Electrospinning of herbal extracts into nanofibrous membranes presents a promising avenue for advancing oral healthcare, particularly in periodontal regeneration. This article investigates the integration of Traditional Chinese Herbs—Melia azedarach, Corydalis yanhusuo, and Cynanchum atratum—into electrospun nanofibers for dental applications. We detail the multistep preparation of herbal extracts, highlighting critical challenges such as inconsistent solubility, variable phytochemical content, incompatible solution properties, and thermal or oxidative instability. The electrospinning process itself requires fine-tuning of solution properties (viscosity and conductivity) and precise operational parameters (voltage, humidity, and flow rate) to achieve structurally sound, bioactive nanofibers. Postfabrication processes—including crosslinking and optimized drying methods—are needed to ensure fiber stability and retention of herbal bioactivity. Recent advances in chemical and mechanical extraction techniques, such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation and high-pressure homogenization (HPH), are also discussed for improving nanocellulose yield and quality from herbal sources. The resulting electrospun nanofibers have shown potential in mimicking natural oral tissue, delivering drugs in a controlled fashion, promoting tissue repair, and imparting antimicrobial properties, thus emphasizing their translational relevance for dental and broader biomedical fields.
Background: Facial trauma often affects more than just physical appearance; it can disrupt daily functioning and emotional stability, ultimately reducing a patient’s quality of life (QoL). Although maxillofacial surgery has advanced considerably, there is limited evidence directly comparing the impact of surgical and conservative management on oral health–related QoL. Understanding these differences is important for choosing patient-centred treatment strategies. Materials and methods: This study included 60 adults (44 men and 16 women) aged 18–65 years who reported with facial bone fractures to a tertiary maxillofacial centre in Kerala between June 2022 and July 2023. Participants were allocated into two equal groups: One treated surgically and the other managed conservatively. The OHIP-14 questionnaire, previously validated for this patient population, was administered at three stages: Immediately after the traumatic event (T1), 30 days post-treatment (T2), and 90 days post-treatment (T3). Changes within and between groups were analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Both groups showed notable improvements in OHIP-14 scores across the assessment period (p < 0.001). Patients receiving conservative care demonstrated a steady decline in scores from T1 through T3, reflecting continuous improvement. In contrast, those undergoing surgery showed a temporary increase in scores at T2, largely attributed to postoperative discomfort, before exhibiting significant recovery by T3. Intergroup comparisons indicated statistically significant differences at every evaluated time point (p < 0.05). Overall, conservative management provided earlier relief, while surgical intervention delivered more pronounced long-term functional and psychological benefits. Conclusion: Conservative and surgical treatments both contribute meaningfully to improved QoL following maxillofacial fractures. However, the trajectory of recovery differs: Conservative therapy offers faster early improvement, whereas surgery tends to yield more enduring advantages as healing progresses. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs, expectations, and clinical conditions to optimise recovery and satisfaction.
Background: Aberrant frenal attachments extending into the interdental papilla may contribute to a midline diastema, impaired oral hygiene, and esthetic concerns. Although several frenectomy techniques are available, comparative evidence on patient-reported outcomes and esthetic healing is limited. Aim: To evaluate and compare postoperative pain and esthetic outcomes of different frenectomy approaches in patients with papilla-penetrating frenum. Methods: This case series included five patients treated with distinct surgical techniques—conventional scalpel, electrocautery, diode laser, parallel technique, and modified frenectomy. On days 1 and 7, postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Esthetic outcomes were evaluated at 6 weeks based on scar visibility and interdental papilla fill. Results: All techniques achieved effective frenal release. Diode laser and modified frenectomy demonstrated lower pain scores and superior esthetic healing, with minimal scar formation. In contrast, conventional and electrocautery techniques were associated with higher pain and more noticeable scarring, while the parallel technique yielded intermediate results. Conclusion: Minimally invasive approaches such as diode laser and modified frenectomy appear to provide enhanced patient comfort and improved esthetic outcomes compared with conventional techniques in the management of papilla-penetrating frena.
