Dental Research Journal
Volume:9 Issue: 1, Jan 2012

Welcome to 2012. I hope this year will provide us with interesting innovations in both science and technology, which will affect our lives and practices in very significant ways. This has been a fantastic year for DRJ and certainly for me. As I look back at the previous year, there is much to be proud of. We increased the journal frequency from biannual to quarterly, and now it is bimonthly. We have significantly increased our ceiling for “in press articles” in each issue from 12 to 20 and continue to expand our program to meet the demands of our readers and writers by our “supplementary issue” under process. After being indexed in PubMed and PMC in the previous year, the number of received articles increased significantly, and with early adopted policies, we are able to welcome authors as many as possible to submit their interesting manuscripts while qualified and rapid assessment is guaranteed as before. In order to improve DRJ online submission facilities, the new publisher, “Medknow,” with its new DRJ submission website, journalonweb.com/drj, provided our respected users with more convenience and satisfaction. Finally, I am proud to be a part of an organization that comprises the true masters, and many hours of time are spent to reach the mastery level in publishing. It will be our pleasure to receive any suggestion or concerns in this regard. With Best Regards,

Dental professionals are predisposed to a number of occupational hazards. These include exposure to infections (including Human Immunodeficiency Virus and viral hepatitis); percutaneous exposure incidents, dental materials, radiation, and noise; musculoskeletal disorders; psychological problems and dermatitis; respiratory disorders; and eye insults. Percutaneous exposure incidents remain a main concern, as exposure to serious infectious agents is a virtual risk. Minimizing percutaneous exposure incidents and their consequences should continue to be considered, including sound infection control practices, continuing education, and hepatitis B vaccination. Basically, for any infection control strategies, dentists should be aware of individual protective measures and appropriate sterilization or other high-level disinfection utilities. Strained posture at work disturbs the musculoskeletal alignment and leads to stooped spine. The stooped posture also involved certain groups of muscles and joints. This may lead to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Continuous educating and appropriate intervention studies are needed to reduce the complication of these hazards. So, it is important for dentists to remain constantly up-to-date about measures on how to deal with newer strategies and dental materials, and implicates the need for special medical care for this professional group.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignancy in oral cavity. Angiogenesis is essential for the development and progression of SCC. Recently, some studies have reported that mast cells may play a role in tumor progression via promoting angiognesis. Since the results of various studies on the role of mast cells in tumor progression is not uniform, the aim of this study was to define the possible role of mast cells in the process of angiogenesis by determining the microvessel density (MVD) and mast cell density (MCD) and the association between them in oral normal mucsoa and oral SCC. In this retrospective analytical study, paraffinized specimens from 22 cases of normal mucosa and 20 cases of well-differentiated oral SCC were selected. Microvessels were stained by using immunohistochemical technique with anti-CD34 antibody and mast cells with toluidine blue and then were counted at 400× magnification in hot-spot areas under a light microscope. The results were analyzed by using t- test and Pearson’s exams. P values less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. A significant correlation was noted between MVD and MCD in normal oral mucosa (P<0.001), but in spite of a higher density of mast cells and microvessels observed in oral SCC compared to normal mucosa, there was no significant correlation between them (P 0.731). These findings showed that factors other than mast cells may play a role in the upregulation of tumor angiogenesis in oral SCC.

With regard to potential retrievability of cement-retained implant restorations, the retentive strength of the luting agents is critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate the retention values of implant-supported metal copings using different luting agents. Twenty ITI implant analogs and solid abutments of 5.5-mm height were embedded vertically in autopolymerizing acrylic resin blocks. Metal copings with a loop on the occlusal surface were fabricated using base metal alloy (Rexillium III). The copings were luted using eight cements with different retention mechanisms (Panavia F2.0, Fuji Plus, Fleck’s, Poly F, Fuji I, Temp Bond, GC-free eugenol, and TempSpan) under static load of 5 kg (n=10). All specimens were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, conditioned in artificial saliva for 7 days and thermocycled for 5000 cycles (5-55°C). The dislodging force was measured using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis (α=0.05) and Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction (α=0.001). Fuji Plus and TempSpan had the highest and the least mean retentive strength, respectively (320.97±161.47, 3.39±2.33). There was no significant difference between Fuji Plus, Fleck’s, Ploy F, and Panavia F2.0. These cements were superior to provisional cements and Fuji I (P<0.001) which showed statistically same retentive strength. Within the conditions of this study, the resin modified glass ionomer, zinc phosphate, zinc polycarboxylate, and Panavia F2.0 had statistically the same retentive quality and are recommended for definitive cementation of single implant-supported restorations. The provisional cements and glass ionomer may allow retrievability of these restorations.

