Background Bite mark analysis is an imperative area of forensic odontology and considered the commonest form of dental evidence presented in the criminal court. The process of comparing bite marks with a suspect's dentition includes analysis and measurement of shape, size, and position of an individual's teeth. The present study was aimed to evaluate the bite marks of males and females using a novel indirect computer-assisted method and explicate its application in forensic odontology. Materials and methods 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females) with normal occlusion were included in the present study. Bite registrations were obtained with help of modelling waxes, and positive replicas were prepared with dental stone and barium powder. Intraoral periapical radiographs were taken for the same. The radiographs obtained were scanned and analyzed by measuring tools using Sidexis Next Generation software. Intercanine distance (ICD), line AB, angle ABX, and angle ABY were measured. The Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to compare the bite marks of males and females. Results The mean ICD of males and females was found to be 32.95 mm and 29.84 mm, respectively, and was statistically highly significant with a p value <0.001. The mean ICD, line AB, and angle ABX were found to be higher in males when compared to females. Conclusion Analysis of bite marks using this novel computer-assisted method is a simple, reliable, easily reproducible, and economical technique with confidentiality of the identity of the participants involved.

Background. Smokeless tobacco (SLT) as a drug substance has been used throughout the world although it has dangerous effects on human health. Among the 28 known carcinogens in SLT, tobacco-specific nitrosamines are considered to be the most potent. This has challenged the metabolic condition leading to a rise in the inflammatory status, increased apoptosis, and red blood cell (RBC) membrane damage. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse effects of SLT on hematological parameters and establish a correlation between them. Materials and Methods. A total of 100 subjects (50 SLT users and 50 nonusers) were selected for the study. Complete demographic data and history were taken and clinical examination was done to evaluate any oral mucosal changes. Venous blood samples were taken to analyze the hematological parameters. Results. Significant changes were observed in the complete blood profile in SLT users when compared to nonusers. All the hematological parameters had a negative correlation with form of SLT except for total leucocyte count which had a positive correlation. Conclusion. The current study confers an imperative role into SLT mediated effects on a complete hemogram and might be beneficial in spreading awareness against its usage. It also serves as a forewarning alarm among the population consuming SLT as an alternative to smoking tobacco.

Introduction:Mandibular canal or inferior alveolar canal is an important anatomical landmark in mandible which contains neurovascular bundles. Mandibular canal is considered as reference anatomical landmark in maxillofacial surgeries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the course and visibility of the mandibular canal in Darbhanga (Bihar) population on digital panoramic radiographs, and the objective was to assess the normal variation of mandibular canal on panoramic radiographs Material and Methods: A total of 500 panoramic radiographs were selected from the archives of our department as soft copies. The course of mandibular canal was evaluated on panoramic radiographs. The collected data were subsequently processed and analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 17. Results:We found that elliptic curve is most common curve. Visibility of mandibular canal is more in the third molar region compared to first molar region. Conclusion: In the present study, most common curve was elliptic curve (64.8%) followed by linear curve (22.2%). Visibility of mandibular canal in third molar region was 98.1%. In both gender, elliptic curve was most common curve.

Objectives: Pericoronitis of mandibular third molars is commonly encountered in our day to day practice. Most of the case extraction becomes mandatory. This study was carried out to find the incidence of periodontitis on the distal aspect of the second molar adjacent to impacted third molar. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 patients were included in the study. Patient selection was randomly done. Whoever came with a chief complaint of pain in the third molar area were included in the study. They were evaluated both clinically and radiographically with an orthopantomogram. Patients' age, gender, type of impaction, presence or absence of bone loss, type of bone loss, and presence or absence of caries was evaluated radiographically and noted. Results: Periodontitis was observed in 39% of the cases and caries in 26% of the cases. Conclusions: These percentages are alarming and could be used to prophylactically extract the impacted third molars and thereby promoting the oral health of the individual.

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Background: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) remains a threat amongst a large population across the globe and particularly in India. Among the 28 known carcinogens in SLT, tobacco-specific nitrosamines are considered to be the most potent and it has been shown to cause immunomodulatory effects making the individual susceptible to various diseases. Immunoglobulins (Ig) form the defense against pathogens at the mucosal surfaces and SLT might interfere with its production and function. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to estimate the level of IgG and IgA in SLT patients and establish a correlation between them. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects (34 khaini users and 26 gutkha users) were selected for the study. Complete demographic data and history was taken and clinical examination done to evaluate any oral mucosal changes. Venous blood samples were taken to analyze the serum immunoglobulin parameters. Results: Significant changes were observed in the serum IgA and IgG level in SLT users. Serum IgG level had a positive correlation whereas serum IgA had a negative correlation with the form of SLT and were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The present study might serve as an early diagnostic tool and helpful in creating awareness on the hazards of using SLT among the Indian population as a despicable substitute to smoking tobacco. It also confers an imperative role into SLT mediated effects on immunoglobulins levels.

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Introduction: Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive, and chronic disease affecting bones of the adults, especially postmenopausal women. Its effect on mandibular bone quality has also been described by some authors in men inferring that gender and age are factors that may influence bone mineral density (BMD) and prognosis. The panoramic radiograph is used widely for the early detection of osteoporosis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether the panoramic mandibular index (PMI) is useful for BMD and sexual dimorphism. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients (30 males and 30 females) in the age group of 25–40 years were selected for the study. Orthopantomograph was taken and PMI determined with the help of Sidexis next-generation software. All the measurements were performed by four observers and data subjected to the statistical analysis. Results: The mean superior PMI was 0.22–0.27, and the inferior PMI was 0.28–0.34. The mean superior and inferior linear measurements from the mental foramen were higher in males than females and statistically significant. The mean mandibular cortical width was 3.8–4.7 mm but did not show much gender difference. Conclusion: PMI is a reliable indicator for determining BMD but is not much influenced by gender variation.