Autologous leucocyte and platelet rich in fibrin (L-PRF) - is it a competitive solution for bone augmentation in maxillary sinus lift? A 6-month radiological comparison between xenografts and L-PRF.

Maxillary lateral sinus floor elevation, or external sinus lift, is a widespread surgical intervention in the dental field. Insertion of implants in the posterior region of the maxilla often requires reconstruction of the remaining native bone that has insufficient volume. Background and aims: Much of the research published involves using artificial products, like xenografts and resorbable collagen membranes, after a prior Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) investigation. Nowadays, more accessible access, less financial costs, a biological approach, and faster healing are objectives that surround this procedure. Leucocytes and platelets rich in Fibrin (L-PRF) are a natural component with a high concentration of growth factors. Due to its regenerative properties and lack of complications, it is used in several medical fields, like orthopedics, dermatology, and oral surgery. This retrospective study aims to compare results in bone height and volume obtained through external sinus lift, either by using xenografts or autologous plasma rich in fibrin, by evaluating the quantity of new bone formation from a radiological point of view. Methods: Fifty-eight Caucasian patients were included in this retrospective study; 48 were submitted to xenograft procedure, and 10 were selected for L-PRF grafting material with simultaneous implant placement. Lack of clinical and histological studies performed on patients with L-PRF surgeries limited us in choosing a larger group for the radiological analysis. CBCT evaluation was performed before surgery and 6 months after. All patients selected for the study presented good general and oral health, acute oral and sinus infections excluded; smoking and periodontal disease were also criteria of exclusion. Two operators performed the measurements in pre-established landmarks in different time frames. The two independent groups were compared with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for quantitative data. Qualitative characteristics were described as counts and percentages. All analyses were performed in an R environment for statistical computing and graphics. Results: Mean bone height gain in the xenograft group in the regions was as follows: 7.44 for the anterior landmark, 12.14 for the median and 8.28 for the distal. The mean group height gained for the L-PRF group was 0.1 anteriorly, -0.18 for the median measurement, and 0.23 distally. We obtained excellent overall reliability for all the height measurements between the two operators. Conclusions: Further studies must be conducted to establish new sets of surgical protocols in case L-PRF alone is found to be a reliable, stable, biological alternative to the well-documented xenografts in external sinus lifts. Radiological results, although promising, must be further applied in long term clinical survival of the implants in the grafted sites. Also, studies combining L-PRF in conjunction with xenograft might bring improved clinical results in terms of reduced postoperative complications and accelerated healing.

Occlusal Splint Therapy Combined with Cranio-Temporomandibular Kinesiotherapy in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders-A CBCT Study.

Occlusal splints are used as a non-invasive treatment for patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Another non-invasive treatment option for TMD patients is kinesiotherapy, which may be used alone or in conjunction with occlusal splint therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the intra-articular spaces of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after occlusal splint therapy combined with cranio-temporomandibular kinesiotherapy in TMD patients. Twenty-four patients (N = 24) diagnosed with TMD according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were included. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were taken before and after treatment. The anterior, superior, posterior, and medial joint spaces were measured on the CBCT images, and the condylar ratio was calculated using Pullinger and Hollender's formula. Additionally, the thickness of the glenoid fossa (GFT), condylar medio-lateral widths (MLW), and condylar height (HCo) were measured. The condylar ratio was significantly higher after treatment (p = 0.049). The changes in dimensions of the anterior, superior, posterior and medial joint spaces were not statistically significant after treatment. No statistically significant differences were found in the dimensions of the GFT, MLW, and HCo post treatment. The condylar position did not shift anteriorly in a statistically significant way after occlusal splint therapy combined with cranio-temporomandibular kinesiotherapy in TMD patients.