Recurrent Herpes Labialis (RHL) is one of most common infective vesiculoulcerative esions. according to some studies administration of topical and/or systemic zinc compositions has een effective in treatment and prevention. This article aims to comparison of zinc level in healthy ubjects and RHL patients in acute and convalescent phases. This was a retrospective case – control study, carried on 80 individuals 40 normal and 40 RHL patients) mean age=34.5 and 34.4, respectively. Saliva samples were taken n patients in acute phase once and after healing of lesions in convalescent phase (averagely 21 days ater) and in normal individuals. Salivary zinc level concentration was measured by flame atomic bsorption spectrophotometer by dry digestion method. The results were statistically analyzed with SPSS software by t-test (α=0.05). Results showed that salivary zinc level in case group in acute and convalescent phases ere 160.8 ngr/ml and 205.7 ngr/ml respectivly and significant differences between them were existed P<0.05). Also significant differences were existed between zinc concentration in healthy subjects nd patient groups (in both phases) (P=.001 and. 002 for acute and convalescent phases respectively). According to the results, zinc level is significantly lower in acute phase than in onvalescent phase and significantly lower in both phases compared to healthy individuals,so etermination of serum zinc level and prescribing zinc complement in low serum status has both reatmental and preventive effects in RHL patients.

As the use of different irrigants to eliminate residual debris and smear layer inthe field of endodontic is unavoidable, by considering the effect of irrigants on the bond strength of resin composite restorations, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of a mixture of a tetracycline isomer, an acid, and a detergent (MTAD) on the shear bond strength of two self-etch adhesives, Clearfil SE Bond and Adper Prompt L- Pop to dentin. The crowns of 80 extracted premolars were transversally sectioned to expose dentin. Flat dentin surfaces were wet abraded with 320-grit abrasive paper and randomly assigned to eight groups according to two self-etch adhesive and four dentin surface treatments: direct application over smear layer (no treatment), etching with 35% phosphoric acid for 15s, 1 min 5.25% NaOCl/1 min MTAD and 20min 1.3% NaOCl/5min MTAD. Shear bond strength was tested 24 h after storage in distilled water at 37ºC in incubator. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by duncan post-hoc (α=0.05). Phosphoric acid etching prior to SE Bond application significantly decreased the shear bond strength to dentin (P<0.05). Application of MTAD clinical protocol (20min 1.3% NaOCl/5min MTAD) did not significantly decrease the shear bond strength of self-etch adhesives to dentin (P=0.745) Based on the results of present investigation, it seems that the use of clinical protocol of 1.3% NaOCl as a root canal irrigant and a 5-min application of MTAD as a final rinse to remove the smear layer has no adverse effect on the shear bond strength of self-etch adhesives to dentin.

