Background: Cyclosporin-A- has been used as an immunosuppressant to prevent the rejection of organ transplants. However, alveolar bone loss is an important negative side-effect of this drug. Simvastatin, a hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, is known to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. It has advanced effects on bone formation in vivo and in vitro. So,we evaluated the histological and histomorphometric analysis of osteoblast and osteoclast cells after administration of simvastatin in cyclosporin-A-associated alveolar bone loss in rats. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the effect of simvastatin and cyclosporin -A- on Alveolar bone by investigating the histological and histomorphometric results of osteoblast and osteoclast cells. Materials and Methods: 24 adult male rats will be divided into 3 groups: Group I: Control group; 4 rats, Group II: cyclosporine -A- group; 10 rats (10 mg/kg) subcutaneous injection, Group III: cyclosporine -A-/simvastatin group; 10 rats, simvastatin will be taken orally daily (20mg/kg/day). Two rats from the control group and 5 rats from each of the studied experimental groups (group II & III) were sacrificed on days 15 and 30 consecutively using Histological and Histomorphometric investigations. Results: Histological results revealed higher bone volume and osteoblast cells, and decreased number of osteoclast cells in Simvastatin group than in CsA group. The same results was statistically significant in Histomorphometric results of both osteoblast and osteoclast cells counts. In Histomorphometrical analysis showed a significant increase of osteoblast cells in Simvastatin group than CsA group, and significant decrease of osteoclast cells in Simvastatin group than CsA group. Conclusion: We can conclude that Simvastatin counteract the adverse effect of CsA induced alveolar bone loss that induced new bone formation.

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Background: Oral cavity is one of the most common sites for cancer in our population due to a high prevalence of tobacco use in the country. Aim: The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the oral cancer profile among patients who underwent biopsy in a tertiary center in Central Kerala and thereby implement the preventive measures for controlling it. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted by analyzing the histopathological records in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College, Kottayam, from June 2008 to May 2014. Results: The study showed that among 1270 patients who underwent biopsy as a part of the diagnostic procedures during the study period, 570 (44.8%) patients were diagnosed as having dysplasia, premalignant and malignant lesions. Out of this, 361 patients were diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There was an increased predilection of oral cancer among males and the predominant age group affected was between 61 and 70 years of age, followed by 30–40 years age group. Buccal mucosa was the most common site accounting for 42.6% of the total cases. The most prevalent histopathological pattern was moderately differentiated SCC. Statistically significant association was found between age group and histopathological grading, subsite, and histopathological grading with P< 0.005. Conclusion: The increased prevalence and younger age group involvement of oral SCC in the study suggest that preventive measures should be implemented in our society at the earliest. The data found in the study can be used to make public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate any measurable change in antioxidant and free radical scavenger status in periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: A total of forty subjects consisting of twenty test subjects and twenty controls were recruited for the study. The antioxidant defense status in serum (in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase [GSHPx] and catalase [CAT]), serum lipid peroxidation (in terms of malondialdehyde), and free radical scavengers (Vitamin C) was assessed. Results: Significant differences were noted between tests and controls. Negative correlation was observed between the values of lipid peroxidation and that of SOD, GSHPx, and CAT. Our study confirmed that lowered level of SOD, CAT, and GSHPx is associated with hyper lipid peroxidation in periodontal disease. Conclusion: It is now clear that the free radicals play a critical role in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. Furthermore, the results of the present study may have important therapeutic implications in terms of the use of the antioxidants in periodontal therapy to prevent tissue destruction.

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Pulse therapy is defined as discontinuous/intermittent intravenous infusion of very high doses of corticosteroids along with certain immunosuppressive agents over a short period. It has gained its popularity since last three decades due to the advantage of minimizing the adverse effects of conventional corticosteroid therapy, and their action is supposed to be mediated through nongenomic actions within the cell. The aim of pulse therapy is to achieve a faster response and stronger efficacy and to decrease the need for long-term use of systemic corticosteroids. This paper intends to review the various available pulse therapy regimens with dosages, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects.

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Wounds can be classified into different types based on the etiology, clinical presentation, degree of contamination, and the extent of involvement of overlying skin. Wound healing is a complex, dynamic, well-orchestrated biological process that plays a vital role in the survival of humans. Both wounding and wound healing may occur in any tissue or organ of the body. In adults, wound healing commences as a cascade and includes the following phases: 1. hemostasis, 2. inflammation, 3. proliferation, 4. angiogenesis, 5. re-epithelialization, and 6. cross linking of collagen. Photobiomodulation (PBM) or low level laser therapy employs light energy to produce biological cell response and to restore cell function. It uses nonionizing light sources such as light emitting diodes and lasers, in the visible and infrared spectrum, and it is found to elicit numerous therapeutic benefits such as immunomodulation, promotion of wound healing, and rapid regeneration of tissues. This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of PBM and its role in wound healing. Further studies on the molecular mechanisms of PBM and their pathways can preclude promising clinical interventions for wound care.

