Introduction: Dental photography has always been an important aspect of the practice. The basic goal of digital dental photography is to capture the clinical symptoms of the oral cavity as accurately as possible. Secondary applications include dento-legal documentation, teaching, communication, portfolios, and marketing as a spin-off. This study aimed to assess the practice of photography documentation among dental students and dental practitioners in Riyadh using a cross-sectional observational study. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey distributed online. The sample included dental students (5^th and 6^th year), dental interns, postgraduate residents, and specialists. Frequency distribution and Chi-square tests were performed to compare the participant's responses. Results: A total of 218 dental practitioners were completed a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. The majority of the participants were dental interns and specialists, and more than 70% had 10 years or less of experience. Eighty-six percentage study participants reported using photography in their practices. Mobile phones were the most commonly used devices among dental practitioners. Conclusions: The results of the current study showed that the majority of dental practitioners believed that photography is essential in modern dental practice. However, to implement photography in dental practice, clarification of the general guidelines and the need for obtaining written consent must be explained to the patient. Furthermore, there is a need to incorporate photography within the dental curriculum.

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This article is a continuation of previous article entitled as A Comprehensive Review of Extraoral Maxillofacial Material: Part I. Part I dealt with historical background; Part II dealt with review of some early extraoral maxillofacial materials; Part III dealt with majorly with silicone elastomers as an extraoral maxillofacial material; and Part IV dealt with recent advances.

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Introduction: Surprising how a small part of our body, the mouth, can alter and result in a variety of systemic complications if not taken care of. The primary factor for maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality is thought to be periodontitis. Gynecologists have a crucial role in educating their patients about the need of keeping good dental health because it can improve the success of pregnancies and reduce mouth pain. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the awareness of gynecologists practicing in Pune, Maharashtra, about periodontal status and its outcome in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted on 60 gynecologists. We evaluated people's knowledge of the negative effects of female sex hormones on periodontal health. Results: Eighty percent were aware of the correlation between periodontal health and female sex hormones. 56.7% agreed that periodontal microorganisms can pass through the placenta and harm the fetus. 76.7% were unaware that the possibility of prenatal growth restriction has increased. Most participants did not motivate pregnant women for an oral health checkup. Conclusion: It can be inferred that gynecologists are not aware of the connection between mouth findings and worse pregnancy outcomes.

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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2, a novel coronavirus. The disease has spread internationally and affects all continents after its first appearance in East Asia in December 2019, affecting more than 200 countries. As a result of social alienation and stay-at-home responsibilities, oral health care practice has become critical. Oral hygiene is important for COVID-19 prevention because it has been linked to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. The authors of this article are particularly concerned about natural oral care practice and its link to the prevention of COVID-19.

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Introduction: Restorative dentistry has achieved remarkable developments in halting caries predominantly seen in pit and fissures. Flowable composite resin is predominantly used as pit-and-fissure sealants in recent years. The aim of our study was to compare the retentive properties of a flowable composite resin compared to a conventional sealant in 6–9 years school children over 18 months’ period. Materials and Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trail and conducted over a period of 18 months. Forty participants were randomly selected for this study from the private school. Flowable composite resin was used to seal the mandibular 1^st molars on one side and conventional resin sealant was used on the other side. Results: The differences in the retention status between the sealants after 12 and 18 months were found statistically significant with P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively. When the retention status was compared within the materials at different intervals, it was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Conventional resin-based sealants had better retention rate at 12 and 18 months’ duration than the flowable composite resin.

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Social media is a double-edged sword! The choice remains in the user as to whether they use it for a mere source of entertainment or to receive beneficial information. However, then, the credibility of the content given out plays a pivotal role. In such a scenario, what can make Gen Z benefit? Educated minds can bridge this gap by giving out reliable scientific data. Maintenance of oral hygiene is one such common yet neglected routine. The efficiency of social media in generating awareness about oral hygiene is assessed in the current pilot study, using an online questionnaire-based survey. The results showed that the median of scores of individuals knowledge before and after showing the infographic were 3.5 and 6.0, respectively (P = 0.05). Thus, suggesting social media to be an effective oral health awareness-creating tool.