The strong link between sealer solubility and periapical reinfection indicates that water solubility of new sealers should be studied. This study aimed to assess the water solubility of five root canal sealers (AH-26, Topseal, 2-Seal, Acroseal, and Roeko Seal Automix [RSA]). In this in vitro experimental study, 30 specimens were fabricated from each of the abovementioned sealants. Then they were weighed and randomly divided into three subgroups of 10 each (A, B, and C). They were set at 37°C and 100% RH, in accordance with ANSI/ ADA 57 and ISO 6876-2001 requirements. Afterward, the specimens in subgroups A were incubated at 37°C and 100% RH for 24 hours, while the specimens in the subgroups B and C were incubated in the same conditions for 7 days and 28 days, respectively. After incubation, the specimens were dried with blotting paper and were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C and 0% RH. Then they were weighed. The percentage of weight loss was regarded as water solubility. The mean solubility of the sealers AH-26, Acroseal, Topseal, 2-Seal, and RSA were 0.28%, 0.36%, 0.07%, 0.037%, and 0.141% after 24 hours, respectively. After 28 days, their solubility were 1.75%, 0.746%, 0.082%, 0.04%, and 0.517%, respectively. Only the solubility of the sealers 2-Seal and Topseal were not statistically different (P>0.3 [Tukey’s]). Again only the solubility of 2-Seal and Topseal did not significantly increase between the 7th day and the 28th day of incubation (P>0.6 [paired-samples t]). All tested materials met the standards (maximum weight loss of 3% within 24 hours). However, the results of 2-Seal followed by Topseal were the most favorable ones.

Investigation was designed to evaluate the behavioral changes in children receiving dental treatment while they have been administered combination of Midazolam/Ketamine or Midazolam/Promethazine. This was a randomized double blind clinical trial with cases being selected from those uncooperative children aged 2 to 6 years from those referred for treatment under general anesthesia. Anxiety score of all cases were recorded before any attempt using Frankel’s anxiety scoring system with those in negative category being included. Cases with at least a pair of similar size cavities on similar teeth were selected with each tooth being randomly allocated for one sedative regimen group. To avoid sequence effect, half of the patients received one regimen at the first visit while the other half received the other regimen as the first. Each case served as control for him or herself to reduce influencing factors. Child’s reaction was recorded before, during, and at the end of dental procedure. SO2 as well as Pulse rate were recorded as the most critical vital signs. Collected data were then analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test. Patients’ mean age was 3.5 years with 43% being male. Only 10% of the Ketamine/Midazolam group showed considerable amount of change in their behavior with a statistical significant difference being presented (P=0.029). Under the current circumstances, Ketamine/Midazolam combination provided sufficient sedative effect in lower doses. However, Midazolam/Promethazine combination did not produce similar results.

The purpose of this study was to determine the salivary levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities in patients with periodontal disease and to evaluate the use of these enzymes as biochemical markers for periodontal tissue damage. In this prospective analytical study, we examined the activities of salivary ALP and ACP in patients with periodontal disease, before and after periodontal treatment. The experimental groups consisted of 20 gingivitis patients and 20 periodontitis patients and the control group had healthy subjects (20 samples). The stimulated saliva of the patient was collected in a sterile test tube and analyzed using Hitachi’s Diagnostic Automatic Analyser. Periodontal disease was determined based on clinical parameters such as gingival index, probing depth and clinical attachment loss. Patients with periodontal disease were under conventional periodontal treatment. The statistical analysis applied was Student’s t-test. Probabilities less than 0.05 (P < 0.05) were considered significant. The obtained results showed statistically significant increased activities of ALP and ACP in saliva from patients with periodontal disease in relation to control group. A significant reduction in the enzyme levels was seen after conventional periodontal therapy. Based on these results, salivary ALP and ACP can be considered to be the biomarkers for evaluating periodontal tissue damage.

Antioxidizing agents have recently been suggested to compensate decreased bond strength of resin materials to bleached tooth tissues. This study compared the shear bond strength (SBS) of three different adhesives on bleached dentin immediately after bleaching, bleached/delayed for 1 week, and bleached/applied antioxidizing agent. The dentinal surfaces of 132 intact extracted molars were prepared and divided into 12 groups. The following adhesives were investigated: Optibond FL (OFL) (three-step etch-and-rinse), Optibond Solo Plus (two-step etch-and-rinse), and Optibond all-in-one (OA) (onestep self-etch) (Kerr, Orange, USA). Unbleached dentin groups (groups 1-3) were prepared as negative controls (NC). The remainder surfaces (groups 4-12) were bleached with 20% Opalescent PF (Ultradent, USA). Specimens were bonded immediately after bleaching (groups 4-6), after 1 week (groups 7-9), or after using 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) gel (groups 10-12). Subsequent to bonding of composite resin, the samples were tested for SBS and analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (α=0.05). Regarding control groups, OA showed the highest SBS among the studied adhesives (P<0.05). The SBS decreased for the adhesives after bleaching except for OFL. No statistically significant difference in SBS were noted when the SA and delayed bonding groups were compared with their similar NC groups (P>0.05) except the of delay bonding with OA. The findings suggest that bond strength of resin to bleached dentin may be affected with the adhesive system. Reduced SBS to bleached dentin can be amended by the use of SA as an antioxidizing agent. However, the amount of reversed bond strength subsequent to applying antioxidant might be related to the kind of dental adhesive.

