Buccolingual Dimensions Research Articles

Anthropological and Forensic Aspects of Odontological Variation in Two Contemporary Australian Populations

The utilization of odontometric variation as a discriminator between modern human groups continues to decline, despite its value in both anthropological and forensic contexts. Traditional odontometric methods, coupled with advanced statistical methods, are applied to illustrate the continuing usefulness of these techniques. The ability to discriminate between the major population groups (Caucasoid and Mongoloid) in the Sydney region of Australia, absed on dental dimensions, is extremely valuable in the forensic identification of individuals. Furthermore, metric variation in the dentition of these contemporary populations is poorly understood in this region of the world. The utility of variation in tooth dimensions in discriminating between these two groups is explored. Dental stone casts of the permanent maxillary and mandibular dentition of 198 individuals were made, and mesiodistal and buccolingual crown diameters were recorded for each tooth. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate differences in linear and areal dimensions, as well as the predictive value of these measures in a forensic contect, using discriminant function analysis (DFA). DFA produced separation of Caucasoids and Mongoloids with a success rate of 93.9% on the basis of these measurements. Separation of the groups was most apparent in the mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of the maxillary first premolar (P1), the mesiodistal diameter of the maxillary second premolar (P2), and the mesiodistal dimension of the mandibular first premolar (P1). The results from this study further highlight the usefulness of dental metrics in forensic applications and contribute to our knowledge of the variation of these features in contemporary human populations.

Posterior tooth morphology and lower incisor crowding

Frequently, only the mesiodistal dimensions of mandibular posterior teeth have been investigated in relation to lower incisor crowding. The aim of the present study was to investigate any relationship between lower incisor crowding and mesiodistal widths, buccolingual dimensions, occlusal area and occlusal perimeter of mandibular posterior teeth. Mandibular dental casts of 50 Caucasians (25 males and 25 females) were used. Mesiodistal widths, buccolingual dimensions, occlusal area and occlusal perimeter were measured using image analysis techniques. Lower incisor crowding was determined using (1) Little’s irregularity index and (2) anterior-tooth size arch length discrepancy. Using Pearson correlation, the occlusal area, perimeter, mesiodistal widths and buccolingual dimensions of the lower first molar were significantly, positively correlated with Little’s irregularity index. The significant correlation between occlusal area and crowding did not appear to be secondary to larger mesiodistal widths.

Elongated Mandibular Premolar: A New Morphological Variant

A previously unreported morphological variant, elongated premolar, is described and analyzed. The elongated premolar is mandibular and may affect the anterior or posterior premolar in the field. It appears phenotypically to be more rectangular (with the long axis mesiodistal) than ‘normal’ premolars. Dentitions of European Americans, African Americans, and an admixed group of Native African/European Americans were examined for the presence of this characteristic. Elongated premolars were found in 19 teeth in the 458 individuals included in the study. Mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter, and cusp distance were measured for 14 affected and 22 unaffected anterior premolars. Principal components analysis shows that elongated and non-elongated premolars differ primarily in shape and not size, with elongated premolars attaining their overall shape due primarily to an increase in the mesiodistal dimension. Thus, the suggested description of this feature is elongated premolar (referring to the mesiodistal dimension), rather than compressed premolar (referring to the buccolingual dimension).

A fool’s mission? A test of three common assumptions in dental metric analyses

Three aspects of metric variation in the permanent dentition of humans are often simply accepted as true. The first is that formation of the permanent dentition occurs within morphogenetic fields broadly associated with tooth type and jaw. The second is that dental development of among females is characterized by a higher degree of ontogenetic buffering relative to males. The third is that expression of sex dimorphism in permanent tooth size is expressed uniformly among well-nourished human populations. This study tests these assumptions through an examination of mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of all non-canine permanent teeth, except third molars, among 2,709 living individuals of 15 ethnic groups from South Asia. With sexes pooled, only one in four contrasts of variance among key versus distal teeth within dental fields are significantly heterogeneous, while one in four contrasts yield higher levels of variance among key teeth relative to their distal counterparts within a dental field. Such results weaken considerably orthodox applications of Butler’s dental field theory. When samples are the unit of analysis, male samples are marked by fewer dental fields with significantly heterogeneous levels of variance between key and distal members, while males and females are affected equally by significantly heterogeneous variation between key and distal members when dental fields are the unit of analysis. Such results suggest males and females are equally buffered against environmental perturbations that affect odontometric variation. One-way ANOVA indicates that a tooth’s position within a dental field ac-counts for 15.5% to 23.1% of the observed varia-tion in tooth size, while two-way ANOVA reveals that when sex is added as a second factor, the percentage of variance in tooth size explained increases from 16.7% to 30.8%, an improvement of 27.2%. Such results indicate sex dimorphism in tooth size varies in both patterning and in magnitude among these samples, thereby explaining why discriminant functions developed for one population often perform more poorly when applied to other populations.

