Probiotics are the living microorganisms that have been commonly used in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders. In recent times, probiotic and prebiotics have been used to assess and develop a natural balance of the microbial flora in the respiratory tract and the oral cavity as an adjunct therapy. They are known to augment the existing microbial flora that is beneficial to the host. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that help in increasing populations of probiotic bacteria. Recent studies have shown that probiotics help in active reduction in gingivitis, dental caries, periodontitis, and halitosis by replacing the harmful oral species, by means of utilizing abundant health-associated oral microbial species. Additionally, the nitrate-reducing bacteria have shown promising effect in improving efficiency of probiotic strains to accentuate oral health benefits. Probiotics along with prebiotics effectively alter the host–microbial interface by achieving homeostasis in multifactorial diseases such as periodontal diseases and oral malodor. The aim of the review is to collate the existing information available on use of probiotics and prebiotics in oral cavity.

Introduction Proper diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is paramount for proper management. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides additional information about osseous components of TMJ, but diagnosis of soft tissue abnormalities is still a challenging issue for the clinicians. To overcome this, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CBCT registration has shown to be a new promising technique that combines key features of both images into one single fusion image. The purpose of this systematic review was to compile available literature regarding the usefulness of CBCT and MRI-CBCT fusion imaging in proper diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) abnormalities. Materials and Methods Computerized literature search from January 2010 to 2020 using five databases: PubMed (MEDLINE) database (National Library of Medicine, NCBI), Cochrane Database, Scopus, Embase, and Science Direct was conducted by use of medical specific headings (MeSH) keywords. Results Only 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. Eight articles showed that CBCT accurately detected osseous components of TMJ but has low reliability in diagnosing soft tissue articular disc disorders. Relationship between hard and soft tissues were clearly visualized in fused images. Conclusion MRI-CBCT image registration is a reliable diagnostic tool for simultaneous evaluation of osseous and soft tissue abnormalities of TMJ and in future more studies should be encouraged to validate its accuracy for TMJ analysis.

Aim To provide diagnosis as well as differential diagnosis of dental fluorosis. Background Dental fluorosis is a developmental defect of enamel, due to consecutive exposures of tooth during the formative stage of development to the higher concentration of fluoride, resulting in enamel with lesser mineral content and enhanced porosity. Several epidemiological indices have been utilized for diagnosis and assessment of dental fluorosis on the basis of clinical appearance. Fluorosis of the deciduous teeth occurs less commonly and is milder than that of permanent teeth. Highlights The diagnostic difficulties are usually associated between fluorotic and nonfluoride opacities. A complete history of the clinical condition, teeth affected with specific areas, pattern of lesion, color and its method of detection are the few important diagnostic criteria for differentiating dental fluorosis from nonfluoride discolorations of the teeth. Conclusion This review article has enlightened the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of dental fluorosis among various nonfluoride tooth discolorations. A correct diagnosis results in an appropriate and early management of dental fluorosis and plays an important role in oral epidemiology and public health.

Introduction Failure in surgical endodontic techniques can occur most commonly due to improper seal in the apical region. The root-end filling material used should not allow the contamination of the periapical tissue. The aim of the present study was to compare the ability of white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), white Portland cement (PC) and intermediate restorative material (IRM) for sealing root-end by dye leakage test. Materials and Methods 120 teeth with single root were prepared through instruments. Following obturation, the apex was cut, and a cavity was made. Then, the teeth were divided into four groups (Group I: MTA, Group II: white PC, Group III: IRM, Group IV: control). Cavities made at apex in the first three groups were then filled with the respective materials. Exposure to the dye, India Ink, was then done for a time period of 72 hours. The depth of penetration of dye inside the whole root was then evaluated with a magnification of 16X under stereomicroscope in vitro. Result MTA showed statistically significant difference in sealing ability (p < 0.05) as compared with other materials. Conclusion MTA cement showed better sealing ability. It is an ideal retrograde filling material, because it is a biocompatible material and has a good marginal adaptation as compared with PC which, in turn, showed better sealing ability than IRM.

