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Background: Root dentine translucency remains the method of choice providing the most accurate results for age estimation. Conventionally, translucency is measured using calipers. In recent times, computer-based methods are proposed, which require the use of custom-built software programs. Aims and Objectives: The aim was to use a digital method to measure dentinal translucency on sectioned teeth and to compare digital measurements to conventionally obtained translucency measurements. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 extracted permanent teeth were collected and were sectioned to a thickness of 250 μm. Translucency measurements were obtained using the digital method and compared with those obtained using a caliper. Results: Correlation coeffi cients of translucency measurements to age were statistically signifi cant for both methods (P < 0.001), although marginally higher correlation was observed for the conventional method (r = 0.612). Application of derived linear regression equations on an independent sample (n = 25) suggested that conventional approach is marginally better in estimating age to within 5 years of the actual age, both the methods are similar in assessing age within 5-10 years of the actual age, and digital approach is marginally better in estimating age beyond 10 years of actual age. Conclusion: The translucency measurements obtained by the two methods were identical, with no clear superiority of one method over the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alterations in serum lipids have long been associated with cancer as lipids play an important role in maintenance of cell integrity. Aims: To evaluate alterations in plasma lipid profile in oral cancer patients, to compare and correlate the serum lipid profile in different grades of carcinoma and to evaluate the correlation of serum lipid profile between the tobacco habituates and non-habituates. Materials and Methods: Among 75 study subjects, 50 individuals were oral carcinoma patients and 25 individuals were healthy controls. The parameters assessed included total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides (TGL). These groups were subdivided into subjects with no habit of tobacco (NHT) and subjects with habit of tobacco (WHT). Stastical Analysis Used: Evaluation of results and statistical analysis was carried out using Student's t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance. Results: There was a significant decrease in TC, HDLC and TGL in the oral cancer group as compared with the control group. The lipid profile levels between histological grading of the oral cancer and between WHT and NHT had no statistical significance. Conclusions: There was an inverse relationship between serum lipid profile and oral cancer. The lower serum lipid status may be considered a useful indicator for initial changes occurring in the neoplastic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schwannoma is an intraoral rare, benign neoplasm arising from and consisting solely of Schwann cells. Its etiology is unknown. It presents as a solitary, slow growing, smooth surfaced, generally asymptomatic firm mass. Schwannomas commonly occur between 30 and 50 years. It is relatively uncommon, although a quarter of all Schwannoma's occurs in the head and neck region. Schwannoma of the floor of the mouth is rare in the oral region. Described is a case of Schwannoma of the floor of the mouth in a 28-year-old male, of large size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]