Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the transmasseteric anteroparotid (TMAP) approach for surgically managing mandibular subcondylar fractures and to compare its outcomes with those of the conventional retromandibular transparotid (RMTP) approach. Methodology: Sixteen cases with subcondylar fractures were treated using two different approaches. Parameters were evaluated and recorded after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months with the same device and settings. The parameters evaluated were facial nerve function, parotid gland-related complications (sialoceles), interincisal mouth opening assessment, and occlusal stability. Intergroup comparison between the two groups for different parameters was done using unpaired t-test. Results: Out of the 16 patients, 93.75% were male, and 7.25% were female. The assignment of groups was random, with Group A subjected to the RMTP approach, and Group B opting for the TMAP approach. Notably, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in facial nerve function observed when comparing Group A to Group B. Conclusion: The retromandibular TMAP approach, as outlined in this study, demonstrates significant benefits, providing increased access with fewer complications and lower morbidity compared to the RMTP approach.

Abstract Oral mucosa is the mucus membrane that lines the oral cavity. The oral cavity is constantly being exposed to many stimuli which can irritate the oral mucosa leading to a variety of hyperplastic reactions. Allergic contact stomatitis is a common condition that occurs nowadays due to different food items with more flavoring agents added for taste. All these can have an effect on the oral mucosa which people do not notice until it becomes severe. Clinical examination with proper diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition and recurrence. A student aged 27-year-old presented with allergic contact stomatitis where erythematous lesions were found in nonkeratinized mucosa. History revealed that there were no previous episodes of the similar lesion and it was treated using antihistamines and mouthwash.

Abstract Background: Elevated levels of uric acid are the end product of purine metabolism. Uric acid levels are regulated by xanthine oxidase enzyme. Increased xanthine oxidase activity results in the generation of free radicals. Hence, elevated uric acid levels are the manifestations of oxidative stress. Meanwhile, raised uric acid can trigger release of inflammatory mediatory and create the inflammatory state. Thus, inflammation and oxidative stress are the important events in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to find the association of uric acid levels with metabolic syndrome and the individual components of metabolic syndrome. Methodology: A comparative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 metabolic syndrome cases and 50 controls. Clinical examination followed by laboratory investigations for the estimation of serum uric acid, fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), fasting insulin, and lipid profile. Insulin resistance (IR) was calculated by homeostatic model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR). Results: In the metabolic syndrome patients’ group, serum uric acid was found to have strong positive correlation with body mass index, blood pressure, glycemic indices, IR, lipid profile, and Hs-CRP. It was found that there was 2.5 times higher risk of development of metabolic syndrome with every unit increase in serum uric acid levels and this association was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Uric acid can be used as the marker for the early identification of metabolic syndrome or as a prognostic marker in the diagnosed cases of metabolic syndrome.

Abstract Introduction: Coronavirus has influenced the health-care system and human life in several aspects. Education being an important factor has decreased the level of interest and confidence among the students. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID pandemic on the self-confidence level of clinical practice. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 female dental students in the Namakkal district. Students were selected using a simple random sampling lottery method. Their level of self-confidence was assessed using a pretested questionnaire framed in all specialties regarding clinical work. The questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms and evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. Results: Among 120 students, a higher level of confidence was seen in endodontic procedures followed by periodontics. A lower level of confidence was seen in managing dental emergencies and procedures such as pulpotomy/pulpectomy and extractions. Only 24% were confident in class I cavity preparation, 30% in instructing patients about oral hygiene, 13% in recording case history, and 6.7% in fluoride application. Most of the students wish to improve their level of confidence through extra training because only 20% were satisfied with their self-confidence. Conclusion: In the field of dentistry, contact with clinical practice has been severely affected, and it is understood that online educational platforms can only improve the theoretical part and have lower performance in clinical education.