Diagnostic Value of High-Resolution Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Capsular Width in Temporomandibular Joint Effusion.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate if the increased temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsular thickness, measured by ultrasound (US), is associated with the presence of effusion, diagnosed using MRI imaging. Materials and Methods: 102 patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were included in the study. Each patient underwent US and MRI examinations, 1 to 5 days following clinical examination. The US was performed with an 8−40 MHz linear transducer operating at 20 MHz. The MRI was performed using a 1.5 T MRI device. The ROC curve was analyzed to identify the optimal cut-off value for capsular distention, which can be interpreted as an indirect sign of TMJ effusion. Results: The capsular width values were found to be between 0.7 and 3.6 mm. The best cut-off value was 2.05 mm with a sensitivity of 55.9% and a specificity of 94.7%. The next optimal cut-off value was 1.75 mm with a sensitivity of 67.6% and a specificity of 82.4%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78 (95% CI 0.68, 0.87, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Ultrasound-measured capsular width can be interpreted as an indirect sign of TMJ effusion. The critical cut-off for capsular width was 2 mm.

Diagnostic use of computerized axiography in TMJ disc displacements.

Application of paraclinical methods for investigating the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been a subject of constant controversy due to the absence of universally-accepted criteria and lack of consensus regarding their usage. Compared with medical imaging, which provides a structural analysis of the TMJ, axiography involves the functional recording of condylar movements. The aim of the present study was to explore the diagnostic value of computerized axiography for TMJ disc displacements using MRI as the reference standard. The present study included 33 (66 TMJs) patients clinically diagnosed with TMJ disc displacements. On the same day, all patients underwent clinical examination and computerized axiography measurements using Cadiax Compact® II before undergoing MRI (1.5 T) 1-7 days later. The characteristics of the diagnostic parameters, namely sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, Youden index and the 95% confidence intervals (CI), were all computed. Compared with MRI, computerized axiography yielded a sensitivity of 85.11%, specificity of 94.74%, positive predictive value of 97.56%, negative predictive value of 72% and a diagnostic accuracy of 87.88% for any disc displacements. This suggests that computerized axiography can confer high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of TMJ disc displacements. However, axiographic analysis has no diagnostic significance in TMJ function if not associated with clinical examination.

Acute dental malocclusion associated with lateral pterygoid muscle partial tear: Case Report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The article presents a rare case of acute malocclusion produced by a unilateral partial tear of the lateral pterygoid muscle and an up-to-date literature review of the pathology. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old female was examined; her chief complaints were pain on the right side of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area and mastication impairment associated with major occlusal modifications and anterior open bite. After magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the TMJ and subsequent MRI for soft tissue, the final diagnosis was a partial right lateral pterygoid muscle tear. CONCLUSION: The case shows the value of combined imaging in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the importance of soft tissue evaluation in addition to articular examination, as the primary pathology might lie outside the joint. The authors' review of the current literature did not hitherto reveal a similar case.

High-resolution ultrasound imaging compared to magnetic resonance imaging for temporomandibular joint disorders: An in vivo study.

PURPOSE: The study aims to determine the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography (US) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients (42 female and 8 male) with signs and symptoms of TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD were enrolled in the study. Each patient underwent US (13 and 20 MHz) and MRI examination of both TMJs, 1-7 days following clinical examination. All MRI examinations were performed by another radiologist using an 1.5 T MRI device. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and diagnostic accuracy were computed along with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: For overall disc displacements, 13 MHz US showed a Se of 72.58%, Sp of 86.84%, PPV of 90%, NPV of 66% and diagnostic accuracy of 78%, while 20 MHz US showed a Se of 75.81%, Sp of 86.84%, PPV of 90.38%, NPV of 68.75% and a diagnostic accuracy of 80%. For degenerative changes, 13 MHz US revealed a Se of 58.33%, Sp of 92.11%, PPV of 70%, NPV of 87.5% and a diagnostic accuracy of 84%, whereas 20 MHz US indicated the same Se of 58.33%, Sp of 93.42%, PPV of 73.68%, NPV of 87.65% and a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. The Cohen's Kappa coefficient for the intra- and inter-observer agreement was 0.822 and 0.836 for disc displacement, respectively 0.813 and 0.788 for degenerative disorders (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution US could be a useful imaging technique in diagnosing TMJ disc displacements.

