Sexual dimorphism in the mandible in a Portugese population - Predicting the gender for forensic purpose: a pilot study / Dimorfismo sexual mandibular da população Portuguesa ­ Predição do gênero para análise forense: um estudo piloto

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o dimorfismo sexual em uma coleção de mandíbulas portuguesas através de uma metodologia métrica digital, utilizando análise estatística descritiva, inferencial e multivariada para identificar quais parâmetros são mais dimórficos e quais são os melhores preditores de sexo. Trinta e três mandíbulas (14 mulheres e 19 homens) e pertences pessoais foram fotograficamente registrados com código e sexo. Os dados foram coletados por tomografia e as medidas foram feitas pelo software Simplant Pro. Foram registrados a largura máxima e mínima do ramo mandibular, altura condilar, altura do processo coronoide, altura da sínfise mandibular, ângulo mandibular, distâncias bimentual, biantegonial, bigonial e bicondilar e comprimento máximo mandibular. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando IBM® SPSS. Os resultados mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas para os seguintes parâmetros: altura do processo coronoide, altura do côndilo, comprimento máximo da mandíbula e largura mínima do ramo mandibular. Na análise estatística multivariada foi possível identificar a altura do processo coronoide como melhor preditor de sexo com precisão em 72,2% dos casos. Isto permite uma diferenciação mais fácil entre mandíbulas femininas e masculinas com uma precisão de 64,3% e 78,9%, respectivamente. Foi possível concluir que a altura do processo coronoide é o parâmetro mais dimórfico e o melhor preditor de sexo na amostra.

This study aimed to assess sex dimorphism in a collection of Portuguese mandibles through a digital metric methodology by using descriptive, inferential, and multivariate statistical analysis to identify which parameters are the most dimorphic and which are the best sex predictors. Thirty-three mandibles (14 females and 19 males) and personal belongings were photographically registered with code and sex. Data was collected using tomography, and measurements were made using the Simplant Pro software. The maximum and minimum width of the mandibular ramus, condylar height, coronoid process height, mandibular symphysis height, mandibular angle, bi-mental, bi-antegonial, bi-gonial and bi-condylar distances, and maximal mandibular length were registered. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM® SPSS. The results showed statistically significant differences for the following parameters: coronoid process height, condyle height, the maximum length of the mandible, and the minimum width of the mandibular ramus. In the multivariate statistical analysis, it was possible to identify the coronoid process height as the best sex predictor accurately in 72.2% of cases. This allows for easier differentiation between female and male mandibles with an accuracy of 64.3% and 78.9%, respectively. It was possible to conclude that the coronoid process height is the most dimorphic parameter and the best sex predictor in the sample.

Evaluation of the Rostral Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block via the Mental Foramen in Equids: In Vivo Efficacy Testing.

The use of proper sedative and regional anesthetic protocols is essential when performing equine dental surgical procedures under standing sedation. The efficacy of the rostral inferior alveolar nerve block via the mental foramen has not been previously studied. Aims of this study included determining the efficacy of the block, investigating whether any region (labial mucosa, alveolar mucosa, or teeth) was more reliably anesthetized, and if differences in efficacy existed between bilateral and unilateral blocks. In this blinded trial, 10 horses each were randomly assigned to receive a left unilateral block, right unilateral block or bilateral blocks and 5 horses were bilateral controls. For unilateral groups, the contralateral side of the horse acted as its own unilateral control. Mechanical nociceptive stimulus methods were used to determine response to stimulus at time points pre-sedation, post-sedation, and post-injection at 10, 30, 60, and 90 min. Results were evaluated in 4 groups: unilateral blocks, unilateral controls, bilateral blocks and bilateral controls. Overall, all groups were significantly less likely to respond to stimulus at time points post-sedation, T10, and T30, whereas only blocked sites were less likely to respond at T60 and T90 compared to pre-sedation. There was no significant difference in response to stimuli of blocked sites between the 3 regions at all time points. Overall, at T60 and T90, blocks produced regional anesthesia in 73% and 55% of sites, respectively. This study demonstrated the equine mental foramen regional nerve block has varied efficacy, producing partial or incomplete regional anesthesia in some cases.

Influence of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and masticatory load on morphological alterations of the mouse mandible during postnatal development.

OBJECTIVE: Bone homeostasis relies on several contributing factors, encompassing growth factors and mechanical stimuli. While bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is acknowledged for its essential role in skeletal development, its specific impact on mandibular morphogenesis remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the involvement of BMP signaling and mechanical loading through mastication in postnatal mandibular morphogenesis. DESIGN: We employed conditional deletion of Bmpr1a in osteoblasts and chondrocytes via Osterix-Cre. Cre activity was induced at birth for the 3-week group and at three weeks for the 9-week and 12-week groups, respectively. The conditional knockout (cKO) and control mice were given either a regular diet (hard diet, HD) or a powdered diet (soft diet, SD) from 3 weeks until sample collection, followed by micro-CT and histological analysis. RESULTS: The cKO mice exhibited shorter anterior lengths and a posteriorly inclined ramus across all age groups compared to the control mice. The cKO mice displayed an enlarged hypertrophic cartilage area along with fewer osteoclast numbers in the subchondral bone of the condyle compared to the control group at three weeks, followed by a reduction in the cartilage area in the posterior region at twelve weeks. Superimposed imaging and histomorphometrical analysis of the condyle revealed that BMP signaling primarily affects the posterior part of the condyle, while mastication affects the anterior part. CONCLUSIONS: Using 3D landmark-based geometric morphometrics and histological assessments of the mandible, we demonstrated that BMP signaling and mechanical loading reciprocally contribute to the morphological alterations of the mandible and condyle during postnatal development.

