Background: Animal models have contributed to dental literature for several decades. The major aim of this review was to outline tooth development stages in mice, and attempt to addressing potential strain differences. A literature review was performed using electronic and hand-searching methods for the animal models in dentistry with special emphasis on mice and dentistry. Root canal development in both C57BL/6 and BALB/c strains were investigated. There are a number of published reports regarding the morphogenesis and molecular reaction and maturation stages of mice molars. We observed some similarity between the mice and human odontegeneis as primary factor for tooth development. Although mice may present some technical challenges, including the small size of the mouse molars, they have similar stages as humans for molar development, and can be used to monitor the effects of various biomaterials, regeneration, and remodeling. Thus, mice provide an ideal alternative model to study developmental and regenerative processes in dentistry.

Background: Body piercing is a cultural practice or tradition in various civilizations dating back to antiquity. In recent years, body piercing has become increasingly fashionable for purely esthetic reasons and the practice cuts across all sectors of society. The emergence of oral tattoos especially among young adults is of concern to dental and medical professionals because of the risks and complications for oral, dental and general health. Intraoral piercings involve the tongue, while perioral piercings involve the lips, the cheeks and to a lesser extent the uvula and the frenum. Education is a primary method to intercept or prevent risky behavior of oral piercing and dental professionals have a major role in providing guidance about perioral /oral modification.

Background : The goal of evidence-based dentistry is to help practitioners provide their patients with optimal care. Dentists need to make clinical decisions based on limited scientific evidence. In clinical practice, a clinician must weigh a myriad of evidences every day. Evidence-Based Periodontology aims to facilitate such an approach and it offers a bridge from science to clinical practice. This article will review the concepts of Evidence-Based Periodontology and implantology. Providing the most appropriate periodontal treatment requires an accurate diagnosis, performing optimum treatment, and monitoring the patient. Keeping up to date with current information, having a system for properly evaluating it, and using the knowledge to help make treatment decisions improves the opportunity for successful outcomes. The Evidence-based (EB) approach is a straightforward, systemic process which helps the clinician and researcher evaluate the relevant information regarding diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and experimental decisions. Applying the Evidence-Based process to the periodontal literature will improve periodontal treatment.

Aim: Various techniques like cultural methods, Immunofluorescence and ELISA have largely been used for studies of microbial ecology. But nowdays PCR is used as a diagnostic tool that can detect even small numbers of periodontal pathogens with a high degree of accuracy. In this study, the quantity of periodontal pathogens (P.gingivalis, T.denticola, T.forsythia and A.actinomycetemcomitans) in saliva, preoperatively and postoperatively after scaling and root planing was compared by using multiplex PCR test. Materials and Method : Unstimulated saliva of 30 chronic periodontitis patients was taken preoperatively by spitting method in eppendorf vial. After treatment i.e scaling and root planing again saliva of the same patient was taken and sent to the laboratory of Maratha Mandal Dental College, Department of Microbiology, Belgaum, Karnataka for PCR analysis. Results : Quantity of three bacteria (T.d, A.a, P.g) were reduced significantly after scaling and root planing as compared to T.f which did not show statistically significant reduction. Conclusion : Non-surgical therapy like scaling and root planing plays a very important part in treating the patients of chronic periodontitis.

Aim: To investigate the effect of age and gender on the degree of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth display while speaking and smiling in Indian population. Materials and Method: A total of 120 subjects (63 females and 57 males) were included in this study. The subject was asked pronounced "ah"& "six" 3 times each sound, closing the mouth and resting between each sound. After these sounds, a smile was provoked. Each image was inserted into a separate slide of presentation software and measurements were taken. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in display of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth owing to age and gender. Conclusion: Differences in tooth display in relation to aging and gender should be considered when providing esthetic treatment that involves replacement of anterior teeth.

Aim: The present study was conducted to determine the dermatoglyphic configuration of specially abled and healthy children by comparing the variations that occur in these patterns and evaluating the caries experience associated with it. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study in which dermatoglyphic patterns along with deft and DMFT index was recorded in 100 children of age 6-16 years divided into two groups of 50 each (50-specially abled and 50- normal children). Results: Statistical analysis was done using MANN-WHITNEY U test. Specially abled children showed increased number of loop configurations compared to healthy children and high caries risk children in both the groups showed increased number of arches and decrease in the number of whorls with no statistical significance (P >0.005). Conclusion: With further research in this field, dermatoglyphic patterns can prove to be an effective diagnostic tool in diagnosis of diseases with a genetic cause.