Comparision of mesiodistal and bucco-lingual dimensions of permanent teeth in North-Indians and North-East Indians: Racial dimorphism as an identification parameter

Aims: Racial dimorphism refers to those differences in size, stature and appearance between two races among females and males which can be utilized to aid in identification based on dental records. Racial determination forms one of the important aspects of forensic odontology. The study evaluated the permanent teeth to assess and compare the mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of permanent teeth in the North Indian and North-East Indian populations. Methods: The study sample comprised of 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females). One group comprised individuals from North India, whereas, second group included individuals with ethnic origin in North-East India. Using the digital calliper, the mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of each permanent tooth were determined. Measurements were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Using statistical program SPSS 19.0 for Windows descriptive statistics were calculated for each group independently, means were compared by sex of the mesiodistal and bucolingual dimensions of the pieces analyzed so intragrupal (Group of north Indian individuals and groups of northeast Indian individuals),significance in the mean differences were analyzed by unpaired t test for independent samples with p lessthan 0.01 and p lessthan 0.05. Results: Most of the permanent teeth examined had larger dimensions both mesiodistally and buccolingually in North-East Indians with the exception of maxillary central incisor, maxillary first premolar and maxillary second molar. In general, the group of North-East Indians showed higher racial dimorphism compared to the North Indian group. Conclusion: The study showed that there is a strong race-specific behavior in dimorphic dimensions of the teeth in both the populations.

Effects on Alveolar Bone Changes Following Corticotomy-assisted Molar Mesialization

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate alveolar bone changes that occur following decortication-facilitated orthodontics for mandibular molar protraction and to evaluate the rate of mandibular molar mesialization after decortication. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 24 patients with a mean initial age of 29.04 years. Patients had their mandibular first molar extracted due to carious lesions. Alveolar decortication at the edentulous site was performed on all patients 2 weeks before protraction of the second molar. Cone-beam computed tomogram was used to evaluate alveolar bone changes following decortication-assisted mandibular molar protraction. Changes in buccolingual alveolar bone thickness, buccal and lingual marginal bone levels, and crestal bone height were assessed at preprotraction (T0) and 6-month postprotraction (T1). A lateral cephalometric radiograph was used to evaluate the rate of mandibular second molar protraction at T0 and T1. Results: The mean mandibular second molar movement was 5.98 mm and ranged from 3.5–10.5 mm. The mean treatment time was 4.85 months with a range of 3–9.5 months. The buccolingual alveolar bone thickness of the edentulous ridge was significantly increased; the marginal bone level did not change significantly, and the crestal bone height was significantly decreased after the edentulous space had been closed for 6 months. Conclusions: Decortication-facilitated orthodontics for mandibular molar protraction can help move the mandibular second molar forward through the atrophic edentulous area and improve alveolar bone thickness in the buccolingual dimension.

Mesiodistal and Buccolingual Dimensions in Croatian Orthodontic Hypodontia Patients' Teeth.

ObjectiveThis study compared mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) tooth dimensions of hypodontia patients with a control group with complete dentition. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in tooth sizes between hypodontia patients and the controls.MethodsThe sample comprised 76 patients with hypodontia (50 female and 26 male) aged between 11 and 18 years. The control group comprised 50 females and 26 males with the same age range as the study group. Mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions were measured on pretreatment dental casts with a digital caliper to the nearest 0.01 mm. The data were analyzed using Statistica 7.1 (StatSoft Inc.) statistical package (descriptive statistics, test of distribution normality, parametric statistics).ResultsThe most common congenitally missing teeth were the lower second premolars (left 13.45% and right 13.90%) and upper lateral incisors (both left and right 12.56%), followed by upper second premolars (right 9.4o% and left 10.31%). The greatest differences between the study and control group were found in upper lateral incisors, 8.08% in MD and 6.40% in BL dimension. The smallest difference was found in BL dimension of lower lateral incisor (2.37%), MD dimension of lower second premolars and upper first molar (2.61%) and MD dimension of lower central incisor (2.26%).ConclusionThe teeth are smaller in subjects with hypodontia than those of the controls on average 4.02% in MD dimension and 3.85% in BL dimension. The tooth that showed the greatest difference in tooth dimension was maxillary lateral incisor.

