Aim: This study investigates the differences in assessing dental implant osseointegration with changes in orthopantomography (OPG) exposure setting in the rabbit tibia. Materials and methods: This research design is quasi-experimental. The sample of this research is 18 panoramic radiographs of rabbit tibia bone that had been installed with a dental implant for 28 days with different exposure settings and were divided into two groups of settings based on exposure time (14 and 16 seconds). Data were obtained by measuring bone density and fractal dimension using ImageJ 2.3.0 software. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and post hoc test at p-value < 0.05. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0 software. Results: The results of the p-value analysis showed an average image quality of 5.33 (p-value > 0.05), the largest bone density value was 0.1827, and the largest fractal dimension value was 0.7990 (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a difference in bone density and fractal dimension in the 14 and 16 seconds exposure setting variation groups. Clinical significance: Differences in assessing dental implant osseointegration in different OPG exposure setting groups can obtain the best exposure setting to evaluate dental implant osseointegration.

Aim: To evaluate the solvent efficacy of an experimental substance based on the Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu) essential oil in root canal re-treatment procedures. Materials and methods: Sixty polylactic acid tubes (PLA) were used and divided into five groups (distilled water, M. dubia oil (camu-camu), xylene, orange peel, and eucalyptus oil). In each group, 12 tubes were filled with a temporary restorative material (Coltosol®). The upper and the middle part were filled with gutta-percha. A total of 0.1 mL solvent was added depending on the study group and left for 5 minutes. Once the solvent was placed, the samples were taken to the Instron 3382 machine. The force used to penetrate the spreader into the 5 mm depth was recorded in Newton (N). The Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn's post hoc test were used for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis was performed using Stata® v.15.0 package. Results: We found significant statistical differences when comparing all solvents (p = 0.001), obtaining 14.02 N for the experimental substance. The results of the superficial dissolution depth and the force used to penetrate the spreader to 5 mm revealed that the M. dubia oil (camu-camu) was the solvent that significantly softened the gutta-percha the most (p < 0.05). These values were followed by xylene and orange peel oil. We also found that the solvent with the lowest efficacy was eucalyptus oil. Conclusion: The M. dubia (camu-camu) essential oil had more softening power than other solutions in the study. Clinical significance: The efficacy of the M. dubia (camu-camu) essential oil is relevant as it is a nonharmful solvent that would not harm the periapical tissue and would reduce the time of endodontic re-treatments procedures, which is beneficial for patients.

Aim: The aim of the ex vivo study was to assess the efficacy of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 1% peracetic acid (PAA), and ozonated water in mesiobuccal (MB) canals with curved mandibular molars infected with Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecalis and to compare with normal saline irrigation. Materials and methods: A total of 240 mandibular molars were selected. The WaveOne Gold (WOG) primary reciprocating system was used to prepare the MB canals. The selected teeth were allocated randomly into 12 groups, 20 in each group. Based on the microbiological strains, irrigants were employed following the instrumentation of the tooth. Microbiological samples were collected prior to instrumentation and also following the irrigation after instrumentation. The load of the microbes was measured using the colony-forming units (CFU/mL). The paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate the data, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: The tested irrigants demonstrated a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in CFU/mL following the irrigation after instrumentation compared to the saline group. However, PAA, ozonated water, and EDTA with NaOCl showed statistically insignificant differences from each other in the mean reduction of microbial loads. The positive control (17% EDTA with 2.5% NaOCl) had a mean reduction of 90.75%; test groups PAA and ozonated water produced a reduction of 90.31 and 91.11%, respectively, against E. faecalis; while the saline group showed the least reduction in microbial counts (3.84%). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, chemomechanical preparations incorporating irrigants such as PAA and ozonated water could be as beneficial as EDTA and NaOCl in reducing microbial content in root canal therapy. Clinical significance: Microbial lysis results from the oxidative action of PAA and ozonated water on cell membranes. These irrigants have better applicability and rather encouraging results, and they could be an important therapeutic tool for endodontists.

