). Conclusion: aPDT appears to play an additional role in reduction of gingival inflammation when used along with nonsurgical mechanical debridement of deep periodontal pockets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The periodontal therapy is primarily targeted at removal of dental plaque and plaque retentive factors. Although the thorough removal of adherent plaque, calculus and infected root cementum is desirable, it is not always achieved by conventional modalities. To accomplish more efficient results several alternative devices have been used. Lasers are one of the most promising modalities for nonsurgical periodontal treatment as they can achieve excellent tissue ablation with strong bactericidal and detoxification effects. Methods: Thirty freshly extracted premolars were selected and decoronated. The mesial surface of each root was divided vertically into four approximately equal parts. These were distributed into four group based on the root surface treatment. Part A (n = 30) was taken as control and no instrumentation was performed. Part B (n = 30) was irradiated by Erbium, Chromium doped Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. Part C (n = 30) was treated by piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler. Part D (n = 30) was treated by Gracey curette. The surface roughness was quantitatively analyzed by profilometer using roughness average (Ra) value, while presence of smear layer, cracks, craters and melting of surface were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The means across the groups were statistically compared with control using Dunnett test. Results: Among the test groups, Er,Cr:YSGG laser group showed maximum surface roughness (mean Ra value of 4.14 μm) as compared to ultrasonic scaler (1.727 μm) and curette group (1.22 μm). However, surface with smear layer were found to be maximum (50%) in curette treated samples and minimum (20%) in laser treated ones. Maximum cracks (83.34%) were produced by ultrasonic scaler, and minimum (43.33%) by curettes. Crater formation was maximum (50%) in laser treated samples and minimum (3.33%) in curette treated ones. 63.33% samples treated by laser demonstrated melting of root surface, followed by ultrasonic scaler and curettes. Conclusion: Er,Cr:YSGG laser produced maximum microstructural changes on root surface that can influence the attachment of soft periodontal tissues as well as plaque and calculus deposition. In vivo studies are needed to validate these results and to evaluate their clinical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound healing after depigmentation procedure. Materials and Methods: In this study, 12 patients with bilateral melanin hyperpigmentation were treated with surgical stripping using a blade. After completion of the surgical process and bleeding stasis, any of the symmetrical surgical sites was randomly assigned for LLLT (test site) using a defocused diode laser at 1 mm distance for 5 min. After every laser exposure, the surgical site was coated with plaque disclosing solution (erythrosine) on the 3rd, 7th, and 15th day. A photograph of the surgical site was taken using a Digital SLR Camera, which was placed at 30 cm distance at 55 mm zoom, 1/100 shutter speed, f 14 aperture size, and ISO 4000 with a ring flash. The area of the stained parts of the photographs was evaluated using image analysis software. Results: At day 3, test site showed 1.26 ± 0.23 mm² and control site showed 1.45 ± 0.21 mm² stain uptake by the tissue which was statistically significant. At day 7 and day 15, the test sites exhibited 1.24 ± 0.30 mm² and 1.12 ± 0.25 mm² stain uptake, whereas the control site showed 1.37 ± 25 mm² and 1.29 ± 0.28 mm² staining, respectively, which were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the findings revealed that LLLT promotes wound healing after depigmentation procedure until the 3rd day. On the 7th and 15th day, the difference in healing was not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the diagnostic values of radiovisiograph (RVG) and computed tomography (CT) images in comparison with direct surgical measurements for the determination of periodontal bone loss. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one vertical defects were included for direct measurements during surgery with a periodontal probe. RVG and CT images were taken prior to the surgery. Similar measurements were done on their images and compared with the direct surgical values. Results: Mean difference (in mm) of RVG and CT scan in vertical defects, and intrabony component was 0.814, 0.474 and 0.073, 0.066 respectively. Intra class correlation of CT scan (0.997 and 0.990) was highest with the smallest length of 95% confidence interval. CT scan furthermore depicted maximum agreement with the surgical value. CT scan overestimated in the maximum percentage of sites in vertical defects. CT scan outscored over RVG in evaluation of the osseous defects. Conclusions: CT scan demonstrated more precise and clinically useful images of the osseous defects closer to the gold standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma is one of the commonest occurring reactive lesions on gingiva. It is associated with local irritational factors and often interferes with speech, mastication and maintenance of oral hygiene, in addition to being aesthetically unpleasant. It is usually treated with surgical excision using scalpel and removal of irritational factors, often resulting in mucogingival defect. Other modalities such as radiosurgery and electrocautery have also been used for its management, but they cause changes in microarchitecture of biopsy specimen, altering the histologic picture for true diagnosis. We are presenting a case of excisional biopsy of this lesion in an adult female using a diode laser with excellent post-operative results, without affecting microarchitecture of biopsy specimen. The patient is being followed for last 1 year and no sign of