Aim:The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and hydroxyapatite (HA) for reduction of pain and swelling, absence of dry socket, soft tissue healing, and bone regeneration after mandibular third molar extraction in human patients.Materials and Methods:Forty patients requiring extraction of mandibular third molars were randomly grouped as control, PRP, PRF, and HA-treated. The patients were assessed for postoperative pain, swelling, dry socket, and soft tissue healing on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day of postoperative periods depending on the standard methods. Radiological assessment of the extraction site was done at 1, 2, and 6 months interval to compare the change in bone density in the sockets in control and treated patients.Results:Pain and swelling were less on PRP and PRF site when compared to HA and control site. PRP and PRF site showed better soft tissue healing when compared to HA and control site. Radiographic assessment showed comparatively lesser bone density values in PRP, PRF, and control site at 1, 2, and 6 months than HA site.Conclusion:Our study showed that PRP and PRF are better graft materials than HA regarding pain, swelling, dry socket, and soft tissue healing. Bone regeneration is induced promptly by HA as compared to other graft materials. However, a more elaborate study with a larger number of clinical cases is very much essential to be more conclusive regarding the efficacy of the graft materials.

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Aims and Objectives:The aim is to study the effectiveness of 2 mm three-dimensional (3D) titanium miniplates and 2 mm conventional titanium miniplates in osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures by comparing the change in bite force.Methodology:The study comprised forty patients of age group 20–40 years, weighing 55–75 kg having mandibular fractures. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups In Group A, twenty patients underwent osteosynthesis using 3D titanium miniplates (2.0 mm system), whereas in Group B, twenty patients underwent osteosynthesis using conventional titanium miniplates (2.0 mm system). After fixation of fracture segments with miniplates, the patients were assessed on the basis of evaluation of bite force at incisor, right molar and left molar region after 1, 3, 6 , and 8 weeks. Comparison of change in bite force was done between Group A and Group B at different follow-ups at incisor, right molar, and left molar.Results:Bite force recordings showed increasing values at subsequent follow-ups, corresponding to the healing of the fracture in both groups. At follow-up III (6 weeks) and IV (8 weeks), bite force values reached near to those in healthy individuals. A significant difference was observed in change in bite force of Group A and Group B at incisor left molar and right molar on subsequent followups. 3D titanium miniplate requires less surgical exposure of the underlying fracture site, with a minimal traction of the surrounding soft tissue.Interpretation and Conclusion:3D miniplates in mandibular fractures are efficacious enough to bear masticatory loads during the osteosynthesis of fractures. It gives the advantage of greater stability, increased bite force, reduced implant material, and 3D stability.

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Botulinum neurotoxins, causative agents of botulism in humans, are produced by Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic spore-former Gram-positive bacillus. Botulinum neurotoxin poses a major bioweapon threat because of its extreme potency and lethality; its ease of production, transport, and misuse; and the need for prolonged intensive care among affected persons. This paper aims at discussing botulinum neurotoxin, its structure, mechanism of action, pharmacology, its serotypes and the reasons for wide use of type A, the various indications and contraindications of the use of botulinum neurotoxin and finally the precautions taken when botulinum neurotoxin is used as a treatment approach. We have searched relevant articles on this subject in various medical databases including Google Scholar, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, Scopus, and Copernicus. The search resulted in more than 2669 articles, out of which a total of 187 were reviewed. However, the review has been further constricted into only 54 articles as has been presented in this manuscript keeping in mind the page limitation and the limitation to the number of references. A single gram of crystalline toxin, evenly dispersed and inhaled, can kill more than one million people. The basis of the phenomenal potency of botulinum toxin (BT) is enzymatic; the toxin is a zinc proteinase that cleaves neuronal vesicle-associated proteins responsible for acetylcholine release into the neuromuscular junction. A fascinating aspect of BT research in recent years has been the development of the most potent toxin into a molecule of significant therapeutic utility. It is the first biological toxin which is licensed for the treatment of human diseases. The present review focuses on both warfare potential as well as medical uses of botulinum neurotoxin.