Aim: To assess the clinical and radiographic outcome of complete pulpotomy procedure with NeoMTA and Biodentine in mature permanent vital teeth with carious exposure after 6 months and 1 year. Materials and methods: A total of 60 mature permanent mandibular molar teeth with a clinical diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis (IP) were included in the study. After the teeth were anesthetized, a complete pulpotomy procedure was performed under an aseptic environment. The cases were randomly divided into two groups [group I = NeoMTA (n = 30) and group II = Biodentine (n = 30)]. The teeth were temporized using type VII pink glass ionomer cement (GIC) for 2 weeks, following which a resin-modified GI (RMGI) was placed as a liner over the pulpotomy agent, and direct composite resin restorations were done. The cases were reevaluated postoperatively, clinically, and radiographically after 6 months and 1 year. Results: Following pulpotomy, complete pain relief was reported in 92.45% of the cases. External root resorptions were observed at the end of 6 months in two cases (group I: n = 1 and group II: n = 1). Radiographic evidence of periapical pathosis was present in three cases in group II at 6 months intervals. Radiographic evidence of periapical pathosis was present in three new cases at the end of a 1-year interval (group I: n = 2 and group II: n = 1). The success rate at 1 year for group I was 85.71%, and for group II was 84%. Conclusion: NeoMTA and Biodentine have favorable and comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes as therapeutic materials for complete pulpotomy procedures in mature permanent teeth with carious exposure. NeoMTA is a promising therapeutic agent for complete pulpotomy procedures in mature permanent teeth with carious exposure. Clinical significance: Considering the outcome of the study, complete pulpotomy procedures with calcium silicate-based cement can be considered a valid treatment alternative to non-surgical endodontic therapy (NSET) for mature permanent vital teeth with carious exposure.

Aim: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of various fluoride varnishes in arresting cavitated dentinal lesions among preschool children. Materials and methods: Children aged 3–5 years old with at least one active cavitated dentinal carious lesion were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups as follows. Children in group I received 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) (FAgamin, Tedequim SRL, Argentina) application and children in group II received bifluorid 10 varnish (VOCO Bifluorid 10) application on carious lesion respectively. Lesion activity was assessed by visual-tactile examination using the World Health Organization (WHO) consumer price index (CPI) probe. Baseline and follow-up examinations were done by different examiners to collect the data. Result: Baseline and 1-week follow-up data was collected and subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi-squared test. The caries arrest rate in group I (100%) was highly significant. Conclusion: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was effective in arresting caries in preschool children and facilitating the early restoration of the cavitated lesion and was also helpful in instilling positive behavior in preschool children toward dental treatment. Clinical significance: Caries control methods used here are simple, noninvasive, highly efficient, cost-effective, well accepted, and can be used in all children. The results were satisfactory as cavitated lesions were restored in a short time in achieving good oral health.

