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Introduction: Mucormycosis is an acute and rapidly progressing opportunistic fungal infection. COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) had re-emerged as a complication of COVID-19 infection during the second wave of the pandemic in 2021. The rhinomaxillary form is a variant of the rhino-cerebral mucormycosis that presents a diagnostic challenge to the dentist and the oral and maxillofacial pathologist. Gross examination of pathological specimens is the most undermined step even though it plays a vital role in the final diagnosis. No studies have described this post-clinical step for the maxillofacial soft and hard tissue submitted for examination. Material and Methods: A prospective comparative study was carried out on 52 COVID-19-associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis (CARM) cases to achieve complete, representative, and informative sampling of the submitted tissue and establish a three-level gross macroscopic examination protocol. Complete clinical and radiological histories were recorded after informed, written consent from every patient was received. Details of the number and type of samples received were recorded, grossing procedure was done as per the proposed three-level grossing protocol and were then compared to the presence of fungal hyphae in the soft tissue or decalcified hard tissue. Result: All 100% of the samples consisted of soft tissue (maxillary sinus lining), while 90.4% of the samples contained different hard tissue specimens. Seventy percent of the grossing workload was carried out by first-year oral pathology residents. Sixty-seven point three percent of the total soft tissue samples submitted showed no presence of fungal hyphae, while 69.2% of total decalcified sections of hard tissue were positive for fungal hyphae with a positive correlation. Out of the 29 cases grossed via the three-level grossing protocol, 89.6% of the cases were histopathologically positive for fungal hyphae. Thus a positive association (P < 0.05) between histopathological diagnosis and the proposed three-level grossing protocol was found. Conclusion: It is imperative to recognise that no mucormycosis report is to be signed out without multi-site (three-level grossed) bone decalcified reports. There is an immediate need to realise how vital documentation, correct laboratory practices, and grossing are for accurate histopathological diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most dreaded diseases which has emerged as a global crisis. Immunodeficiency.CD4+ lymphocyte count in peripheral blood is important when evaluating immune status of host. Oral lesions are often among the first symptoms to be noted in HIV patients and have been associated with decreased numbers of CD4+ count. Therefore, the objective of this study is to correlate the presence of oral manifestations with CD4+ counts, and discuss their role in the disease progression. Methods and Material:A study was conducted among selected 100 unselected patientsregistered in the ART Centre, SMS hospital, Jaipur, India and demographic data, CD4 count, were correlated with site, age, gender, habits and the type of lesions in the oral cavity. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, (IBM SPSS), version 20 (Chicago, IL, USA), with the chi-square test, and the significant P value for all the parameters was considered as <0.05. Results:Of 100 patients who were serologically positive for HIV Infection, 64% of the affected patients were males and mostly in the age group <35 years. Heterosexual mode of transmission (30%) was found out to be the most common mode. The most common oral manifestations observed were Oral Candidiasis(41%), Periodontitis(11%), Oral Hairy Leukoplakia ( 9%) Conclusions:The study shows that as the number of concurrent oral lesions increased, the mean CD4+ Counts decreased, making them indispensable for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV-AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The placement of implants in atrophic bone has always posed a challenge to the clinicians in terms of good surgical and esthetic results. The placement of implants palatal to the alveolar crest in maxilla allows maximum use of the available bone in patient with severe bone resorption. Objective: To evaluate the quantitative changes in crestal bone levels in palatally positioned two-piece endosseous implants in maxillary posterior region. Materials and methods: Ten Adin (TouaregTM) – root form, threaded collar, two-piece, endosseous, internal hex implant were placed palatally in atrophic posterior maxilla. 