Introduction: Orofacial cysts and tumors are known to exhibit geographic variations in prevalence and pattern. The knowledge of the epidemiology of odontogenic cysts and tumors is limited in a developing nation like India, which may be attributed to inadequate documentation in our hospitals and health care centres. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of different types of odontogenic cysts and tumors diagnosed at a tertiary care dental college hospital in Puducherry and compare the findings with the information reported in other parts of the world. Material and Methods: A record-based study was conducted using data from the clinical and histopathological records of the last ten years (2006–2015) from the departments of oral medicine and radiology and oral pathology in a dental college and hospital, Puducherry. Results: Of the total 974 patients, 510 were males and the age ranged from 1 to 95 years. The analysis showed that malignant lesions were the most common lesion (55.8%), distributed almost equally between males (53.6%) and females (46.3%). Malignant lesions more often occurred during the 6^th and 7^th decade of life. Keratocystic odontogenic tumor was the most common benign odontogenic tumor (33.3%), occurring most commonly in males involving the mandible. Among odontogenic cysts, dentigerous cyst was the most common developmental odontogenic cyst. Radicular cyst was the most common inflammatory cyst and was more prevalent among males. Conclusion: Our study is the first of its kind to assess the prevalence of any cyst and tumor that occurs in the oral cavity (both odontogenic and nonodontogenic) in an Indian population. To determine the global epidemiological burden of these lesions we urge further prevalence studies to be performed in the Indian subcontinent as well as the world.

Introduction: Curcumin, chemically named as diferuloylmethane is a yellow coloured pigment which shows anti inflammatory, antioxidant, pro apoptotic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. It suppresses cyclooxygenase, lipooxygenase and other inflammatory mediators and destroys free radicals. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in reducing the burning sensation in potentially malignant disorders of oral cavity. Materials and Methods: 100 subjects diagnosed clinically with potentially malignant disorders of oral cavity were included in this study. The patients were administered commercially available turmeric systemically and topical application of turmeric and honey was advised. Their burning sensation on VAS scale was evaluated after 15 days, and the data was then statistically analysed by Wilcoxon sign rank test. Results: After the treatment there was a significant decrease in VAS scale. The median showed decrease from 7 to 4. The mean value also showed decrease from 6.91 to 3.98. Conclusion: Hence, it is concluded that turmeric and honey showed positive results in reducing burning sensation in potentially malignant disorders of oral cavity.

Introduction: Medically compromised patients require special attention when dental procedures are performed on them. These individuals may require modified or slightly altered techniques. Aims and Objectives: The present study was taken up with two main objectives. The first one being examining and recording various oral manifestations in medically compromised patients, and the second objective was to collect samples of saliva from such patients and to analyze and establish any salivary changes in such medically compromised patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients were selected for the study. These patients were divided into four groups of 25 patients each: diabetes mellitus group, chronic renal failure group, liver cirrhosis group and control group. All the selected patients were subjected to a detailed general and intra oral examinations and the relevant data was recorded on a specially designed proforma; salivary analysis was done to know the flow rate, pH, total salivary proteins, sodium, potassium, and LDH levels. Results: From the findings, it can be inferred that salivary changes namely changes in salivary pH, salivary flow rates, salivary sodium, salivary potassium, salivary total proteins, and salivary lactate dehydrogenase are significant in medically compromised patients namely uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis of liver compared to the control group. Conclusion: pH of saliva was elevated in chronic renal failure patients. Salivary flow rates and sodium were decreased in diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and cirrhosis of liver patients. There was a significant elevation of salivary potassium in chronic renal failure patients. LDH elevation was significant in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

