Objective To identify the morphological varieties of the soft palate on a digital lateral cephalogram in the median sagittal plane which is presented variously in normal individuals with age and gender and also to assess if there exists any morphological variations in the soft palate among cleft palate and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) groups. Materials and methods A total of 120 normal subjects, 15 cleft palate patients and 15 OSA patients, whose ages ranged from 5 years and above were included. The morphology of the soft palate on lateral cephalometry was examined and classified into different types. The dimensional differences of the soft palate between the types and the differences in proportion to different age and gender groups were also studied in normal individuals, cleft palate patients and OSA patients. Results The morphology of the soft palate was classified into six types with an additional ungrouped type. There was a significant increase in the length of soft palate with age. In cleft palate patients, the predominant type of soft palate was type 3 with shorter velar length, while the predominant type of soft palate in OSA patients was type 1 with the length of the soft palate longer than that of the normal group. No significant difference was observed between males and females with respect to the mean length in normal group, cleft palate group and OSA group. Conclusion Soft palate presents variable radiographic appearances on lateral cephalometry. The classic velar morphology in cleft palate and OSA patients serves as an alternative modality of investigation to identify the etiology at an earlier stage. How to cite this article Deepa V, David CM, Ramnarayan BK. Morphological Varieties of Soft Palate in Normal Individuals, Cleft Palate Patients and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Reference to Indian Population: A Preliminary Digital Cephalometric Study. World J Dent 2013;4(4):241-249.

Background:Teeth have always been known as stable tissue that can be preserved both physically and chemically for long periods of time. Blood group substances have been known to be present in both the hard and soft tissues of the teeth.Objectives:This study aimed at detection of ABO blood group substances from soft and hard tissues of teeth and also to evaluate the reliability of teeth stored for a relatively long period as a source of blood group substances by absorption–elution technique with some modifications.Results:Blood group obtained from the teeth was compared with those obtained from the blood sample. Pulp showed a very large correlation in both fresh and long-standing teeth though it decreased slightly in the latter. Hard tissue showed a large correlation in both the groups indicating that hard tissue is quite reliable to detect blood group and that there is no much difference in the reliability in both the groups. However, combining pulp and hard tissue, correlation is moderate. Correlation of blood grouping with the age, sex, and jaw distribution was carried out.Conclusion:Blood group identification from hard and soft tissues of teeth aids in the identification of an individual.

Introduction: Oral Squamous Papilloma (OSP) is a benign, hyperplastic wart-like localized proliferation, representing an exaggerated growth of normal squamous epithelium caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. It can occur at any age and is commonly found on the tongue, lips, buccal mucosa and palate. Case report: We present a case of oral squamous papilloma in a 40-year-old male patient in the hard palate which was managed by laser excision. Conclusion: Oral Squamous Papilloma is an exophytic non-contagious growth which is caused by papilloma virus. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice and laser excision has shown to be a promising treatment modality with high patient compliance.

Tongue is a vital organ within the oral cavity that has varied function, and it may act as an index for underlying systemic diseases. The investigation of tongue disease may begin with mere clinical examination and extend to the use of few specialized tests. This article is an attempt to highlight the special investigations of tongue lesions with emphasis on clinical examination.

No abstract