A city-wide survey of dental students' opinions on undergraduate oral surgery teaching.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to carry out a city-wide survey to evaluate undergraduate students' opinions on their oral surgery training by measuring their self-confidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 383 3rd year, 412 4th year and 363 5th year undergraduate dental students from six dental schools in Istanbul with a mean age of 22.73 ± 1.55 was conducted towards the end of the academic year. A web link to the questionnaire was sent to the contact person at the participating dental schools. The questionnaires were anonymously evaluated. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Chi-square tests were performed to examine the data. A P-value of <.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 1158 responses were returned, representing 67% of the overall students in the 2018-2019 academic year. The male respondents were significantly more self-confident than females in the general aspects of surgical skills. More than half of the respondents (53%) felt confident in oral surgery knowledge to undertake independent practice. Although 5th year respondents felt more confident in the general aspect of the questionnaire, their ability of differentiation of odontogenic and non-odontogenic pain was lower than their counterparts. The majority (86%) of the participants disagreed that the only knowledge required for oral surgery was that of tooth and jaw anatomy. CONCLUSION: This survey revealed perceived confidence in tooth and retained root extraction. The male respondents were found to be more self-confident. There is a need for improvement in surgical skills, recognition of malignancies and differentiation of the origin of the pain.

Efficacy of dry needling in patients with myofascial temporomandibular disorders related to the masseter muscle.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized, single-center clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of superficial dry needling (SDN) and deep dry needling (DDN) in patients with myofascial temporomandibular disorder (MTMD) related to the masseter muscle.Methods: Forty patients showing MTMD with trigger points in the masseter muscle were randomly assigned to groups. Dry needling of the masseter muscle was performed once per week for three weeks. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements, visual analog scale scores, and maximal jaw opening were assessed.Results: Both patient groups showed significant pain reduction, but the SDN group showed significantly better pain reduction. The PPT measurements obtained in the follow-up examinations at three and six weeks were significantly better than the values in SDN and DDN groups.Discussion: SDN showed better pain-reduction efficacy in patients with MTMD. Further research with a larger size sample and a longer follow-up period will help elucidate the benefits of SDN.

Histopathologic and Immunohistochemical Investigation of the Effects of Vitamin C on Bone Healing in Rats Exposed to Nicotine.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to perform a histopathologic and immunohistochemical investigation of the effects of vitamin C on bone healing in rats exposed to nicotine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 4 main groups: control, vitamin C, nicotine, and nicotine plus vitamin C. The rats in the nicotine groups were injected with nicotine at 12-hour intervals for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, a tibial defect was created in all the rats. Subcutaneous injections were administered at the same intervals postoperatively, and the vitamin C groups received intraperitoneal vitamin C injections every day for the first 3 days and then every other day postoperatively. The rats were sacrificed on postoperative days 7 and 21. The blood samples collected during sacrifice were tested to determine the blood cotinine levels, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on tibia samples. RESULTS: The histopathologic evaluation revealed that nicotine significantly increased the amount of necrosis and significantly decreased new bone formation and the bone healing score. The presence of necrosis in the nicotine plus vitamin C group was significantly lower on day 21 (P = .005). A statistically significant difference was observed among the new bone formation of the control, nicotine, vitamin C, and nicotine plus vitamin C groups on day 21 (P = .001). The new bone healing score of the nicotine group was significantly lower than that of the control, vitamin C, and nicotine plus vitamin C groups (P = .003, P = .001, and P = .001). The immunohistochemical evaluation showed that nicotine increased the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor levels and decreased the bone morphogenetic protein-2 levels, especially in the groups sacrificed on day 21. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin C did not have a significant effect on bone healing. However, vitamin C administered with nicotine decreased the metabolism of nicotine and, thus, increased nicotine excretion.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Articaine and Perineural Dexamethasone for Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of articaine and perineural dexamethasone (DX) in reducing postoperative sequelae such as swelling and maximum mouth opening that are harming the quality of life of patients after impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We implemented a randomized clinical trial composed of patients undergoing IMTM extraction. The predictor variable was the treatment group. The patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: Group A was administered 3.6 mL of articaine mixed with 2 mL of saline solution; group B, 3.6 mL of articaine and 1 mL of DX (4-mg/mL solution) with 1 mL of saline solution; and group C, 3.6 mL of articaine with 2 mL of DX (8-mg/mL solution). The primary outcome variables were swelling (determined by anatomic facial landmarks), pain, and maximum mouth opening. Other variables comprised the duration of surgery, number of analgesics taken in the postoperative period, hygiene, and petechiae. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 60 patients (20 per treatment group), with a mean age of 25.18 ± 5.22 years; 53.3% were women. Postoperative swelling was significantly reduced in groups B and C (P < .05). Maximum mouth opening was significantly increased in groups B and C (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that combining DX with articaine improves the management of discomfort after IMTM surgery. The use of articaine via a mandibular block was not associated with neural damage in our study.

