Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R Arathi.
Taurodontism is an aberration of teeth that lacks the constriction at the level of the CEJ characterized by elongated pulp chambers and apical displacement of bifurcation or trifurcation of the roots, giving it a rectangular shape. Its occurrence in permanent teeth is common and is quite rare in deciduous dentition. Presented in this article are two cases with taurodontism involving deciduous and permanent molars.
Delayed development and eruption of all the permanent molars is a rare phenomenon, which can cause disturbance in the developing occlusion. The eruption of permanent first and second molars is very important for the coordination of facial growth and for providing sufficient occlusal support for undisturbed mastication. In the case described, the first permanent molars were delayed in their development and were seen erupting at the age of nine and a half years. Severe disparity between the left and the right side of the dentition with respect to the rate of development of molars were also present.
Supernumerary teeth are the teeth present in addition to the normal set of teeth. They may be single, multiple, unilateral or bilateral erupted or unerupted and in one or both jaws. Multiple supernumerary teeth are rare in individuals with no other associated diseases or syndromes. Our case presents with 12 supernumerary teeth in permanent dentition, of which six were erupted and six unerupted and a history of extraction of three teeth with no associated syndrome.
Parental presence in the dental operatory is considered a controversial issue and majority of dentists prefer mothers not to be present in the operatory while the child receives dental care. Very few studies have focussed on the parental' point of view. The present study was carried out to find out the attitudes of parents towards being present determine in the operatory during dental procedure and also to determine if willingness to be present was influenced by variables like age, sex, order of the child among siblings and previous dental behavior. Data was collected from 1350 parents using a questionnaire designed by the authors. In the present study, 78.3% of parents expressed their willingness to be present with the child during dental procedures. The study also showed that parents of younger children were more likely to be willing to be present in the operatory and as age advanced, the percentage of parents willing to be present in the operatory decreased.