Introduction: The mental foramen is located in the apical region of the mandibular premolars. Variations in its position can be a cause of complications during local anesthesia or surgical procedures as well as in the diagnosis of lesions periapically. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the position and symmetry of mental foramen on a digital orthopantomogram (OPG), and the objective was to determine the frequency of location of mental foramen in relation to apices of teeth and interdental spaces on the panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: The study was done in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, and 750 participants were selected in this study whose radiographic evaluation of mental foramen was done using OPG. The position of the image of the mental foramen was recorded according to criteria given by Wei Cheong Ngeow and Yusof Yuzawati. Statistical Analysis: The collected data were subsequently processed and analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 17. Results: We found that mental foramen is located below the second premolar in 74.4% of the patients followed by between two premolars in 19.3% of the population. In both males and females, most common position was in line with the second premolar followed by between two premolars. The mental foramen was symmetrical in 613 patients (81.7%) and asymmetrical in 137 patients (18.3%). Conclusion: In the present study, it was found that the most common position of the mental foramen was below second premolar followed by between two premolars. It was symmetrical in 81.7% of the population. In males and females, the most common position was below second premolar followed by between two premolars.

Introduction: The rising incidence of the impacted mandibular third molars and their association with pathologies is now considered a public health problem. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the position of impacted mandibular third molars that are prone to developing pathologies and to determine the frequency and type of pathological conditions associated with these impacted teeth to facilitate planning for their prophylactic removal. Materials and Methods: Consecutive panoramic radiographs and clinical examination of 300 patients with impacted mandibular third molars were collected. They were segregated according to Pell and Gregory’s classification, Winter’s classification, and according to their state of eruption. These were correlated with associated pathologies based on clinical and radiological criteria. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics included computation of percentages, mean, and standard deviations. The statistical test applied for the analysis was Pearson’s Chi-square test (χ²). For this test, confidence interval and P value were set at 93% and ≤0.03, respectively. Results: The pathology most commonly associated with impacted third molars was pericoronitis, which had the highest frequency of occurrence in partially erupted, distoangular, and IA positioned (as per Pell and Gregory classification) impacted teeth. Impacted mandibular third molars, which were in IA position, placed mesially, and partially erupted, were prone to develop pathologies such as dental caries and periodontitis. Conclusion: The clinical and radiographical features of impacted third molar may be correlated to the development of their pathological complications. The partially impacted mandibular third molars with mesioangularly aligned in IA position have the highest potential to cause pathological complications.

Burning mouth syndrome is a condition characterized by chronic orofacial pain without any mucosal abnormalities or other organic disease. There are numerous synonyms for this ailment such as stomatodynia, stomatopyrosis, glossodynia, glossopyrosis, sore mouth, sore tongue, oral dysesthesia, and scalding mouth syndrome. Patients usually present with burning, stinging, or numbness on the tongue or other areas of oral mucosa. The complex etiology and lack of characteristic signs and symptoms makes the diagnosis difficult. As a result of which managing such patients become a herculean task. Moreover, lack of understanding of the disease leads to misdiagnosis and unnecessary referral of patients. In this article, the authors have described the etiopathogenesis, diagnostic algorithm and management of this confusing ailment.

In day to day practice, the radiographic techniques used individually or in combination suffer from some inherent limits of all planar two-dimensional (2D) projections such as magnification, distortion, superimposition, and misrepresentation of anatomic structures. The introduction of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), specifically dedicated to imaging the maxillofacial region, heralds a major shift from 2D to three-dimensional (3D) approach. It provides a complete 3D view of the maxilla, mandible, teeth, and supporting structures with relatively high resolution allowing a more accurate diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring, and analysis of outcomes than conventional 2D images, along with low radiation exposure to the patient. CBCT has opened up new vistas for the use of 3D imaging as a diagnostic and treatment planning tool in dentistry. This paper provides an overview of the imaging principles, underlying technology, dental applications, and in particular focuses on the emerging role of CBCT in dentistry.

