Search

Preterm births are which occur prior to 37 weeks gestation and in developed Western nations it comprise approximately 6 per cent of all live births. Along with having many serious medical problems, it has been hypothesized that the development of oral tissues may get affected in the neonatal period. In preterm children, a high prevalence (around 40-70%) of generalized enamel hypoplasia had been found in previous studies in the primary dentition and it is plausible to be associated with low bone mineral stores. Other than enamel hypoplasia, crown dilacerations, and palatal distortions are other defects that are frequently observed in preterm children which are usually associated with traumatic laryngoscopy and prolonged endotracheal intubation. The incidence of ECC (International Caries Detection and Assessment System: ICDAS ≥ 2) was also found to be high in low birth weight children. The etiology behind this is multifactorial but maternal factors, maternal factors might play the role of contributing factors. The current review would analyse the dental anomalies in preterm children in depth which might have significant implications in monitoring possible anomalies and in treatment intervention can be done at an early stage. Key words: Premature birth, Very low birth weight, Dental defects, Enamel hypoplasia.

Apert's syndrome (acrocephalosyndactyly) is a developmental malformation characterized by craniosynostosis, syndactyly, and dysmorphic facial features. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of an 8-year-old child affected with Apert's syndrome with emphasis on the craniofacial and oral features. It demonstrates autosomal dominant inheritance and occurs due to point mutation of fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 gene in chromosome 10q25 and 10q26. The patient presented with brachydactyly, syndactyly, polydactyly, hypoplastic maxilla, and malalignment of teeth. The cases of Apert's syndrome can only be treated by multidisciplinary approach. Early diagnosis and proper counseling of families can help in better management.

Talon cusp or Eagle's Talon is a developmental anomalous structure that is thought to arise due to evagination of the coronal surface of a tooth before the commencement of calcification. The facial form of talon cusp is a rare morphological variation occurred on the facial surface of incisors that are often associated with clinical problems such as poor esthetic, soft tissue irritation, and caries susceptibility. We report a case of facial talon cusp on permanent maxillary right central incisor in a 9-year-old girl who visited our department with esthetic concern. The patient was managed with a minimally invasive approach by selective grinding followed by the application of fluoride varnish at a regular interval. Direct resin-based composite restoration performed to achieve esthetic rehabilitation, demonstrated satisfactory clinical and radiographic treatment outcomes.

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 has been the most unprecedented event of our lifetimes, touching, and probably forever changing all realms of our lives and livelihoods. The field of general and speciality dental practice remains no exception. Among all health-care professionals, dentists as oral health caregivers are those who are most susceptible to contracting this infection. A never before situation like this has engaged all of humanity in studies and research for better understanding and possibly reducing the disaster that this terrible virus can inflict upon humanity. These efforts have led to a lot data, much of which is anecdotal evidence and thus a dire need to segregate facts has risen. Dentists in general and pediatric dentists in particular who routinely deal with children and managing them for dental care are at a heightened risk because of their job primarily in the oral cavity. Children routinely take longer appointments compared to adults and require more care to be exercised during this pandemic. This infection often presents asymptomatically which further complicates the problem. Thus, in a world that exists during and after this pandemic demands a reimagined dental practice that is safe for the health workers as well as effectively and efficiently delivers oral health care to all age groups. This can be achieved by rigorous and extensive study and consolidation of this knowledge which can then be adapted by health workers on the ground.

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency, the rapid and extensive spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness among the dentists of West Bengal regarding coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: The study population for this survey are the dentists of West Bengal who work in government sector or in any private clinics. An online questionnaire comprising 28 questions was sent to the sample size. The questionnaire was composed of series of questions about the knowledge of dentists regarding the incubation period, symptoms, mode of transmission of coronavirus disease, their awareness about the infection control measures, and the attitude toward treating the patients with COVID-19. Results: A total of 107 dentists responded to this survey. Of them, 7.5% have completed their postgraduation in any specific subject, 30.2% are under postgraduate training, and 62.3% are practicing after completion of their graduation. Eighty percent of the dentists involved in the study have correctly reported the incubation period which is 7–14 days. Majority of the dentists were aware of the symptoms of COVID-19, which would help them in identifying the patients at risk of getting COVID-19 infection. Sixty-seven percent of them found it necessary to make the sitting arrangement at significant distances in the waiting area as a preventive measure. Majority of them considered that dentists should play an important role in spreading awareness regarding COVID-19. Conclusion: The dentists were found to have a good knowledge about the symptoms, mode of transmission, and the preventive measures. They were advised to follow the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization and remain well informed about the recommended disease management protocols so that no stone is left unturned in defeating this pandemic.

Odontodysplasia is a rare nonhereditary developmental anomaly of dental hard tissue with unknown etiology, arising from both ectodermal and mesodermal components. Hitchin in 1934 first described it as a localized arrest of tooth development generally affecting one quadrant of the jaw. When it just affects one quadrant, it is referred to as “regional odontodysplasia,” but when it crosses the midline and affects more than one quadrant, it is referred to as “generalised odontodysplasia.” In this two case series, various types of odontodysplasia have been described, one of which is confined to a single quadrant and the other crossing the midline. The cases of odontodysplasia can only be treated by multidisciplinary approach and restorative and prosthetic rehabilitation and regular follow-up require for improving the quality of life of patients.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmentally acquired dental defect that directly affects the enamel and dentin of one to four first molars, frequently associated with affected incisors. Due to alteration in matrix production, crystal arrangement and formation, enamel matrix secretion a compromised enamel structure may be seen. This condition can also be called a idiopathic enamel hypomineralization. In the article, we report a case of 11-year-old male presenting with typical features of MIH affecting all four permanent molars in combination with fusion of mandibular right permanent central and lateral incisor, hypodontia of mandibular left central incisor and ankyloglossia, and a possible management of the clinical condition.