Unveiling of Taste Disorders: An Overview

ABSTRACT Taste is the sensation produced when a substance in the mouth react chemically with the taste receptor cells located on the taste buds. Taste abnormality associated with abnormal substances, such as food debris, dental plaque, abnormal salivary constituents, metabolic products of bacteria and fungi and inflammatory exudates in the oral cavity. Accurate diagnosis of taste loss is the foremost step in the treatment of taste abnormalities. It is therefore helpful for both patient and health care provider to unravel the accurate cause. How to cite this article Srivastava A, Govindraju P, Pachipulusu B. Unveiling of Taste Disorders: An Overview. J Health Sci Res 2016;7(1):12-15. </jats:sec

Prevalence of ponticulus posticus of the first cervical vertebra: A digital radiographic study

Introduction: Ponticulus posticus is an anomaly located on the first cervical vertebra which can be appreciated on the lateral cephalogram that is mostly neglected by the dentists. Aims and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of ponticulus posticus and its relationship with gender and age. Materials and Methods: A sample of 580 patients' lateral cephalograms were retrieved from the archives of the department (Sirona Orthophos XG 5). Seventy-nine lateral cephalograms were excluded, and only 501 lateral cephalograms were taken with the age range of 8 to 60 years. Each digital radiograph was inspected for the presence and absence of ponticulus posticus and further evaluated for both the partial and complete form using Sidexes software and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: Ponticulus posticus was observed in 14.4% of the patients, among which 2.8% had complete and 11.6% had partial type; 59.7% were females and 40.3% were males. Conclusion: Ponticulus posticus is not an uncommon anomaly; therefore, lateral cephalogram should be carefully examined to check for the presence of this anomaly

Prevalence and Variations in the Mandibular Canal assessed using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Variations in the Mandibular Canal (MC) can be categorised based on shape (oval, round, or pear-shaped) and may include various accessory canals, such as bifid, trifid, or temporal crest canals. These variations are clinically significant because if, they are overlooked, they can lead to various complications. While both 2 Dimensional (2D) and 3D imaging modalities can evaluate these variations, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) offers superior resolution, reduced radiation exposure, and a comprehensive 3D view. Aim: To analyse the prevalence and variations of the MC, as well as its diameter and length among the Indian population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Ramohalli Cross, Mysuru Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India over a period of six months from October 2023 to April 2024. Total of 190 CBCT images were randomly collected from the CBCT archives, spanning ages 16 to 75 years. The length and diameter of the MC were measured using CBCT tools. The prevalence of variations in the MC was determined according to the classification provided for bifid and trifid canals. The Chi-square test was employed to compare the anatomical variations of the MC based on age and gender, while an independent Student’s t-test was used to compare the mean length and mean diameter based on age groups and gender. Results: The mean age of the study population was 37.96±14.63 years. Among the 190 images, 105 (55.3%) belonged to males and 85 (44.7%) belonged to females. The frequency of bifid canals was comparatively higher than that of trifid and temporal crest canals, with incidence rates of 14.7%, 3.7%, and 5.3%, respectively, showing no significant association with age or gender. Females exhibited a bilateral reduction in vertical diameter (mean difference of 0.37 mm compared to males at 0.40 mm). The mean length of the MC was notably longer on the left-side among males (mean MC length on the left-side: 69.36 mm compared to the right-side: 67.64 mm). Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of understanding variations in the MC. CBCT imaging enhances the comprehension of MC anatomy, facilitating accurate diagnostic and treatment strategies in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery

Relationship between the morphological variation of sella turcica with age and gender: A digital radiographic study

Introduction: Sella turcica is a saddle-shaped concavity located in the middle cranial fossa of the skull. The exact dimensions of sella turcica are an important consideration in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases related to the pituitary gland and brain. The sella turcica size and morphology is different from person to person. Thus, obtaining any data in this regard will be a great help in detecting abnormalities within this anatomic area. Aim: The objective of this study was to find out the correlation between the morphological variations of sella turcica with age and gender. Materials and Methods: Study sample consisted of 311 cephalograms of patients with age ranging 6–40 years. The contour of the sella turcica was traced and the linear measurements – length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica – were measured according to Silverman. Results: Morphology of sella turcica appeared to be normal shape in 27.3% of the study population followed by combination (26.7%), irregular (15.8%), pyramidal (10.6%), bridge (10%), oblique anterior wall (5.5%), and double contour (4.2%). Gender-wise comparison of the linear measurement was not statistically significant. Among the linear measurement, the parameter depth and diameter were statistically significant (P < 0.001) when correlated with age. On comparison of shape of sella turcica with linear measurements, the parameter length was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between the linear measurements and gender. There exists a significant relationship between the mean depth and mean diameter with age. That is, as age increases, the depth and diameter increase. There is a significant relationship between the length and the different shapes of sella turcica

Prevalence and Characteristics of the Articular Tubercle on Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Pneumatisation represents areas of minimal resistance, making it easier for the expansion of numerous pathological processes such as tumours, infections, or fractures into the joint. Detection of these air-filled cavities is necessary before planning surgical intervention in order to prevent complications. Aim: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of Pneumatisation of the Articular Eminence of the Temporal Bone (PAT) in the Bengaluru population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at an esteemed Dental College and Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The study lasted for 13 months, from March 2019 to February 2020. The study included Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of 133 patients (84 males and 49 females) aged between 20-80 years. Based on age, the study group was divided into five groups with an age interval of 10 years, and the prevalence, laterality, and type of pneumatisation of the articular eminence were assessed. The obtained data were statistically analysed using the Chi-square test and McNemar’s test with a significance level of p-value<0.05. Results: Out of the 133 CBCT images evaluated, PAT was noticed in 62 subjects, with an overall prevalence of 46.6%. The highest prevalence of pneumatisation (62.5%) was present in the age group of 61-70 years, followed by 53.8% in the 31- 40 years age group. A male predilection was noted with the maximum prevalence during the sixth decade, followed by the third decade of life. There was an equal distribution in terms of laterality, and the multilocular type of pneumatisation was more common than the unilocular type. Conclusion: The prevalence of PAT was 46.6% and was predominantly seen in males compared to females. Multilocular PAT was more commonly seen than unilocular PAT

Genomic Alphabets of Saliva as a Biomarker in Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in the developing world with high mortality rate despite the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. The major reason for low survival rate is late diagnosis. Salivary diagnostics is an emerging field along with the application of genomics aiding in the early detection of oral cancer. These genomic alphabets of saliva may serve as a timely, cost effective, noninvasive diagnostic medium. This article aims to discuss the role of genomic alphabets of saliva in the diagnosis of oral cancer