25o abutments were used in four patients and 15o abutments were used in remaining six patients out of ten so as to achieve a proper esthetic appearance. Radiographic evaluation of crestal bone was done on on mesial side (Group I) and distal side(Group II) of implant at the time of implant placement, after3 months (time of implant loading) andafter 6 months (3 months post loading). Result: Among Group I (crestal bone level evaluated on mesial side using RVG), three months post implant placement showed the highest Crestal Bone Loss i.e. 0.66±0.070 mm and immediately post implant placement evaluation showed the least value i.e. 0.04±0.07 mm which was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Among Group II (crestal bone level evaluated on distal side using RVG), three months post implant placement evaluation showed the highest Crestal Bone Loss i.e. 0.66±0.070 mm and immediately post implant placement evaluation showed the least value i.e. 0.04±0.07 mm which was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion : The mean Crestal Bone loss at the end of 3 months post implant placement observed was 0.29mm and at the end of 6 months post implant placement observed was 0.66mm.The effect of tilting the implants palatally by 15 to 25 degrees did not considerably influence the Crestal Bone Levels around the implant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Screw loosening is a very common cause of failures in implant prosthodontics. In order to avoid screw fracture, it is imperative to understand the mechanical behavior of the screw and the dynamics it is subjected to intraorally. The present study was conducted to qualitatively evaluate and compare the morphological changes, surface defects, and cracks observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in the prosthetic screw. Settings and Design: Two Stainless steel edentulous mandible models were fabricated on the basis of all on four and all on six concepts by using CAD design. Screw retained prosthesis were fabricated for both the models and total number of 80 prosthetic screws were made up of Ti6Al4V. Materials and Methods: Eighty prosthetic screws (N = 80) used in four-and six-unit implant-retained cast hybrid denture were subjected to cyclic loading of 1.5 million cycles and 3 million cycles, simulating a 5 and 10 years of usage, respectively. Once the simulated cycles had been completed in all subgroups, each prosthetic screw was inspected under SEM (×150-×1000) for any changes. Statistical Analysis: The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS 12.0 software and P < 0.005 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed statistically significant (P < 0.005) changes (like morphological changes, surface defects, crack initiation, and propagation) in the prosthetic screws after exposing them to predefined test conditions (P < 0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the prosthetic screws need to be changed after a period of clinical use of 5 years irrespective of the number of implants used for rehabilitation. Further, the tilt of the abutment and numbers of implants also contribute to the stresses on the implant-supported prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the growing incidence of liver cirrhosis among Asians, the use of a biomarker such as prolactin indicates the severity of the disease, its complications, and serves as a tool for the early intervention. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the correlation of serum prolactin level to the Child-Pugh Scoring System in liver cirrhosis patients and to find out its prognostic importance in liver cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 60 patients of liver cirrhosis. Complete history taking, physical examination, and relevant investigations were done. Frequency and percentage were calculated and Chi-square test was applied for significance. Correlation was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: Mean age was 44±12.8 years. Cirrhosis was alcohol induced in 55%, hepatitis B related in 18.3%, and other causes related in 7.8%. Mean prolactin levels were 18.1±11.3 μg/l. Strong positive correlation was found between prolactin level and bilirubin level (rs=0.372, P=0.003) and prolactin level and prothrombin time (rs=0.490, P=0.003). Statistically significant association was found between Child-Pugh score and prolactin level (x2=12.2, P=0.003). We found no significant association of prolactin level with age, albumin, creatinine, ascites, esophageal varices, etiology of cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy. Conclusion: We observed that there was a strong correlation between Child- Pugh score and serum prolactin level. Although, Child-Pugh scoring system is a predictor of morbidity in liver cirrhosis patients, serum prolactin level can also be used as an indicator for predicting patients at high risk of developing complications and mortality due to liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squamous odontogenic tumor is a rare epithelial odontogenic tumor. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature, out of which central cases occurring within the jawbones are more common, and very rarely peripheral cases have been reported. Here, we report a rare case of a peripheral squamous odontogenic tumor occurring in the left lower gingivobuccal sulcus region in a 63-year-old female patient and presented as a firm and fibrotic swelling clinically. Radiographic examination revealed no evidence of a central lesion in the bone. Excisional biopsy of the lesion revealed the characteristic histopathological picture of peripheral squamous odontogenic tumor (PSOT). The healing was found to be satisfactory upon periodic evaluation of the patient done to study the healing and for any recurrence of the lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to provide an overview of the feasibility, utility, merits, and demerits of