Background:In head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw is one of the major but uncommon complications. Satisfactorily results have been observed while treating ORN patients with upcoming treatment modalities such as combination therapy of pentoxifylline and Vitamin E (PVe). It is believed that in patients undergoing dental extractions, these treatment modalities can be used prophylactically for lowering the risk of development of ORN. Hence, keeping all these things in mind, we planned the present study to assess the prophylactic role of pentoxifylline and tocopherol in patients who require dental extractions after radiotherapy for cancer of head and neck.Materials and Methods:A total of 110 patients were included in this retrospective study, which had radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck. After radiotherapy, a total of 450 dental extractions were done in these 110 patients.Results:External beam therapy was given in 92.72% of the patients. 7.27% and 40% of the patients received intensity modulated radiotherapy combination of chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy, respectively. ORN developed only in 2 patients. Patients had taken PVe for a mean of 12 (24) weeks preoperatively and 14 (18) weeks postoperatively. The incidence was lower than that normally associated with dental extractions in irradiated patients.Conclusion:In patients undergoing dental extractions, after receiving radiotherapy of head and neck region, combination therapy of pentoxifylline and tocopherol are sufficiently effective.

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Introduction: There exist a number of factors that affect the outcome of orthodontic treatment. These factors can be assessed by various gingival markers. One such maker is myeloperoxidase (MPO). Hence, we planned the present study to assess and compare the MPO activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment by different aligning arch wires. Materials and methods:The present study included assessment of patients who underwent orthodontic treatment for crowding of anterior teeth. Diagnostic cast models of all the subjects were made for recording the irregularity index. All the subjects were randomly divided into three study groups with 15 patients in each group based on the type of nickel-titanium (NiTi) arch wires used. A collection of GCF samples was done in all the patients at various time intervals and it was sent to the laboratory for assessment of MPO activity. Activity of the MPO enzyme was expressed in terms of number of units per 100 µL. All the results obtained were compiled and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results Conclusion:Both superelastic NiTi and heat-activated NiTi generate optimal forces, which are necessary for higher metabolic response of the periodontal ligament. Clinical significance:In the intimal stages of orthodontic treatment, both superelastic NiTi and heat-activated NiTi wires are superior in leveling and aligning the crowded teeth.