Numb chin syndrome (NCS) is characterized by facial neuropathy along the distribution of the mental branch of the trigeminal nerve. We report a case of NCS in a 65 year old woman who initially presented to her dentist with nonspecific symptoms that she thought were related to a tooth infection. The patient was otherwise healthy and her medical history was significant for breast cancer treated 20 years prior; her cancer was thought to be in complete remission. Upon clinical examination and conventional dental radiography, no pathology was seen such as odontogenic, periodontal, or jawbone infection. Only paresthesia and hypoesthesia was noted unilaterally in her left chin, jaw and lower lip. A computed tomography scan was obtained for further evaluation and revealed lytic metastatic disease involving the right mandible at the level of the mandibular foramen; lytic lesions of the thoracic vertebrae and multiple pulmonary nodules were also noted. Oncologic referral was made immediately which confirmed a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Familiarity with NCS is important for oral health care providers in order to identify etiology and differential diagnosis, as well as to provide appropriate referral and management.

Malignant melanoma is most deadly of all primary skin cancers. Over 90% of melanomas occur on the skin. Half of such melanomas occur in the oral cavity, followed by nasal cavity (44%) and sinuses (8%). In the oral cavity, the most frequent sites of occurrence are hard palate and maxillary gingiva. Mucosal melanomas represent a diagnostic challenge than the more common cutaneous melanomas because oral melanomas demonstrate significant heterogeneity in morphological features, developmental process, and biological behaviour. This case report highlights an exophytic, lobulated oral malignant melanoma involving maxillary gingiva and is presented to reemphasize the fact that any pigmented lesion in the oral cavity should be examined with suspicion; proper investigation should be carried out to rule out any untoward experiences later.

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are visible hyperpigmented (melanocytic), benign, tumor like proliferations in the skin resulting from faulty development of pigment cell precursors in the embryo, and are composed of an abnormal mixture of skin elements. Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) is usually defined as a melanocytic lesion present at birth that will reach a larger size in adulthood. GCMN is a rare variety of CMN which is characterized by its size (diameter ≥20 cm) and the potential for malignant transformation. It is infrequently associated with other findings, which makes the clinical picture complex. In this case, we report a rare association of GCMN with intraoral blue nevus in a 24-year-old male patient.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an uncommon vascular neoplasm intermediating hemangioma and angiosarcoma characterized by the proliferation of epithelioid or histiocytoid endothelial cells with vacuolated cytoplasm and occasional eosinophilic spindle cells. Tumors of intermediate behavior may recur locally and metastasize but with less frequency compared to malignant ones. It rarely affects the oral cavity. Literature review shows only a few cases of this entity in the oral mucosa. Due to its rarity, we report a case of EHE on the upper lip.

Globulomaxillary cyst is a rare, spurious cyst. It was considered to be an inclusion or developmental cyst that arises from entrapped nonodontogenic epithelium in the globulomaxillary suture. Later, it was included as a fissural cyst secondary to proliferation of entrapped epithelium between the globular portion of the medial nasal and maxillary processes. Because of lack of evidence to support the theory of embryogenic epithelial entrapment in the site, most authors dispute the presence of the lesion. Herein, we are presenting a case of globulomaxillary cyst in a 20 year old female patient with an unusual radiographic appearance as a full moon.

Pretreatment radiographs, especially panoramic and lateral cephalometric are routinely used as an aid in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Sometimes abnormalities may be detected as incidental findings in such radiographs that require medical or odontological management. Simple bone cyst is an uncommon lesion mostly occurring in young individuals; it is often asymptomatic and accidently discovered during routine radiological examination. Mostly the pathology presents as a unilocular radiolucency in the mandible between canine and third molar. A definite diagnosis is invariably achieved during surgery as it presents as an empty cavity without lining. We present a case of a simple bone cyst of the body of mandible identified during routine pretreatment orthodontic radiograph.

Osteochondroma is defined as an osteocartilagenous exostosis with cartilage capped exophytic lesion that arises from the bone cortex. It is a slow growing benign tumor that is rarely seen in the maxillofacial region. Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle is a relatively rare condition that causes a progressive enlargement of the condyle, usually resulting in facial asymmetry, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and malocclusion. Radiographically, there is a unilaterally enlarged condyle usually with an exophytic growth of the tumor from the condylar head. The treatment of osteochondroma is primarily surgical resection of the tumor. This paper reports a case of osteochondroma of the right mandibular condyle presenting as a painless restricted mouth opening.