virtual microscopy (VM) in pathological diagnostics and (2) to evaluate its advantages in dental and medical teaching over conventional microscopes. Materials and Methods: A literature survey was carried out in August 2020 in electronic databases such as PubMed using keywords such as virtual microscopy and whole slide imaging. The searches revealed 956 articles out of which 36 were selected after reading the full-text articles. Results: The review of 36 articles revealed that VM or whole-slide imaging (WSI) allows access to entire scanned sections of tissue that can be viewed on a computer in exactly the same way as conventional glass slides with a microscope and can be explored at several magnifications. VM offers many advantages like ease of accessibility through the Internet anytime or in any place, and moreover, the virtual slide does not get damaged or fade away like glass slide. Since it increases learning and comprehension, virtual microscopes have been used extensively in dental and medical education. Conclusions: VM opens a new world in tissue-based diagnosis through digitization of slides. The experiences of telepathology applications have already proved that it is a promising technology which has been adopted by histopathologists and cytologists across the world and contributing immensely to telepathology consultation in underserved areas. It is a feasible, valid, and approved technology for pathological diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour (CEOT) is a rare but well recognized benign odontogenic tumour for any Pathologist. Histologically, it shows sheets of polyhedral epithelial cells with prominent intercellular bridges, hyperchromatic nuclei and globules of amyloid-like material among tumour cells which undergoes calcification. We present a case of CEOT with classical histopathological picture in a 37-year-old HIV positive patient with long evolution history. Its association with HIV positivity, long clinical history and delay in surgical treatment make it a challenging case to report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nevoid basal-cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) or Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant-inherited condition that exhibits high penetrance and variable expressivity; however, this disorder can arise spontaneously. In 1960, Gorlin and Goltz described the syndrome as a condition, comprising the principle triad of multiple basal cell carcinoma, odontogenic keratocysts, and skeletal anomalies. The diagnostic findings of NBCCS in four patients were studied and compared with other reports in the Indian population. Early diagnosis of this syndrome is important for counseling of patients to prevent the life-long complications of this syndrome which includes the malignancy, oro-maxillofacial deformation, and destruction; this may be reduced if the diagnosis and treatment are made feasible at the earliest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recent advances in techniques for detecting oral premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma have improved the chances of early diagnosis. Adjuncts for detection of lesions include toluidine blue staining and cytologic examination. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of 1% toluidine blue (modified Mashberg technique) and cytology in detection of oral premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Method and Materials: The study included 86 participants suspected of having oral premalignant lesions or oral squamous cell carcinoma. One percent toluidine blue was applied to the lesions, followed by cytology. A biopsy was then performed on the tissue. Histopathologically proven oral premalignant lesions/oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of both screening techniques. The association of screening techniques and histopathologic diagnosis among the oral premalignant lesions, oral squamous cell carcinoma and benign groups were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. P<.05 was considered significant. Results: The specificity and sensitivity for oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral premalignant lesions detection of 1% toluidine blue was 81.35% and 66.67%, respectively, while cytology attained 77.97% and 70.37%, respectively. Negative predictive value and positive predictive value were 84.21% and 62.06% for 1% toluidine blue and 85.18% and 59.37% for cytologic examination, respectively. Comparison of 1% toluidine blue and cytology with histopathologic diagnosis shows a significant difference between carcinoma/epithelial dysplasia and no dysplasia and carcinoma/epithelial dysplasia and benign lesions (all, P< .05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that 1% toluidine blue and cytology have high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting oral premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma and can be used as an adjunct for early detection of such lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of research was to evaluate the shear bond strength of two commercially available intraoral porcelain repair systems, Clearfil repair system (Kuraray) and P and R repair system (Shofu) for repairing cohesive and adhesive fracture in metal-ceramic restorations. Settings