Aim: The aim of the current research was to assess the effectiveness of four different storage media for maintaining an avulsed tooth. Materials and methods: A total of 80 premolars implicated for extraction as part of orthodontic treatment were chosen for this research. The extraction of premolars was performed with minimal likely trauma and the least amount of injury to the periodontal ligament (PDL) membrane. Following removal, the premolars were caught from the crown area employing forceps as well as 3 mm of the PDL was removed from the crown region with the aid of a curette to facilitate the elimination of injured cells. The specimens were then allocated at random to one of the four investigational cohorts as group I—Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) (positive control), group II—Ringer's lactate, group III—Aloe vera, and group IV—egg albumin, each comprising 20 specimens in every group. The specimens in the investigational cohorts were subjected to storage to permit drying for 30 minutes and then immersed for 60 minutes in the individual storage medium. Every tube was subsequently subjected to centrifugation for 4 minutes at 1000 rpm, following which the supernatant was eliminated with disinfected micropipettes. The cells resulting from the supernatant were subjected to coloring with 0.5% trypan blue for determining viability. The quantity of viable PDL cells was calculated beneath a light microscope with a hemocytometer at 20× magnifying power. Results: The highest mean viable periodontal cell was exhibited by HBSS at 38.48 ± 2.32, pursued by the use of Aloe vera at 30.36 ± 1.86, then the egg albumin group at 24.58 ± 2.38, and finally the Ringer's lactate group at 21.12 ± 3.06. The dissimilarity noted amid the groups was greatly significant, with a p-value < 0.001. Conclusion: Among the confines of the limitations of this research, it may be inferred that HBSS exhibited the highest efficacy as a storage medium for an avulsed tooth than the other three investigational groups. As an alternative, Aloe vera may be utilized in regions where HBSS may not be accessible. Clinical significance: Trauma to the dentoalveolar segment is a frequent occurrence, with avulsion accounting for a large amount of harm. The therapy of preference for postavulsion is instant reimplantation. Nevertheless, in instances where this may not be likely, the prognosis of reimplanted teeth can be enhanced by the choice of a suitable storage medium. Avoidance of ankylosis plus replacement resorption is influenced by the ability of storage media to preserve cell viability to a greater extent vs the time tenure outside the alveolus.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficiency of a 2 mm lambda plate for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of condylar fractures in terms of surgical time, plate adaptability, mouth opening, restoration of occlusion, and ramus height. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted, including 16 patients presenting with subcondylar fractures. Under general anesthesia, a surgical approach was employed, and fracture fixation was accomplished using the titanium (Ti) lambda plate of 2 mm thickness and having seven holes. Patients were postoperatively (post-op) followed up clinically and radiologically at 1 week and 1 and 3 months. Results: Plate adaptability was good. The mean surgical time was 110.5 minutes. All patients showed a statistically significant increase in mouth opening following surgery. Around 93.8% (15 patients) had occlusion, which was deranged preoperatively (pre-op). This improved significantly in the post-op period. Pre-op, seven patients (43.75%) had a deviation on the opening of the mouth, and after surgery, it significantly decreased. The variation in mean bite force at central incisor (CI), right premolar, left premolar, and right and left molar between various time intervals was statistically significant p< 0.001. Conclusion: We conclude that the use of a 2 mm seven-hole lambda plate for fractures in the subcondylar region presents a good option to achieve stable osteosynthesis with less surgical time and complications. Clinical significance: There is limited data regarding surgical management of subcondylar fractures, owing to the challenge in accessing the region and the complexity of reduction of the displaced fragments. Fixation techniques also add to the issue. Exploration of surgical management of subcondylar fractures and data on in vivo evaluation of lambda plate design will enhance the prospects and knowledge for the development and implementation of the treatment protocol.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on microbial alterations (Porphyromonas gingivalis and Filifactor alocis), in pregnant periodontitis study participants with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and methods: The present study has been designed as a prospective and interventional trial. A total of 120 pregnant women were selected according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group I included pregnant study participants with GDM and periodontitis, who underwent oral hygiene instructions (OHI) throughout the study. Group II had pregnant study participants with GDM and periodontitis, who underwent scaling and root planning (SRP), followed by OHI. Group III had pregnant study participants with periodontitis maintained on OHI, and group IV had pregnant study participants with periodontitis who underwent SRP, followed by OHI. After the patients were categorized into respective groups, subgingival plaque samples were collected. All the patients were given OHI, and patients in groups II and IV underwent SRP. Clinical parameters were reevaluated 3 months after NSPT, before parturition. Subgingival plaque samples were also collected at the follow-up appointment. The study data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software V.22, IBM, for Windows. Results: An improvement in the microbial load was observed in all patients. However, better improvement was observed in group II, which included patients with GDM and periodontitis, who were provided with NSPT and OHI. Conclusion: Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in pregnant periodontitis study participants with and without GDM demonstrated a reduction in P. gingivalis and F. alocis loads. The results are in accordance with the hypothesis of the current study, suggesting a positive impact of NSPT on microbial load and its effect on periodontal status. Clinical Significance: The detrimental effect of microorganisms on host periodontal tissues lead to periodontitis. After NSPT, there was a reduction in the microbiological load with an improvement in the clinical periodontal parameters, thereby improving the oral health of the study participants.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess oral manifestations, periodontal status, and vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women. Materials and methods: Seventy systemically healthy postmenopausal women were included in this cross-sectional study. To determine the periodontal status, clinical parameters such as clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were used. Oral manifestations were recorded using a standard questionnaire. The unstimulated salivary flow rate was recorded using the modified Schirmer test strips. The collected salivary samples were analyzed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits to estimate the salivary levels of vitamin D. Results were then subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Spearman's correlation was used to correlate vitamin D levels and the periodontal parameters. Results: More than 50% of the participants reported xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome, with 72.08% reporting hyposalivation. A total of 78% had insufficient salivary vitamin D levels. More than 50% of the sites with BOP and mean CAL of 2.89 ± 0.79 was detected. A statistically significant strong negative correlation was observed between salivary vitamin D levels and the periodontal parameters (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The majority of postmenopausal women exhibited oral discomfort in the form of xerostomia, burning mouth, taste alterations, and hyposalivation. There was a marked insufficiency in vitamin D levels. A significant negative correlation was demonstrated between vitamin D levels and periodontal status, owing to the increased risk of development of periodontitis in the subjects. Clinical significance: The majority of women in the postmenopausal period experience oral symptoms related to estrogen deficiency. However, due to a lack of sufficient awareness, these issues have not been adequately addressed. Vitamin D deficiency is also commonly encountered at this stage, which complicates systemic as well as periodontal health.

