As esthetics gain importance, periodontal plastic surgical procedures involving soft tissue grafts are becoming commoner both around natural teeth as well as around implants. Periodontal soft tissue grafts are primarily used for the purpose of root coverage and in pre-prosthetic surgery to thicken a gingival site or to improve the crestal volume. Soft tissue grafts are usually harvested from the palate. Periodontal plastic surgical procedures involving soft tissue grafts harvested from the palate have two surgical sites; a recipient site and another donor site. Many patients are apprehensive about the soft tissue graft procedures, especially the creation of the second/donor surgical site in the palate. In the past decade, newer techniques and products have emerged which provide an option for the periodontist/patient to avoid the second surgical site. MucoMatrixX, Alloderm(®), Platelet rich fibrin, Puros(®) Dermis and Mucograft(®) are the various options available to the practicing periodontist to avoid the second surgical site. Use of these soft tissue allografts in an apprehensive patient would decrease patient morbidity and increase patient's acceptance towards periodontal plastic surgical procedures.

Introduction: Oral tori and exostosis are non-pathological bony protuberances seen on the alveolar surfaces of the jaw bones. These are commonly seen on the palatal surfaces of the maxilla [torus palatinus (TP)] and around the premolars in the lingual surface of the mandible [torus mandibularis (TM)]. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of tori/exostosis in the Malaysian population. Methodology: A total of 2666 patients were examined for the presence of tori and exostosis in the maxilla and mandible and were categorized into TP, TM, and exostosis (facial/labial). Collected data was analysed for obtaining descriptive statistics. Results: 882 subjects were noticed with oral tori/exostosis among the population studied with a prevalence rate of 33%. TP was seen more in females (35%), compared to males (20%), and this difference was statistically significant (p value < 0.001). Highest prevalence of TP was seen in Malays (43%), followed by Chinese (31%) and Indians (21%), which was statistically significant (p value < 0.00). Discussion: High prevalence of tori and exostosis was seen in the population studied. Though harmless, in certain circumstances, their presence necessitates changes in the denture design during fabrication of prosthesis, which the dentist should be mindful.

Substantial increase in awareness is required among OHP regarding HPV-OSCC link.

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Background: An invasive dental procedure is considered as one of the risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw, especially among patients on bisphosphonates. This study aimed to determine the awareness and perceptions of medical practitioners regarding bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), and their attitude towards dental referrals of such patients. Methodology: Methodology: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted with medical practitioners in and around Mysore city, Karnataka, India, who commonly prescribe bisphosphonates. The sample included orthopaedic doctors, physicians, endocrinologists, and oncologists- divided based on the duration of practice and speciality. Data on the type of practice, awareness of BRONJ, referral to a dentist before/during therapy, and patient education about adverse effects were collected and analyzed. A p value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 58 practitioners, 84.5% (49) were aware of the association between bisphosphonates and BRONJ. While 56.9% (33/58) believed dental procedure to be a risk factor, 55.2% (32/58) did not recommend screening of the oral cavity by a dentist before initiation of bisphosphonate therapy. A majority (65.5%) of them educated their patients about adverse effects. Mean knowledge scores varied with specialization (post-graduation vs super specialization= 1.43 vs 2; p = 0.01) but not with the duration of practice (<= 10 years vs >10 years= 1.57 vs 1.4; p= 0.24). Conclusion: The practitioners in our study were oblivious to dental procedures' role in the osteonecrosis of the jaw, highlighting the need of continuing education programs regarding BRONJ for medical and dental professionals. Clinicians who are updated about evidence-based practices and working cooperatively in teams may reduce the incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.