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Introduction: With the emerging trends in the dental practice, dental implants remain the up-front choice of replacing edentulous spaces. A detailed assessment of the anatomical landmarks, implant bone dimension, and bone quality evaluation by the radiologist is the key for successful implant placement. Knowledge of the nasopalatine canal anatomy, variability in shape, and possible pathologies associated with it are the mainstay for successful implant placement in maxilla. Aim: The study was conducted with the aim to study variations in morphology, course, and anatomical type of the nasopalatine canal. (NPC). Methodology: A total of two hundred CBCT scans were evaluated to study the variations in morphology, course, and anatomical types of the NPC, and the statical analysis was conducted for the same. Results: A total of two hundred CBCT scans were retrospectively analyzed. The most common morphology of the canal observed was funnel shaped in 52.5%, followed by cylindrical observed in 19.5%. Slanted curved was the most observed course of the canal seen in 38%. On comparing the above two parameters between the gender group, the results were statistically significant for the abovementioned parameters for both the groups (P value < 0.001*). The most common anatomical type observed was Type II which was observed in 67%. Conclusion: NPC is an important anatomical landmark to be considered when any dental procedures like dental implants are planned in anterior maxilla. The knowledge regarding the NPC morphology among the clinicians is of paramount importance in successful placement of implants and also other surgical procedures related to the anterior maxillary region.

Background: Our study highlights the assessment of inter-radicular septum (IRS) on cone beam CT (CBCT) as an important pretreatment tool for immediate maxillary molar implant (IMI) placement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the suitability of the IRS of the maxillary first and second molars on CBCT to receive IMI. Objectives: The objectives of our study were to measure and compare IRS dimensions of the first and second molars and to assess the suitability of maxillary first and second molars to house an immediate implant. Method: In total, 200 CBCT scans (100 each for first and second molars) that display IRS completely were selected for the study. The IRS was analyzed in all three dimensions. Then, the percentage of first and second maxillary molars that were suitable to receive an IMI based on Smith and Tarnow’s classification was calculated. Results: It was found that 89% first and 71% of second molars were eligible sites for IMI. Conclusion: Careful evaluation of IRS will lead to a better prognosis for IMI.

Background: Imaging is crucial for diagnosing head and neck pathologies, particularly those involving lymph nodes (LNs). Ultrasound can detect nodes even smaller than 2 mm in diameter. Objectives: The objectives were to assess the accuracy of the ultrasonography (USG) findings in differentiating malignant and non-malignant LNs. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with clinically palpable LNs in the head and neck region were assigned to either of the two groups based on the inclusion criteria. All the patients were subjected to greyscale sonography, then USG Doppler and USG elastography, and finally, USG-guided FNAB. All the data were tabulated for statistical analysis. A Chi-square test was used. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated. Results: In this study, sensitivity for greyscale USG was 82.8%, whereas sensitivity for USG doppler and USG elastography was 72.2% and specificity for greyscale USG, doppler, and elastography was 88.8%. Conclusion: USG Doppler and USG elastography can be used in conjunction with greyscale USG with high sensitivity and specificity to diagnose soft tissue pathology, particularly in the LNs of the head and neck regions.

Background: Radiographic assessment of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) location is an essential step before third molar extractions. This study compares intraoral periapical radiographs (vertical tube shift technique) and cone-beam computed tomography to assess the relationship between the impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) root apex and IAC. Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of two different radiographic techniques for the assessment of the IAC location in relation to the IMTM root apex. Method: Our study involved 40 patients with IMTM. Two IOPARs were made for the patients using Richard's vertical tube shift technique at vertical angulations of 0° and -10°. A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan was performed for the same IMTMs. The accuracy of the two methods was compared using statistical analysis with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: The accuracy of IOPARs for the detection of IAC locations placed either buccally or lingually in relation to the IMTM root apex was found to be 85.0% and 100%, respectively, in comparison to CBCT. Conclusion: The vertical tube shift technique is an essential method for detecting the buccal and lingual locations of the IAC, as it was found to be highly significant as compared to Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of visually-enhanced lesion scope (VELscope) as an adjuvant diagnostic tool along with clinical examination. VELscope device which works on the principle of tissue fluorescence and helps in diagnosis or identification of suspected dysplastic lesions. The use of VELscope in dentistry is contributory as it aids in the detection of dysplastic changes in oral potentially malignant disorders and appropriate surgical margins for resection, VELscope-guided biopsy procedures, indicative of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, and also inflammatory lesions. The cases discussed in the report are clinical cases where VELscope has been used as an accessory tool to enhance the clinical efficacy of diagnosis. There are different domains of cases where the use of VELscope has been assessed, also cases where VELscope can be beneficial to identify most preferred site of biopsy, aiding in the identification of fungal, bacterial presence, and evaluation of premalignant lesions and different oral carcinomas. Both the advantages, limitations, and significance of the device in each clinical condition have been discussed. VELscope is a handheld, noninvasive adjuvant device which can be used along with conventional clinical conditions for enhanced diagnostic accuracy. It can also be used as a screening tool for the early detection of oral carcinoma and dysplastic lesions in mass screening and tertiary centers. Further studies are required to establish the efficacy of VELscope in the clinical practice of oral medicine and radiology. Increasing incidence of oral carcinoma is a worrying scenario. Early detection of these conditions can be assessed by various diagnostic methods which broadly includes conventional staining dyes such as Lugol's iodine, methylene blue, toluidine blue, or light-based detection such as chemiluminescence, VELscope, Vizilite, or optical-based system such as colposcopy and optical coherence tomography. VELscope can be one of the tool for assessing dysplastic lesions at an early stage. Due to its portability, cost-effectiveness, and noninvasive advantages, it can be a promising tool for screening mass population for oral carcinomas.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by zoonotic virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, in 41 patients with a perplexing pneumonia. Ever since, it has wreaked havoc in the entire world and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. According to the WHO, 2019-nCoV principally spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva, thus making dental care and other aerosol-generating practices precarious in nature. Saliva is a bio mixture secreted from major and minor salivary glands which plays a vital role in prompt diagnosis and close contact transmission of the disease. In this article, we discuss the role of saliva in the diagnosis and as a potent transmitter of COVID-19 infection.