Aim: This research aimed to fabricate and characterize bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA) crystal by using scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) test for the evaluation of its potential as socket preservation material. Materials and methods: Bovine hydroxyapatite was fabricated from bovine cancellous bone that was washed and cut into small pieces. The bone was placed in an ultrasonic cleaner to remove the fat, heated in the oven at 1000°C for 1 hour and dried. The bone was then grounded into a powder and sieved through 150 µm sieves. Powdered BHA was then analyzed with SEM-EDX to analyze the structure and content of the HA element, and an XRD test was used to analyze the HA crystal. Results: From the SEM test, BHA had a crystalline particle with hexagonal crystal with an average size of 197 µm. The EDX test indicated BHA has the elements of carbon (C) (50.71%), oxygen (O) (34.59%), sodium (Na) (0.35 %), magnesium (Mg) (0.35%), phosphorus (P) (4.29%), calcium (Ca) (8.97%), and niobium (Nb) (0.74%). The XRD test showed that BHA contains hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal with 66% crystallinity degree. Conclusion: The BHA was successfully fabricated through the process of calcination. Based on the characterization and analysis using SEM-EDX and XRD tests of BHA, it had the potential as socket preservation material to preserve alveolar bone after tooth extraction. Clinical significance: The addition of BHA after tooth extraction has the potential to maintain alveolar bone quality and prevent dimension loss. This biomaterial helps and supports prosthesis treatment, such as implants, which need good alveolar bone quantity and quality.

Aim: This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) as an adjunct to periodontal regenerative therapy [open flap debridement (OFD) with or without bone graft (BG)] in intrabony defects of chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and methods: A total of 40 angular periodontal defect sites were included in this study by recruiting 18 systemically healthy volunteers. Sample sites were randomly allotted to four groups: group I, OFD; group II, OFD + LIPUS; group III, OFD + BG; and group IV, OFD + BG + LIPUS. The clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss, radiographic depth of the defect site, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were analyzed. Results: When compared between the groups, there was no significant difference in clinical and radiographic parameters at 3 and 6 months of postevaluation, whereas ALP level showed a significant increase at 6 weeks in group II and group IV when compared to other groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that LIPUS did not improve periodontal regeneration in terms of clinical and radiographic parameters when used as an adjunct to periodontal regenerative therapy. But it has shown the potential to increase the ALP level in GCF. Clinical significance: There is no added clinical benefit in the short-term usage of LIPUS in periodontal therapy.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental caries and its correlation with nutritional status in 3–18-year olds. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 3–18-year olds from public schools in a rural district in India. A total of 829 subjects from 29 schools participated in the study. The body mass index (BMI) was used to assess the nutritional status of participants. The anthropometric measurements for BMI were recorded within the school premises. The World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards Reference for BMI was used to categorize the participants into obese/overweight, normal, or underweight for age. Dental caries was assessed using decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth (DMFT) and decayed extracted filled teeth (deft) index. A parent-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on oral hygiene practice, parental education, dental visits, and sugar exposure. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 48.8%. A total of 54.6% of students were malnourished, and 47.7 % were underweight for their age. The nutritional status was found to be inversely related to dental caries. The children with higher BMI (obese and overweight) were likely to have less caries experience. Conclusion: Nutritional status was found to be inversely related to dental caries. Children with lesser BMI were at higher risk of having dental caries and vice versa. Clinical significance: Dental caries and nutritional status have common risk factors. Diet is the major risk factor, common to both conditions. Diet is a modifiable risk factor. Therefore, strategies can be developed and targeted at the prevention of both dental caries, and malnutrition in the community. Healthy dietary habits and practices can be promoted for the control of dental caries and malnutrition.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of bioceramics [Biodentine (BD) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)] apexification in periradicular healing and root-end calcific tissue repair in immature traumatized permanent anterior teeth as compared to calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] apexification. Materials and method: A total of 33 (N) traumatized nonvital immature permanent teeth in 21 children between the age-group of 8–16 years, fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were selected. They were randomized into three equal groups (n = 11) each for treatment by apexification. In the study groups, MTA and BD were compacted as apical plug barriers. The conventional method of apexification by placing Ca(OH)₂ paste in the root canal space was used in the control group. The recall was done at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months clinically and at 3, 6, and 9 months radiographically to check for healing by improved periapical index (PAI) scores and induction of calcific tissue repair and/or continued root formation apical to the placed materials. Statistical assessment was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 analytical software. Results: Success was 100% at the final follow-up (p < 0.001) according to clinical parameters. The resolution of the periradicular radiolucency took minimum time in the BD group, followed by the MTA group. Calcific repair and/or increase in apical length was observed in 100% of teeth in both groups at 6 months compared to only 40% of teeth in control group Ca(OH)₂ with resultant radiopaque hard tissue barrier apical to placed material plug. Conclusion: BD, followed by MTA, has superior properties for inducing periradicular healing and calcific tissue repair than Ca(OH)₂ for apexification. For conclusive inferences regarding better efficacy, a larger sample size with a prolonged follow-up period needs to be taken on. Clinical significance: To preserve the young permanent teeth from trauma, apexification is the treatment of choice. Ca(OH)₂ has been used as a gold standard for apexification procedures. However, newer materials such as MTA and BD have superior properties, are less time-consuming, have better handling properties and faster results compared to Ca(OH)₂ in terms of periradicular healing and induction of root-end calcific repair by the formation of hard tissue.