Aim and background: A successful first attempt at endotracheal intubation is crucial for safe airway management. Devices such as a bougie and a stylet are often used to facilitate difficult intubations, but evidence on their relative efficacy remains inconsistent. The aim of this study is to compare bougie and stylet-assisted intubation in improving the first-attempt success rates among anesthesia residents. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial included 112 patients [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1–2, aged 18–60 years] undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, and participants were randomly allocated to either the stylet group (n = 56) or the bougie group (n = 56). The primary outcome was success with the first attempt at intubation. Secondary outcomes included the number of attempts, intubation time, and hemodynamic responses [heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and oxygen saturation]. Results: Demographic characteristics were between groups. First-pass success was 69.6% with the stylet and 60.7% with the bougie (p = 0.318). Intubation within 30 seconds occurred in 61.4% of stylet cases vs 58.8% with bougie (p = 0.631). Hemodynamic changes during and after intubation were minimal and not statistically significant. Conclusion: Both bougie and stylet were equally effective for first-attempt intubation by anesthesia residents, with no significant differences in success rates, intubation times, or hemodynamic parameters. Stylet showed a non-significant trend toward higher success and faster intubation. Clinical significance: For clinical practice, a stylet may be a more straightforward device for novice intubators in routine cases, while a bougie remains an invaluable tool in situations with poor glottic visualization or anticipated airway difficulty. Training programs should emphasize proficiency with both devices to prepare residents for a wide range of airway scenarios.
Introduction: Persistent microbial infection is a major cause of endodontic treatment failure. Triple antibiotic paste (TAP) effectively reduces bacterial load but may not achieve complete sterilization. Due to concerns over resistance and cytotoxicity, herbal alternatives are being explored. Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), with its proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, offers a promising natural option. This study compares the antimicrobial efficacy of O. sanctum essential oil and TAP in the disinfection of infected root canals of permanent molars. Materials and methods: A randomized clinical study was conducted on 50 permanent molars with clinical and radiographic signs of pulpal infection. Samples were divided into two groups (n = 25 each): Group A received TAP (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline), and Group B received O. sanctum essential oil as an intracanal medicament. Microbiological samples were collected at three intervals: Baseline, postirrigation, and postmedicament, using sterile paper points. The samples were cultured for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted to assess bacterial reduction. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-tests, with p < 0.05 statistically significant. Results: Both TAP and O. sanctum oil significantly reduced aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts from baseline to posttreatment (p < 0.001). Triple antibiotic paste showed a greater overall reduction in CFUs than O. sanctum oil (p < 0.05), indicating superior antibacterial efficacy. While TAP exhibited uniform activity against both bacterial types, O. sanctum oil demonstrated stronger action against anaerobes during the medicament phase. Conclusion: Both (TAP) and O. sanctum oil significantly reduced microbial counts in infected root canals. Triple antibiotic paste showed greater antibacterial efficacy, but O. sanctum oil demonstrated notable antimicrobial potential, suggesting it may serve as a potential natural alternative.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a multi-strain oral-specific probiotic as an adjunct to conventional therapy compared with conventional therapy alone in the management of moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: A total of 124 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to either the experimental arm or the control arm. The experimental group received conventional periodontal therapy along with a multi-strain oral-specific probiotic, while the control group received conventional therapy alone. The study comprised three visits: During visit 1 (within 7 days), participants were screened, enrolled, and clinical parameters including gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. Oral hygiene status was evaluated during visit 2 (14 ± 4 days), and clinical parameters were reassessed at visit 3 (28 ± 4 days). Results: An independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant improvement in GI scores in the experimental group, indicating superior control of gingival inflammation with probiotic use. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for PI, PPD, and CAL. Conclusions: Adjunctive administration of a multi-strain oral-specific probiotic demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory effect on gingival tissues over a 1-month period. While no significant changes were noted in other periodontal parameters, the use of probiotics may offer a beneficial adjunct in the management of gingival inflammation, potentially contributing to the prevention of periodontal pocket formation and future attachment loss with sustained use.
Background: Pain management is an important aspect of dental practice, directly influencing patient comfort, cooperation, and the success of treatment procedures. Although local anesthesia effectively prevents intraoperative pain, the discomfort associated with needle penetration often provokes anxiety and fear among patients. The use of topical anesthetics before injection can significantly reduce this initial discomfort and improve patient acceptance. The present study aims to compare the efficacy of the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream and ice application as topical agents administered before performing a long buccal nerve block (LBNB). Materials and methods: This prospective comparative clinical study was conducted on 60 patients requiring LBNB. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (n = 30 each): Group I (EMLA) and group II (Ice). Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics cream (2.5% lidocaine + 2.5% prilocaine) or ice was applied for 2–3 minutes at the injection site before administering 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline. Pain perception was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), behavioral response using the sound, eye, motor (SEM) scale, and patient satisfaction using a 10-point VAS. Data were statistically analyzed using the independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 60 participants, the EMLA group showed significantly lower VAS pain scores and SEM scores compared to the Ice group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Patient satisfaction was higher with EMLA than with ice (p = 0.0003), indicating superior pain control and comfort with EMLA application. These findings showed that EMLA cream provided more effective pain reduction and greater overall satisfaction than ice application during LBNB administration. Conclusion: Both EMLA cream and ice application effectively reduced injection pain before LBNB administration; however, EMLA demonstrated significantly greater efficacy in minimizing pain perception and enhancing patient comfort. These findings support the clinical use of EMLA cream as a reliable and effective adjunct for achieving pain-free and patient-friendly dental injections.