Introducing new endodontic cements should await comprehensive investigations and new formulations have to be tested in vivo before applying in human beings. So, the purpose of this study was to compare the biocompatibility of new endodontic cements, calcium aluminate α-aluminate cement (CAAC), calcium aluminate α-aluminate plus cement (CAAC plus), and a mixture of wollastonite and CAAC cement (WOLCA) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), in subcutaneous connective tissue of rats. Twenty-seven Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 7, 14, and 30 experimental days. Sterile polyethylene tubes were filled with MTA, CAAC, CAAC Plus, and WOLCA cement and implanted subcutaneously. Empty tubes were implanted as negative control. After the experimental periods, animals were sacrificed by anesthetic overdosing. The occurrence of inflammatory responses was scored according to the previously established scores. Data were statistically analyzed using Friedman, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. The level of significance was 5% (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between experimental and negative control sites in each group (P<0.05). CAAC Plus showed the highest mean scores of inflammation, compared with MTA, CAAC, and WOLCA cement sits at the end of all periods (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between inflammatory scores of each site in different experimental groups, except CAAC plus sites, in which inflammation increased significantly with time (P<0.05). According to the results of the current study, biocompatibility of CAAC and WOLCA cement were comparable with that of MTA, but CAAC Plus induced an inflammatory response higher than MTA, therefore is not biocompatible.

Nanosized ceramics may represent a promising class of bone graft substitutes due to their improved osseointegrative properties. Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite (NcHA) bind to bone and stimulate bone healing by stimulation of osteoblast activity. The present study aims to explore the clinical and radiographical outcome of NcHA bonegraft (Sybograf®) with collagen membrane (Periocol®), in comparison with open flap debridement (OFD), in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. A parallel-group, randomized, controlled clinical trial was designed to conduct the study. Eighteen intrabony defects in 14 systemically healthy patients aged between 25 to 65 years were randomly assigned to test and control group. The plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession (REC) were recorded at baseline, and were reevaluated at 6 months. In addition to this, radiographic bone fill was assessed using digital software. At the test site, NcHA bone graft and collagen membrane wasplaced, whereas at the control site, only OFD was done. Recall appointments were made at 7 days, 30 days, and then at 3 months and 6 months. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney ‘U’ Test and Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. In the control group, the mean reduction of PPD was 3.22±1.09 mm (P=0.007) and CAL gain was 2.77±1.09 mm (P=0.007). In the test group, the mean PPD reduction of 4.33±0.5 mm (P=0.006) and mean gain in CAL was 3.77±0.66 mm (P=0.006) at 6 months. The mean increase in REC was 0.55±0.72 mm (P=0.025) in test, and 0.44±0.52 mm (P=0.046) in control group. The mean gain in radiographic defect fill was 2.07±0.67 mm (P=0.008) in test and 0.91±0.21 mm (P=0.007) in control group. The nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite bone graft in combination with collagen membrane demonstrated clinical advantages beyond that achieved by OFD alone.