and Design: In vivo - comparative study. Materials and Methods: Ninety samples of Nickel-Chromium metal discs were fabricated. Each disc was veneered with 2 mm thickness of ceramic material using custom made metal jig. Samples were divided into control (Group In = 10) and two test groups (Group II n = 40 and Group III n = 40). Adhesive and cohesive fractures were created in test group samples, Group II (Ceramic substrate or cohesive defect) and Group III (metal substrate or adhesive defect). The samples of ceramic substrate (Group II) and metal substrate (Group III) were further subdivided into A and B containing 20 samples each according to the repair material used (A; Clearfil porcelain repair system and B; P and R porcelain repair system). All specimens were subjected to a standard shear load in the UTM until fracture occurred. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni test. Statistical Analysis used: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: Clearfil repair system showed significantly higher shear bond strength value (29.16 Mpa) as compared to P and R repair system (27.23 Mpa) for cohesive fractures. Whereas if compared for repairing adhesive fractures P and R repair system had significantly higher shear bond strength values (26.59 Mpa) than Clearfil repair system (25.74 Mpa). Conclusions: From the present study, it was be concluded that for cohesive fracture Clearfil repair system is a better material and for adhesive fractures P and R repair material gives better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rehabilitation of mandibular resection poses functional, esthetic, and psychological challenges. The deviation and rotation of the mandible toward the resected side leaves the patient with almost no option of chewing. This is aggravated if the patient is edentulous. The case report discussed in this article was an edentulous patient taken up with the primary goal to limit deviation toward resected side and provide a stable and retentive prosthesis to the patient. Two implants were placed anteriorly, splinted with bar and clip supported superstructure. The splinted implants with bar and clip superstructure provided the mandibular prosthesis with retention and some support. A posterior implant was also placed in the region of mandibular first molar on the left side for added support. This provided with a tripod configuration and limited the prosthetic movement of the mandibular prosthesis. This case report highlights an alternate way toward the rehabilitation of edentulous mandible post mandibular resection when surgical reconstruction may not be feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of artificial aging through steam and thermal treatment as influencing the shear bond strength between three different commercially available zirconia core materials, namely, Upcera, Ziecon, and Cercon, layered with VITA VM9 veneering ceramic using Universal Testing Machine. The mode of failure between zirconia and ceramic was further analyzed as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed using stereomicroscope. X-ray diffraction and SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis were done to estimate the phase transformation (m-phase fraction) and surface grain size of zirconia particles, respectively. The purpose of this study was to simulate the clinical environment by artificial aging through steam and thermal treatment so as the clinical function and nature of the bond between zirconia and veneering material as in a clinical trial of 15 years could be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Different postdesigns and materials are available; however, no consensus exists regarding superiority for stress distribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of design and material of post with or without ferrule on stress distribution using finite element analysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 three-dimensional (3D) axisymmetric models of postretained central incisors were made: Six with ferrule design and six without it. Three of these six models had tapered posts, and three had parallel posts. The materials tested were titanium post with a composite resin core, nickel chromium cast post and core, and fiber reinforced composite (FRC) post with a composite resin core. The stress analysis was done using ANSYS software. The load of 100 N at an angle of 45° was applied 2 mm cervical to incisal edge on the palatal surface and results were analyzed using 3D von Mises criteria. Results: The highest amount of stress was in the cervical region. Overall, the stress in the tapered postsystem was more than the parallel one. FRC post and composite resin core recorded minimal stresses within the post but the stresses transmitted to cervical dentin were more as compared to other systems. Minimal stresses in cervical dentine were observed where the remaining coronal dentin was strengthen by ferrule. Conclusion: A rigid material with high modulus of elasticity for post and core system creates most uniform stress distribution pattern. Ferrule provides uniform distribution of stresses and decreases the cervical stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible is a challenge due to various limiting factors, of which the available