Background: Sex determination is a critical step in forensic identification, particularly when dealing with skeletal remains. The mandible, due to its durability and pronounced sexual dimorphism, plays a significant role in anthropological studies. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers high-resolution 3D imaging, enabling accurate and reproducible morphometric assessments. This study aimed to evaluate mandibular morphometry using CBCT for sex determination in a selected North Indian population. Materials and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using CBCT scans of 200 individuals (100 males, 100 females), aged 18–60 years. Six mandibular parameters—gonial angle, maximum ramus height, condylar width, bigonial width, mandibular body length, and bicondylar breadth—were measured using DICOM-compatible software. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0. Independent sample t-tests, discriminant function analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were applied to assess statistical significance, predictive accuracy, and measurement reliability. Results: All six parameters showed statistically significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.001). Males demonstrated larger values in five parameters, whereas the gonial angle was higher in females. Maximum ramus height and bigonial width were the most predictive of sex. Discriminant analysis yielded an overall classification accuracy of 89.5%. Measurement reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.92). Conclusion: Mandibular morphometry assessed via CBCT provides a reliable and noninvasive method for sex determination. Maximum ramus height and bigonial width emerged as the strongest discriminators. These findings support the use of CBCT in forensic anthropology for population-specific identification standards.
The oral environment harbors a diverse microbial community that attaches to dental surfaces and gradually matures into plaque, which may develop into pathogenic biofilms implicated in periodontal disease. While conventional nonsurgical therapy continues to be the primary line of treatment, adjunctive approaches are being investigated to enhance therapeutic success. The strategic implementation of novel topical therapies holds promise for effectively controlling these biofilms and promoting improved oral care. Recently, Blue®M gel, a formulation enriched with oxygen-releasing agents and lactoferrin, has gained attention as a supportive measure in periodontal care due to its ability to limit biofilm growth. Available as gels, toothpastes, and mouthrinses, this product offers a novel option in oral hygiene. This review highlights the current evidence on the efficacy of oxygen-releasing and lactoferrin-based biomaterials, the Blue®M formula, as a novel oral care modality emphasizing its antimicrobial and regenerative benefits with applications in implantology, oral surgery, and periodontology.
Aim: The current investigation was undertaken to determine the clinical usefulness of freeze-dried, gamma-irradiated human amniotic membrane (HAM) as a biological dressing for intraoral surgical defects. Its effectiveness in promoting hemostasis, pain alleviation, feeding comfort, epithelialization, scar prevention, and overall wound healing was thoroughly analyzed. Materials and methods: A total of 30 individuals with benign or precancerous oral cavity lesions necessitating surgical removal were included. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. A cohort of 15 individuals with surgical sites was treated with a freeze-dried and gamma-irradiated HAM. A control group of 15 individuals had their surgical site allowed to heal by secondary intention. The patients were assessed at three postoperative intervals: 1 week, 3 weeks, and 3 months. Freeze-dried and gamma-irradiated HAMs were supplied in sterile, sealed polyethylene pouches and were available in various sizes (e.g., 3 × 3 cm, 5 × 5 cm). The factors evaluated postoperatively included operability, hemostatic status, pain alleviation, nutritional condition, epithelialization, scar contraction, and safety. Results: The study group comprised 15 patients with an average age of 59.67 ± 7.97 years. Males predominated (73.3%) over females (26.7%). The most frequently involved sites were the buccal mucosa (73.3%), the tongue (20%), and the labial mucosa (6.7%). The mean lesion area was 3.16 ± 1.14 mm². A higher prevalence of lesions was in the buccal mucosa. The operability of the material was found to be acceptable (fair) in all 15 cases. Regarding hemostasis, 86.7% of patients exhibited fair control, and 13.3% demonstrated good hemostasis, with no poor outcomes recorded. For pain relief, 60% of patients reported good improvement. Similarly, feeding status was good in 60%, fair in 33.3%, and poor in 6.7%. Conclusion: The results presented indicate that biological dressings significantly improve wound healing relative to exposed or synthetic dressings.