The efficacy of sustained-release chitosan microspheres containing recombinant human parathyroid hormone on MRONJ.

Treatment of patients with bisphosphonate usage is a significant concern for oral surgeons because it interferes with jaw bone turnover and regeneration. In case of adverse effects manifesting related to bisphosphonate use, oral surgeons are usually treating and keep the patient's symptoms under control. In this study, we aimed to investigate a new treatment protocol for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This treatment protocol consisted of administering human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) loaded chitosan microspheres which were prepared by ionotropic gelation method or/and the prepared microspheres were suspended in a poloxamer gel. After in-vitro optimization studies, the efficacy of the chosen formulations was evaluated in-vivo studies. Zoledronic acid was administered daily to forty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into four experimental groups, at a daily concentration of 0.11 mg/kg over three weeks to induce the MRONJ model. At the end of this period, maxillary left molar teeth were extracted. In the first group, the subjects received no treatment. In the negative control group, poloxamer hydrogel containing empty microspheres were immediately applied to the soft tissues surrounding the extraction socket. The treatment group-1 was treated with local injections of poloxamer hydrogel containing hPTH. The treatment group-2 was treated with a single local injection of poloxamer hydrogel containing hPTH-loaded chitosan microspheres. Both treatment groups received a total of 7 µg of hPTH at the end of the treatment protocol. Our study demonstrates successful attenuation of MRONJ through a local drug delivery system combined with hPTH, as opposed to previously attempted treatment strategies.

Students' perspectives on undergraduate oral surgery education.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated students' perceptions of their self-confidence regarding aspects of their undergraduate oral and maxillofacial surgical training. It further aimed to develop a reliable Turkish version of the questionnaire originally developed by the Association of British Academic Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABAOMS) Education Committee. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 40 fourth-year and 47 fifth-year dentistry students of Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry in Turkey with a mean age of 23.30 ± 1.50 was conducted in January and February 2018. The ABAOMS questionnaire was adapted to the Turkish language and culture. The items were organized in five domains (general information, self-confidence in oral surgery, role of outreach, anatomy knowledge in relation to oral surgery, and career aspirations) with most response options on a five-point Likert-type scale. Reliability was assessed through an internal consistency analysis and a test-retest approach. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and Chi-squared for contingency tests were used to examine the data. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient on the questionnaire was 0.89. The responses reflected general agreement among the respondents. Females were significantly more self-confident than males. Although the fifth-year respondents were more self-confident than the fourth-year respondents on items regarding anatomy knowledge, fourth-year respondents were more self confident in forceps extractions. Other than that no major differences in self-confidence were found between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Though self-confidence was high regarding extraction of teeth and retained roots, the participants of this study lacked self-confidence in performing surgical extractions and its related procedures, recognition of malignancies, and ability to differentiate between pain of odontogenic or non-odontogenic origin. Female students were relatively more self-confident. Teaching should focus on practical applications that support students' sense of self-confidence in their abilities. The Turkish version of the questionnaire was a reliable instrument.

The efficacy of sustained-release chitosan microspheres containing recombinant human parathyroid hormone on MRONJ

Abstract Treatment of patients with bisphosphonate usage is a significant concern for oral surgeons because it interferes with jaw bone turnover and regeneration. In case of adverse effects manifesting related to bisphosphonate use, oral surgeons are usually treating and keep the patient's symptoms under control. In this study, we aimed to investigate a new treatment protocol for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This treatment protocol consisted of administering human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) loaded chitosan microspheres which were prepared by ionotropic gelation method or/and the prepared microspheres were suspended in a poloxamer gel. After in-vitro optimization studies, the efficacy of the chosen formulations was evaluated in-vivo studies. Zoledronic acid was administered daily to forty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into four experimental groups, at a daily concentration of 0.11 mg/kg over three weeks to induce the MRONJ model. At the end of this period, maxillary left molar teeth were extracted. In the first group, the subjects received no treatment. In the negative control group, poloxamer hydrogel containing empty microspheres were immediately applied to the soft tissues surrounding the extraction socket. The treatment group-1 was treated with local injections of poloxamer hydrogel containing hPTH. The treatment group-2 was treated with a single local injection of poloxamer hydrogel containing hPTH-loaded chitosan microspheres. Both treatment groups received a total of 7 µg of hPTH at the end of the treatment protocol. Our study demonstrates successful attenuation of MRONJ through a local drug delivery system combined with hPTH, as opposed to previously attempted treatment strategies.