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Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) is a benign neoplasm characterized by replacement of normal bone by fibrous tissue and varying amounts of newly formed bone or cementum-like material, or both. The COF has caused considerable controversy because of confusion regarding terminology and the criteria for its diagnosis. A case of COF in a 60-year-old female patient is reported. We are reporting the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and surgical treatments of this lesion in this paper.

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Hemangiomas and vascular malformations (VMs) are the two types of vascular lesions. VMs are further subdivided according to the type of involved vessels present as arterial, arterio-venous, venous, and capillary or lymphatic malformations. The capillary malformation (CM) previously was considered to be a hemangioma and was known as port wine stain, and hereby presenting a case report on the orodental manifestations of CM.

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Gingival pigmentation is present in all races of the human community. The distribution and the intensity of color are different not only among different races but also in different area of the same oral cavity. The presence of pigmentation can be because of various reasons, but melanocyte deposition in basal layer of oral epithelium is one of the main factors for brown pigmentation. These pigmentation of melanin are been removed as cosmetic therapy. This case report presents two different treatment modalities of depigmentation in the same patient and hence giving us a better treatment modality between laser and electrocautery. The clinical results of these two methods have been compared by different criteria, which makes laser above the electrocautery in different ways.

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Complications during the procedure of extraction can be immediate or postoperative. Some of the immediate complications are fracture of the tooth, fracture of alveolar plate, fracture of mandible, loss of tooth or root into either pharynx or soft tissues, damage to nerves or vessels, soft tissue damage, involvement of maxillary antrum, dislocation of temporomandibular joint, etc., whereas hemorrhage, dry socket, osteomyelitis, swelling, pain, ecchymosis, trismus, prolonged anesthesia, and infective endocarditis are the various postoperative complications of extraction. This report discusses a case of displaced mandibular third molar into submandibular space while attempting extraction of the same.

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Solitary neurofibroma is a benign, slowly growing, relatively circumscribed, but nonencapsulated tumor of unknown etiology diagnosed by absence of other features of the associated systemic disease. A 70-year-old female patient reported to us with a localized gingival swelling in the upper right back tooth region. The lesion was an incidental finding at a routine dental checkup. Medical and family history was noncontributory. Apart from the oral cavity, no other similar swellings were found on the rest of the body and the regional lymph nodes were not palpable. Based on history, texture, appearance, and location a differential diagnosis of possible fibroma, peripheral ossifying fibroma, and peripheral giant cell granuloma was made. Excisional biopsy was planned as the lesion was small and solitary. Based on the history, clinical, radiographical, and histopathological findings diagnosis of neurofibroma was given. The patient has not reported with recurrence 6 months postoperatively. Even though it is a rare lesion in the oral cavity, solitary neurofibroma must be considered in the list for differential diagnosis in cases of intraoral swellings and intraosseous lesions of the jaws.

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Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the shaping ability of four different single-file systems; WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Reciproc (VDW), OneShape (Micro Mega), and F360 (Komet Brasseler, Lemgo, Germany). Stainless steel K-file (KSS) (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was used as a control during the preparation of simulated root canals. Materials and Methods: Eighty L-shaped canals in resin blocks were prepared to an apical size of 25 using one of the five groups (each group = 16). A series of pre- and post-operative images were taken by a digital camera (EOS 650D. Canon) and superimposed on two different layers. The amount of resin removed from both the inner and the outer sides of the canal were measured at five different points: orifice, half way of the orifice, beginning of the curvature, apex of the curve, and the apical end. The amount of resin removed by each system was measured using image analysis software. Canal aberrations and the preparation time were also recorded. The data were statistically analyzed by using analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc, and Chi-square tests. Results: There are significant differences between all single files and KSS in time for preparation (P < 0.05) while there is no significant difference between all single nickel-titanium (NiTi) files. No instrument is fractured during canal preparation. More canal aberrations were reported with hand K-files in which there is a highly significant difference compared with other single-file systems. OneShape file reported fewer canal aberrations, but all OneShape files deformed after use. There are significant differences between single NiTi files and KSSs in preserving the canal curvature while there is no significant difference between all single NiTi files. Reciproc and WaveOne files removed significantly greater amounts of resin from the inner side at the beginning and apex of the curve (P < 0.05). Canals prepared with the F360 and OneShape systems were better centered compared with the Reciproc and WaveOne systems. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, NiTi instruments are superior to stainless steel K-files in their shaping ability. All single-file systems maintained root canal curvature well and were safe to use. Canals prepared with the F360 and OneShape systems were better centered compared with the Reciproc and WaveOne systems.

