Search

Background: The patient’s quality of life may be impacted by pain and dysfunction ranging from moderate discomfort to severe agony. Objective: To evaluate the viability of acupuncture for managing orofacial pain and headaches through meta-analysis. Methodology: The review was conducted following “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” (PRISMA) 2020 and registered in PROSPERO-CRD42034561. Databases were searched for studies evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture compared to conventional therapy for managing orofacial pain and headaches and their effect on pain reduction from June 1991 till April 2023. Revman software version 5.3 was used for quality assessment, while the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB)-2 tool was used for randomized controlled trials (RCT). Standardized mean difference (SMD) was summarized using a random effect model. Results: Moderate to low ROB was revealed on quality assessment. The pooled estimate favored acupuncture in reducing orofacial pain – SMD = 0.76 (−1.27–0.26), reducing headache with SMD is 0.11 (−0.34–0.12) compared to alternative therapies. Systematic heterogeneity was revealed on funnel plots indicating the presence of publication bias. Conclusion: Acupuncture is more effective in reducing orofacial pains and headaches. Further trials are needed to support the results of our study.

Introduction: Odontogenic infection leads to increased thickness of maxillary sinus membrane. This is aided by close relationship between the roots of upper posterior teeth and floor of the maxillary sinus. This can be viewed by using imaging modalities. Aim: The review has been conducted to compare CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) with Orthopantomogram (OPG) in detecting maxillary sinus membrane thickening in patients with odontogenic anomaly through a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: The review was carried out by following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered as PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023390257. PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCO host were queried for literature published from January 2000 to December 2022. Newcastle Ottawa scale evaluated the quality of articles. Results: Statistical analysis was performed and forest plot was plotted using RevMan (Review Manager) software version 5.3. Five studies were eligible and two of them were suitable for Meta-Analysis. The Standardized Mean Difference yielded a pooled estimate of 0.39 and preferred CBCT using a random effect model with a P value of 0.02 and an I2 (heterogeneity) value of 59%. Funnel plot showed absence of publication bias. Conclusion: It was concluded that CBCT was effective, as compared to OPG in detecting maxillary sinus membrane thickening with odontogenic anomaly.

Background: The anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve is the portion of the nerve that is located anterior to the mental foramen before it exits the canal. Objectives: The objective of the research was to assess anterior loop in the Odisha population. Materials and Methods: For this study, a random selection of 100 CBCT scans representing 200 hemi-mandibles was made. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the distribution of the mental nerve pattern according to gender, age, and the presence or absence of dysplastic features. Frequency and percentages were then used to show the results. Results: There was significant difference among male and female on left and right side for anterior loop. 28% of studied population had loop and 72% without loop out of 100 participants. Pattern III was common type followed by patter I. Right side had slightly more loop than left side. Loop length distribution was significant. Conclusions: It was concluded that loop is a common finding; hence it must be evaluated before doing any surgical procedure in that anatomical location.

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of carbamazepine and baclofen in the medical management of trigeminal neuralgia. Materials and Methods: 100 trigeminal neuralgia patients were randomly divided into two groups with 50 samples in each. Group A had patients treated with carbamazepine while Group B comprised of patients treated using baclofen. Follow-up was performed on the initial, 15 days, 1 month, and 3 months duration. The data was statistically evaluated. Results: Carbamazepine showed a “good response” in 54.39% of patients at initial follow-up, and adverse side effects increased in 20–29.49% of patients from the initial to 3-month duration. On the other hand, baclofen demonstrated a “good response” in 54.45% of patients at initial follow-up. At 800 mg, a “good response” was noted in 87.9% of patients, whereas 16.9% of patients had an “average response” and a “good response” after 1 month. At 3 months, 99.87% of patients showed a “good response.” Both groups showed similar success rates after 3 months. Conclusion: Adverse effects incidence and success were similar in both groups.