Introduction: Aloe vera has various pharmacological actions due to which it has been selected as an alternative treatment modality in treating various oral diseases. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immune boosting. It has been used for the management of oral lesions such as oral lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis, radiation-induced mucositis, burning mouth syndrome, xerostomia, recurrent aphthous ulcers. Aim: The aim of this study is to the compare the effects of the topical aloe vera gel and triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% in patients with minor ulcers of aphthous stomatitis. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of aphthous stomatitis were included for the randomized single blinded study after informed consent. Group A patients received topical aloe vera gel (Forever Bright Aloe vera Gel), and Group B patients received topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% (kenacort oral paste) three times a day for 7 days or till the ulcer heals completely. The parameters such as the size of the ulcer, burning sensation, and pain were recorded at each visit. Results: In this study, kenacort oral paste was found to be effective than aloe vera in wound healing (measured by the diameter of ulcer). In contrast, aloe vera gel had a better response in terms of pain and burning sensation. Conclusion: Aloe vera has a wide spectrum of unique properties and uses. It is a promising agent in treating oral lesion in the field of oral medicine. It can be used as an alternative medicine and in patients who are allergic to steroid medication.

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the maxillofacial region is generally present as an asymptomatic slowly growing localised disease to aggressive neoplasm-like rapid expansive progression typically present with localised disease. It is an uncommon benign lesion with a low incidence that occurs in the craniofacial region especially in jaw bones. It is a localised osteolytic lesion with varied biologic behavior of aggression which affects the jaw bones. There is much controversy regarding it arising as a result of trauma and its connection with the giant cell lesion seen in the long bones. As it is uncommon, it does not possess any characteristic clinical or radiologic features and resembles neoplasms; the diagnosis is initially some odontogenic or non-odontogenic neoplasm till a definitive histologic diagnosis of CGCG is made. We report five cases of an aggressive form of CGCG at different sites of involvement in the jaw bones.

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the presence and thickness of submucosal fibrosis in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients ultrasonographically and to correlate these findings with the clinical stage and histological grade of OSMF. Materials and Methods: Forty participants (twenty cases and twenty controls) were included in the study. The patients diagnosed clinically as having OSMF and consented for biopsy were included in the cases, and completely healthy individuals with no habit history or oral lesions were included in the control group after matching the body mass index. After clinically staging, the patients' transcutaneous ultrasonography (USG) was performed and after that punch biopsy was taken and the specimen was graded histopathologically. Results: The data were statistically analyzed using Mann–Whitney test and Spearman's rank correlation. The cases showed increased submucosal thickness as compared to the controls. The USG measurements statistically correlated with the clinical stage and histopathological grade of OSMF. Conclusion: USG proves to be a valuable adjunctive modality in diagnosing, staging and also evaluating the prognosis of OSMF.

Verrucous hemangioma (VH) is an uncommon, congenital, vascular malformation that involves dermis and subcutaneous connective tissue of skin. VH lesions are initially present at birth, and therefore, the diagnosis in the elderly may be difficult. Review of literature reveals that VH lesions are commonly located unilaterally on the lower extremities. VH may clinically present as keratotic, papular, nodular, or plaque-like lesions that are reddish-blue in color. VH does not resolve spontaneously and has a tendency to relapse. The diagnosis of VH is generally done on the basis of histopathology. Early diagnosis is important to get a better cosmetic result. VH requires a large, deep excision to avoid recurrence because of frequent extension into subcutaneous fat planes. Intra-oral lesions of VH have rarely been reported in the literature. We present an extremely rare case of VH occurring in the retromolar triangle area of oral cavity.

Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour (CCOT) is a relatively rare lesion of oral and maxillofacial region and forms only 2% of all odontogenic tumours. It was previously known as Calcifying odontogenic cyst and only recently has been classified as a tumour by WHO. The controversy regarding its origin can be owed to its diverse clinical and histopathological presentation and variation in reported malignant potential. It was first reported by Gorlin in 1962 and since then conundrum regarding its true nature has persisted. It is seen in association with other lesions like odontoma, ameloblastoma and ameloblastic fibroma. Both intra-osseous and extra-osseous forms of CCOT have been reported. It commnoly occurs in anterior region with equal preponderance in maxilla and mandible. Here we present a rare case of bilateral CCOT in the posterior mandible of a 16-year-old male patient which was discovered incidentally during a radiographic examination.