Which factors affect the lingual fracture pattern in sagittal split ramus osteotomy?

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of mandibular anatomy and osteotomy technique on lingual fracture patterns in SSRO. The predictor variables were: length of horizontal medial osteotomy; type of border osteotomy; buccolingual width; and vertical length of the basal cortex. The outcome variable was the type of lingual split pattern. This was categorized into four types according to a lingual split scale (LSS): LSS 1, true Hunsuck; LSS 2, fracture line to posterior border of the ramus; LSS 3, through to mandibular canal; LSS 4, unfavorable fracture pattern. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Pearson χ2 test. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The study sample comprised 312 lingual split patterns in 156 patients. The most common type of lingual split pattern was LSS 1 (n = 204). There was a significant relationship between inferior border osteotomy type and LSS type (p = 0.001). Whilst LSS 1 was the most common among all border osteotomy types. LSS 4 was most frequently observed in cases where the lower border osteotomy remained in the buccal surface. According to the results of this study, the likelihood of an unfavorable split pattern increases when the lower border osteotomy remains in the buccal surface.

Investigation of the efficacy of two different laser types in the treatment of lower lip paresthesia after sagittal split ramus osteotomy.

Orthognathic surgery involves invasive and major surgical procedures commonly used to correct maxillofacial deformities. Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) is often used to treat dentofacial anomalies related to the mandible, but it can result in various complications, the most common of which is inferior alveolar nerve damage. Nerve damage-induced paresthesia of the lower lip significantly affects patient comfort. Medical treatments such as steroids and vitamin B, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can be used as supportive therapies for nerve regeneration after damage. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of two different types of lasers in treating lower lip paresthesia after BSSO. This clinical trial was a controlled, single-center, prospective, single-blind, randomized study. Thirty patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (laser GRR, n = 10) received transcutaneous and transmucosal GRR laser treatment, Group II (Epic10 laser, n = 10) received transmucosal and transcutaneous Epic10 laser treatment, and Group III (vitamin B, n = 10) received B-complex vitamin tablets orally once a day. Two-point and brush tests were performed six times at specific intervals, and a visual analog scale was used to evaluate pain and sensitivity. Both vitamin B and laser therapies accelerated nerve regeneration. The contribution of the laser groups to the healing rate was better than that of the vitamin B group. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the two laser groups, clinical observations indicated better results in the GRR laser group.

The Effect of Lavandula stoechas on Wound Healing in an Experimental Diabetes Model.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot is a consequential and dangerous complication of diabetes, contributing to decreased quality of life, escalated hospitalizations, and increased mortality rates. Using an experimental model of diabetes, this study aims to investigate the effect of Lavandula stoechas on wound healing. METHODS: A total of 35 albino Wistar rats, 250-350 grams in weight, were used. The rats were divided into five groups, seven rats in each group. Of these, 21 rats were induced with 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to mimic the diabetic condition. Additionally, 14 rats remained non-diabetic and served as the control group. The diabetic rats were further divided into three subgroups. The non-diabetic group was split into two subgroups based on the dressing materials used (allicin, physiological serum, and control). Wound dimensions were assessed on Days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Biopsies were taken from the wound sites at the same time. RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups on Days 7, 14, and 21. The percentage of healing was highest in the Lavandula Stoechas group on Days 7, 14, and 21. Microscopic examination of the biopsies supported accelerated wound healing on Days 7 and 14. Reduced mononuclear cell density and increased hair follicle and adipose tissue development were observed in the DM (diabetes mellitus)-Lavandula Stoechas group on Day 7. On Day 14, the DM-Lavandula Stoechas group increased collagen levels and hair follicles. Similarly, the non-DM-Lavandula Stoechas group showed reduced bullae, dermal edema, and intraepithelial edema on Day 7. This was followed by increased fibroblast levels on Day 14. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence for the potential of Lavandula stoechas extract in the enhancement of diabetic wound healing. The multiple interactions revealed here highlight the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. A cost-effective use of Lavandula stoechas opens up promising prospects in managing diabetic foot healing. This warrants additional research and clinical translation.

Is an Attachable Oral Wound Dressing Effective at Closing an Acute Oroantral Communication?