The efficacy of fluoridated dentifrices in caries prevention has been well documented and research into various formulations continues for a more effective dentifrice. This study evaluated the anti-caries and anti-plaque efficacy of a dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate (1000 ppm) and calcium glycerophosphate, and compared it with a non-fluoridated dentifrice. A total of 595 school children (12–15 years) were divided into test (302 children) and control (293 children) groups. The test group used the dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate (1000 ppm) and calcium glycerophosphate, whereas the control group was given a placebo dentifrice. Oral examination for dental caries and plaque assessment was carried out at the start of the study and the children were followed up semiannually up to 18 months. Data were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by one-way ANOVA. The values for decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) increased from baseline to 18 month examination from 4.43±2.03 and 4.67±2.25 (P=0.175) to 5.84±2.29 and 5.13±2.30 (P=0.001) for control and test groups, respectively. Similarly, the increase in decayed missing filled surface (DMFS) values were from 6.42±4.10 and 7.06±4.77 (P=0.082) to 8.64±4.51 and 7.92±5.07 (P=0.095) for test and control groups, respectively. The mean DMFT and DMFS values increased for both the groups; however, the increase was less in test group as compared to control group. The baseline plaque score reduced from 2.94±0.72 and 2.91±0.72 (P=0.679), respectively, for control and test groups to 1.33±0.46 and 0.91±0.38 (P<0.001), respectively, at 18 month examination. Results revealed that the test dentifrice was effective in inhibiting the progression of plaque and control of dental caries as compared to the placebo dentifrice.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant and has been proved to be a significant predictor of future cardiovascular events. Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation between periodontitis and elevated CRP levels. However, comparison between the levels of CRP in two main forms of periodontitis is ambiguous. This study aims at determining and comparing the relative levels of serum CRP in aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients. A total of 240 systemically healthy subjects were divided into three groups of 80 based on having generalized aggressive periodontitis, chronic generalized periodontitis and non-periodontitis (NP; controls). Venous blood samples were collected for quantitative CRP analysis using turbidimetric immunoassay. Mean CRP levels were significantly greater in both generalized aggressive periodontitis (7.49±2.31 mg/l) and chronic generalized periodontitis (4.88±1.80 mg/l) groups as compared to NP (0.68±0.23 mg/l) controls. Moreover, CRP levels were significantly higher in aggressive periodontitis as compared to chronic periodontitis patients. Also, CRP levels positively correlated with the amount of periodontal destruction as measured by probing depth and clinical attachment loss for both chronic generalized periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis. Findings of the present study indicated that periodontitis should be of particular concern in younger individuals, where elevated levels of CRP may contribute to early or more rapid cardiovascular disease in susceptible patients. Thus, further research should be carried out at a community level to ascertain these findings.

Oral manifestations are frequently the initial signs of acute leukemia, prompting the patient to consult the dentist first. The gingival tissue is one site commonly involved either by leukemic infiltration or by inflammatory reactive hyperplasia, causing gingival enlargement. The gingival infiltration may also be present without gingival enlargement. Early recognition of clinical findings in the oral cavity leads to its timely diagnosis and management. Since biopsy is highly contraindicated, gingival f ine needle aspiration cytology was performed to assess its diagnostic value in detecting gingival infiltration in acute leukemia patients. Fifty patients of acute leukemia received clinical and gingival cytological examination. The cases were diagnosed based on bone marrow aspiration findings and classified according to the French–American–British criteria. The absence or presence of intraoral findings was recorded. Site for gingival fine needle aspiration cytology was selected. Leukemic gingival infiltration was found to be more common in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while the characteristic oral findings were seen more commonly in acute myeloblastic leukemia. All the eight cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia that were positive for leukemic gingival infiltration showed no clinical evidence of gingival enlargement. In terms of leukemic gingival infiltration, L2 subtype was the only subtype involved, while M5 was more commonly involved than M4 subtype. Two cases of L2 subtype showed gingival enlargement due to local factors like plaque/ calculus rather than due to leukemic infiltration. The technique was found to be safe and of definitive diagnostic value in detecting gingival infiltration in acute leukemia patients.