Aim: This study aims at evaluating the association between salivary lactate dehydrogenase (SLDH) levels among type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP) and tooth loss to check the diagnostic value of SLDH as a noninvasive biomarker. Materials and methods: Seventy-six subjects aged from 30 to 70 years with at least 15 remaining teeth were selected for the study. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels confirmed diabetic status while CP was assessed based on periodontal parameters with a full-mouth periodontal examination, following which the subjects were classified into four groups. Group I: controls—systemically healthy individuals (HbA1c levels ≤6.4%), without CP; group II: non-T2DM with CP—systemically healthy individuals (HbA1c ≤6.4%) with CP; group III: T2DM (HbA1c ≥6.5%) with CP; group IV: T2DM (HbA1c ≥6.5%) with CP and tooth loss due to periodontitis. Unstimulated whole saliva in fasting was collected from subjects and quantitatively assessed using a colorimetric lactate dehydrogenase assay kit. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at 5% level (p < 0.05). Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient compared the relationship between different variables. Results: ANOVA of the four groups’ mean scores yielded significant variation in SLDH levels (F = 11.2889, p < 0.05). The relationship between variables of HbA1c levels with SLDH activity levels (mU/mL) and average periodontal pocket depth (APPD) was statistically significant and a moderate correlation was found with Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. Conclusion: Study outcomes indicate a high prevalence of CP in T2DM. The severity of periodontitis and tooth loss significantly altered LDH enzyme activity and exhibited elevated LDH levels indicating a valuable noninvasive salivary biomarker in the detection of periodontitis. Clinical significance: In view of saliva as a mainstay noninvasive screening method of periodontal disease, SLDH can assume a significant role in detecting elevated glycemic levels and distinguishing the severity of periodontitis. Routine use in general practice and dental offices can ensure early detection and monitoring.

Aim: The present study aimed to determine the role of SRY (sex-determining region Y)—box 2 (SOX2) as a potential marker of stemness and pluripotency and to compare its association with the normal oral mucosa (NOM), different grades of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and methods: A total of 70 study samples, including 30 cases of OED (10 each of mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia), 30 cases of OSCC [10 each of well-, moderate-, and poorly differentiated (WD, MD, and PD)], and 10 NOM samples were immunohistochemically stained to evaluate SOX2 association. Quantitative analysis was based on the percentage of positive cells with a scoring of 0–5 (0%, 1–10%, 11–30%, 31–50%, 51–80%, and >80%), and qualitative evaluation was based on the intensity of staining grading from 0–3 (negative, weak, moderate, and strong). Differences in staining intensity were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Statistical comparison of positive cells among three groups was performed using one-way analysis of variance and a pairwise comparison within groups using Tukey analysis. Results: SOX2 expression was more prominent in OSCC than OED and weakest in normal mucosa. A significant increase in SOX2 expression was observed from mild to severe dysplasia, whereas the expression decreased from WDOSCC to PDOSCC. Conclusion: In conformity with the present study, SOX2 expression is seen to be upregulated in higher grades of OED and early OSCC. Thus, highlighting its role in identifying the potential lesions at an early stage. Clinical significance: Identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs) using biomarkers may help in the early detection of tumor development. SOX2 showing evidence of expressing these cells can be utilized as a definitive biomarker.