vertical restorative space (AVRS) has been well understood in the literature. However, other anatomic variations such as arch form, arch size, and also the interforaminal distance (IFD) (due to the presence of mandibular nerve) are influential in the selection of size and position of implants, and thereby the prosthetic design. Materials and Method: In the present study, 30 edentulous patients from a group of 300 edentulous patients, representing all the three jaw relations (Class I, II, and III) were evaluated for designing a classification that could help in a comprehensive treatment plan for the edentulous mandible. Dental panoramic radiographs of each individual with a trial or final prosthesis were made. The horizontal IFD and AVRS values were calculated. Results: One-way analysis of variance followed by post-hoc test (multiple comparison) and Bonferroni method having P < 0.05 as significant value showed an overall mean of 38.9 mm for horizontal distance and 13.69 mm for the AVRS in 30 edentulous patients. Conclusion: The results showed that in the majority of cases (90%) there is insufficient space to place a bar attachment supported by five implants for mandibular overdentures. This suggests that a universal treatment plan cannot be followed due to varying anatomic factors. Hence, it becomes imperative to have a set of clinical guidelines based on the AVRS and IFD, for the selection of implant number and type of attachment. The article proposes a simple classification system based on the AVRS and IFD for establishing guidelines in the treatment planning of the edentulous mandible, to aid in selection of implant size, number, and position along with the associated prosthetic design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergonomics is simply a science focused on "study of work" to reduce fatigue and discomfort through product design. A comprehensive ergonomics program for the pathology laboratory has become necessary to prevent the occurrence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and accidents. Most of the literature on ergonomics involve various web links or occasional studies on the effect of laboratory work and associated MSDs. A Google search was carried out corresponding to the terms "ergonomics", "pathology laboratory", "microscope". All the relevant literature from web sources was sorted out and categorized. In this review, we intend to identify basic anthropometric factors, biomechanical risk factors, laboratory design considerations and specific microscopy-related considerations. The ultimate aim of ergonomics is to provide a safe environment for laboratory personnel to conduct their work and to allow maximum flexibility for safe research use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Abundant resources and techniques have been used for complete coverage crown fabrication. Conventional investing and casting procedures for phosphate-bonded investments require a 2- to 4-h procedure before completion. Accelerated casting techniques have been used, but may not result in castings with matching marginal accuracy. Aims and Objectives: The study measured the marginal gap and determined the clinical acceptability of single cast copings invested in a phosphate-bonded investment with the use of conventional and accelerated methods. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty cast coping samples were fabricated using conventional and accelerated methods, with three finish lines: Chamfer, shoulder and shoulder with bevel. Sixty copings were prepared with each technique. Each coping was examined with a stereomicroscope at four predetermined sites and measurements of marginal gaps were documented for each. Statistical Analysis: A master chart was prepared for all the data and was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version. Evidence of marginal gap was then evaluated by t-test. Analysis of variance and Post-hoc analysis were used to compare two groups as well as to make comparisons between three subgroups. Results: Measurements recorded showed no statistically significant difference between conventional and accelerated groups. Conclusion: Among the three marginal designs studied, shoulder with bevel showed the best marginal fit with conventional as well as accelerated casting techniques. Accelerated casting technique could be a vital alternative to the time-consuming conventional casting technique. The marginal fit between the two casting techniques showed no statistical difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pericoronal tissue is the soft tissue located between the bony crypt and the impacted tooth, which is histologically composed of fibrous connective tissue and is usually lined by the reduced enamel epithelium. Increased epithelial cell proliferation in the pericoronal tissue is associated with pathological changes such as development of an odontogenic cyst or an epithelial odontogenic tumor. This study is an attempt to evaluate and compare the proliferative index in the epithelium surrounding the impacted third molar teeth, dentigerous cysts, and gingiva. Materials and Methods: A case control study on pericoronal tissues and dentigerous cysts was carried out using immunomarkers. Forty pericoronal tissues were obtained from asymptomatic impacted