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Context: An important aspect of oral rehabilitation that has been neglected all the while is speech efficiency which is also an important part of complete oral rehabilitation of edentulous patients apart from mastication and esthetics. Aim: Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the complete denture treatment on patient's speech intelligibility using automatic speech recognition system. Settings and Design: Twenty completely edentulous patients were analyzed for speech intelligibility before and after denture insertion to check for improvement in phonetics after denture fabrication and insertion. Subjects and Methods: Speech was recorded in twenty edentulous patients 2 weeks before the fabrication of new complete maxillary and mandibular dentures and 1 week thereafter. Speech intelligibility was computed based on the word accuracy by means of an automated speech recognition system, and comparison was done between speech before and after denture insertion. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics using Student's paired t-test, and software used in the analysis was SPSS 17.0 version and P < 0.05 is considered as level of significance. Results: Improvement in the speech intelligibility of the patients was noted after fabrication of denture. Conclusions: It is possible to evaluate the mechanisms and the processes leading to speech difficulties and hence to make required adjustments within the denture which may produce the desired speech change as it is evident from the present study.

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Objectives: Esthetics and smile-enhancing treatments have become an integral part of the dentistry; people always consult with periodontist for obtaining acceptable gingival esthetics. In smile designing esthetics, the color of gingiva has a major role. Although there is no any gold standard technique for managing melanin hyperpigmentation, esthetic concerns have lead increasing awareness about different depigmentation procedures. The aim of this study is to identify gingival melanin pigmentation patterns and to investigate its relationship based on clinical analysis with skin color, gender and gingival phenotype for various treatment modalities. Methods: In total, 200 subjects without any systemic disease (100 males and 100 females with mean age 26.5 years) screened by a single person and categorized them by skin color as fair, wheatish, brown, and dark to identify the different distribution patterns of gingival melanin pigmentation anatomically. Along with this severity of melanin pigmentation and gingival phenotypes were assessed. By using a Chi-square test correlations of variables were checked. Results: A positive statistical correlation was noticed between severity of gingival pigmentation and skin color. Dark-skinned subjects had heavy gingival pigmentation. The majority of population had pigmentation in attached gingiva and interdental papillae. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, the majority of population showed a positive correlation with their skin color and the severity of melanin pigmentation.

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Aims: The aim of the study was to access the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among pharmacy students in Chennai. Settings and Design: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy students in Chennai. The questionnaire was to access the knowledge and practice toward oral health. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Results: 47.8% of the participants considered regular visit to the dentist is necessary. 64.8% of the participants have been professionally taught to brush. 31.9% of the participants prefer government hospitals for their treatment. Conclusions: There is a need for the comprehensive educational program among pharmacy students to promote oral hygiene and to impart education about oral hygiene practices.

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Introduction: In teaching institutes, most of the patients got treated by the students and the interns. They are the budding dentist of dental health-care profession. As these students and the interns work in direct contact with biomedical waste (BMW), they should have proper knowledge about its management to avoid the associated risk. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate BMW education/awareness, awareness of BMW generation, hazard, and legislation and its management practices among the final BDS students and interns of VSPM Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was designed. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee. The questionnaire was consisted of 19 close-ended questions and one open-ended question. It was distributed anonymously among BDS final year students and interns. The solved questionnaire was collected back after 10 min and the data were analyzed. Results and Conclusion: The present study showed that awareness regarding the BMW was good and awareness about its generation; hazards, legislation, and awareness about BMW practices were moderate to poor.

