The Saint's International Dental Journal

The Current Landscape of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: An Analytical Overview

Anand Kumar — 2025-05-05

Recent advancements in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery have been fuelled by a remarkable wave of innovation and collaboration among a diverse group of surgeons, researchers, and academicians. This dynamic partnership has ushered in a transformative era, radically enhancing various surgical practices, and influencing the trajectory of this specialized branch of medicine. The development and refinement of cutting-edge surgical techniques have opened new frontiers in the realm of complex procedures.

Regenerative Medicine in Dentistry: A Paradigm Shift

Nazanin Jafari — 2025-05-05

Regenerative medicine is revolutionizing dentistry by leveraging the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate tissues. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on mechanical repairs, regenerative methods, such as stem cell therapies, bioactive materials, and exosome-based treatments, focus on biologically restoring dental structures.

Microsatellite Instability and Loss of Heterozygosity in CCND1 Microsatellite loci at Chr.11q13 in OSCC Patients with Therapeutic Validation

Seema Gupta — 2025-05-05

Background: Numerous prognostic biological markers linked to survival have been identified over the years; however, only few have undergone rigorous evaluation for their diagnostic accuracy. Molecular laboratory techniques like microarrays, microsatellites, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have created new opportunities for diagnosing diseases, identifying chromosomal aberrations, and detecting point mutations for medical verification. The deviation of CCND1-cyclinD1 loci on chromosome 11Q13 is identified as a genetic marker for esophageal, breast, colon, rectal, and ovarian cancers.

Material and Methods: A total of 18 microsatellite markers located on 11q13 were analyzed in 150 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), who were treated with cisplatin and capecitabine. The study aimed at early detection, clinical validation, and the establishment of genetic markers. We collected 150 primary tumor tissues and corresponding blood samples from patients visiting King George’s Medical University in Lucknow between 2010 and 2016. Tissue samples were obtained either at the time of investigational biopsy or during the surgical resection of the lesions.

Results: The overall incidence of loss of heterozygosity (LOH)/microsatellite instability (MSI) was 60%±20.84, with the frequency of LOH and MSI of individual markers ranging from 9% to 95%. LOH/MSI was relatively more frequently detected at five loci, namely, FGF4 (65.33%/11%), FGF3 (77.33%/13.23%), INT2 (64%/12.8%), CCND1 (88%/ 15.13%), and D11S2179 (61.33%/12.66%).

Conclusion: This report presents the initial findings suggesting a potential association between allelic loss at the CCND1 locus on chromosome 11q13 and the recurrence of OSCC in Indian patients treated with cisplatin and capecitabine. Further research in this area may provide valuable insights.

Prevalence of periodontal disease, oral mucosal lesions and oral habits among seafood industry employees of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Anakapalli Sai Praharsh — 2025-05-05

Background: Epidemiological studies serve to generate knowledge of the distribution and determinants of disease frequency. To be able to find effective tools for prevention and health promotion, we have to know the causation that preceded the disease onset

Aim: To assess the periodontal status, prevalence of oral mucosal lesions, and oral habits among seafood industry employees in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 162 participants aged between 18 and 60 years of age, using WHO oral health questionnaire for adults (2013) and the oral health assessment form for adults (2013), which recorded demographic details, routine oral hygiene habits, adverse oral habits, community periodontal index, and oral mucosal lesions. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze frequency and percentage distribution of study variables.

Results: The majority of the subjects used a toothbrush (98.1%) and toothpaste (97.5%) to clean their teeth. Smoking and tobacco chewing habits were recorded among 41 (25.3%) and 21 (12.9%) subjects, respectively. The prevalence of periodontal disease was 79.6% among the study population. About four (2.4%) subjects had leukoplakia, five (3.1%) subjects had ulcerations, and three (1.8%) subjects had smoker’s palate.

Conclusion: The findings of this study provided an insight into the periodontal health status, oral habits, and the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions of seafood industry employees in Visakhapatnam, which may be useful in designing and planning oral health promotion programs.

Periodontal plastic surgery and reconstruction: Reaching new heights

Nirma Yadav — 2025-05-05

As a periodontal surgeon and general dentist affiliated with an academic institution, we have recently observed trauma patients exhibiting bruised lips. The origins of the procedures now identified within the realm of modern periodontal plastic surgery trace back thousands of years; however, these techniques have only recently been classified under the designation “periodontal plastic” surgery. As the field undergoes further advancements, the general perception of the term “plastics” is expected to evolve, potentially leading to the integration of the term “reconstruction” into the specialty’s nomenclature in the near future.

Diastema closure and esthetic rehabilitation with peg-shaped laterals: A case series

Afsana Ansari — 2025-05-05

Esthetic rehabilitation utilizes advanced materials and technology to address the needs of patients with significant esthetic concerns, adhering to a conservative approach through the application of direct composites. This methodology is designed to ensure minimal discomfort and maximum safety during treatment. Direct composite veneers represent a conservative strategy for the correction of esthetic profiles. This case report details the esthetic enhancement of a midline diastema accompanied by peg-shaped lateral incisors, with a follow-up period of 6 months. In summary, for patients expressing concern regarding the esthetic appearance of their anterior teeth, direct composite veneers present a viable and effective treatment option