Introduction to oral malodor The term halitosis is a general term used to describe any disagreeable odor of expired air, regardless of its origin. It is a common problem because of which patients visit the dentist. Historically, it has been known by various names such as halitosis, fetor oris and fetor ex-ore. Since ancient times,…
Read MoreIntroduction to bleeding disorders There are various causes of excessive bleeding including coagulation factor deficiencies, fibrinolytic defects, vascular disorders and platelet disorders. Patients with congenital bleeding disorders have an increased risk of significant bleeding from invasive dental and oral surgery procedures. A thorough knowledge of the blood clotting mechanism is essential for the understanding and…
Read MoreIntroduction There are many endocrinal disorders associated with significant problems in the human body. Many patients with these disorders seek periodontal treatment. Hence, it becomes essential for a periodontist to understand these disorders and provide appropriate treatment to patients with endocrinal disorders. In the following discussion, we shall read about these disorders and periodontal management…
Read MoreIntroduction One of the major challenges faced by dental specialists today is the assessment and management of patients with increasingly complex medical conditions. These medical conditions can alter both, the course of the oral disease and the therapy provided. Therefore, it is important for a clinician to identify patient’s medical status to formulate a proper…
Read MoreIntroduction Due to improvement in the health care facilities the population of elderly individuals in increasing throughout the world. The oral health-related problems in geriatric patients are different from those seen in younger individuals. One of the most important criteria determining the oral and periodontal health in elderly individuals is how they have been taking…
Read MoreIntroduction Periodontal treatment of a female patient presents a unique challenge to the clinicians because of the effect of variations in hormonal levels on oral soft tissues. Hormonal variations during the lifetime of a female patient during puberty, pregnancy, on the usage of oral contraceptives and menopause may cause worsening of the existing periodontal disease…
Read MoreIntroduction to oral manifestations of HIV The oral manifestations of HIV infection are important components of AIDS. These are seen in approximately 30 to 80 percent of the affected patient population 32-34. There are various factors which predispose an HIV-infected patient for oral lesions. These include CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm3, viral load > 3000…
Read MoreIntroduction to human immunodeficiency virus The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus belonging to the family of lentiviruses which causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) in humans. Since the identification of this virus, extensive research has been done on HIV to understand its life cycle, routes of transmission, pathogenesis of AIDS and possible cure…
Read MoreIntroduction to periodontal abscess Periodontal abscess is a localized acute bacterial infection confined to the tissues of the periodontium and not arising from the tooth pulp. It is an acute destructive process in the periodontium resulting in localized collections of pus, communicating with the oral cavity through the gingival sulcus or other periodontal sites. It…
Read MoreIntroduction to acute periodontal conditions Acute periodontal diseases are clinical conditions of rapid onset that involve the periodontium or associated structures and may be characterized by discomfort or pain and infection 1. Patients have moderate to acute pain in these conditions which requires urgent attention. These lesions cause rapid destruction of the tissue. Prompt diagnosis…
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