BACKGROUND: An oroantral communication (OAC) is an acute opening after tooth extractions in the posterior maxilla that requires immediate closure. The search for a noninvasive and cost-effective OAC treatment method remains ongoing. PURPOSE: This study assessed the effect of oral wound dressing (OWD) on acute OACs of 2-5 mm and compared it with suturing sterile gauze (SG) and plasma-rich fibrin (PRF). STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University. The sample included patients aged >18 years, a 2-5 mm wide OAC without previous maxillary sinus pathology or surgical operation. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The primary predictor variable was the closure method used: OWD, SG, or PRF. OWD is a new produced and commercially available product that has been used for closure of oral wounds after periodontal or surgical interventions. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The primary outcome variable was OAC closure on postoperative day 30. The secondary outcomes were procedure duration and the pain scores of postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. COVARIATES: The covariates were age and sex. ANALYSES: Quantitative variables were compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Qualitative variables were analyzed between groups using the Pearson's χ2 test. Results with a P value <.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: This study included 60 patients (30 females and 30 males). Clot formation was uneventful on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 in all patients. OAC closure was successful in all patients on postoperative day 30. The success rate of OAC closure did not differ significantly between groups (P > .05). The surgical procedure duration was significantly shorter in the OWD group (1.2 ± 0.41 min) than in the SG (5.75 ± 0.97 min) and PRF (19.65 ± 2.74 min) groups (P < .001). Verbal analog scale scores differed significantly among the OWD (1.05 ± 1.43), SG (4.35 ± 2.85), and PRF (2.5 ± 1.82) groups on postoperative day 1 (P < .001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: OWD is a less invasive and practical method for closing OACs.

COVID-19 as a factor associated with early dental implant failures: A retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effect of COVID-19 on early implant failures and identify potential risk factors for early implant failure, concerning patient- and implant-related factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study is based on 1228 patients who received 4841 implants between March 11, 2020, and April 01, 2022, at Erciyes University Faculty of Dentistry. COVID-19, age and gender of patients, smoking, diabetes, irradiation, chemotherapy, osteoporosis, the implant system, location, and characteristics of implants were recorded. At the implant level, univariate and multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression was used to examine the effect of explanatory variables on early implant failure. RESULTS: The early implant failure rate was 3.1% at the implant level and 10.4% at the patient level. Smokers showed a significantly higher incidence of early implant failures compared to nonsmokers. (odds ratio (OR; 95% CI): 2.140 (1.438-3.184); p < 0.001). Short implants (≤8 mm) had a higher risk of early implant failure than long implants (≥12 mm) (OR (95% CI): 2.089 (1.290-3.382); p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 had no significant effect on early implant failure. Smoking and short implants were associated with a higher risk for early implant failures.

Consequences of Decompression Treatment With a Special-Made Appliance of Nonsyndromic Odontogenic Cysts in Children.

PURPOSE: Odontogenic cysts can cause changes in bone structure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in bone healing before and after decompression of nonsyndromic odontogenic cysts in children. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed including children diagnosed with nonsyndromic odontogenic cysts between January 2016 and December 2020. Study variables included the measurement times (baseline: T0, 1-month postoperative: T1, and end treatment: T2), measurement regions (middle cyst and control area), maxilla, and mandible. The primary and secondary outcome variables were fractal dimension (FD), treatment time, and cyst volume, respectively. Bone healing was evaluated using the fractal analysis method, the results of which are expressed as the FD. Data were analyzed by Friedman repeated measures analysis of variance by ranks, the Wilcoxon rank, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman correlation analysis, and linear regression model. RESULTS: Twenty-three children (9 girls,14 boys) with a mean age of 9.57 ± 2.02 years were included into the study. A comparison of the measurement regions showed that the middle cyst area (1.279 ± 0.090) had significantly lower FD values than control area before decompression (T0; P < .001). Statistically significant differences were observed in FD values at T0, T1, and T2 (1.279 ± 0.090, 1.311 ± 0.090, and 1.384 ± 0.075) in the middle cyst area (P <. 001). After decompression, no significant difference was found in FD values between the middle cyst (1.384 ± 0.075) and the control area (1.401 ± 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Decompression resulted in successful bone healing in children with odontogenic cysts. Conservative treatment methods should be preferred due to the continuation of growth and development in pediatric patients.

