Prevalence and pattern of proximity of maxillary posterior teeth to maxillary sinus with mucosal thickening: A cone beam computed tomography based retrospective study

Context

Odontogenic sinusitis is a prevalent but frequently unrecognized condition, and periapical pathologies of maxillary posterior teeth are accused as one of the main causative factors.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the periapical status of maxillary posterior teeth and its proximity to the maxillary sinus floor in the occurrence of incidental sinus pathologies using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methodology

CBCT scans of 118 patients of age range 18-77 years were evaluated retrospectively to determine the relationship of maxillary posterior teeth to sinus floor in which vertical relationship was assessed using modified Kwak's classification and periapical status using CBCT periapical index. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistics software.

Results

Of all 227 sinuses examined, 56.8% showed pathological changes, with mucosal thickening being the most common. More than 50% (50.2%) of sinuses were associated with periapical lesions of at least one maxillary posterior tooth based on evidence of pathological mucosal thickening. The presence of pathologic mucosal thickening was also significantly related (P < 0.05) to the presence of periapical pathologies. There was a significant association between tooth position and pathological sinus mucosal thickening, especially with second molars, first molars, and second premolars, respectively (P < 0.05). Second molar involvement was the most significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study established a positive association between periapical disease status of maxillary posteriors and maxillary sinus mucosal thickening. Maxillary second premolar and first and second molars pathologies can significantly affect the maxillary sinus compared to other maxillary posterior tooth. CBCT proved to be an efficient imaging modality in detecting these changes.

Craniofacial Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Rare Case Report

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare haematological disorder characterised by accumulation and abnormal proliferation of bone marrow-derived Langerhans cells and mature eosinophils. The clinical presentation of patients with LCH may be localised or systemic, depending on the site and the degree of involvement. LCH may involve any bone, but the most commonly involved bones are long bones, pelvis, ribs, skull, vertebrae, and facial bones. In head and neck region, frontal and parietal bones are commonly involved followed by the jaws, with a predilection for mandible. In this report, we present a case of LCH involving the craniofacial bones in a 10-year boy, who presented initially with multiple ulcerative lesions on gingiva. Key Words: Craniofacial, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Gingiva.

An Archetypal Variant of Peripheral Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumour

Null.

Knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 and dental treatment - Its availability and treatment satisfaction during the pandemic among adult population - An online survey

BACKGROUND

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease primarily spreading through droplet infection which require significant restriction and modification in dental treatment. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of adult population toward COVID-19 and dental treatment and to assess the availability of dental treatment and patient satisfaction during the time of pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey was conducted using self-designed electronic questionnaire consisting knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 and dental scenario and questions regarding availability of dental treatment received during the time of pandemic. Knowledge scores were assessed on a maximum total score ranged from 0 to 8, and descriptive statistics were done for questions related to attitudes and dental treatment availability.

RESULTS

A total of 495 participants with mean age of 36.6 years participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was 7.12 ± 0.99 and the participants were found to have good awareness and positive attitude regarding COVID-19 were as considerable number of participants were unaware about the risk associated with dental treatment as well as restrictions imposed on dental procedures. About 18% of participants experienced one or other form of dental complaints during the lockdown period. 4% of participants had no accessibility to any form of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Public awareness is to be improved regarding risk of cross infection that can be associated with dental treatment and public should be motivated to use virtual facilities like tele-dentistry so that no dental emergencies is left untreated, at the same time avoiding any sort of unnecessary hospital visit during the pandemic time.

Actual applications of magnetic resonance imaging in dentomaxillofacial region

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a versatile imaging modality utilized in various medical fields. Specifically used for evaluation of soft tissues, with non-ionizing radiation and multiplanar sections that has provided great guidance to diagnosis. Nowadays, use of MRI in dental practice is becoming more pervasive, especially for the evaluation of head-and-neck cancer, detection of salivary gland lesions, lymphadenopathy, and temporomandibular joint disorders. Understanding the basic principles, its recent advances, and multiple applications in dentomaxillofacial region helps significantly in the diagnostic decision making. In this article, the principle of MRI and its recent advances are reviewed, with further discussion on the appearance of various maxillofacial pathosis.

A Rare Case Of Shprintzen-Goldberg Syndrome

Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome is a relatively rare congenital connective tissue type of disorder with a constellation of dysmorphic features including craniosynostosis, craniofacial, skeletal, cardiovascular and neurological abnormalities. We present the case-report of a 5-year-old boy with Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome and a brief review of literature pertaining to this condition. The patients with Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome show a considerable phenotypic overlap with other craniosynostosis syndromes. So, a meticulous evaluation of these patients should be performed for a prudent diagnosis. Since these patients present with multiple systemic conditions,a multidisciplinary approach should be planned for their management.

Radiographic evaluation of remodeling of mandible in adult South Indian population: Implications in forensic science

INTRODUCTION

Panoramic X-ray is an imagiological examination produced by a technique that exhibits images of the facial structure present in the upper and lower dental arches, as well as the support structures in the diagnosis of problems that require a broad view of the oral-maxillofacial complex, such as the assessment of traumatisms, extensive lesions, dental development, tooth retention, and growth anomalies. Many morphological and anatomical changes are exhibited by the mandible with the advancement of age and changes in gender, as well as dentoalveolar condition of the patient, and it can be assessed with the help of such radiograph, thus playing an important role in personal identification in forensic dentistry.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in gonial angle (GA), antegonial angle (AGA), and antegonial depth (AGD) in adult mandible with regard to age, gender, and dental status using panoramic radiographs.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This cross-sectional retrospective study was done using hospital records.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 panoramic radiographs were evaluated. The images were grouped into three age groups (40-70) of 10 years each. GA, AGA, and AGD were digitally measured from the radiographs.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Descriptive statistics of the variables were expressed in percentage, frequencies, mean, and standard deviations. Statistical differences between the variables were explored using independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA. The significant level was set as 0.05.

RESULTS

There were no significant changes in GA, AGA, and AGD with age and dental status of the patients. Males had significantly smaller GA and AGA than females. Understandably, AGD was significantly greater in males than females.

CONCLUSIONS

Remodeling changes of the mandible with respect to the age groups and dental status studied were minimal. However, gender-related differences in ante AGA, depth, and GA were significant, which can be used as a tool in forensic identification.