Background: An oral fibroma is a benign, scar-like growth that commonly develops due to chronic irritation in the mouth. It usually matches the color of the surrounding tissue and typically appears as a dome-shaped mass, resembling a polyp with a stalk. Traumatic fibromas commonly occur in the oral cavity, with the tongue being the area most frequently affected. Other common sites include the inner lower lip, gums, and buccal mucosa. When traumatic fibromas occur in visible areas, treatment is important as they can interfere with chewing, speech, and cause bite-related trauma. Proper diagnosis, addressing the underlying cause, and educating the patient are crucial in managing fibromas. When treatment is necessary, surgical removal is the only effective option. Aim: The aim of this case report was to excise a traumatic fibroma using a diode laser. Case description: A 36-year-old female patient reported to the Department of Periodontology with a chief complaint of soft tissue growth in the left cheek area that had been developing over the past year. Conclusion: Using a diode laser to treat oral lesions allows for precise removal with minimal bleeding, less postoperative pain, and faster healing. Clinical significance: This technique meets both clinical and procedural requirements while also helping to reduce the anxiety patients often feel with traditional surgical methods.
The successful completion of endodontic procedures depends on a thorough understanding of root canal (RC) anatomy. Anatomical discrepancies in canal number and structure, especially among maxillary molars, have an essential effect on the outcome of treatment, even though they are rather uncommon. The endodontic procedure of a maxillary second molar that had an atypical morphological pattern in the palatal root is reviewed in this case report.
When people visit the dentist, they often encounter endo-perio lesions. If an endodontic lesion is allowed to progress, it will eventually cause periodontal involvement, and vice versa. Two patients with periodontal involvement and an endodontic lesion were treated with root canal treatment (RCT) and flap surgery in this case study. Periodontal therapy was performed after the tooth had undergone endodontic treatment. The clinical attachment level increased significantly 6 months after surgery. Bone fill was found to be rather substantial when seen radiographically.
Background: In prosthetic dentistry, dental prostheses are often used in long-term oral rehabilitation to restore functionality and aesthetics. Although milling and casting have long been the mainstays of traditional production methods, the development of 3D printing technology has opened up new avenues for speed, accuracy, and personalization. Over a 12-month observation period, this research compares the clinical performance of 3D-printed dental prostheses with those made using conventional procedures in terms of fit, patient satisfaction, and long-term durability. Materials and methods: Eighty patients who needed permanent dental prostheses were randomly divided into two groups: Forty patients had prostheses made using 3D printing technology, and forty patients got prostheses made using casting or milling techniques. Prosthetic fit (measured with intraoral scanners), patient-reported comfort [measured with a visual analog scale (VAS)], and prostheses durability (measured by tracking problems like fractures or wear over 12 months) were the three main criteria used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the data, with p-values less than 0.05 being regarded as statistically significant. Results: Following a year, the group who had their 3D printed garments had a better fit; their mean marginal disparity was 35 microns, whereas the conventional group’s was 60 microns (p = 0.03). Additionally, the 3D printed group scored better on patient comfort than the conventional group (p = 0.01), with an average score of 8.2 compared to 7.1. In terms of durability, the 3D printed group had fewer issues (5% fracture rate) than the conventional group (15% fracture rate); nevertheless, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Conclusion: Compared to conventional manufacturing methods, 3D-printed dental prostheses showed better clinical results in terms of fit and patient satisfaction, and they also exhibited similar durability over 12 months. These results imply that, in terms of comfort and accuracy specifically, 3D printing could provide a more successful strategy for long-term oral rehabilitation. However, further research is required to evaluate long-term endurance over an extended length of time. How to cite this article: Gupta E, Banerjee U, Manisha D, et al. Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy of 3D Printed Dental Prostheses vs Traditional Manufacturing Techniques in Long-term Oral Rehabilitation. J Dent Bio-Allied Health Sci 2025;2(1):1–4.