Introduction: The most prevalent conditions in the population are temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which are linked to a number of morbidities. A number of treatment options have been proposed, and some of the most successful ones include low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of two therapies—TENS treatment and LLLT—in the management of morbidities related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Materials and Methods: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 50 patients who had been sent to the oral medicine outpatient department and had been pre-diagnosed with TMJ disorders were randomly assigned to two groups, with 25 patients in each: Group I received TENS therapy, while Group II received LLLT. The acquired data was assessed statistically. Result: Both groups showed a substantial decrease in discomfort, an increase in mouth opening, and a decrease in muscular tenderness when compared to within groups. LLT was more effective than TENS for TMD treatment. Conclusion: While TENS and LLLT both had good results, LLLT appeared to outperform TENS therapy in terms of muscle tenderness factors.

Introduction: A styloid process (SP) is considered extended if it is longer than 30 millimeters (mm), which falls between the typical range of 20 and 30 mm. Eagle's syndrome (ES), a disease associated with the styloid process elongation (SPE), was originally recognized by otorhinolaryngologist “Watt Weems Eagle” in 1937. Aims: The calcification pattern, prevalence, and morphology of the SPE in a hospital-based population in Bhubaneswar were all objectively assessed in the study using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods and Material: Radiographic records of 1027 patients have been recovered arbitrarily from the authentic records and assessed. The length of the SP was estimated and characterized by their morphology and calcification design. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 software. It was deemed statistically significant if the P value ≤ 0.05. Results: It was seen that 25.8% of the males had the presence of elongation as compared to 30.1% of females, which is 153 males out of 440, and 131 females out of 304 showed elongated SP. Conclusion: The SPE could be a coincidental radiography perception without symptoms. In this study, a substitute for CT or all panoramic radiographs for the estimation and assessment of the SP is the CBCT approach.

Background: Among various treatment modalities for tooth replacement, dental implants are considered the best one. This study assessed the effects of smoking, periodontitis, and diabetes on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients receiving corticobasal dental implants. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty patients of either gender who received corticobasal dental implants were enrolled. All were subjected to Oral Health Impact Profile-20 (OHIP-20) for dental implant patients (OHRQoL questionnaire). The patient satisfaction level was measured on a scale with points ranging from 0 to 5. The value 0 indicates no satisfaction, whereas the value 5 shows highly satisfied. Results: Of 120 patients, males were 70 and females were 50. The overall satisfaction level was 4.92, articulation speech was 4.12, implants were 4.80, and construction was 4.88. The overall satisfaction, articulation speech, implants, and construction values in patients with and without diabetes were 4.90 vs 4.93, 4.56 vs 4.86, 4.76 vs 4.92, and 4.94 vs 4.83, respectively. The overall satisfaction, articulation speech, implants, and construction values in patients with and without smoking were 4.83 vs 4.91, 4.52 vs 4.88, 4.70 vs 4.82, and 4.12 vs 4.84, respectively. The overall satisfaction, articulation speech, implants, and construction values in patients with and without periodontitis were 4.72 vs 4.96, 4.52 vs 4.88, 4.73 vs 4.98, and 4.81 vs 4.95, respectively. The overall satisfaction, articulation speech, implants, and construction values in patients with one to three risk factors and control were 4.85 vs 4.96, 4.82 vs 4.94, 4.88 vs 4.97, and 4.76 vs 4.86, respectively. There was a significant difference in pain, infections and/or swelling, sleeping problems, problems with self-confidence, taste, chewing discomfort and/or difficulties, and influence on food choice before and after in patients treated with corticobasal dental implants (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The satisfaction level is higher after obtaining corticobasal dental implants in patients with diabetes, smoking, and periodontitis as compared to control. Thus, corticobasal dental implants may be considered alternate treatment options for these patients.

Objectives: This study was done to assess the effects of pimecrolimus cream 1% and triamcinolone aceonide paste in the treatment of atrophic–erosive oral lichen planus. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients diagnosed both clinically and histopathologically as lichen planus were considered in the present study. Subjects were classified into two groups. Group I: Patients in this group were treated with 1% pimecrolimus cream and Group II: Patients falling under this group were treated with triamcinolone acetonide in 0.1% concentration. Results: None of the patients reported worsening clinical signs and symptoms. No significant difference in efficacy and reduction in burning sensation of either pimecrolimus or trimcinolone acetonide was present. Conclusion: Present study found no significant difference in the efficacy of both the agents studied.