Evaluation of trabecular bone healing using fractal dimension analysis after augmentation of alveolar crests with autogenous bone grafts: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate bone remodeling after alveolar crest augmentation with autogenous bone grafts. METHODS: 50 patients who were applied augmentation due to alveolar deficiency were included in this study. Fractal dimensions were measured on the radiographs in the preoperative, postoperative, follow-up periods. The ROI was selected specific to each patient, but repeated in a standardized manner on subsequent radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included in the study; There were 31 females and 19 males. Implants were placed in all patients without any complications. The mean fractal dimensions on the graft recipient side were statistically higher in the postoperative 5th month compared to the postoperative 1st week (p = 0.002). The mean fractal dimensions on the donor side were statistically higher in the preoperative and postoperative 5th month compared to the postoperative 1st week (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Any clinical imaging method cannot fully reflect the histological microstructures of the bone. Evaluating the fractal analysis together with the clinical results can demonstrate adequate bone healing and quality prior to implant placement. Fractal analysis is a non-invasive, reproducible, method but further, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical studies are needed to estimate bone quality prior to implant placement.

Fractal analysis as a useful predictor for determining osseointegration of dental implant? A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of fractal analysis on determining the osseointegration of dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a single center, retrospective clinical trial, patients with dental implants in the mandibular premolar/molar region, ASA I-II and < 65-year-old patients were included. Orthopantomograph (OPG) were taken before implant surgery (t0), within a week of surgery (t1), and 1 (t2) and 2 (t3) months after surgery, respectively. Three regions of interest (ROIs) from mesial, distal, and apical sites of the implants were chosen and fractal analysis (FA) was conducted with the box-counting algorithm using White and Rudolph's method. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients 19 women and 20 men, with a mean age of 52.2 years (52.3 and 52.1 years, respectively) were included. The mean, minimum and maximum values of mesial (roi1), distal (roi2), and apical (roi3) surfaces were compared. The fractal dimension (FD) values of t1 were significantly lower compared with t0 as they decreased during the first week. FD values gradually increased after the first week although never exceeded the FD values of t0. Also, difference between mean FD values of t0 and t3 were found statistically significant (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: FA is a promising and noninvasive method to predict osseointegration of a dental implant based on dental radiographs, and it can help shorten the total treatment time.

Reusing dental implants?: an experimental study for detecting the success rates of re-osseointegration.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to histomorphometrically compare the implant-host integration between retrieved implants and new implants. METHODS: Jaws in 10 male beagle dogs were divided into four groups, and 36 dental implants were inserted into the jaws. In groups 1 and 2, experimental peri-implantitis was induced within 2 months after implant insertion. In group 1, surface decontamination of implants was achieved using air-flow and citric acid. In group 2, implants were sterilized with autoclave after air-flow and citric acid surface decontamination. Subsequently, these implants were inserted in contralateral jaws of the same dogs and a 3-month period was allowed for osseointegration. In group 3, the implants were removed from human jaws due to peri-implantitis and were inserted into dog jaws following surface cleaning protocol and sterilization with autoclave and a 3-month period was allowed for osseointegration. Group 4 was set as the control group. After the osseointegration period, all the animals were sacrificed. The degree of osseointegration in all groups was evaluated by evaluating the ISQ values and by using histomorphometric measurements. RESULTS: Histological findings showed that bone-implant contact (BIC) percentage (mean ± SD) was 83.39% ± 6.37 in group 1, 79.93% ± 11.83 in group 2, 75.45% ± 9.09 in group 3, and 80.53 ± 5.22 in group 4. Moreover, the resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and ISQ values were similar in all four groups both before and after the implantation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this experimental study indicated that there is no significant difference between new dental implants and re-used dental implants with regards to osseointegration around the implant.

A New Detection Method for Submerged Implants: Oral Tattoo.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the marking potential of tattoo ink in determining the definitive locations of submerged implants at the time of surgical exposure of the implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 104 implants in 32 patients were included in this study. After placement of the implants, cover screws were inserted. Overlying mucosa was marked with tattoo ink using a 20 g needle through the center of the cover screw. At the time of surgical exposure the tattoo marks were evaluated relative to visibility. RESULTS: At the time of the surgical exposures, tattoo ink was clearly visible at 91 implants, slightly visible at 8 implants, and not visible at 5 implants. After detection and classification of tattoo ink, the overlying mucosa was gently removed by tissue punch under local anesthesia. CONCLUSION: The results of this study seemed to indicate that marking the location of implants with tattoos at the time of implant placement can be an inexpensive, easy, healthy, and practical way to identify the location of marked submerged dental implants.

Comparative study of biomechanical stability of resorbable and titanium fixation systems after sagittal split ramus osteotomy with a novel designed in-vitro testing unit.

