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The intricate anatomy and challenging accessibility of furcation involvement often complicate diagnosis, leading to tooth loss. This study evaluated the efficacy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the early detection and management of furcation defects, particularly Grade II buccal furcations of maxillary first molars. CBCT measurements of width, depth, and height were compared with direct intrasurgical measurements to determine diagnostic accuracy. Thirty patients with 41 maxillary first molars with Grade II buccal furcations were clinically diagnosed using Nabers' probe and intraoral periapical radiographs. CBCT scans were performed before surgery, recording measurements for furcation morphology. Intrasurgical measurements were obtained using endodontic files and a digital Vernier caliper. CBCT measurements for all parameters were consistently lower than intrasurgical measurements, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). Most deviations ranged between -0.50 and 0.50 mm, indicating minimal clinical discrepancies. CBCT demonstrated excellent reliability for depth and height assessments, good reliability for width, and sensitivity in detecting furcation dimensions under 3 mm. CBCT and intrasurgical measurements for furcation width, depth, and height differ significantly but remain clinically irrelevant (<1 mm). Strong agreement and correlation between CBCT and intrasurgical measurements support its use in pre-treatment diagnosis to improve surgical outcomes. Low-Field-of-view (FOV) CBCT reduces radiation exposure while enhancing image quality, making it ideal for diagnosing furcation defects. Despite differences between CBCT and intrasurgical values, CBCT proves to be a reliable diagnostic tool for predicting furcation morphology.

Periodontal disease prevalence in children is an indicator of future disease burden in the adult population. Knowledge about the prevalence and risk status of periodontal disease in children can prove instrumental in the initiation of appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures. This school-based cross-sectional survey estimated the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease among 15-17-year-old children in Kozhikode district and assessed the risk factors. Multistage stratified random sampling and randomized cluster sampling were used in the selection of schools and study participants, respectively, in three educational districts of Kozhikode. Periodontal disease was assessed among 2000 school children aged 15-17 years, by community periodontal index. A content validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics and other risk factors. The prevalence of periodontal disease was estimated as 75% (72% gingivitis and 3% mild periodontitis). The prevalence was higher in urban population ( = 0.049) and males had significantly ( = 0.001) higher prevalence. Lower socioeconomic strata experienced slightly more periodontal disease burden. Satisfactory oral hygiene practices (material and frequency) were observed, but oral hygiene techniques were erroneous. Unhealthy dental treatment-seeking practices and unfavorable attitude toward dental treatment (ATDT) significantly influenced periodontal health status. Overall awareness about dental treatment was poor in this study population. The prevalence of periodontal disease among 15-17-year-old school children in Kozhikode district is 75% and is influenced by sociodemographic characteristics. Other risk factors identified were unhealthy dental treatment-seeking practices and unfavorable ATDT. Implementation of well-formulated oral health education programs is thus mandatory.

 Gingival hyperpigmentation, often caused by excessive melanin deposition, can compromise smile aesthetics and affect an individual's self-esteem. As aesthetic demands in dentistry continue to rise, gingival depigmentation has emerged as a patient-driven solution to enhance oral appearance. This study investigates the effect of laser-assisted gingival depigmentation on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in young adults, using a validated metric questionnaire. Young patients with varying degrees of gingival pigmentation underwent laser depigmentation with a laser device, and OHRQoL scores were assessed pre- and post-treatment using a detailed questionnaire designed for young adults. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the significance of improvements across psychosocial and functional domains.  Laser-assisted gingival depigmentation significantly improved oral health-related quality of life across all domains. The total OHRQoL score decreased from a median of 28.8 ± 8.72 before treatment to 13.77 ± 1.88 after treatment (Z = -5.162, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed in social function (paired difference = 3.80 ± 2.79), physical function (paired difference = 3.17 ± 1.97), and self-perception/anxiety (paired difference = 8.06 ± 3.02). Participants with a Dummett-Gupta score of 3 showed a greater reduction (paired difference = 17.41 ± 7.75) compared to those with a score of 2 (paired difference = 11.00 ± 5.81), indicating enhanced aesthetic and psychosocial benefits in individuals with higher baseline pigmentation. Laser gingival depigmentation significantly improves OHRQoL by enhancing patient confidence, social interactions, and functional well-being. These results underscore its role as a minimally invasive and effective approach in periodontal aesthetic treatments. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and standardized psychological assessment methods for a more comprehensive understanding of patient-reported benefits.

Autogenous bone grafts have been considered the gold standard for bone grafting procedures. This case report describes the management of a two wall defect by utilizing the autogenous bone graft obtained during removal of ledges as a part of osteoplasty procedure. The bone was removed with a sickle scaler, and sufficient amounts of bone graft material were obtained to fill a two wall defect distal to left mandibular first molar.