Context: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic debilitating disease with significant malignant potential. The most common symptoms of the condition include burning sensation, trismus, swallowing, and speech impairment as well as gustatory alteration. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of gustatory functions in oral submucous fibrosis patients, gutka chewers, chronic smokers and healthy individuals. Methods and Material: A total of 112 individuals were selected for the study and divided into four groups of 28 participants, each comprising OSMF patients, gutka chewers, chronic smokers with gutka-chewing habits, and healthy individuals. Each participant was assessed for gustatory function using four different tastants for sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, and the taste perception was recorded as hypogeusia, hypergeusia, dysgeusia, and ageusia. Statistical Analysis Used: Data obtained were analyzed with SPSS software version 26. A comparison between the four groups was made separately for the four different tastes and the five parameters. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: For OSMF patients, gutka chewers, and chronic smokers with gutka-chewing habits, salty taste showed normal perception, sweet taste showed hypogeusia, and bitter taste reported ageusia. The healthy individuals mostly showed normal perception for almost all tastes. Conclusions: It can be concluded that OSMF and habitual consumption of areca nut and tobacco appear to have a significant impact on the alteration of the gustatory function, although the type of taste sensation that is affected may vary from person to person.

Context: Lichen planus is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that frequently involves the oral mucosa and skin. It has been proposed that psychological factors like high stress and anxiety levels have a strong association with lichen planus. Estimation of the stress level in patients with oral lichen planus. Aims: To estimate the stress in patients with Oral Lichen Planus by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and State-trait anxiety inventory and compare these with normal healthy individuals. Methods and Material: Twenty oral lichen planus patients and twenty normal subjects were included in the study. Every individual gave the hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and State-trait anxiety inventory. Statistical Analysis Used: Data obtained were analyzed with SPSS software 26. The findings of various parameters were evaluated and analyzed statistically using Mann Whitney U test. Results: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire, State-trait anxiety inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 scores were significantly higher in the oral lichen planus group than in normal individuals. Conclusions: Psychological factors like anxiety and depression play a major role in the pathogenesis of OLP, and non-invasive procedures like the Hospital Anxiety, and Depression Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and State-trait anxiety inventory scores can be used as a useful indicator to estimate stress levels in OLP patients.

Background: The present study was conducted to assess level of cytokine and herpesvirus in peri-implantitis and healthy patients. Methodology: Fifty patients with healthy dental implant (Group I) and dental implant with peri-implantitis (Group II) were enrolled. The level of interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, MCP-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and herpesvirus was estimated. Results: The mean IL-1 β level was 1.54 in Group I and 5.12 in Group II, IL-2 was 0.05 in Group I and 0.02 in Group II, IL-4 was 0.018 in Group I and 0.0021 in Group II, IL-6 was 0.83 in Group I and 0.92 in Group II, MCP-1 was 64.5 in Group I and 23.1 in Group II, and TNF-alpha was 1.54 in Group I and 1.05 in Group II. There was a significant higher level of TNF-alpha in virus + patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The cytokine level was increased in patients with peri-implantitis as compared to patients with healthy dental implants. Virus-positive patients exhibited higher cytokine levels than virus-negative patients.

Buccal exostoses are broad-based, non-malignant surface growth occurring on the outer or facial surface of the maxilla and/or mandible, found usually in the premolar and molar region. Etiology is still not established, but it has been suggested that the bony overgrowth can be because of abnormally increased masticatory forces to the teeth. Compensatory response to periodontal disease has been proposed to explain some cases of exostoses; they tend to appear in early adolescence and may very slowly increase in size with time. They are painless, self-limiting and may increase patient concern about poor esthetics, inability to perform oral hygiene procedures, and compromised periodontal health by causing food lodgment. The following article presents a very rare case of bilateral buccal-sided maxillary and mandibular exostoses in the anterior region which was an accidental finding in a chronic generalized periodontitis patient.