The major advantage of the photographic marker is that identity is easily ascertained by lay persons with the unassisted eye (bar codes require a hand-held reading device); photographic markers are also relevant in the Indian context where one-third of the population is illiterate and diverse scripts are used across the country, making interpretation of written data challenging at times. This allows for photographic markers' routine use in residential and hospital set-ups. Although the photographic marker has low fire resistance, it may be useful in forensic contexts since dentures retained in the mouth are well-protected by the oro-facial tissues and may survive incineration.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to synthesize visible light activated titanium dioxide (TiO 2) nanoparticles using titanium nitride (TiN) by solution route to determine its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus when combined with heat cure polymethyl methacrylate denture base resins (PMMA) in three different combinations. Methods: Visible light activated as-prepared TiO 2 photocatalyst was synthesized by peroxide based solution route technique using TiN. Part of the as-prepared TiO 2 was annealed and anatase form was obtained. Physical properties of the material were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). TiO 2 (3 w%, 5 w%)-PMMA composite samples (incorporated, precuring or post-curing coating) and unblended acrylic samples were prepared. They were placed in saline and exposed to light for 1 day, 1 week, 1month, 3 months and 6 months in a halogen light system specially fabricated for this study. Then the samples were subjected to microbiological tests to determine the inhibitory activity against S. aureus. Based on visible turbidity changes in the broth containing samples the antibacterial activity was reported. Statistical analysis of the data was done to interprete the results. Results: XRD, SEM, EDAX and FTIR showed better patterns with anatase form. This material showed consistent and reliable inhibitory activity in all forms when combined with PMMA in three different combinations. The best results were achieved at 3 w% concentration of TiO 2. Conclusion: 3 w% of anatase TiO 2 upon incorporation and postcuring coating with PMMA shows promising inhibitory activity against S.aureus. Clinical significance: To decrease the load of oral microflora on dentures by utilising visible light activated TiO 2 photocatalyst especially in elderly and handicapped denture wearers.

Evaluation of understanding levels of Indian dental students' knowledge and perceptions regarding older adults Abstract Increasing numbers of older people and decreasing rates of edentulism highlight the importance of dental education that focuses on oral health and ageing. Our evaluation study was carried out to assess the Indian dental graduate's geriatric knowledge, as well as their awareness, of the bio-psychosocial factors that are potential barriers to geriatric oral health care. A total of 98 students were evaluated during their rotational clinical posting in the fifth year of the dental education programme. The results suggest that general attitudes need to be changed by the inclusion of geriatric dentistry in the dental curriculum. Exposure of students to didactic and clinical setting appears to be a critical element towards positive knowledge and attitude of the elderly.

Handicap due to the loss of teeth in patients can be severe due to the impairment of masticatory function and facial disfigurement leading to negative psychological impact on the individual. To combat this, apart from the regular measures of positioning the teeth to obtain lip support, excellent denture esthetics can be achieved by providing additional support to the slumped tissues. This clinical report highlights a technique to provide support for sunken cheeks using detachable acrylic cheek plumpers, retained using iron-neodymium close-field magnets. The use of these magnets is a modification from the conventional technique of supporting the slumped tissues.

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Perceptions and preferences on denture marking in an Indian sample Aim: Denture marking is useful in institutional settings and post-mortem identification. Numerous markers have been developed, and their advantages and limitations assessed previously; however, patient perception to denture marking is paramount. We evaluated this in an Indian sample and also gauged their preference for different markers. Materials and methods: One-hundred and one edentulous patients seeking prosthodontic treatment in our institution were shown four denture markers (stainless steel matrix band, paper strip with name inscribed on it, patient photograph and optically readable laminated bar code) and asked whether they wanted similar markers in their dentures; patients were also asked to rank the markers based on preference and indicate their satisfaction with it.Results: Approximately two-thirds of patients (65/101) were uninterested in getting their dentures marked; among the 36 who agreed, 10 preferred the stainless steel band followed by photographs (9), paper strip (6) and bar code (2); nine gave multiple responses and were excluded from analyses. Sixteen patients expressed dissatisfaction with the photographic marker and bar code, while this number reduced for the stainless steel band (13) and paper strip (10). Conclusions:The results are in contrast to European studies wherein the majority of patients agreed to denture marking, indicating patient background (e.g. education level) may affect perception to denture marking; amongst those who agreed to marking, most preferred, or were satisfied with, the stainless steel and paper strip markers over photographic marker and a complex method such as bar-coding, implying that simple methods harbouring basic patient information may suffice in the Indian context.

Zirconia implant treatment is currently overriding other prosthetic solutions in replacing anterior teeth in esthetic zone. Surface topography of biomaterial has major impact on osseointegration. Various chemical and physical modifications have been developed to improve osseointegration. This review focuses on different surface treatment of zirconia implant. Surface roughness and its effect on osseointegration.

Denture-induced stomatitis (DIS) is the most common form of stomatitis in denture wearing population, with Candida albicans being the principal etiological factor. [1] Candidal load of 65% has been reported in elderly denture wearers and with C. albicans being isolated in 93% of patients with DIS. Candida adheres to polymethylmethacrylate denture acrylic (PMMA) directly or via an intermediary layer of plaque-forming bacteria. [1-3] The intaglio surface of denture is reported to be reservoirs of C. albicans, leading to denture-induced stomatitis and disseminated fungal infections, especially candida induced aspiration pneumonia and pulmonary candidiasis. Aspiration pneumonia is known to be fatal disease in the elderly. [4,5] Despite antifungal therapy to