third molars with pericoronal radiolucency less than 2.5 mm. Samples of 20 dentigerous cysts and normal gingiva were also included. Routine hematoxylin and eosin and immunostaining for Ki-67, a cell proliferation marker and Bcl-2, an anti apoptotic protein were performed on sections of pericoronal tissues, dentigerous cysts, and gingival tissues. The percentage of Ki-67-positive cells and Bcl-2 positive areas was found using the DigiPro™ version 4.0 Image analysis software. Bcl-2 immunopositivity and Ki-67-Li were analyzed using the Chi-square test and paired t-test. P- values of less than .05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: The immunohistochemical analysis revealed overexpression of Bcl-2 in the pericoronal tissues with squamous metaplasia, which was comparable to the dentigerous cyst. Ki-67 Li of the pericoronal tissue with squamous metaplasia was equal to the proliferative index of the dentigerous cyst. The expression of Ki-67 Li and inflammatory cells were highly significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the pericoronal tissues of asymptomatic impacted third molars may be actively proliferating and normal pericoronal radiolucency cannot serve as an indicator for the differentiation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rehabilitating patients with maxillofacial defects is one of the most challenging therapies of the stomatognathic system. Maxillomandibular defects being the most common of these defects need to be rehabilitated to restore the lost form, function and speech. Prosthetic reconstruction of these defects may be achieved with the help of varied prosthesis, removable and fixed. The present case report describes a case of CEOT (Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumor) managed with a treatment obturator which allowed closure of the defect by secondary healing through granulation tissue maturation and associated bone fill. A 19 gauge wire was used for creating the substructure treatment obturator. Wire was adapted to stabilize the appliance, and provide retentive properties. The obturator allowed decrease in size of defect and enhanced comfort and overall well-being of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the advent of new provisional crown materials, it has become imperative to evaluate their marginal fit and strength to select the ideal provisional crown material., Aim: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the vertical marginal fit and flexural strength of provisional crowns prepared using computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) temporary material versus those fabricated using bis-acrylic composite-based autopolymerizing resin material., Materials and Methods: Eighty samples were divided into two equal Groups (I and II). Group I consisted of forty samples that were evaluated for flexural strength and Group II consisted of forty samples that were evaluated for their vertical marginal fit. Group I was subdivided as Group IA, i.e., bis-acrylic composite-based autopolymerizing resin material (Protemp™ 4) blocks and Group IB, i.e., CAD/CAM provisional material blocks. Similarly, Group II was subdivided as Group IIA, i.e., bis-acrylic composite-based autopolymerizing resin material (Protemp™ 4) crowns and Group IIB, i.e., CAD/CAM provisional material crowns. Marginal adaptation was evaluated using stereomicroscope and image analyzing software to measure the amount of marginal gap. For flexural strength, all specimens were subjected to a standard compression load in the universal testing machine until fracture occurred. Data were analyzed using Student's t -test ( P = 0.001)., Results: CAD/CAM provisional crowns showed better marginal adaptation (34.34 μm) as compared to bis-acrylic composite-based autopolymerizing resin material (Protemp™ 4) crowns (63.42 μm) ( P < 0.001). The flexural strength of CAD/CAM blocks (94.06 megapascals [MPa]) was not statistically different from bis-acrylic composite-based autopolymerizing resin material (Protemp™ 4) blocks (101.41 MPa) ( P > 0.001)., Conclusion: Protemp™ 4 and CAD/CAM provisional materials have comparable flexural strength. However, the marginal fit of temporary crowns fabricated by CAD/CAM was found to be superior to the ones fabricated using bis-acrylic composite-based autopolymerizing resin material (Protemp™ 4)., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common epithelial malignancies with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent observations indicate that the clinical and histological appearance of oral mucosa may not truly depict the damage occurring at the genetic level. This phenotypic and genotypic disparity may account in part for the failure to establish effective screening and surveillance protocols, based on the traditional clinical and microscopic examination. The tumor markers are playing an increasingly important role in cancer detection and management. These laboratory-based tests are potentially useful in screening for early malignancy, aiding in cancer diagnosis, determining prognosis, surveillance following curative surgery for cancer, up-front predicting drug response or resistance, and monitoring therapy in advanced disease. A systematic review of the literature was performed based on the English titles