Many studies have shown favorable results following the use of different bone graft materials. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of four different bone graft materials regarding cell viability and morphology of Human osteoblast-like cells (SaOS-2) in vitro. The effects of Bio-Oss®, Tutodent®, Osteon®, and Cerasorb® were studied on the human osteoblast-like cell line to evaluate various parameters. Human osteoblastlike cells were seeded onto the mentioned bone substitute materials (BSMs). Cell differentiation; cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the seeded cells were evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy, cell viability test and phase contrast microscopy Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tamhane´s post-hoc, Kruskal-Wallis Test, and Dunn’s Test were used. The results were considered to be statistically significant at P<0.05. The control group (SaOS-2 cells which were incubated in Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium without any kind of bone graft materials) had the highest level of cell viability (P<0.001), followed by Tutodent®, Osteon®, Cerasorb®, and Bio-Oss®. There was no significant difference in MTT assay results between Tutodent® and the control group (P=0.032). All tested bone graft materials showed significantly higher ALP activity than the control (P<0.001). The Tutodent® group showed the best cell growth among all experimental groups, followed by the Osteon® group. The former had a higher spindle-like morphology with good attachment to the surface. Cells cultivated on the surfaces of the Cerasorb® and Bio-Oss® granules had more round morphologies. This in vitro study demonstrated that all tested BSMs can provide good celldifferentiation but a lower rate of proliferation.

Tissue engineering principles can be exploited to enhance alveolar and peri-implant bone reconstruction by applying such biological factors as platelet-derived growth factors. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of autologous plasma-rich in growth factors (on the healing of peri-implant bone in canine mandible). In this prospective experimental animal study, two healthy canines of the Iranian mix breed were selected. Three months after removing their premolar teeth on both sides of the mandible, 12 implants of the Osteo Implant Corporationsystem, 5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length, were selected to be implanted. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) were applied on six implants while the other six were used as plain implants without the plasma. The implants were installed in osteotomy sites on both sides of the mandible to be removed after 4 weeks with the surrounding bones using a trephine bur. Mesio-distal sections and implant blocks, 50 μ in diameter containing the peri-implant bone, were prepared By basic fuchin toluidine-bluefor histological and histomorphometric evaluation by optical microscope. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney Test (P<0.05). The bone trabeculae and the type of bone generation in PRGF and control groups had no statistically significant differences (P=0.261, P=0.2) although the parameters showed higher measured values in the PRGF group. However, compared to the control, application of PRGF had significantly increased bone-to-implant contact (P=0.028) Based on the results, it may be concluded that application of PRGF on the surface of implant may enhance bone-to-implant contact.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an uncommon autosomal dominant inherited disorder, which is characterized by multiple odontogenic Keratocysts and basal cell carcinomas, skeletal, dental, ophthalmic, and neurological abnormalities, intracranial ectopic calcifications of the falx cerebri, and facial dysmorphism. Pathogenesis of the syndrome is attributed to abnormalities in the long arm of chromosome 9 (q22.3-q31) and loss or mutations of human patched gene (PTCH gene). Diagnosis is based upon established major and minor clinical and radiological criteria and ideally confirmed by deoxyribo nucleic acid analysis. We report a case of a 9-year-old girl presenting with three major and one minor feature of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. Radiologic findings of the syndrome are easily identifiable on Orthopantomogram, chest X-ray, and Computed tomography scans. These investigations prompt an early verification of the disease, which is very important to prevent recurrence and better survival rates from the coexistent diseases.

The union of two different dental sprouts which can happen in any phase of dental development is commonly called fusion. This developmental anomaly may cause clinical problems including esthetic impairment, which are mainly treated by endodontic and surgical treatments. There are a few reports of conservative not invasive treatment of fused incisors teeth through restorative or prosthetic techniques. They are rarely reported in mandibular posterior teeth. This paper presents an unusual case of fusion of 7 and 8, and also 9 and 10 teeth which was treated with a nonendodontic and nonsurgical conservative approach. Patient was a healthy18-year-old female with chief complaint of bad-looking teeth that in intraoral examination revealed the fusion of 7 and 8, and also 9 and 10 teeth. The space between the mesial of the 6 and 11 teeth was reconstructed. Diastema between the fused teeth was closed. A new lateral tooth was replaced between the fused teeth 7 and 8) and 6 tooth with direct fiber-reinforced composite. The space between the fused teeth 9 and 10) and also tooth 11 was partially closed. Gingival papillas were reconstructed using pink composite. The mandibular anterior missing teeth were replaced with rochett bridge. At the end of treatment the esthetic of the patient was improved. As the treatment was not invasive, major complications are not expected; however, there is potential for eventual long-term periodontal problems due to poor oral hygiene. Debonding of the rochett bridge may happen as well.