Aim: This prospective study was done to compare the effects of incisor intrusion obtained with the aid of miniscrews and burstone intrusive arch. Materials and Methods: Twenty- patients with deep bite of at least 4 mm were divided to 2 groups. In group1, 10 patients (6 males, 4 females; mean age group of 14-20 years) in the postpubertal growth period were treated by using burstone intrusive arches and in group 2, 10 patients (6 male, 4 female; age group of 14-20 years) were treated using miniscrews. Lateral cephalometric head films were taken at the beginning of treatment and after intrusion for the evaluation of the treatment changes. Statistical analyses of the data were performed with a significance level of p<0.001. Results: The changes in the center of resistance of the incisors were 4.3 mm (P <0.001) for group 1; and 4.3 mm (P<0.001) for group 2.The mean change in the angle of upper incisor to palatal plane was 10.90; p<0.001. The change in distance from upper molar to VR (mm) is 4.2 mm p <0.001. The change in Upper 1st molar to SN plane angle in burstone intrusive arch was 4.90 (83.70± 2.264 to 78.80± 2.448) p <0.001. And in mini implant, the change in upper incisor to palatal plane angle is 10 (71.40± 1.43 to 72.40 ± 1.506) p > 0.001 which is statistically not significant. The maxillary molar showed no movement in the miniscrew group and molar moved distally at an average of 4.90 in intrusive arch group. Conclusions: Both the mini implant and the utility arches are equally effective in intrusion of upper incisors. Mini implant gives true intrusion. Vertical height of molars does not change much with Mini implant while molar extrusion can be seen with intrusive arch.

Aim: Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA) has repeatedly demonstrated significant improvements in soft and hard clinical tissue parameters for the treatment of intraosseous periodontal defects. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has the primary effect of a mitogen, initiating cell division. It was shown that osteoblasts proliferate in response to PDGF alone or with the addition of a progression factor to induce mitosis. However there is no evidence to evaluate whether a combination of PRP and DFDBA-Allograft enhances the clinical outcome compared to treatment with DBM mixed with saline solution. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes obtained with the combination of PRP and DFDBA to those obtained with DFDBA mixed with saline solution in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. Materials and Method: This study was carried out for a period of 12 months. 20 intrabony defects in 10 patients were divided into experimental and control sites. The experimental sites were debrided and grafted with a combination of Platelet Rich Plasma and DFDBA-Allograft. The control sites were debrided and grafted with DFDBA-Allograft with saline. Probing depth, clinical attachment level and gingival margin position were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Standardized radiographs were also documented at these recalls. Results: On completion of 12 months, the DFDBA + PRP sites had significantly lower mean PD (7.0 mm versus 2.10 mm; P <0.003) and CAL (7.0mm versus 1.90 mm; P <0.003) compared to the DFDBA+saline sites. At 12months, there was no significant difference between the study groups for mean gingival margin position (P >0.05). Conclusion: Overall, both therapies led to significant improvements of the investigated parameters. The combination of PRP and DFDBA-Allograft was more effective in terms of improving clinical parameters than DFDBA-Allograft alone. There is a need for further long term controlled studies evaluating the adjunctive benefits of a combination of PRP and DFDBA-Allograft as compared to DFDBA-Allograft alone in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.

Aim: The nasolabial flap has been widely employed as a versatile reconstructive option for small to moderate sized defects of oral & perioral regions. The nasolabial flaps are very useful, simple, easy to harvest local flap that can cover a variety of defects of the face and has robust vascularity that can be readily elevated without delay. This study was undertaken to establish the application of nasolabial flaps for surgical management of small to moderate sized oro-facial defect. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients were selected based on the size of surgical defect. Nasolabial flap was used to reconstruct defects of small to moderate size in the oro-facial region and post-operative follow up was done. Results: All of the patients underwent inferiorly based Transposition Island flap for reconstruction of different oro-facial defects. Few complications like bulky size of the flap, slight donor site distortion (scar formation) and intra-oral hair growth were seen in six patients. Two incidences of infection in the transferred flap were seen. Conclusion: It is a safe minor procedure done under general anesthesia with good reconstructive results over small or moderately sized maxillofacial defects. Proper attention to flap design, operative technique and post - operative management are useful in reducing the incidence of complications.