INTRODUCTION: Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is one of the most popular surgical procedures for correction of mandibular deformities. Several clinical and biomechanical studies exist in the literature which, comparing the stability of different osteosynthesis materials and techniques, were performed using two or three-point biomechanical test models. The aim of this study was to compare the stability of biodegradable and titanium materials for SSRO on one-piece polyurethane mandible samples which were fixed in a novel designed 6-point testing unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16 polyurethane one piece replicas of human mandibles were used and bilateral SSRO were performed by the manufacturer according to Dal Pont modification. Mandibles were fixed with titanium and PLLA/PGA fixation materials. Displacement amounts were measured under loading forces using a non-contact extensometer, and strain values at the screws were recorded by strain gauges. RESULTS: Bicortical titanium screws (Group 2) showed significantly lower displacement values, while bicortical PLLA/PGA screws (group 4) showed significantly higher displacement values at 40-360 N forces. (p < 0.05). The highest strain value was measured on screws that were inserted upright in a proximal segment near the osteotomy line. CONCLUSION: To achieve more realistic results in biomechanical studies, test models should imitate jaw movements and test environments should be as similar as possible to physiological conditions. Newly designed six-point testing units will contribute to future biomechanical studies.

An Asymptomatic and Overelongated Styloid Process.

Elongation of the styloid process is a rare condition. Only 4% of patients have clinical symptoms where elongated styloid process (ESP) occasionally irritates or disrupts adjacent anatomical structures, which is called Eagle syndrome. This present report was aimed at reporting an asymptomatic ESP with unusual width and length.

Role of cone-beam computed tomography in the evaluation of a paradental cyst related to the fusion of a wisdom tooth with a paramolar: A rare case report.

Fusion is an abnormality of tooth development defined as the union of two developing dental germs, resulting in a single large dental structure. This irregular tooth morphology is associated with a high predisposition to dental caries and periodontal diseases. As a result of recurring inflammatory periodontal processes, disorders such as periodontal pocket, pericoronitis, and paradental cysts may develop. A rare mandibular anatomic variation is the retromolar canal, which is very significant for surgical procedures. The fusion of a paramolar and mandibular third molar associated with a paradental cyst co-occurring with the presence of a retromolar canal is rare, and the aim of the present study is to describe the evaluation of this anatomical configuration using cone-beam computed tomography.

Prevalence and Morphologic Characteristics of Ponticulus Posticus: Analysis Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence and morphologic characteristics of ponticulus posticus (PP) by using cervical 3-dimensional (3-D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan images. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted by selecting cervical 3-D CBCT images of 698 patients, which were examined for the presence and types of PP. RESULTS: In 257 patients, 438 PPs, complete or partial, bilateral or unilateral, were identified on the 698 cervical 3-D CBCT scans; therefore, the prevalence was 36.8%. Bilateral complete PP and partial PP were observed in 6.3% and 16.2% of subjects, respectively. There was a significant difference in the prevalence between males and females (P = .001) and between the right and left sides between males and females, but not between age groups. CONCLUSION: Ponticulus posticus is a relatively common anomaly in this Turkish sample, which may have implications for those who perform clinical procedures on the upper cervical spine.

Is there a relationship between the presence of ponticulus posticus and elongated styloid process?

This study aimed to determine if there is a possible relationship concerning the presence of ponticulus posticus (PP) in patients with elongated styloid process (ESP) on three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The presence or absence of the PP (whether partial or complete) was determined and noted as a positive or negative finding. Then, the patients with PP were evaluated for ESP. For this purpose, 3-D CBCT scanning digital images of 542 patients having ESP (247 males and 295 females) were examined retrospectively. There was a significant relationship between the presence of PP and ESP (P=.03). The results of this study suggest that there is a significant correlation between the presence of PP and ESP. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the relationship between the two disorders in the literature.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma on fibrocartilage, cartilage, and bone repair in temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to explore the potential use of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) in the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical defects were created bilaterally on the condylar fibrocartilage, hyaline cartilage, and bone to induce an osteoarthritic TMJ in rabbits. PRP was applied to the right joints of the rabbits (PRP group), and the left joints received physiologic saline (control group). After 4 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed for histologic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations. The data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The new bone regeneration was significantly greater in the PRP group (P < .011). Although the regeneration of the fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage was greater in the PRP group, no statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups. SEM showed better ultrastructural architecture of the collagen fibrils in the PRP group. CONCLUSIONS: PRP might enhance the regeneration of bone in TMJ-OA.