recurrence has been found. A diode laser may offer a good alternative modality for management of such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiencies in the alveolar ridges cause multiple problems in achieving aesthetic and functional outcome of implant therapy and are commonly restored by using onlay graft from intraoral source. Careful assessment of the recipient as well as the donor site using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a prerequisite to ideal treatment planning. This paper highlights the critical role of CBCT in planning a successful rehabilitation of traumatised deficient anterior maxillary alveolar ridge using autogenous block graft from mandibular symphysis, followed by implant placement. A 21-year-old male reported with missing right maxillary lateral incisor due to traumatic avulsion 6 months back. A concavity was found on the labial aspect of edentulous area. Serial transplanar images on CBCT revealed gross irregular radiolucency in place of labial cortical plate. Using CBCT, size of the required block was estimated, and mandibular symphyseal area was evaluated for the feasibility of harvesting a graft of suitable dimension. Onlay block graft was harvested from mandibular symphysis and placed at the edentulous site to augment the alveolar ridge. Implants were placed 5 months later and loaded successfully after osseointegration. After 1 year of followup, implant-based prosthesis is working well, without any complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental materials especially orthodontic elastics often get embedded in gingival tissues due to iatrogenic factors. If retained for a long time, inflammatory response starts as asymptomatic crestal bone loss and may progress to severe periodontal abscess. Unsupported orthodontic elastics used for diastema closure may result in exfoliation of teeth, while elastic separators may get embedded in interdental gingiva if banding is performed without removing it. These cases of negligence are detrimental for survival of affected teeth. This paper highlights a case of orthodontic elastic embedded in interproximal gingiva of a 23-year-old healthy female for 7 years after completion of fixed orthodontic treatment. Surprisingly, there was no clinical sign of inflammation around elastic band and it was removed easily without any local anaesthesia. However, mild crestal bone loss was observed on periapical radiograph. The gingiva healed completely after sub gingival debridement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Periodontitis is a destructive inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth that occurs in response to a predominantly Gram-negative bacterial infection originating from dental plaque. Periodontitis presents with increased systemic inflammation and is known to contribute to rise in serum lipid levels. The aim of present study was to determine influence of periodontal therapy on serum lipid levels. Methods: A total of 105 consecutive subjects were studied. Group I (n=35) included subjects with chronic generalised periodontitis who were not given periodontal therapy during study period and served as control group. Group II (n=70) comprised of subjects with chronic generalized periodontitis who were rendered needful periodontal therapy. Serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL & LDL cholesterol were measured at day 0 (baseline) and reassessed on day 60. Results: In the treatment group, serum triglycerides (Pre=127.81±59.32 & Post = 121.20 ± 58.94 mg/dL, p < 0.001)), total cholesterol (Pre=176.33±38.31 & Post=171.39±31.19 mg/dL, p=0.045) and mean LDLcholesterol levels (Pre=91.91±28.54 & Post=83.94±26.00 mg/dL, p < 0.001) showed a significant decline from the pre-treatment values. HDL-cholesterol levels did not change significantly in both groups. Other lipid levels were not significantly altered in the control group. Conclusions: Patients of chronic generalised periodontitis who were offered periodontal therapy showed improvement in the various lipid parameters except HDL-cholesterol, which was not significantly altered. Chronic periodontitis in otherwise healthy individuals may therefore, be contributing to the systemic inflammatory burden in these patients and adversely altering the lipid profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achondroplasia is a non-lethal form of chondrodysplasia. It is a disturbance of endochondral bone formation which results in characteristic dwarfism. It is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, with complete penetrance. De novo mutations cause up to 90% of cases. The mutation rate is estimated to be 0.000014 per gamete per generation. It is a rare disorder with a prevalence of 1:10,000 to 1:50,000 births worldwide. A young female patient suffering from achondroplasia reported with oral manifestations showing features of periodontitis, hypoplasia of the mid-face, deep periodontal pockets, and mobility of teeth. This case report highlights this rare anomaly and its oral manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haim-Munk syndrome is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder of keratinization characterized clinically by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, severe early onset periodontitis, onychogryphosis, pes planus, arachnodactyly, and acro-osteolysis. Recently, germline mutations in the lysosomal protease cathepsin C gene have been identified as the underlying genetic defect in Haim-Munk syndrome and in the clinically related disorders, such as Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome and prepubertal periodontitis. The periodontal disease associated with these syndromes is particularly aggressive and unresponsive to traditional periodontal therapies. As a result, most patients become edentulous by 15 years of age. This case report describes a patient with the cardinal features of Haim-Munk syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]