Animal experimentation is carried out in consultation with the veterinary wing but it is essential that be familiar with experimental protocols of animal model to be able to design an approriate study. This is more so in place where the veterinary facilities are not easily available.Span Rabbits are commonly used as subjects for screening implant material. They have gained favour for their numerous advantages even though they should be ideally used prior to testing in a larger animalmodel. Though experimentation on rabbits seems to be easy there are many pitfalls. Our endeavor in this article is to integrate all the data about maintaining rabbits as a model and to critically analyze it on the basis of our experimentation.

Madam, Dental and oral care products are available in different flavors. Though flavoring is a marketing strategy for luring consumers, its components does have benefit on oral/dental tissues. Thus, it is necessary for the dental health team to advice the right flavor of products, which are palatable and equally therapeutic. This article discusses the principal types, modes of activity, benefits, and the possible allergic reactions of flavors. The flavor compositions find application in a wide range of consumer products, particularly oral care consumer products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, chewing gum, confectionery, dental floss, dissolvable mouth films, breath sprays, and breath-freshening tablets as well as therapeutic dental product like restorative materials, impression materials, isolators, wedges, etc. Flavors are very important in consumer acceptance, as its component principally impresses the taste and smell senses. The U.S. Code ofFederal Regulations describes a ‘natural flavorant’ as “theconstituents derived from a spice, fruit, vegetable, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or any other edible portions of a plant, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose primary function is flavoring rather than nutritional”

Madam, Forensic odontology essentially deals with criminal identification by their dental records and aiding to get them to task. With a spike in the mass disasters occurring in the modern world, the focus of this subject has expanded to include the identification of the victims of these natural or man-madecalamities. Although articles in the recent past suggest the importance of the forensic odontologist in the investigating team, only few have provided the difficulties faced by the team and the actual figures where forensic odontologists have helped. The recent mayhem in Japan has redirected our focus on mass disasters. Various authors have emphasized on the importance of forensic dentistry, and the role a routine dental practitioner plays in maintenance of dental records. These records provide valuable information as they serve to be ante-mortem records. [1] Naiman et al. have elaborately described the importance a dentist serves at a crime scene.[2] The importance of ante-mortem records for aiding in identification, and also being a social responsibility of the dentist cannot be overlooked, as is also very aptly explained by Chandra Shekhar and Reddy.[3] Although the present day scenario encourages and trains the mind of the young dentist to rigidly follow these rules, records that have not been maintained over the years provide a certain difficulty for identification. Highly skilled forensic dentists overcome these difficulties by evaluating the dental profile suggesting the characteristics of the individual, likely to narrow the search for possible identification. An analysis of ten mass disasters conducted by Clark DH reflected the problems faced by the British forensic odontologists in the investigating team as well as the success rates in these projects. He also suggests the employment of a forensic odontologist from each country through the FDI, which will help in faster identification of individuals belonging to the particular country and race.[4] Sarode et al. have conducted a study providing insights into the actual forensic investigations using four mass disasters as their model. The results are suggestive of the odontology team aiding in identification of an average of 4% of the victims. These cases are usually the grossly destroyed cases wherein the facial features are not obvious and positive for identification. [5] Rai and Anand have also studied the use of forensic odontology in the identification cases of the earthquake of Sumatra in 2004, and have emphasized on the role of the Thai Tsunami Victim identification Team (TTVI), as well as the protocols of international disaster victim identification which mainly involves four steps of body tagging and bagging, finger printing, forensic pathology, and forensic dentistry. Their study also comments on the fact that 61% of the victims were identified by dental analysis.[6] The aforementioned details explain the immense use of a dentist in the forensic team, and also focus on the problems encountered by the investigating team. A thorough knowledge of maintenance of ante-mortem records will provide great help in identification of the deceased reducing the work load of the victim identification team.