Browsing by Author "Dahal, Samarika"
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Publication Mean Mesiodistal Width of Canine in Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study(Nepal Medical Association, 2022) Baral, Radha; Dahal, Samarika; Gupta, Sanjay PrasadAbstract Introduction: The measurement of the teeth is one of the most reliable methods of identification. The teeth represent the most durable, resilient, and chemically stable part of the skeleton. The comparison of tooth dimensions is one of the tools of sex determination. Canines, in particular, are found to have the greatest degree of sexual dimorphism. The aim of the study was to determine the mean mesiodistal width of canines in patients visiting a tertiary care centre. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done among patients visiting a tertiary care centre from 25 August 2021 to 28 December 2021. The ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: 61 (6-11)E2 078/079]. The maximum mesiodistal width of the permanent maxillary canine was measured by a digital vernier caliper. The formula given by Garn and Len was used to calculate sexual dimorphism. Convenience sampling was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 104 maxillary casts studied, the mean mesiodistal width of the maxillary canine was 7.85±0.45 mm (7.76-7.93, 95% Confidence Interval). The mean mesiodistal width of the right maxillary canine in males and females were 7.90±0.48 mm and 7.83±0.45 mm respectively and that of the left maxillary canines in males and females were 7.92±0.44 mm and 7.75±0.45 mm respectively. The sexual dimorphism in the right and left maxillary canine was seen in 10 (0.96%) and 22 (2.12%) respectively. Conclusions: The mean mesiodistal width of the maxillary canine was similar to other studies done in similar settings.Publication Oval Type of Human Mandibular Condyle in Panoramic Radiographs of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study(Nepal Medical Association, 2022) Dahal, Samarika; Atreya, Alok; Gupta, Sanjay Prasad; Natarajan, SrikantAbstract Introduction: Mandibular condyle is a prominent structure in the mandible, which forms the temporomandibular joint. An oval-shaped condyle is considered to be present with a normal temporomandibular joint and any morphological variation of the condyle is assumed to be pathologic in temporomandibular disorders. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of oval shaped mandibular condyle among orthopantomogram radiographs of patients visiting the tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among 752 condyles visiting a tertiary care center from November 29, 2021 to April 1, 2022. The ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 184 (6-11) 078/079) before conducting the study. Convenience sampling was done. The radiographs were first examined and the observed morphological type of mandibular condyle was noted. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: The prevalence of oval shaped mandibular condyles out of 752 condyles was 416 (55.32%) (51.77-58.87 at 95% Confidence Interval). The oval-shaped condyle on the right side was 205 (54.52%) and on the left side was 211 (56.12%). Conclusions: The prevalence of oval shaped condyles among patients in this study was similar to the studies done in similar settings.Publication Palatal Rugae as an Indicator of Sexual Dimorphism(Institute of Medicine, 2021) Dahal, Samarika; Baral, Radha; Gupta, Sanjay P; Dahal, Sirjana; Sharma, RinuABSTRACT Introduction: Palatoscopy or palate rugoscopy has been studied over the years to identify its unique characteristics to utilize for the human identification process. The unique anatomical location of the palatal rugae provides stability which along with the uniqueness of the palatal rugae pattern can contribute in human identification. Despite its simplicity and reliability, the palatal rugae is unexplored in the Nepalese population. The objective of the present study is to identify the rugae pattern and assess its sexual dimorphism. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Tribhuvan University Dental Teaching Hospital (TUDTH). The characteristics of palatal rugae based upon number, length, shape, and unification were analyzed on 100 dental casts. The rugae patterns were marked with a black color graphite pencil under adequate illumination. The length of the rugae was measured with the help of a digital vernier caliper and brass wire. The independent sample T-test and Mann Whitney U tests were used to assess the sexual dimorphism. Results: The predominant type of rugae according to the size in both males and females was primary rugae. According to the shape of the rugae, the predominant type of rugae was wavy followed by curved, straight, diverging, converging, and circular in both the sexes. However, no significant difference was seen in the rugae pattern in males and females. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, the use of palatal rugae for sex determination is not recommended. Keywords: Human identification, palatal rugae, sexual dimorphismPublication Patient’s Preferences in Selecting Prosthodontist Based on Age and Sex in a Tertiary Hospital in Kathmandu(Institute of Medicine, 2022) Guragain, Manjeev; Dahal, Sirjana; Joshi, Kalit R; Rathi, Ankita; Dahal, Samarika; Poudel, Samikshya S; Pantha, Sandesh; Bhochhibhoya, AmarABSTRACT Introduction: Most of the dental research has focused on dentist’s perceptions of patients based on their demographic profiles, while little is known about patient’s perceptions of their dentists. Further, there is a lack of data regarding patient preferences in selecting prosthodontists based on gender and age in Nepal. This study aims to investigate the influence of various demographic factors on patient preferences in selecting their prosthodontist. Methods: A sample of 358 patients presenting at the Department of Prosthodontics, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine for replacement of missing teeth took part in this questionnaire-based study. The questionnaire was designed to assess the influence of sex and age of the prosthodontist on the decision to select a prosthodontist. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 16. Results: Majority (258, 72.1%) preferred treatment by a prosthodontist of age <44 years. There was a significant association seen between participants’ age, sex, and educational status and age preference for prosthodontists. Also, their sex, educational status, and prosthodontist among family and friends were significantly associated with prosthodontist’s sex preference. Conclusion: There was preference for younger prosthodontists by the study participants but they had no gender preference for having their treatment done. Keywords: Age, gender, preference, prosthodontist, treatmentPublication Prevalence of Dentinal Hypersensitivity among Dental Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Center: An Observational Study(Nepal Medical Association, 2025) Ghimire, Saru; Ghimire, Sagar; Dahal, Samarika; Dahal, Sirjana; Paudel, Neetika; Paudel, PrayashAbstract Introduction: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a widespread condition characterized by a brief, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to external stimuli, which cannot be linked to any other dental conditions. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dentinal hypersensitivity among patients attending a tertiary health care center. Methods: A observational cross-section study was conducted, involving 376 patients aged 10-70 years who visited a tertiary care center. Convenience sampling was employed to select participants, and the prevalence of dentinal hypersensitivity was assessed through a questionnaire. Data were collected from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology after obtaining ethical approval Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 385 (6-11) E2 079/80). The analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, and descriptive statistics were reported . Results: There were 376 patients in the study and the prevlence of dentin hypersensitivity wasa 236 (62.77%; CI 95%: 57.66%-67.67%). Among those diagnosed, 138 (73.02%) were male, and 98 (52.41%) were female. The age-specific prevalence was found to be 30 (50.85%) in patients aged 10-19 years, 73 (63.48%) in those aged 20-29 years, 42 (53.16%) in patients aged 30-39 years, 23 (51.11%) in those aged 40-49 years. Conclusions: This study identified a high prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity among the patient population, with variations observed across different age and sex groups.Publication Prevalence of Variants of Mandibular Second Premolar in Medical Students: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study(Institute of Medicine, 2025) Mehta, Prem Kumar; Shrestha, Kabir; Nepal, Prashuv; Singh, Archana Kumari; Dahal, Samarika; Khapung, Anju; Baral, RadhaABSTRACT Introduction: The mandibular premolars have shown diversity in cusp morphology, although they are included under the bicuspid. This has been useful in anthropology and forensic odontology as supporting evidence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different types of mandibular second premolars among medical students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 255 medical students after obtaining ethical approval. The number of cusps and the groove pattern present on the mandibular second premolar were examined and recorded using a sterile mouth mirror and explorer. The data was entered in a Microsoft Excel sheet and analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Results; The prevalence of the two-cusp variant 319 (62.5%) was more than the three-cusp variant 191 (37.5%). The most common groove type was H type 198 (38.8%), followed by Y type 191 (37.5%) and U type 121(23.7%). The present study showed that the Y-shaped groove pattern was more common in the right premolar 40% (102), and the H-shaped groove pattern was more common on the left side 42.4% (108). The study showed that two cusp-type premolars are more common on the right and left sides of both genders. This study also revealed that two cusp variants are more common than other variants in different ethnic groups examined on both sides. Conclusion: The most prevalent variant of the mandibular second premolar was the two-cusps type. H-shaped grooves were most common, followed by Y and U-shaped grooves. H-shaped grooves were more prevalent compared to other types in both males and females. Keywords: Anthropology; bicuspids; cross-sectional studies; prevalencePublication Self-Assessment of Oral Health Status among Adults Residing at Chautara, Sindhupalchowk, Nepal(Nepal Health Research Council, 2025) Dahal, Sirjana; Khapung, Anju; Dahal, Samarika; Poudel, PrakashBackground: Little is known about attitudes and practices regarding oral health of developing countries. This study aimed to determine the self-assessment of oral health status among adults residing at Chautara, Sindhupalchowk, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 440 adults selected by convenience sampling method. Interview using WHO oral health questionnaire for adults 2013 was taken after receiving informed consent. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel Sheet and analysed in SPSS version 24. Mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were calculated. Results: Majority had positive assessment regarding their teeth (366, 83.18%) and gums (384, 87.27%). Many (417, 94.77%) cleaned their teeth ?one times a day. Majority used toothbrush (434, 98.64%) and paste (411, 93.41%) for cleaning their teeth. Some, (184, 41.82%) visited a dentist at least once in their lifetime and the main reason was pain or trouble in teeth/gums/mouth (94, 51.09%). Very often, they faced problems chewing (31, 7.0%) and biting (27, 6.1%) foods. They mostly consumed tea with sugar (132, 30.0%) and biscuits, cakes and cream cakes (59, 13.4%) several times a day. Most of them smoked cigarettes every day (93, 21.1%), followed by tobacco chewing (67, 15.2%). In the past 30 days, 179 (40.7%) drank one or more drinks of alcohol. Conclusions: The study findings showed that most of the adult residents of Chautara, had positive self-assessment of their oral health status. However, they faced many oral health problems which may be due to their unhealthy lifestyle suggesting need for oral health awareness programs. Keywords: Adults; oral health; self-assessment.Publication Type I Lip Patterns among Medical Students of a Medical College(Nepal Medical Association, 2023) Shrestha, Kabir; Dahal, Samarika; Baral, Radha; Neupane, AbishikhaAbstract Introduction: Identity and identification have long been a source of interest and concern in forensic dentistry, whether in the context of a criminal investigation or the identification of a deceased person. Lip print has demonstrated a high level of potential as one of the best options, as well as its usage as supporting evidence. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of Type I lip patterns among medical students of a medical college. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done among medical students of a medical college from 30 December 2021 to 30 February 2022 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. The lipstick was applied in a thin layer uniformly, and the impression was taken with the help of the cellophane tape. The specimens were analyzed and classified based on Tsuzuki and Tsuchihashi's classification. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 120 medical students, the prevalence of type I lip pattern was 48 (40%) (31.23-48.77, 95% Confidence Interval). Among them, 26 (54.17%) were males and 22 (45.83%) were females. Conclusions: The prevalence of Type I lip pattern among medical students was higher than in other studies done in similar settings.