listed in the PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, Science Direct, ISI web Science, and SciELO databases using the keywords. Abstracts and full-text articles were assessed. This article may help to identify the potential biomarkers for screening and the molecular pathology analysis in the high-risk patients with the OSCC., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Introduction: The retromolar pad also called piriformis papilla is a mucosal elevation located in the retromolar area covering the retromolar triangle. After molar loss, the bony alveolar process and surrounding soft periodontal tissue remodel, mainly resorb and blend with retromolar pad. It is a key intraoral landmark in prosthodontics., Aim: The aim of this in-vitro study was to analyze the various anatomical shapes and sizes of retromolar pad in 150 completely edentulous patients between 55 to 70 years of age group., Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 150 completely edentulous patients. The shapes of retromolar pad on the left and right side were seen and divided into pear, triangular and round shape. The comparison of the mean longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter on the right and left sides was done. The data was evaluated statistically. The chi-square test was used for the comparison between the proportions with the help of standard deviation, t-test was used for comparison between the left and the right side and ANOVA test was used for comparison between the various shapes of the retromolar pads., Results: The result showed that there was statistically significant difference among different shapes of retromolar pad and there was significant difference in mean transverse and longitudinal diameter on right and left side, the mean value of the longitudinal diameter on left and right side was 8.81 and 8.69 whereas the mean value of the transverse diameter on left and right side was 6.79 and 6.82 respectively and p-value obtained for both was 0.550 and 0.814 respectively., Conclusion: The study conclude that there are three different shapes of retromolar pad among which pear and triangular shaped retomolar pad provides more stability in lower denture because of increase surface area.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare color stability and surface topography of three different feldspathic porcelains both qualitatively and quantitatively after exposure to routinely consumed beverages over different time periods using a Spectrophotometer, Stereomicroscope and Surface roughness tester, respectively., Materials and Methods: A total of 90 plastic discs were casted to obtain metal dies for three different newer ceramic applications each on thirty samples. The color and surface roughness of these samples were measured using stereomicroscope and surface roughness tester following which they were kept in different test solutions for different durations and revaluated for color changes and surface roughness in the similar manner., Results and Conclusion: Among all the five test solutions, Coffee showed the maximum staining of the ceramic whereas maximum surface roughness was shown by the Duceram Kiss (1.48 μm) by Orange Juice which could be due to its high titratable acidity.

Background: Pericoronal tissue is the soft tissue located between the bony crypt and the impacted tooth, which is histologically composed of fibrous connective tissue and is usually lined by the reduced enamel epithelium. Increased epithelial cell proliferation in the pericoronal tissue is associated with pathological changes such as development of an odontogenic cyst or an epithelial odontogenic tumor. This study is an attempt to evaluate and compare the proliferative index in the epithelium surrounding the impacted third molar teeth, dentigerous cysts, and gingiva., Materials and Methods: A case control study on pericoronal tissues and dentigerous cysts was carried out using immunomarkers. Forty pericoronal tissues were obtained from asymptomatic impacted third molars with pericoronal radiolucency less than 2.5 mm. Samples of 20 dentigerous cysts and normal gingiva were also included. Routine hematoxylin and eosin and immunostaining for Ki-67, a cell proliferation marker and Bcl-2, an anti apoptotic protein were performed on sections of pericoronal tissues, dentigerous cysts, and gingival tissues. The percentage of Ki-67-positive cells and Bcl-2 positive areas was found using the DigiPro™ version 4.0 Image analysis software. Bcl-2 immunopositivity and Ki-67-Li were analyzed using the Chi-square test and paired t-test. P- values of less than .05 were considered to indicate statistical significance., Results: The immunohistochemical analysis revealed overexpression of Bcl-2 in the pericoronal tissues with squamous metaplasia, which was comparable to the dentigerous cyst. Ki-67 Li of the pericoronal tissue with squamous metaplasia was equal to the proliferative index of the dentigerous cyst. The expression of Ki-67 Li and inflammatory cells were highly significant (P < 0.0001)., Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the pericoronal tissues of asymptomatic impacted third molars may be actively proliferating and normal pericoronal radiolucency cannot serve as an indicator for the differentiation potential.