Herpes zoster or shingles is a re activation of the Varicella zoster that entered the cutaneous nerve endings during an earlier episode of chicken pox, travelled to the dorsal root ganglia, and remained in a latent form. Nerves most commonly involved are C3, T5, L1, L2 and first division of trigeminal nerve. The condition is characterized by occurrence of multiple, painful, unilateral vesicles and ulceration which shows a typical single dermatome involvement. In this case report, we present a patient with herpes zoster involving unilateral ulcers over the right side of the hard palate.

Dental extraction is a therapeutic act consisting of removing the tooth from its socket. In orthodontics, dental extraction, even healthy ones, holds an important place in the current therapeutic arsenal. However, it is a source of many controversies. As data related to orthodontic extractions are scarce in our context, we proposed to undertake this study whose objective was to determine the prevalence of dental extractions in orthodontic treatment. We carried out a cross-sectional and descriptive study over a period of 08 months in five dental clinics in the cities of Yaounde and Douala. Patients and records of patients who underwent extractions in orthodontic treatment were included. An adapted and pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 software. The sex ratio was 1.22. The mean age was 9.26 years ± 1.89 years with extremes of 5 and 15 years. The prevalence of extractions in orthodontic treatment was 10.68%. The main orthodontic abnormalities were position and eruption abnormalities (74.5% and 58.4%). Incisors (47%) were the commonly extracted dental group. The mastery of the indications, timings and sequences of dental extractions for orthodontic purposes would be an interest in the management of orthodontic abnormalities in general practice.

Mucogingival deformities encompass a range of soft tissue abnormalities affecting gingival tissues and their relationship with surrounding oral structures. These conditions, including gingival recession, insufficient attached gingiva width, high frenal attachments, and gingival excess, can lead to aesthetic concerns, oral hygiene challenges, functional problems, psychological impact, and long-term oral health risks. This paper presents two cases of mucogingival deformities and their aesthetic correction using diode lasers. The use of diode lasers offered advantages such as precise tissue removal, reduced bleeding, faster healing, and minimal postoperative pain.

Background: Maxillectomy causes significant functional and esthetic impairments, affecting mastication, speech, and psychological well‑being. Prosthodontic rehabilitation improves oral health–related quality of life (QoL), but the influence of defect extent (Aramany classification) remains underexplored. Objective: To assess QoL outcomes in maxillectomy patients rehabilitated with obturator prostheses and compare variations across Aramany defect classes. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted among 50 maxillectomy patients who underwent prosthodontic rehabilitation. QoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile‑14 (OHIP‑14) and the Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS). Responses were recorded on Likert scales. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21.0 with Wilcoxon signed‑rank and chi‑square tests at a 5% significance level. Results: Males (58%) outnumbered females (42%). Most patients had Type I defects (52%), followed by Type II/III (14% each), Type IV (12%), and Type VI (8%). Mucormycosis was the leading cause (78%), followed by trauma (12%) and cancer (10%). Prosthodontic rehabilitation significantly improved QoL (p = 0.001). Patients with extensive anterior/posterior defects (Aramany I & II) showed lower functional and psychological domain scores than those with smaller lateral defects (Classes IV–VI). Post‑oncologic patients experienced greater psychological distress compared to trauma cases. Conclusion: Prosthodontic rehabilitation enhances QoL in maxillectomy patients, though outcomes vary based on Aramany defect classification and etiology. Personalized rehabilitation strategies considering defect size and etiology are essential.

Background: Vital pulp therapy aims to preserve pulp vitality following exposure, with calcium silicate-based materials such as Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine widely used for direct pulp capping. Their comparative clinical performance remains an area of ongoing research. Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Biodentine and MTA in direct pulp capping procedures. Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 50 patients with mechanically exposed vital permanent teeth. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (MTA, n=25) and Group II (Biodentine, n=25). Clinical parameters (postoperative pain using VAS, pulp vitality, tenderness) and radiographic outcomes (dentin bridge formation, periapical status) were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and independent t-test, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Biodentine demonstrated significantly lower postoperative pain at 1 month (1.5 ± 0.9 vs 2.4 ± 1.2; p=0.03). Early dentin bridge formation at 3 months was significantly higher in the Biodentine group (84%) compared to MTA (68%) (p=0.04). At 6 months, dentin bridge formation was observed in 88% of Biodentine cases and 80% of MTA cases (p=0.39). Overall clinical success rates were comparable between the groups at 6 months (Biodentine: 92%; MTA: 88%; p=0.62). Conclusion: Biodentine showed superior early healing response with reduced postoperative pain and faster dentin bridge formation, while both materials demonstrated comparable long-term success. Biodentine can be considered an effective alternative to MTA for direct pulp capping.