A Contribution to the Anatomical Study of the Mandibular Premolars

Introduction During the practical classes of Dental Anatomy, some students have difficulties in identifying the mandibular first premolars, especially in determining the proximal surfaces. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the anatomical structures of those teeth, to determine the criteria for identifying the proximal surfaces in individual teeth. Materials and Methods Two hundred mandibular first premolars belonging to 100 individuals, at the age of 18 to 25 years old and from both sexes were evaluated according to some features of the dental crown. The associations of interest were estimated using the chi-square test or Fisher's Exact Test and kappa statistic. The level of significance was 5%. Results The distal occlusal fossa (DOF) was the widest fossa (94.5%), and the distal surface constituted the proximal surface with the largest dimension (94.5%). It was found that in 60% of the teeth, the DOF was located closer to the lingual surface. The grooves from the mesial and distal occlusal fossa, toward the lingual surface, were absent in most teeth (64.5% and 91.5%, respectively). Conclusions The criteria for determining the proximal surfaces when evaluating individual first mandibular premolars should be: DOF will be the widest occlusal fossa; the proximal surface with the largest buccolingual dimension will be the distal surface. The occlusal fossa which is closer to the lingual surface may also be evaluated, being considered as the DOF. However, this should be considered the last of the three highlighted criteria, since it generates a greater margin of error in relation to the others.

Dimensional Variations in the Soft Tissue Profile After Removal of Implant-Supported Fixed Interim Restorations: A Pilot Clinical Study.

To measure dimensional changes of the periimplant soft tissue profile after removal of a single implant fixed interim restorations using digital impression procedures. Ten participants presenting with single implant-supported fixed interim restorations (ISFIRs) on the maxillary esthetic zone. A 2-step silicone impression was made of the maxillary arch with the ISFIRs. The experimental procedure was obtained by making digital impressions of the gingival contours immediately after ISFIR removal. The control procedure was formed by fabricating definitive casts from the conventional impression using the ISFIRs as a customized impression transfer and making digital impressions of these definitive casts. Both images of paired groups were digitally overlapped on the computer, and their profiles were measured at the coronal, midlevel gingiva in the buccolingual and mesiodistal width. Statistically significant differences between the ISFIR emergence profile width and the unsupported soft tissue profile width were observed at the midlevel gingiva in the buccolingual dimension (1.35 mm) and at the coronal (0.51 mm) and midlevel gingiva (1.29 mm) in the mesiodistal dimension. A digital impression, as used in this pilot study, does not capture accurately the desired soft tissue dimensions immediately after removal of the ISFIR.

Employing Dimensional Disparity of Teeth to Establish the Gender in Odisha Population: A Dimorphic Study.

Aims and Objectives:Determination of sex is one of the most important and crucial steps in forensic science. Sexual dimorphism using odontometric analysis is found to vary in different populations making it necessary to attain values of a specific population which helps the identification possible. This present study attempts to establish sexual dimorphism using odontometric analysis in Odisha population.Materials and Methods:A total of 200 subjects (100 male and 100 female) between ages 18 and 25 years were included in the study. Intraoral Mesiodistal (MD) and Buccolingual (BL) dimensions of 28 teeth (maxillary and mandibular) excluding third molar were taken using digital Vernier calipers. Data were charted and decrypted and statistical analysis was done using SPSS Software version 20.Results:Our study showed larger dimensions of tooth in males when compared to females (maxillary right and left central incisor, 1st and 2nd molar). Interestingly, reverse dimorphism was also observed in few teeth.Conclusion:The results of the present study showed that the linear (MD and BL) dimensions of teeth played a major role in the determination of gender in individuals. The variations or reverse dimorphism could be a result of geographic variations.

Flapless Postextraction Socket Implant Placement: The Effects of a Platform Switch-Designed Implant on Peri-implant Soft Tissue Thickness-A Prospective Study.

