Search

The objective of nasoalveolar molding is to provide an approximation of lip and palatal segments, to reduce tension in the tissues in a nonsurgical way along with reshaping of gums, lips, and nostrils to give a symmetrical appearance, and help in narrowing the cleft width before surgery. The goal of this case report is to describe the use of a modified MU hook appliance in a case of a bilateral cleft lip and palate. This appliance aids in lengthening the columella and significantly improves the surgical outcome. This report also highlights the benefits, adjustments required, proper training for parents, and clinical management of the appliance.

Background: Since the introduction of amalgam for tooth fillings, there have been concerns that mercury toxicity could pose unacceptable health risks. Rasa shastra is an ancient medical discipline that focuses on the utilization of metals and minerals for the treatment of diseases. Nevertheless, these minerals cannot be directly administered to the human body in their natural state due to their potential adverse effects. Hence, for medicinal purposes, these metals and minerals need to undergo purification (Shodhana) to eliminate impurities and modify their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Methodology: Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) were exposed to commercially available mercury (CA-Hg) and ayurvedically purified mercury (AP-Hg) at concentrations of 6.25 μM, 12.5 μM, 25 μM and 50 μM. The unexposed HGF cultured in basal media was considered a control. All the samples were cultured for 24 hours and 48 hours, and the cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. Results: Cell viability between the control and experimental groups varied at 24 hours, however, the results were not statistically significant (p>0.05). At 48 hours, cell viability was higher in the AP-Hg group as compared to the CA-Hg group at the concentration of 6.25 μM, and the difference was statistically significant (p

Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDIs) to the maxillary anterior teeth occur frequently in paediatric and adolescent populations. Prompt diagnosis, correct treatment planning, and a multidisciplinary approach are pertinent aspects of successfully managing multiple TDIs in a patient. The present case report of a 13-year-old female patient describes a multidisciplinary approach necessary to successfully manage dental trauma of an avulsed maxillary central incisor and a complicated crown fracture involving the maxillary left lateral incisor in an adolescent. The complicated crown-root fracture was treated with endodontic therapy, followed by the placement of a fibrereinforced post, core build-up, and the cementing of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. Bone grafting with a mandibular symphysis block autograft, followed by prosthetic rehabilitation with transitional implants, was performed to restore the aesthetics, form, and function of the avulsed maxillary central incisors. The use of osseointegrated implants has gained wide acceptance in the adult population. However, due to concerns regarding growth, their use in the paediatric population is not as common. This accounts for a scarcity of clinical cases reported in the literature. There are no established guidelines for the placement of implants in growing patients. Thus, authors believe that the present case report contributes to the literature on this subject. The treatment of this complex, multi-dental injury in the maxillary anterior region of a young female required a holistic approach with a step-wise progressive, long-term treatment plan. Traumatic injuries in adolescent patients can adversely impact their oral health-related quality of life if not treated correctly.

Context: Dental environment is one of the most anxiety-provoking stimuli for children, which makes patient management a constant challenge in both typically growing and intellectually disabled children. Distraction is a nonpharmacological technique to manage anxiety in children during dental treatment. Aim: This study compares the effect of audio and virtual reality (VR) distraction on the dental anxiety of healthy and mild intellectually disabled children. Methods: Forty children aged 6–14 years were divided into two groups (Group I: children with mild intellectual disability and Group II: healthy children). Groups I and II were further subdivided into two subgroups of 10 children each, based on the distraction technique given to them during the first appointment. After 1 month, we carried out a cross-over of the subgroups. Anxiety levels were measured using physiological and observational parameters at three-time intervals. Statistical Analysis: Performed using paired t-test for the intergroup comparison and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for the intra-group comparison. Results: A decrease in the pulse rate, improvement in oxygen saturation levels, and lower Venham's anxiety rating scores were observed on introducing audio and VR distraction in all the subgroups. The inter-group comparison revealed that audio and VR were more effective in healthy children than children with mild intellectual disabilities. Conclusions: Audio and VR distraction techniques can be employed successfully to reduce anxiety in children with mild intellectual disability and healthy children undergoing dental restorative treatment.

The use of medicinal herbs in dentistry continues to expand rapidly across the globe. Herbal dentistry presents an attractive alternative to conventional synthetic materials. With a shift towards evidence-based dental practice, there is a need for dental clinicians to be fully aware of the alternatives and options currently available to them. This review article provides insight into the various herbal products currently available in dentistry. It provides a better understanding of the mechanism of action of the herbal products used to treat various dental problems. This narrative review identifies and summarises the most common medicinal herbs in various preventive and therapeutic spheres of dentistry. High anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities along with wound healing ability and sedative-anxiolytic were identified to be the properties favouring use of these medicinal plants in dentistry. Although the natural alternatives discussed in the current narrative review have shown to be either superior or comparable to the synthetically available options, further long-term in-vivo clinical trials are required to substantiate this evidence and justify the replacement of later with herbal alternatives in dentistry.