Introduction Hyoid bone plays a significant role in physiological functions of craniofacial region, and its position adapts to changes of the head posture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hyoid bone position among skeletal Class I subjects with various growth patterns. Materials and Methods 90 subjects of north Indian origin, aged between 16 to 30 years, having skeletal class I relation were selected for the study. Subjects were then subdivided into three groups, that is, Group I (n = 30; normodivergent), Group II (n = 30; hypodivergent) and Group III (n = 30; hyperdivergent), based on their vertical growth pattern. Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed manually for evaluation of hyoid bone position. Result The sagittal position of the hyoid bone shows no significant difference with varying growth patterns. The vertical relation G-C₃Chor distance showed significant difference in hypodivergent subjects. The axial inclination of the hyoid bone showed no significant difference between different growth patterns. Conclusion The anteroposterior position of the hyoid bone does not change with different growth patterns in skeletal class I subjects. The G-C₃Chor distance was found to be statistically significant when the three groups were compared.

Introduction The present study aimed to clinically evaluate and compare the variations in gingival thickness and width of keratinized gingiva according to the dental arch and location in pigmented and nonpigmented gingiva. Materials and Methods A total of 240 sites from systemically healthy subjects were selected and divided into two groups; Group 1(pigmented gingiva) and group 2 (nonpigmented gingiva). After the initial visit of scaling and root planning, the gingival thickness was evaluated mid-buccally in the attached gingiva, that is, the center of the mucogingival junction and free gingival groove, and at the base of the interdental papilla. Similarly, the gingival width was measured as the distance from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction. A single calibrated examiner recorded the measurements using the digital vernier caliper with a resolution of 0.01 mm. Results Gingival thickness and width were found to be significantly higher in pigmented than nonpigmented gingiva. Also, the maxillary arch was found to have thicker and wider gingiva than the mandibular arch in both the groups. The gingival thickness was found to be maximum in central incisor and minimum in canine in both the groups. However, the width of keratinized gingiva was found to be maximum in lateral incisor in group 1 (pigmented) and central incisor in group 2 (nonpigmented) and minimum in canine in both the groups. Conclusion A significant positive correlation in gingival thickness and width was observed according to dental arch and location in both pigmented and nonpigmented gingiva.

Introduction Poly(methyl methacrylate) is widely used as denture base material due its better physical properties, ease to fabricate, and repair. Despite being the material of choice for the denture fabrication, dentures made from poly(methyl methacrylate) may exhibit dimensional changes due to volumetric shrinkage. This further affects the retention of the denture. Various methods have been used to overcome this problem. One such method is the use of injection molding technique. So, a study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of dentures processed by injection molding technique in reducing the volumetric shrinkage. Objective To evaluate and compare the dimensional accuracy of poly(methyl methacrylate) resin processed by conventional and injection molding technique. Materials and Methods A total of 90 samples were made. Half of the samples (45) were fabricated by compression molding and half (45) by injection molding technique. Dimensional change was studied at three equidistant points in posterior region with the help of digitized travelling microscope. Statistical analysis was done using student's t-test. Result Dimensional accuracy of injection molded poly(methyl methacrylate) resin was greater than that of compression molded poly(methyl methacrylate).

Introduction Since extraction and nonextraction is a debatable topic to date, its effects on the changes in the dimension of arch width are unclear. Many investigators suggested that extraction would lead to arch collapse, whereas few others suggested that such changes in dimension would not occur. Aim and Objectives To evaluate the changes in the intercanine and intermolar width in premolar extraction cases in class I and class II div 1 malocclusion cases. Materials and Methods The study included pretreatment and posttreatment study models of 25 patients (14 with class I malocclusion, 11 with class II division 1 malocclusion). Intercanine and intermolar widths were measured and evaluated for both the malocclusions. The difference posttreatment intercanine width and intermolar width between class I and class II division 1 malocclusion were also assessed. The values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the intercanine and intermolar width pre- and posttreatment for class I patients, but there was a statistically significant difference in the intercanine and intermolar widths in class II patients. When class I and class II patients were compared for the parameters (intercanine/intermolar widths), it showed that there was no statistically significant difference.

Fixed prosthetic option is the most accepted treatment desired by the patient in modern times. Malpositioned implant presents a challenge, especially during prosthetic phase. The prosthetic achievement of various complex cases can be done by following appropriate procedure; one of which has been discussed in this report. The use of transmucosal abutment with castable abutment is successful treatment option for complex malposed single dental implant.

Dens invaginatus (DI) is an anomaly of developmental origin arising due to disturbances during the morphodifferentiation stage, resulting from infolding of enamel organ toward the dental papilla. Different presentations of the invagination, altered canal morphology, and presence of constrictions and dilatations sometimes make its management really challenging. With the advent of modern diagnostic and treatment aids, their easy availability and routine use, it is now possible to have detailed view of the invagination, thus making the management easy and the outcome predictable. This article presents two different presentations of DI and their management.