Introduction: Pigmentation of the gingiva is a negative factor in an otherwise acceptable "smile window." Recently, cryosurgery and laser techniques have gained popularity for depigmentation and seem to be the most reliable and satisfactory procedures. To our knowledge, this case series is unique and is the first reporting comparison of cryosurgery and lasers in the literature.
Case Series:The study included 20 patients who presented with a chief complaint of "black gums" and requested cosmetic therapy. They were randomly divided into group A and group B of 10 patients each. Patients in group A were treated using a diode laser. The laser beam was set at 0.70 W power, 200 J energy, in continuous mode. Patients in group B were treated using tetrafluoroethane cryosurgery. Patients were followed for 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Gingival depigmentation was assessed using a new index system, gingival pigmentation index, on the day of first depigmentation and at the end of 18 months. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by using a simple questionnaire. Both procedures were equally effective in depigmentation. At the 18-month follow-up, spotted repigmentation was found in one case in each group. Although there was initial healing discomfort and mild pain with cryosurgery, all the patients were satisfied with the esthetic outcomes.Conclusion: During the 18-month follow-up, the depigmentation achieved using both the techniques was found equivalent and satisfactory. Clin Adv Periodontics 2012;2:129-134.
Effective and efficient infection control in the orthodontic office is essential for the safety of patients. A comprehensive infection control strategy must be implemented by the orthodontist without compromising on cost-effectiveness and time factor, that safeguards not only his own health but also of the auxiliary staff and even the community. It is also important to follow manufacturer's instructions for dental instruments and devices regarding sterilization to avoid damage to these items
Myositis ossificans (MO), as its name implies, is ossification and bone formation within a muscle. Pathogenesis is not all clear, but trauma is universally recognized as a trigger event. Myositis ossificans can be divided into 2 classifications: MO progressiva and MO traumatica. When it affects the muscles of mastication, it causes severe trismus. This rare disorder and its limited treatment options can potentially have debilitating effects to the patient's normal oral functioning and health. A computed tomographic scan and panoramic radiographs are essential diagnostic aids for evaluating conditions such as MO. Myositis ossificans can be one of the causes of extra-articular temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Surgical excision of the ossification is the main treatment modality. This is a case report of a patient who developed MO of the muscles of mastication.
Aim:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Bolton overall ratio in a north Indian population reporting for orthodontic treatment and to determine the effect of extractions on the Bolton ratios. Another aim of the study was to check the effects of different extraction patterns on the final Bolton ratio.Materials and Methods:One hundred and twenty pre-treatment dental casts (60 males and 60 females) of orthodontic patients were selected randomly. Mesio-distal dimensions of the mandibular and maxillary teeth were measured before treatment, and subjected to Bolton analysis. Hypothetical tooth extraction by the following combinations: All the first premolars, all the second premolars, upper first and lower second premolars and upper second and lower first premolars were performed for each patient. The measurement results were again subjected to Bolton analysis to see whether any tooth-size discrepancy had been created.Results and Conclusion:The tooth material ratio of the studied north Indian population shows a mild maxillary tooth material excess. Extraction of premolars in any combination causes the maxillary tooth material to further increase. There is no significant sex difference in the tooth material ratios with or without extractions. In patients requiring extraction; all first premolar extraction or maxillary first and mandibular second premolar extraction should be preferred. For deciding a treatment plan involving extraction of teeth, we need to consider that the maxillary tooth mass may increase after extraction. Furthermore, the normal or the clinically significant tooth size discrepancies may change following extraction of teeth.
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