No abstract

Oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis, often precede oral cancer. Screening and management of these premalignant conditions can improve prognosis. Raman spectroscopy has previously demonstrated potential in the diagnosis of oral premalignant conditions (in vivo), detected viral infection, and identified cancer in both oral and cervical exfoliated cells (ex vivo). The potential of Raman exfoliative cytology (REC) in identifying premalignant conditions was investigated. Oral exfoliated samples were collected from healthy volunteers (n=20), healthy volunteers with tobacco habits (n=20), and oral premalignant conditions (n=27, OPL) using Cytobrush. Spectra were acquired using Raman microprobe. Spectral acquisition parameters were: λex: 785 nm, laser power: 40 mW, acquisition time: 15 s, and average: 3. Postspectral acquisition, cell pellet was subjected to Pap staining. Multivariate analysis was carried out using principal component analysis and principal component-linear discriminant analysis using both spectra- and patient-wise approaches in three- and two-group models. OPLs could be identified with ∼77% (spectra-wise) and ∼70% (patient-wise) sensitivity in the three-group model while with 86% (spectra-wise) and 83% (patient-wise) in the two-group model. Use of histopathologically confirmed premalignant cases and better sampling devices may help in development of improved standard models and also enhance the sensitivity of the method. Future longitudinal studies can help validate potential of REC in screening and monitoring high-risk populations and prognosis prediction of premalignant lesions.

No abstract

Background: Various biochemical and histological methods are available for human age determination which are invasive and may require extraction of teeth. The present study aims to assess the accuracy of age estimation from tooth-coronal index (TCI) of known age and sex individuals and to present a noninvasive method for age estimation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study comprised 88 patients, which included 54 males and 34 females. An orthopantomogram of these individuals were taken, and premolars and molars in the same were evaluated. The height of the crown (coronal height [CH]) and the height of the coronal pulp cavity (coronal pulp cavity height [CPCH]) was digitally measured on the computer screen. The TCI given by Ikeda et al . in 1985 (TCI = [CPCH × 100]/CH.) was computed on each tooth and regressed on real age of the sample. The mean, median, range, and standard deviation of the computed index were calculated. The correlation between the actual age and the estimated age was calculated using t -test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Results revealed that there is a significant correlation between the TCI with age. Increase in TCI observed with age; however, it showed no significant sex difference. Conclusion: TCI is a precise, noninvasive and easily used reliable biomarker for age estimation and is applicable to both living and dead individuals.

The mechanism behind TMD causing otalgia and otolaryngological symptoms remains diffuse and unclear. Some of the theories proposed by researchers are as follows:

No abstract

Goldenhar or oculo-auriculo-vertebral (OAV) syndrome is a congenital disorder that is usually apparent at birth. Sometimes, its diagnosis can be delayed and it is first diagnosed in adolescents or adults. We present a case of an 18-year girl who presented with chief complaint of multiple carious teeth and was found to have abnormal facies. On examination, it was found that the patient had asymmetry of face due to hypoplastic maxilla and mandible on the left side. Patient also had presence of ocular dermoid in the left eye, pre-auricular tags, scoliotic posture, ankyloglossia and fissured tongue, which were in accordance with OAV syndrome. This case report unveils the need for an early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the anomalies found in this syndrome.

A sound knowledge of the relative three dimensional (3D) approximations to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) to the root apices of the mandibular premolars and molars and their significance to gender and age is imperative for any dental procedure. Utilization of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has facilitated increased accuracy, higher resolution, and scan time and dose reduction. Literature reveals that various procedures in endodontics and oral surgery may lead to IAN injury, a rare but serious treatment complication. It can result from over instrumentation, periapical surgery and over filling by root canal obturation materials. Surgical endodontic procedures require a thorough knowledge of anatomic structures that might be traumatized. What better view than CBCT, where it gives a thorough knowledge about the 3D position of the IAN, allowing 3D reconstruction in true 1:1 anatomic representation. Majority of IAN injury cases reported were in relation to the mandibular second molars hence before undertaking procedures with potential damage to the IAN, it is essential to know the location of the IAN with respect to the surrounding structures to avoid injury or harm. A study was undertaken with an aim to assess the distance between the apical tips of the mesial roots of the first, second molars and second premolars to the superior border of the IAN. The findings of which could be used to prevent injuries to the inferior alveolar nerve.