A comparative study of the accuracy of five CAD-CAM systems.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The study aims at comparing the precision of different CAD/CAM systems: original systems built by the same manufacturer as opposed to systems whose components are built by different manufacturers. METHODS: We used the same physical cast which was scanned with five different scanners. The design of the PMMA copings was done by the same operator for the five virtual casts. Each coping was milled three times by each milling machine, thus obtaining 75 copings. The internal space was analyzed by scanning the replicas in light body silicone. RESULTS: The results analyzed the vertical marginal space (VMS) at the preparation limit, the axial internal space (AIS) and the internal occlusal space (IOS). For VMS the best results were obtained for scanner no 5 (S5) and milling machine 3 (M3). For AIS the best results were obtained with S4 and M3 combination. For IOS the best results were obtained with S45 and M3 combination. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the study, we are able to confirm the working hypothesis by stating the following conclusions: the quality of the prosthetic elements obtained through CAD/CAM processing differs depending on the CAD/CAM system used and is influenced by each component of every system individually, both the scanner and the milling unit; changing/switching any component of the CAD/CAM system has an impact on the quality of the resulting prosthetic work, but in an unpredictable manner.

Occlusion in the digital era: a report on 3 cases.

In the following case studies we wish to discuss the necessity of making use of digital technology in the occlusion-oriented dental practice. In the three presented cases, patients underwent complex orthodontic, implant and prosthetic treatment, the aim being to re-establish the functionality of the dento-maxillary apparatus. The patients were evaluated clinically at the completion of the treatment. Subsequently, during the follow-ups (which varied between 2 and 4 years), clinical analysis using articulating paper was carried out and possible signs of relapse were specifically searched for. Occlusal clinical analysis was later on compared with the occlusion recorded using the TRIOS® 3 intraoral scanner (3Shape) and the T-Scan™ Novus™ device (TekScan). Clinical and digitally obtained scanner results were similar. The results yielded by the T-Scan™ Novus™ device were different and they were also relevant for elucidating the cause of the symptomatology.

Imaging modalities for temporomandibular joint disorders: an update.

The diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) require both clinical and imaging examinations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A variety of modalities can be used to image the TMJ, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), cone beam CT, ultrasonography, conventional radiography. The present review outlines the indications of the most frequently used imaging techniques in TMD diagnosis. Because of the anatomic complexity of the TMJ, imaging can be difficult. Choosing the proper imaging technique is essential. Conventional radiography, nowadays, is of limited interest. The use of flat plane films for TMJ pathology is not sufficient, because this joint requires three dimensional imaging views. Osseous changes are better visualized with CT and cone beam CT. Cone beam CT provides high-resolution multiplanar reconstruction of the TMJ, with a low radiation dose, without superimposition of the bony structures. MRI is a noninvasive technique, considered to be the gold standard in imaging the soft tissue components of the TMJ. MRI is used to evaluate the articular disc in terms of location and morphology. Moreover, the early signs of TMD and the presence of joint effusion can be determined. High-resolution ultrasonography is a noninvasive, dynamic, inexpensive imaging technique, which can be useful in diagnosing TMJ disc displacements. The diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography is strictly dependent on the examiner's skills and on the equipment used.

High-resolution ultrasonography in assessing temporomandibular joint disc position.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography (US) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of 74 patients (148 TMJs) with signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders, according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, were included in this study. All patients received US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both TMJs 1 to 5 days after the clinical examination. MRI examinations were performed using 1.5 T MRI equipment (Siemens Avanto, Siemens, Erlangen). Ultrasonographic examination was performed on a Hitachi EUB 8500 (Hitachi Medical Corp., Tokyo, Japan) scanner with L 54 M6.5-13 MHz linear transducer. RESULTS: MRI depicted 68 (45.95%) normal joints, 47 (31.76%) with disc displacement with reduction, 33 (22.3%) with disc displacement without reduction and 34 (22.97%) with degenerative changes. US detected 78 (52.7%) normal joints, 37 (25%) with disc displacement with reduction, 33 (22.3%) with disc displacement without reduction and 21 (14.19%) with degenerative changes. Compared to MRI, US showed a sensitivity of 93.1%, specificity of 87.88%, accuracy of 90.32%, a positive predictive value of 87.1% and a negative predictive value of 93.55% for overall diagnosis of disc displacement. The Youden index was 0.81. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, high-resolution ultrasonography showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of TMJ disc displacement. It could be a valuable imaging technique in assessing TMJ disc position. The diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography depends strictly on the examiner's skills and on the equipment used.