Aim: The objective of this in vivo study was to compare the amount of bacterial colonization associated with metal, self-ligating and ceramic orthodontic brackets . Materials and Method: The study was done on 30 orthodontic patients who were randomly divided in to three groups. Group I bonded with metal brackets wire ligated with steel ligature , Group II bonded with self-ligating brackets and Group III bonded using ceramic brackets wire ligated with elastomeric module. Amount of bacterial colonization was evaluated from right of the maxillary dental arch at day 1 and at day 21, the aerobic and anaerobic bacterial count was then compared. Result: ANOVA test for anaerobic and aerobic log bacterial count showed significant difference between group I, group II and group III observations at 5% level of significance at day 21. Conclusion: The result of this in vivo study concluded that higher bacterial colonization was associated with ceramic brackets ligated with elastomeric modules followed by metal bra ckets ligated with steel ligatures and comparatively less microbial growth was observed in self - ligating brackets.

Aim: This in vitro study was done to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of intracanal medicament in root canals contaminated with Candida albicans. Materials and Method : Twenty four extracted human single rooted teeth were selected. Access preparations and biomechanical preparations were done. Specimens were first sterilized and contaminated with Candida and incubated for 48hrs. Confirmation of Candida was done and then divided into 3 experimental groups and 2 control groups. The experimental groups were having 6 teeth each and they were treated with A) Ozonised oil, B) Calcium hydroxide, C) Ozonised oil + Calcium hydroxide respectively. The control groups were further subdivided in 1) Negative control and 2) Positive control with two teeth each. Intracanal medicament was placed into each root canal corresponding to the groups. First sampling was done after 48hrs and second or final sampling was done after one week of placement of intracanal medicament. Microbial growth was checked by counting CFU (Colony forming units). Results: In the first sampling ozonised oil was 100% efficient followed by Calcium hydroxide group while combination of Ozonised oil + Calcium hydroxide showed similar results. In the second or final sampling after one week ozonised oil was highly efficient when compared to other groups. Calcium hydroxide was moderately efficient whereas combination of ozonised oil + calcium hydroxide was least effective as it showed highest CFU/ml. Conclusion : Ozonised oil was most effective for longer duration when compared to other groups and can be used as an alternative intracanal medicament.

Aim: To evaluate shear bond strength of conventional Type II glass ionomer cement with triclosan incorporated Type II glass ionomer cement. Materials and Method: Forty extracted non-carious permanent molars were taken. Triclosan incorporated glass ionomer cement was prepared at a concentration of 2.5%. Specimens were divided into two groups of twenty teeth each. Group A was restored with conventional GIC whereas Group B with triclosan incorporated GIC. Thermocycling was done to simulate oral conditions. After 24 hours Groups A and B were checked for shear bond strength using Instron Universal testing Machine at crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min until fracture. Results were recorded. Results: Data was statistically analyzed by student's t-test. Shear bond strength of triclosan incorporated GIC was higher than conventional GIC. Conclusion: Triclosan incorporated GIC can be considered as an alternative to conventional GIC with enhanced antibacterial property.

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) comprises approximately 10% of all salivary gland tumors. It is the most common malignant tumor of sub-mandibular salivary gland and also of minor salivary glands. It is most commonly found in the area of the greater palatine foramen of the palate. One of the features of ACC is its slow growth rate & thus it is often present in the patient's mouth for several years before manifesting with symptoms. A detailed description of a case of ACC along with review of literature is presented here with emphasis to focus on the importance of detailed investigations, histo-pathological evaluation and post-operative rehabilitation.

Background: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is one of the most common salivary gland malignancies. MEC mainly occurs in the parotid gland, along with minor glands being the second common site, particularly in palate. Clinical, radiological and histological findings of a palatal MEC in a 27-year-old female patient is reported here.