Introduction: With the advent of competency-based medical education, self-directed learning and student-centric approach have been emphasized. The flipped classroom (FC) is a learning design which encourages active involvement of students. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the effectiveness and perceptions of FC among II MBBS students. Materials and Methods: This was an interventional study done on II MBBS students. The study material on a topic was provided to all participants 1 week before interaction and assessment sessions. The perception of students was assessed by a standard validated questionnaire with Likert scale and open-ended questions. The knowledge gained was assessed by a total of 10 multiple-choice questions, 5 each from topics covered by FC and traditional method and scores analyses by unpaired t-test among high and low achievers and between two methods. Results: A total of 103 students were included in the study. In this study majority of students felt that flipped classroom was more engaging, motivating and increased communication. This method was also flexible they could go through the course according to their own pace and helped in improving learning. The overall rating of FC was 60.83%. The mean scores in topics delivered by FC (2.05 ± 1.17) were higher than that of traditional didactic lecture (1.46 ± 1.02) and P = 0.0001 was statistically significant and also among high achievers (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: This study concludes that majority of students perceived FC as an effective strategy for learning and test scores of students were higher with FC than with traditional lecture and also in high achievers compared to low achievers.

Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) measurement frequently guides management in critical care. Direct readings from a major artery is considered the gold standard. However, intra-arterial cannulation is associated with many risks. Hence, alternative noninvasive BP (NIBP) measurements are used for prolonged monitoring of BP among critically ill patients. Discrepancies between intra-arterial BP (IABP) and NIBP measurement can adversely affect therapeutic decisions and may have a negative impact of outcomes. Objectives: To compare upper limb and lower limb BP measured by auscultatory and oscillometric methods with IABP (by arterial cannulation) in hemodynamically unstable patients. Materials and Methods: Patients in the medical intensive care unit of Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre were included over 24 months (50 patients admitted) in the clinical cross-sectional study. All patients who had a systolic BP (SBP) below 100 mmHg with an intra-arterial line were included under the study after obtaining an informed consent from the patient/patient’s bystander. The study design was approved by the Ethics Committee at Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre. Choice of cuff size was made based on the limb circumference (midarm and midcalf) and manufacturer guidelines. BP was measured in arm using a welch allyn aneroid manometer. Oscillometric NIBP was relied on an MP20 model (Philips Medical Systems) connected to the nondisposable, reusable cuff. The intra-arterial catheter was connected through a pressure transducer to the monitor (Philips). With the patient supine, the pressure transducer was zeroed at the level of the mid-axillary line and the correct shape of the arterial pressure waveform was ascertained. Measurements: BP was measured at 0 h, 3 h and once the patient becomes hemodynamically stable using auscultatory, oscillometric, and IABP at arm and calf, respectively. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean standard deviation, whereas categorical variables were expressed as frequency (%). Karl Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to find our relationship of BP measured by two different methods with BP measured using arterial cannulation. P < 0.05 was considered the threshold for statistical significance. Statistical analyses was performed using a Statistical Software Package SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 50 patients admitted in a hemodynamically unstable state, 68% were male and 32% were female. Male-to-female ratio was 2.125. The mean age of patients was 65.9 ± 12.2. Majority of the patients belonged to the age group 61–70 years (30%) and the least number of patients in age group <50 years (8%). Arm SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) measured by auscultatory and oscillometric method at the arm showed a positive correlation to intra-arterial SBP (IASBP) and intra-arterial DBP (IADBP) at 0 h, 3 h and once stable, which were statistically significant. Similarly, Arm SBP and DBP measured by auscultatory and oscillometric method at calf showed positive correlation to IASBP and IADBP at 0 h, 3 h, and once stable, which were statistically significant. The method used for measuring BP was irrelevant at 0 h and once stable, but at 3 h, SBP was better measured by the oscillometric method than by the auscultatory method. Conclusion: Noninvasive methods (auscultatory and oscillometric) can be used reliably for measuring BP in hemodynamically unstable patients instead of intra-arterial methods. Correlation tends to improve as BP becomes more stable.