The histopathological effects of calcium triglyceride bone cement and chitosan on the healing of experimental bone defects

Background/aim: This study evaluated the histopathological effects of two different bone grafts, calcium triglyceride bone cement (CTBC) and chitosan, on the healing of experimental bone defects. Materials and methods: Ninety-two Sprague Dawley male rats, with a weight of 240 ± 20 g, were used. Two experimental groups that consisted of 64 rats were divided into four subgroups due to the sacrification days, which were 7, 14, 30, and 60. After creating an 8-mm- long and 1-mm-wide cortico-cancellous bone defect in the right tibia of each rat, CTBC and chitosan were applied to the bone defects. In the main group, after creating the bone defects in the right tibias, we kept those empty to serve as the control group. We evaluated inflammation, foreign body reaction, necrosis, fibrosis, new bone formation, and the residual graft material at 7, 14, 30, and 60 days. Results: In both the CTBC and chitosan groups, the new bone formation was higher than that in the control group, whereas foreign body reaction and residual graft material in the CTBC group and fibrosis in the chitosan group were significantly higher. After evaluating the results, both materials were found not to be very useful in the bone healing process. Conclusion: CTBC remained for a long time without being resorbed; it can be used as a placeholder in large bone defects, whereas the gel form of chitosan cannot be utilized for this purpose because it was resorbed in the first 7 days.

Comparison of Mechanical Stabilization of the Mandibular Angulus Fracture Fixation, With Titanium Plates and Screws, Resorbable Plates and Screws, and Bone Adhesives.

Mandibular fractures mostly occur at the angulus mandibula with a concurrent symphysis or corpus fracture on the opposite side. Misapplication can damage the nerves, adjacent teeth, soft tissues, and result in permanent tooth germs. In children, growth centers can be damaged, and this may result in asymmetry and retardation in growth and development. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical stabilization after different techniques were used to create the mandibular angle fracture fixation and to create oblique fractures at mandible angles. This study included 32 hemi-mandibles that were divided into 4 groups with 8 units per group. All of the hemi-mandibles were fixated using different techniques; titanium mini plates and screws, resorbable mini plate and screws, and resorbable mini plates and cyanoacrylate bone adhesive only. The fixated mandibles were tested under molar masticatory forces, and their stabilization endurance was assessed. There were no significant differences in titanium mini plaque screw and resorbable plaque screw techniques under 40 N force. Resorbable and titanium plates and screws did not have any advantage over each other in terms of biomechanical behaviors. It is suitable to use adhesives in the reduction of complicated but nonload-bearing areas. The adhesive used in this study can adhere to the bone but should be further evolved for clinical use.

Effects of single- and double-layered resorbable membranes and platelet-rich fibrin on bone healing.

OBJECTIVES: Research has been ongoing on achieving optimum bone healing in the reconstruction of bone loss. Clinically, soft tissue migration into the already existing bone defects is the leading cause of unfavourable bone healing. Platelet-rich fibrin, a recent material that is used to promote bone healing, was compared with single- and double-layered resorbable collagen membranes to determine whether a healing protocol which increases patient comfort is possible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into five main groups as a sacrification group, a control group, and three experimental groups. The bone defects experimental group 1 were covered with a single-layer collagen membrane, and experimental group 2 were covered with the double-layered collagen membrane. Defects on the experimental group 3 were covered with platelet-rich fibrin membranes which were derived from the sacrification group. The animals in the main groups were also divided into eight subgroups arranged by sacrification periods on day 7 and day 28. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of our study revealed that new bone formation in experimental group 3 was significantly higher than in other groups. Fibrosis was found to be lower in experimental group 3 than in any other group. No significant differences were found between experimental group 1 and the control group. CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich fibrin, which can be used as an autologous membrane which promotes bone healing, yields better clinical result compared to collagen membranes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Histopathologic evaluation has been carried out regarding the effect of platelet-rich fibrin and collagen membranes applied on bone recovery. Our objective is to contribute to barrier membrane studies that continue to guide and accelerate bone recovery.