One of the most important and unique joints in the body is the temporomandibular joint  (TMJ). When diagnosing patient with temporomandibular disorder  (TMD) symptoms, the possibility of unusual causes must also be considered. Therefore, radiologic examinations prove to be an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of TMJ disorders. Computer tomography is the ideal imaging method to evaluate the condyle morphology and to rule out any degenerative process to achieve the differential diagnosis. The purpose of this article is to report two cases of fracture mimicking bifid condyle.

Morphologic root variation is a rare finding in primary molars with reported prevalence of <0.1%. In depth understanding about such disparity of tooth structure is of high significance in pediatric endodontics. The present case presents deciduous first molar with three roots bilaterally.

Denture ingestion or aspiration is a problem requiring awareness of different specialists including dentists, surgeons, otolaryngologists, and anesthesiologists for prevention, early diagnosis and adequate treatment. Complications of swallowed dentures include hollow viscous necrosis, perforation, and penetration to neighbouring organs leading to fistulae, bleeding and obstruction. Here, we present the case of a 65 year old female patient who swallowed the denture, which was detected by barium swallow and removed by endoscopy. Hence, the management of swallowed denture needs a multidisciplinary approach with the help of a dentist, otolaryngologist and anesthesiologists. Dentists should recommend patients to visit them for planned check ups or revisit them in case of denture dislodgement or loosening as soon as possible to prevent such life threatening events.

Introduction: Determination of sex is important in identification of unknown person. Teeth are a potential source for sex determination due to unique odontologic characteristics. Objectives: To determine the sex of individuals using buccolingual dimensions of permanent teeth except third molars. This study involved 100 native residents of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra in the age group of 18–40 years. Materials and Methods: The buccolingual (B-L) dimensional measurements of 28 teeth, except third molars, of 50 males and 50 females aged 18–40 years were measured on the study casts using vernier calipers with a resolution of 0.01 mm, and analyzed using discriminant function analysis. Results: Males showed greater B-L dimensions of teeth in comparison to females exhibiting statistically significant dimorphism. However, discriminant function analysis derived accuracy of determination of sex using 26 was 69% and 43 was 66.0%. On the whole, the percentage of overall accuracy was 68%. Conclusion: Application of B-L dimensional variability among males and females in the population of Ahmednagar can aid in forensic sex determination, as this study showed, that can be taken into account for sex determination in combination with skeletal traits and/or other odontometric measurements such as mesiodistal diameters.

Healthy, protected, educated and well developed child population who will grow up to be productive citizens of the country are pillars of the nation. However, they are dependent on their parents or care givers, which makes them vulnerable to abuse. The primary responsibility of protecting children from abuse and neglect lies with the families or the primary caregivers. However, communities and civil society and all other stakeholders are also responsible for the care and protection of children. The injuries of child abuse may be different for different children, however, several types of injuries are characteristic to abuse. Many of these injuries are easily observed by the dental professional in the course of routine dental treatment and are within the scope of dentistry for identification. This literature review shows that there are very few attempts made to report child abuse from dental offices in India whereas it is mandatory to report child abuse in many other parts of the world. This difference could be attributed to laws regarding this matter and lack of awareness and knowledge of the procedures to be followed. The objective of this paper is to review briefly the role of dentist in identifying child abuse and the norms about reporting it in our country.

Molars and premolars of maxilla and mandible infrequently exhibit a supernumerary inclusion or an anomalous cusp on their buccal surfaces which is known as a paramolar tubercle. When supernumerary cusps are associated with maxillary molars and premolars, they are termed as parastyle, and when associated with mandibular molars and premolars they are known as protostylid. This rare entity occurs singly in permanent dentition and is seen on the mesial half of the molars. The present paper reports two rare cases of bilateral paramolar tubercle in mandibular first molars and maxillary second molars associated with hypodontia of maxillary lateral incisor in both the cases. One paramolar tubercle in the mandibular molar was associated with accessory separate root on the distal aspect.