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Background: Music surrounds our lives. Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, and communication activities through musical responses. During all types of dental treatments, patients are very much apprehensive about the procedures. In prosthodontics, tooth preparation, patient's anxiety levels can be reduced, if his/her mind is diverted to listen to music, thus getting maximum cooperation. Aim: To reduce the anxiety levels in patients receiving fixed partial dentures (FPDs), by listening to passive music using earphones. This was a randomized control experimental study. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients requiring FPDs between the ages of 18 and 45 years were randomly selected. Patients dental anxiety scale (DAS) and their blood pressure (BP) as well as heart rate (HR) were recorded before starting the procedure. They were divided into two groups: Group I as control (without music) and Group II (with music, where patients listened to the passive music using earphones throughout the treatment). In both the groups, patient's BP and HR were also recorded at the end of impression making. The data were tabulated. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact tests. Results: From DAS scale analysis, among patients with medium and high levels of anxiety, music had a significant influence on their fear and comfort. Findings of Group I and Group II in hemodynamic variables were also much comparable including dentist's rating and patient's behavior, treatability, and cooperation during the procedure. Conclusion: The influence of music showed reduced anxiety levels among patients receiving FPDs. It also helped lower the level of tension, better treatability, and better adjustment to the prosthodontic treatment.

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Context: Facial esthetics is an important determinant of self and social perceptions. Increased awareness toward orthodontic treatment has led to increase in number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their facial appearance. Understanding of different factors associated with adult orthodontic treatment allows better assessment of the requirements and priorities of adults during the treatment. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess different motivational factors which lead to adults seeking orthodontic treatment. Settings and Design: The adult patients coming to orthodontic outpatient department were given a questionnaire before the start of the treatment. Materials and Methods: A sample of 45 adult patients which included fifteen males and thirty females within the age group of 18–35 years was taken who had come for orthodontic treatment. These patients were asked to fill a questionnaire before the start of the treatment. Statistical Analysis Used: Differences in response of patients toward treatment were also evaluated gender wise using t-test. The t- test was also used to determine the influence of the scores combined in each of the four subgroups in the questionnaire. Results: On assessing different factors which motivated adults to seek orthodontic treatment, it was found that most of the patients realized the need for the orthodontic treatment in adult age only followed by the fact that adult patients were mostly unhappy about their dental appearance in perception of their smile before treatment which motivated them to seek treatment at this age.

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Background: Decalcification is a process of complete removal of calcium salts from mineralized tissues. Microwave decalcification is a novel technique that can accelerate the duration of decalcification compared to the manual method, by increasing the temperature to evaluate the fastest decalcifying agents and methods (routine with Microwave decalcification) in both bone and tooth. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 80 hard tissues, 40 teeth and 40 pieces of 1 cm × 1 cm cut bone specimens were decalcified by both routine and microwave method using four decalcifying solutions (five bone pieces and five teeth in each agents for both routine and microwave method). The four decalcifying solutions were 8% nitric acid, 8% formic acid, 8%formal nitric acid, and 14% of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Results: Duration of decalcifi cation of bone and tooth by both methods with 8% nitric acid took 10 days for CD and 2 days for MD respectively. Similarly for rest of the acids took more time to decalcify in CD method than MD method. Fourteen percent EDTA gave excellent results followed by 8% formal nitric acid, and 8% formic acid has good results than 8% nitric acid. Conclusion: Microwave processing proved to be an efficient and reliable procedure for the decalcification of bones and tooth. Microwave decalcification yielded quicker and better results compared to the routine methods. Therefore, microwave can serve as a quicker and reliable diagnostic method for a pathologist.

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Background: Injuries to oral soft tissues are common. These can be caused by chemical, thermal, physical agents, self-mutilation, denture associated, etc., In this study, 110 patients were included from western Punjab population coming for routine checkup. Different causes for different types of injuries were noticed and tabulated to find the percentage of each cause, causing injuries to oral soft tissue. Objective: To determine the quantitative analysis of different causes which are a causative factor of oral injuries. Methods: The sample for the study consisted of 110 patients undergoing routine dental checkup in the dental center. Quantitative analysis of each causing factor was done by taking proper history from the patients and careful oral examination. Results: Females are more prone to soft tissue injuries as compared to males, and chemical burn is most common cause of soft tissue injury found in 44 patients followed by denture associated ulcers in 36 patients out of 110 patients.

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Immunity is divided into two parts – the innate and adaptive responses. The innate immune system relies upon limited receptors to detect invading pathogens but compensates by targeting conserved microbial components that are shared by the large groups of pathogens. Various cells involved in innate immune responses include neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cell, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and eosinophils. The innate immune responses are the first line of defense against invading pathogens. They are also required to initiate specific adaptive immune responses. The second kind of protection is adaptive immunity which develops throughout our lives. It uses two basic strategies – Humoral immunity which works to eliminate antigens that are extracellular and cellular immunity which deals with antigen residing within a host cell. T- and B-lymphocytes are the main self-defense weapons of the adaptive immune system. Adaptive immunity relies upon a clonal system with each T-cell and B-cell expressing its own unique receptor.

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