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Background: Raising a child with a cleft lip and or palate disorder (CLPD) brings many challenges to the parents. Having children with CLPD can be a source of parental psychological distress (PPD). Stress experienced by parents may affect the development of a child. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with PPD among parents having children with cleft lip and palate attending a major dental hospital in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in cleft lip and palate clinics of Dental Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. PPD was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-30. Site of cleft and associated disabilities were recorded on data recording form using clinical records of the children. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 384 parents who accompanied their children to the clinic, 62.5% were mothers. The most common cleft site of the patients was cleft involving lip and palate (32.3%) and the least common site was isolated cleft of the soft palate (8.3%). The most common disability reported was speech problems (41.4%). The prevalence of PPD was 34%. Chi-square statistics showed that PPD was significantly associated with age of the child (P < 0.000), family income (P = 0.011), family structure (P < 0.000), previous knowledge on CLPD (P = 0.045), site of the cleft (P < 0.000), and disabilities associated with particular cleft (P < 0.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age of the child, family structure, cleft of the hard and soft palate, feeding difficulties, and speech problems were significant predictors for PPD. Conclusion: PPD is an important factor to consider in managing children having CLPD. This finding provides valuable information for the provision of multidisciplinary approach to manage PPD.

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Restoration of structurally compromised endodontically treated teeth presents a great challenge due to associated high risk of fracture compared to vital teeth. The conventional invasive restoration techniques with a cast post and core followed by coronal prosthesis increase the risk of tooth fragilization and root fracture. To avoid this, a new alternative to reinforce structurally compromised posterior teeth with the use of fiber-reinforced composites has been developed, so as to replace dentin, improvise strength, and provide biomimetic restoration of teeth thereby alleviating the need of extensive prosthetic needs. The following case series elaborates the technique of reinforcing endodontically treated teeth with two different fiber-reinforced composites.

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Background: Tetracycline hydrochloride is a primarily used antimicrobial for periodontitis. Due to its limitations when used systemically, local application in the subgingival zone is encouraged. The local concentration of the drug can be maximized further by optimizing its delivery vehicle. Aim and Objectives: The aim was to compare and assess the efficacy of novel drug formulation containing tetracycline microparticles with commercially available tetracycline fibers as local drug delivery agents in patients with chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients in the age group of 23–53 years with chronic periodontitis were selected. Patients having isolated periodontal pockets with probing pocket depth (PPD) >5 mm were selected. They were randomized into Group A (scaling and root planning [SRP] + tetracycline microparticles) and Group B (SRP + tetracycline fibers). Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at 0 and 90 days. The data obtained were consolidated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Both the groups confirmed statistically significant improvement in all the clinical parameters. Results of the study showed enhanced CAL gain in Group A compared to Group B. Conclusion: The novel drug formulation is equally efficacious to the commercially available formulation, with decreased manufacturing cost and greater drug availability. Nevertheless, more clinical trials are necessary to study the long-term results.

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Forensic dentistry plays an important role in cases where other analyses such as visual, photographs, and fingerprints seem to be ineffective. Any medicolegal inquiry must have proper identification since the improper identity might interfere with delivering justice. In edentulous patients, forensic identification based on examination of prosthodontic appliances is becoming more important, since the labeling of dentures and other prosthetic appliances may provide vital evidence for the patient's identification. This case report discusses the two methods of embedding patient details in the removable and fixed prosthesis using quick response (QR) code and ceramic staining.

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Comprehensive management of severe molar incisor hypomineralization with dental caries in a 9-year-old boy is reported. After the consultation, diagnosis and treatment planning; upon obtaining the consent from parents, and behavior modification of the child over a preparatory visit, three of the four permanent first molars (PFMs) were treated: two with indirect pulp therapy and one with direct pulp capping using tricalcium silicate cement. After observation of 1 month for each tooth, preformed stainless steel crowns (SSCs) were placed on all three PFMs in a diagonal manner for minimizing occlusal discomfort. The remaining PFM (36), restored earlier by another dentist, developed a dentoalveolar abscess during the course; the same was treated endodontically and a coronal seal was established with an SSC. A quadrant approach was adopted to complete extractions of all carious primary teeth along with the treatments of PFMs during the same appointments to minimize the number of visits. Local anesthesia with 4% articaine with adrenaline infiltrations was used for all quadrants except for the third where an inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lignocaine with adrenaline was given. Follow-up of all PFMs, over a period of over 9 months, was uneventful. The endodontically treated PFM, too, showed satisfactory recovery, posttreatment.

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