This paper presents the results of a prospective study on the clinical effect of grafting the buccal gap with platform switching, following flapless tooth extraction and immediate implant placement and provisional restoration, on (1) alterations in buccolingual ridge dimension and (2) midfacial peri-implant soft tissue thickness. Fifty-six patients were placed in one of four treatment groups: (1) a non-platform-switching implant (Non-PS, n = 14); (2) a non-platform-switching implant and bone graft (BG/Non-PS, n = 14); (3) a platform-switching implant (PS, n = 15); and (4) a platform-switching implant and bone graft (BG/PS, n = 13). Buccolingual ridge dimensional change and peri-implant soft tissue thickness at 2 mm below the free gingival margin were measured. Both PS and BG/PS groups showed an increase in buccolingual dimension compared to the contralateral natural tooth site as well as peri-implant soft tissue thickness of > 2.5 mm, clinically. Platform switching was associated with significantly greater midfacial soft tissue thickness than bone grafting (mean ± standard deviation: 2.17 ± 0.04 for Non-PS and 3.55 ± 0.14 for PS). Using platform-switched implants, in conjunction with immediate implant placement and immediate provisional restoration, was associated with a significantly greater stability of ridge dimension and peri-implant soft tissue thickness than using non-platform-switched implants when measured 12 months after placement of the final restoration. Platform switching may help achieve preservation of ridge dimension and enhance the stability of peri-implant soft tissue following immediate implant placement and provisional restoration without bone grafting. Further research is required to assess the long-term outcome.

Transverse dimension of the alveolar bone in different masticatory patterns

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate, through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the transverse dimension of the alveolar bone in the posterior region of the maxilla and mandible in subjects with different patterns of mastication, comparing both sides of the arches according to the performance of the masticatory function. Methods: 39 subjects not orthodontically treated, with normal occlusion or symmetrical malocclusion, and normal periodontal condition were selected. Twenty-one subjects (54%) were identified as having preferential unilateral mastication, 11 subjects (28%) had bilateral mastication and 7 (18%) had exclusive unilateral mastication. All participants were submitted to CBCT and the buccolingual dimension of the posterior regions was evaluated at a height of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10mm from the alveolar crest. Results and Conclusion: Subjects with bilateral mastication showed statistically significant difference between the right and left sides at the heights of 6 (p=0.030) and 8mm (p=0.023) between the first and second maxillary premolars. There was no difference in the transverse dimension of the alveolar bone in the posterior regions of maxilla and mandible between preferred and non-preferred sides in subjects with preferred unilateral mastication and between right and left sides in subjects with bilateral mastication.

Fluctuating dental asymmetry in rabbits with familial nonsyndromic coronal suture synostosis

Fluctuating dental asymmetry has been linked to conditions of unstable pre- and peri-natal development. Familial, nonsyndromic craniosynostosis disrupts early craniofacial development through localized excessive calvarial ossification leading to the premature fusion of the calvarial sutures. Such abnormal gene expression may also produce systemic stress resulting in developmental instability, thereby affecting normal trait symmetry. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis by examining fluctuating dental asymmetry in an inbred strain of rabbits with familial, nonsyndromic coronal craniosynostosis. The mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions of the right and left maxillary first molars were measured in four groups of New Zealand white rabbits (N=176; n=40 with early-onset synostosis, n=65 with delayed-onset synostosis, n=46 in-colony, phenotypically normal rabbits, and n=25 wild-type normal controls). For each variable, raw signed asymmetry was calculated (left-right) and tested for assumptions of fluctuating asymmetry (i.e., normality and non-directionality). Any group that did not meet these assumptions was excluded from further analysis. Using a standard size-adjusted, fluctuating asymmetry index, mean fluctuating asymmetry was calculated and compared across groups with non-parametric statistics. For the MD dimension, no significant (p > 0.05) group differences in mean fluctuating asymmetry were observed among groups. In contrast, rabbits with early-onset synostosis had significantly (p < 0.05) more fluctuating asymmetry in the BL dimension compared to wild-type controls. Results demonstrate increased fluctuating dental asymmetry in rabbits with nonsyndromic, early-onset coronal suture synostosis and suggest that the molecular events producing suture synostosis locally may have also have systemic effects. Knowledge of these systemic interactions may contribute to a fuller understanding of the phenotypic spectrum observed in individuals with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.

Evaluation of the relationship between crown size and root canal morphology of mandibular incisors by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