Background and objective: Anxiety represents a significant and detrimental emotional condition encountered by patients. Psychotherapeutic behavioral approaches can enhance the patient’s experience through cognitive adaptations, emotional adjustments, behavioral changes, and environmental alterations. Incorporating these changes can assist the patient in effectively controlling their symptoms, enhancing their quality of life, and fostering adaptive coping methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on the pharmacological management of dental anxiety (DA) in regular dental practice. Findings: Pharmacological intervention employs relative analgesia (nitrous oxide) and conscious intravenous or oral sedation, each of which may present unfavorable side effects, challenges, and limitations. These modalities elevate the expenses and inefficacy of dental procedures. The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system largely regulates hazardous situations. One of the significant challenges that patients encounter, whether before, during, or following surgical dental procedures is the phenomenon known as dental anxiety. This leads to an elevation in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. As a result, significant DA results in aversion to dental care and numerous missed appointments, adversely affecting oral and overall health. The DA can lead to multiple adverse effects for the dental practitioner and the individual receiving treatment. Conclusion and relevance of the study: A large portion of the population encounters fear and anxiety. The dentist should evaluate the patient’s anxiety level, including dental phobia, and the sources of their fear. They can use self-reported anxiety and fear scores. Anxiolytics or conscious sedation are frequently needed to treat mild to moderate anxiety. Due to the high risk, dental professionals must follow protocols, obtain training, and have the required facilities before using these prescription medications. How to cite this article: Fahiza S, Thasneem KVT, Vijay CHD, et al. Pharmacological Management of Dental Anxiety. J Dent Bio-Allied Health Sci 2025;2(1):8–12.
Background and objectives: Growth and the overall maturational status of an individual play an important role in their orthodontic diagnosis. Knowing when to initiate orthodontic therapy is crucial for success. As human growth demonstrates considerable variation among individuals it becomes all the more important to estimate the developmental status relative to the degree of physiological maturity of the individual. Among various factors that have been implicated, one factor that has been shown to have a significant effect on skeletal, dental, and sexual development is the body mass index (BMI); although BMI is thought to be one of the factors related to dental development, very few studies have evaluated the relationship between BMI percentile and both dental age and skeletal maturation. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine an association between BMI and skeletal and dental development of growing orthodontic patients. Methodology: The study was done by collecting the pretreatment records of 100 subjects aged from 12 to 17 years comprising of 50 males and 50 females. The anthropometric and radiographic data of the subjects were assessed for determining BMI percentile and skeletal and dental maturation. The Pearson’s Chi-square test with continuity correction and logistic and linear regression were applied to determine the association between BMI percentile categories, cervical vertebral maturation stages, dental age, and the influence of BMI on the skeletal and dental development. Results: The mean chronological age obtained for males was 15.4 ± 2.13 years and for females was 13.2 ± 1.19 years, while the mean dental age for males and females was 16.01 ± 1.18 years and 14.82 ± 1.23 years, respectively. The mean BMI of the subjects was found to be 19.25 ± 2.49 for males and 17.8 5 ± 0.82 for females. A positive correlation was found between the BMI and cervical vertebral maturation index stages and the results obtained were not statistically significant. Conclusion: As chronological age is a poor indicator of maturation, BMI percentile and pubertal status can aid the clinician in determining whether the patient will exhibit delayed or accelerated dental and skeletal development. How to cite this article: Chaturvedula BB, Sheriff KAH. Correlation of Cervical Vertebral Maturation Index and Body Mass Index Stages in Growth Status Estimation in 12–17-year-olds in Chennai. J Dent Bio-Allied Health Sci 2025;2(1):5–7.
Smartphone vision syndrome (SVS), a form of digital eye strain, is a growing health concern caused by prolonged smartphone use, close viewing distances, and blue light exposure. Symptoms include eye strain, dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and sleep disturbances, affecting productivity, mental health, and quality of life. Children, adolescents, and adults face unique risks due to screen use patterns and occupational demands. Management involves limiting screen time, practicing the 20–20–20 rule, and using ergonomic setups. Treatments include artificial tears, blue light-blocking glasses, and vision therapy. Emerging technologies, such as adaptive displays, eye-tracking systems, and artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, provide innovative solutions. Research continues to explore long-term effects like myopia progression and chronic dry eye, while public health initiatives focus on raising awareness and promoting safe digital practices. A multidisciplinary approach combining technology, medicine, and policy is essential to mitigate SVS’s impact and promote healthier smartphone usage. How to cite this article: Srivastava R, Pradhan M, Bagde H. Smartphone Vision Syndrome—A Modern Ocular Health Challenge: A Review. J Dent Bio-Allied Health Sci 2025;2(1):18–22.