Dermoid cysts in the floor of the mouth or submental region are developmental cysts that occur due to the entrapment of the ectoderm between the second and third branchial arch during embryogenesis around 3rd–5th week of intrauterine life. This report aimed to report the case of a 21-year-old Nigerian woman who presented with a chief complaint of swelling in the floor of the mouth extending to the submental region. There was associated recent history of pain and difficulty in chewing, speaking, and breathing. Clinical, ultrasonography, and histological evaluations were done to establish a diagnosis of an infected dermoid cyst. The infection was treated with antibiotics, after which surgical excision was done under general anesthesia through nasotracheal intubation. The patient was followed up after the surgery and no complication was recorded.

Introduction: In our study, we have compared the efficacy of dentin bone graft for purpose of ridge preservation and have compared it with autogenous bone graft (ABG). A total of 15 patients were included in this study requiring extraction of bilaterally impacted third molar. On the one side, the socket was filled with processed dentin graft prepared after extraction of the third molar, and on the other side, the socket was filled with ABG harvested from external oblique ridge. The two were compared on the basis of various soft tissue and hard tissue parameters. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the dentin autograft with ABG for preservation of socket defect after removal of mandibular third molars clinically and radiographically. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients were included undergoing extraction for bilaterally impacted third molar. The socket on one side after extraction was filled with processed dentin from the same extracted tooth, and the other side of the socket was filled with ABG harvested from the external oblique ridge. Results: It was seen that dentin graft had the regenerative properties and showed potential for ridge preservation. Conclusions: Ridge preservation is essential for placement of implant and other prostheses. Preservation of ridge immediately after extraction bypasses the need for extensive ridge augmentation procedure. Hence, dentin graft can be used for this purpose as it has potential for bone regeneration.

Abstract Background: Tooth avulsion is one of the common dental problems seen in children. Informing that avulsed tooth can be reimplanted and method to store the tooth, the importance of immediate replantation without time loss, etc., can save many avulsed teeth, preventing psychological trauma and cost of prosthetic rehabilitation. The study aims to assess knowledge and create awareness regarding the management of avulsed teeth among school-going children (14–16 years). Methodology: The study was conducted among 1231 schoolchildren of age group 14–16 years of different urban schools of Nagpur to assess the knowledge regarding the management of avulsed teeth before and after an informative lecture. The mean knowledge score pre- and postpresentation was statistically analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Results: Students lacked knowledge about the management of avulsed teeth. However, their mean knowledge score increased to 3.15 from 1.98 after oral health presentations focusing on the management of avulsed teeth. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding avulsed tooth and its management among schoolchildren is barely adequate and requires the right method of education via seminars and dental health programmers.

Abstract Background: Tooth brushing is the basic mode of oral hygiene practice. Various studies have shown that microorganisms can colonize on the tooth brush heads. Newer tooth brushes which are biodegradable are available in the market. This study compares the fungal colonization of plastic brush head and bamboo brush head. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients were randomly allocated into two groups with 25 each in both groups. Group 1 was given toothbrush with plastic brush head and group 2 was given toothbrushes with bamboo head. After 30 days, toothbrushes were collected. The bristles of the brush was removed from its base and put on to the petri dishes with sabouraud dextrose agar and, incubated at 28°C, with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide for 5 days. After growth was identified, pure colonies were transferred on Chromagar for the identification of Candida species. Results: Fungal growth was observed in 48% of plastic brush heads and 76% in bamboo brush heads. Candida Albicans was the most common species isolated from both plastic and bamboo tooth brushes, followed by Candida tropicalis. C. Albicans were seen as light green-colored smooth colonies; Candida tropicalis appeared as metallic blue-colored raised colonies. Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei and Candida guilliermondii were also observed. Conclusion: Fungal growth was more in bamboo tooth brushes than in plastic tooth brush even though it is statistically insignificant C. albicans is most predominant species found in the tooth brush head.