BackgroundThe main reason for the failure of endodontic therapy is the incomplete knowledge about the anatomical variation of root canals. One of the most important factors that leads to the failure of root canal treatment, is missed and untreated major root canals.Objectivewith respect to the complexity of mandibular incisors treatment and high prevalence of the second canal, and the possibility of the relationship between the crown size and the extra canal in these teeth, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between crown size and root canal morphology in mandibular incisors with CBCT.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, mandibular permanent incisors were randomly collected in Qazvin City, Iran, and were mounted in eight ternary groups on a plastic slot, using putty molding material. After preparation of Scot view, the samples were scanned by CBCT NewTom 5G. Afterward, the mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions were measured by the software’s measurement tool with a precision within tenths of a millimeter. In the next stage, a multi-planar option and 400% magnification tool of the software were utilized to study axial and cross sectional views of each tooth to determine canal type. Data were analyzed employing one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Levene, independent- samples t-test and Roc curve by SPSS version 20.ResultsThe majority of mandibular incisors have a single canal (63.9% of them had type I canal system). In addition, 36.1% of the roots had two canals, among which, type III was the most common. The mean of maximum mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters in type III was significantly bigger than that in type I (p<0.05), but the means of crown size in the two canal types were not significantly different.ConclusionDespite increase in mesiodistal and buccolingual dimension in two canal mandibular incisors with type III canal system, their crown sizes (M-D/F-L index) were not significantly different, in comparison to single canal incisors.

Dental Anomalies and Gender Dimorphism in Tooth Size of Malay Patients

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dental anomalies, sexual dimorphism and antimere differences of tooth size of Malay in Malaysia.Methods: Orthodontic patients for the years 2008-2010 were selected. Among these two hundred patients’ were selected based on file records. Their panoramic radiographs were examined. The prevalence of various dental anomalies was determined. Mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of the teeth were measured using electronic calipers with accuracy of up to 0.01mm. Analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical package version 18.0 (2009).Results: In the Malay patients the frequency of hypodontia was 7.5%, followed by hyperdontia (2%), microdontia, dens evaginatus and short root were 1%, respectively. In addition, their macrodontia, germination and dilaceration were 0.5% , while the remaining 86% did not display any dental anomalies. This study demonstrated greater tooth sizes in male compared to female subjects except for buccolingual site of upper canine and lower incisors. Greatest dimorphism in mesiodistal dimension was noted in the lower canine while buccolingual dimension was presented by upper lateral incisor. It was found that there was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in tooth measurements for right and left antimeres observed for the majority of tooth classes.Conclusion: In the Malay subjects, hypodontia was the commonest dental anomaly. The Malay males had greater tooth sizes than their female counterparts. There were almost no significant antimere differences in tooth sizes.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(1) 2017 p.115-121

Gender determination by odontometric method.

Context:Gender determination is central in establishing personal identification from human skeletal remains. The study was conducted to find out the accuracy with which gender can be determined by odontometric methods.Aims:To investigate the mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions of all the teeth of permanent dentition to find new parameters to differentiate between male and female teeth and to assess whether each type of linear measurement can be used independently in odontometric sex differentiation.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted at a dental college on a composite group of 500 individuals comprising 250 males and 250 females. Impressions of upper and lower jaws were made with alginate impression material and casts prepared with dental stone. A digital Vernier calliper was used to measure the BL and MD dimensions of all the upper teeth except the third molars.Statistical Analysis Used:The results were subjected to statistical analysis using univariate analysis and linear stepwise discriminant function analysis to find the variables which discriminate gender significantly.Results:The MD and BL dimensions between males and females were statistically significant. The predicted value for correct classification of gender was also statistically significant.Conclusions:The ability to differentiate gender in the population using stepwise discriminant functions was found to be very high with 99.8% accuracy with males showing statistically larger teeth than females. This is similar to the near 100% success in gender determination using pelvic and skull bones.

Subjective Differences between Dentists and Patients about Relative Quality of Metal Ceramic Restorations placed in the Esthetic Zone

Esthetic perceptions could differ between the dentist and his patients among various regions and cultures. The aims of this study were to evaluate the subjective differences between the dentist and the patient in terms of esthetics of metal-ceramic crowns (MCcs). The study also aims to compare the mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions of the cemented crown with its respective natural antimeric tooth. A total of 85 patients seeking treatment for a single crown (MC) were treated by the undergraduate students under supervision of respective academic staff. After cementation of the crowns, a 9-point questionnaire was given to patient and different dentists. A treatment cast for every single crown was poured. Then, the MD and BL dimensions of the crowns were compared against their respective antimeric tooth. The dentists and the patients agreed in the range of 50.5 to 90.5%. Least subjective differences were found for the length and width of the cemented crowns. The highest differences were noted for symmetry between the cemented crown and its antimeric natural tooth. A total of 31 to 38% of the patients differed from the dentist's evaluation for shade of the crown, color of the crown at the margin, contour of the crown, and the relationship of the crowns with the surrounding gingiva. The highest MD and BL dimensions were in the cemented crown of canines, while the lowest MD and BL diameters were for the cemented crowns of the lateral incisor crowns. Dentist and patient mostly agreed in terms of length (90%), width (81%) and relation of crown with free gingiva (74%). However, they differed mostly on the symmetry of the cemented crowns. The highest MD dimensions and BL diameter were in the cemented MCcs of canine, while the lowest were with lateral incisors. While fabricating a dental prosthesis, the dentist must know about patients' perception of esthetics; otherwise both clinical and laboratory efforts would not be enough to satisfy the esthetic needs of the patient even if the restoration is technically correct. Perceptions related to symmetry differ mostly between dentist and patient.