Aim: To compare and evaluate oxygen-releasing gel vs 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel as an adjuvant to scaling and root planning (SRP). Materials and methods: A total of 11 patients (22 sites) with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned into test and control groups by the flip of a coin method. Pre-op clinical parameters recorded were plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and wound healing index (WHI). Post-completion of SRP, test group (n = 11) received subgingival delivery of oxygen-releasing gel and control group (n = 11) received 0.2% CHX gel. A periodontal pack and oral hygiene instructions (OHI) were given. Post-op clinical parameters were measured at 1 and 3 months. Results: The intergroup comparison of test sites (oxygen-releasing gel) with the control sites (0.2% CHX gel) showed a statistically higher significant reduction in test group when compared to control group in periodontal parameters such as PPD (p < 0.0001), clinical attachment level (CAL) (p < 0.0001), WHI (p, 0.0001). However, no statistically significant difference was found in PI and GI between both groups. Conclusion: Oxygen-releasing gel, when used as a local drug delivery, showed better results when compared to the current gold standard, that is, 0.2% CHX gel in the nonsurgical management of moderately deep pockets in chronic periodontitis. Clinical significance: Nonsurgical periodontal therapy lays the foundation for most periodontal procedures. It also stands a chance of higher acceptability to the patients. Hence, whenever the clinical situation is conducive, oxygen-releasing gel serves to be an excellent local drug delivery alternative.

Aim: To evaluate the antifungal potential of Moringa oleifera seed extracts on Candida isolated from oral cavities of diabetic (case) and nondiabetic (control) complete denture wearers. Materials and methods: Serial exhaustive extraction of M. oleifera seed coat and seed endosperm was done using hexane, dichloromethane, and ethanol. The salivary samples collected from the oral cavities of edentulous complete denture wearers were evaluated for susceptibility with M. oleifera seed coat and endosperm extracts on 60 salivary samples diabetic [case group, 30 individuals hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) >6.4%] and nondiabetic (control group, 30 individuals HbA1c <6.4%). The potent extract's mean percent inhibition was compared using an independent t-test. The mean zone of inhibition was compared using an independent t-test between diabetic (case group) and nondiabetic (control group) groups using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 24 software, and a p-value of <0.05 was statistically significant. The potent M. oleifera extracts were tested for their in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. Results: M. oleifera seed coat ethanolic extract of 1000 mg/mL concentration showed a zone of inhibition of 20 mm against positive control nystatin (NYS) with a zone of 19 mm is the most potent antifungal agent. The susceptibility of Candida isolated from the saliva of nondiabetics (control) was higher when compared to that isolated from diabetics (case group). The anti-inflammatory potential of the potent extract revealed a dose-dependent % inhibition. Conclusion: The current study provides a potential herbal alternative in the form of M. oleifera seed coat extract against oral Candida. The study also explains the low toxicity of the M. oleifera ethanolic extract on human erythrocytes, making it a safer alternative to NYS. Clinical significance: Oral candidiasis due to the overgrowth of Candida in denture wearers is common. Herbal alternative to conventional antifungal agents against oral Candida that are effective and safe is successfully discussed in this study.

Aim: To bring into light an evidence-based approach to fabricate an orbital prosthesis in a post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mucormycosis-affected individual, which is simple, efficient, and economically advantageous. Background: Rehabilitation of facial defects becomes a demanding task as it is noticed distinctly and might be a socially awkward situation for the individual. Especially, a missing eye/contents of the orbit have a negative impact on the patients, which necessitates immediate rehabilitation. Various treatment modalities are at hand to rehabilitate such patients, of which implant-supported prosthesis has a finer retentive outcome. However, it cannot be administered among all patients due to economic or other unfavorable surgical limitations. Case description: This case report projects a 54-year-old male; a case of exenterated orbit secondary to post-COVID-19 mucormycosis surgery. The reconstruction of this patient was planned by a two-piece magnet-retained prosthesis with a silicon outer prosthesis. A heat-processed acrylic conformer was fabricated for the defected part, and a silicon superstructure to reconstruct the missing anatomy was done. Retention was achieved using natural undercuts, magnet, and adhesive. Conclusion: A systematic and meticulous approach is warranted based on the tissue makeup, material handling, and retentive aids as per the patient's expectations and affordability for maxillofacial rehabilitation. An evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach with the skill of the clinician is essential in providing effective and optimum rehabilitation. The treatment strategy adopted in this case is simple and economical and can be adapted for mass rehabilitation of orbital defects at an accelerated pace. Clinical significance: Much research is necessary in the digital domain of maxillofacial prosthodontics such that it is financially affordable, accessible, and an approach that reduces chairside time. Also, retentive aids which have a more predictable outcome, like implants, should be considered so as to improve the quality of life of the patient.

Background: There are various treatment modalities in correcting the developing class III, of which the efficacy of removable mandibular retractor (RMR) in class III correction has not been discussed much in the literature. Available literature has compared various fixed and removable appliances for class III correction, which did not take RMR into inclusion. Hence, this systematic review focuses on the efficacy of the RMR appliance in bringing about favorable skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue changes in growing skeletal class III patients and patient acceptance of the appliance. Objective: To assess the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue effects of RMR appliance and acceptability of the appliance in growing skeletal class III patients. Search methods: A systematic review of articles was performed using different electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, LILACS, and Web of Science) along with a manual search of orthodontic journals from 2011 to the year 2021. Selection criteria: Search items consisted of “removable appliances” and “skeletal class III.” The selection criteria were set to include only randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Four RCTs were included in the systematic review that evaluated dental, skeletal, and soft tissue effects and patient acceptance of RMR appliances. Data collection and analysis: Data regarding patient acceptance, skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue outcomes were extracted to collect study characteristics. Two separate authors independently extracted the data. Review manager (RevMan) version 5.1, Denmark, was the software used to analyze the data. After evaluating the risk of bias, standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Of the four RCTs included, two RCTs evaluated the dentoalveolar, skeletal, and soft tissue changes with bone-anchored mandibular protraction (BAMP) and RMR appliance, and two RCTs evaluated the patient compliance and acceptability of the appliance. The results of the study by Majanni and Hajeer in 2016 revealed that skeletal and soft tissue changes were more pronounced with BAMP and dental changes were more pronounced with RMR appliance. However, a study by Saleh et al. concluded that hard and soft tissue changes were pronounced with RMR appliances when compared with no treatment controls. Two RCTs that evaluated patient compliance revealed that compared to RMR, bone-anchored intermaxillary traction (BAIMT) produced more pain, pressure, and tension of soft tissues that gradually reduced over time, and speech difficulty and social avoidance were noted in patients wearing RMR, which decreased gradually in time. Conclusion: Studies reviewed provide insufficient evidence to form a conclusion regarding the effects of the use of MR appliances. The available evidence suggests that the use of MR produces predominant dental changes and causes speech difficulty and social avoidance for the patients. More trials are needed to produce stable results on the use of RMR appliances.

Aim: To demonstrate the procedure for mounting the maxillary cast in the mean value articulator using a newly designed mounting device. Background: Fabrication of dental prostheses, especially by indirect technique, requires the use of an articulator. Apart from reducing the chair side time it has numerous advantages. However, accurate mounting of the cast in the articulator is mandatory to avoid fabrication errors. The techniques currently in use are either difficult to master or require costly equipment. This article describes a new technique for mounting the cast in a mean value articulator using a custom-made mounting device. Technique: The newly designed mounting device consists of a U-plate, an anterior rod, and two posterior rods. The mounting device is fixed to the articulator so that the anterior rod is inserted into the hole in the incisal pin and the posterior rods rest on the posterior reference bar. This places the U-plate at the level of the reference plane of the articulator. The maxillary cast with occlusal rim is placed over the U-plate and mounted using type II gypsum. The mandibular cast is later mounted in the articulator using the interocclusal record. Conclusion: As the wax mount is not necessary for this technique; the newly fabricated mounting device reduces the chances of error during the mounting of the maxillary cast that could occur during the conventional procedure. Clinical significance: Routine procedures commonly used were based on arbitrary methods (wax mounting) with a high chance of error, while other devices were expensive and selective in purpose. Therefore, the need for more accurate and precise methods are required instead.