Comparison Between Conventional Radiography and 3D Volumetric Imaging for Location of Mandibular Canal: In Vivo Study

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the visibility and location of mandibular canal in the mandibular posteriors using orthopantomography and digitalized volumetric tomography. Material and Methods: Twenty-five patients were included in the study with mandibular posterior edentulous areas, where visibility and location of mandibular canal was assessed using orthopantomography and digitalized volumetric tomography. Both parameters were assessed at the mental foramen, at 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm posterior to mental foramen. Results: The results obtained showed that the mandibular canal was more clearly visible at the mental foramen at 1 cm and 2 cm posterior to the mental foramen using digitalized volumetric tomography, which was statistically significant (P = 0.000). At 3 cm posterior to the mental foramen the visibility of the mandibular canal did not differ among the techniques (P = 0.297). The location of the mandibular canal was obtained in superoinferior dimension in orthopantomography and superoinferior and buccolingual dimension was measured in digitalized volumetric tomography where the mandibular canal was located more inferiorly and lingually in mandible. Conclusion: Digitalized volumetric tomography ( DVT) is advantageous than orthopantomography (OPG) for visibility and location of mandibular canal. The precise location of the mandibular would help in planning for implant placement and other interventions in mandibular posteriors.

Tooth morphometry and the pattern of palatal rugae among monozygotic and dizygotic twins in India

Introduction: A stronger correlation of physical traits among monozygotic (MZ) twins than dizygotic (DZ) twins indicates predominant contribution by genetic factors than environmental factors. Exploring the degree of resemblance in tooth morphometry and the pattern of rugae among twins shall aid in forensic identification. Aim and Objective: To find out the degree of correlation in tooth morphometry and the palatal rugae pattern among MZ and DZ twins. Materials and Methods: The maximum coronal mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of the maxillary teeth excluding the second and third molars in 21 pairs of MZ and 12 pairs of DZ twins along with a MZ triplet were recorded using digital calipers calibrated to 0.01 mm. The dimensions of the teeth based on the number, shape, size, and the unification palatal rugae pattern among twin pairs were analyzed and recorded. Results: Our results suggest a stronger correlation of tooth dimension among MZ than DZ twins, which differs for individual maxillary tooth. There may be a separate set of genes responsible for controlling the mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth dimensions. The maxillary canine and maxillary premolars do show the least amount of genetic variability. The results in our study provide remarkable evidence regarding the existence of mirror imaging in tooth dimension as well as the number and shape of the palatal rugae. Conclusion: This first of its kind study in the Indian population suggests a remarkable similarity with regard to the tooth’s size and uniqueness of the palatal rugae pattern among MZ and DZ twins, which suggests their strong inheritability potential. This may be useful as additional tools for zygosity determination along with other dental traits. The significant evidence of mirror imaging of tooth dimension and rugae shall definitely contribute to the concept of development of human body.

Evaluation of effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin for ridge preservation after atraumatic extraction: A case series

Purpose: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for ridge preservation after atraumatic extraction. Materials and Methods: Seven patients with a nonrestorable tooth requiring extraction followed by implant placement were treated in this study. After atraumatic extraction, the socket was filled with PRF as the sole grafting material in preparation of placing an implant after wound healing. At the time of extraction and 3 months later, vertical and horizontal socket dimensions were measured clinically and radiographically. Results: The measurements of buccolingual dimension of the socket immediately after extraction and at 3-month postsurgery were recorded. The mean buccolingual measurement of socket at baseline was 10.0 ± 1.6 mm. Postoperatively, 3 months after ridge preservation, the mean buccolingual measurement was 9.4 ± 1.6 mm showing minimal changes. The radiographic vertical bone level at baseline was 14.1 ± 1.0 mm and 3 months postoperatively 12.7 ± 0.8 mm showing minimal changes in apicocoronal dimension. Conclusion: The ridge preservation using PRF as space filler after atraumatic extraction was found to be an effective procedure for the placement of implants.