Comparison of the Outcome of Free Iliac Bone Graft and Vascularized Iliac Bone Graft in Reconstruction of Mandibular Defects: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the outcome of non-vascularized iliac bone graft and vascularized iliac bone graft (VBG) in the reconstruction of mandibular defects. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for relevant articles in English, French, and German languages published between 2010 and 2021 using the following keywords: ("mandibular reconstruction" [Mesh] OR "mandibular defect") AND (("deep circumflex iliac artery" OR "DCIA") OR ("non-vascularized iliac crest bone graft" OR "NVICBG") OR (("ilium" [Mesh] OR "iliac") AND ("free" OR "vascularized") AND "graft")). The National Institute of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool was used for risk of bias assessment. The final data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Initially, 58 articles were found in PubMed, 39 in Scopus, 522 in Google Scholar, and 112 in Cochrane. Finally, 13 met the eligibility criteria of the study. There were 234 patients in the NVICBG group and 89 in the VBG group. The graft failure rate ranged from 8.8 to 23% in the NVICBG group and 0-27.7% in the VBG group. In the one-year follow-up, the graft survival rate in the NVICBG group ranged from 75 to 92%, while it ranged from 73 to 99% in the VBG group. Conclusion: No well-controlled clinical trial was found on the comparative outcome of NVICBG and VBG to reconstruct mandibular defects regarding defect size and site. The prevalence of graft failure was the same in NVICBG and VBG. The selection of graft type based on defect size needs to be more questionable.

A Case Report of an Osteolytic Mass Hiding Behind an Undiagnosed Parathyroid Adenoma.

Hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrinopathy classified into three subtypes: primary, secondary, and tertiary. One of the rare symptoms that patients with hyperparathyroidism present is the formation of osteolytic lesions of the jaws. Brown tumors are rare skeletal osteolytic masses of a poorly understood etiology. These tumors are usually caused by a mutation in the CDC73 gene, a tumor suppressor protein gene that translates to parafibromin. Treatment has been reported to range from a conservative parathyroidectomy to resection and reconstruction. We present a case of a female who presented with a facial disfigurement for four months that was hidden under the effect of a parathyroid adenoma. Our aim is to guide the surgeon in the proper detailed management of osteolytic lesions of jaws that are related to parathyroid hyperfunction.

Ossifying fibroma and juvenile ossifying fibroma: A systematic review on clinical and radiological parameters, treatment modalities and recurrence.

Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a rare benign fibro-osseous neoplasm developing mostly in maxillo-facial bones. OF is divided in cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF), juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma (JTOF) and psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (PSOF). The aim of this systematic review was to synthetize the existing literature on OF, investigating the clinical and radiological parameters related to the different forms of the disease, and to compare the treatment modalities according to their associated recurrence rate. Three databases were searched in March 2024, with an update in September 2024. Eligibility criteria included studies reporting on patients with OF, surgical treatment and follow-up data. Of the 2016 studies identified, 22 were retained after eligibility assessment. A total of 492 patients were included. Most OF presented with painless swelling. COF affected 61.1% of women with a mean age of 29.5, JTOF presented in 55.7% of male children, and PSOF had no predilection for sex with a mean age of 19.5 years. Enucleation and curettage were associated with an elevated recurrence rate in JTOF (12/30) and PSOF (10/16). PSOF (6 cases) and JTOF (15 cases) showed no recurrence with radical surgery. Same recurrence rates in COF were seen for conservative and radical surgery. Although radical surgery seemed to avoid recurrence in JTOF and PSOF, conservative surgery such as enucleation and curettage with additional peripheral ostectomy should be considered primarily to lessen the morbidity induced by radical resection. Close clinical and radiological follow-up should be undertaken to diagnose early recurrence.

Boron-Doped Nano Hydroxyapatite Grafts for Bone Regeneration in Rat Mandibular Defects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of boron-doped nano hydroxyapatite grafts on craniofacial bone regeneration in critical bone defects in the mandibular corpus of rats, in terms of scintigraphic and histopathological aspects. Forty Wistar albino rats, with an average weight of 200-220 g, aged 16-18 weeks, and all male, were used in the study. The rats were randomly assigned to five groups, each containing 8 rats, as follows: group C1 (no procedure applied to the mandible), group C2 (surgical defect created in the mandible but no treatment applied), group nHA (nano hydroxyapatite applied to the surgical defect area), group nHA + B1 (nano hydroxyapatite + 1% boron applied to the surgical defect area), and group nHA + B2 (nano hydroxyapatite + 2% boron applied to the surgical defect area). A standard 4 × 4 mm full-thickness transosseous bone defect was created in the mandibular corpus of all rats, except for those in group C1. The bone defect in the rats in group C2 was left to heal naturally. Nano hydroxyapatite (nHA), nano hydroxyapatite + 1% boron, and nano hydroxyapatite + 2% boron were applied to the surgical defect areas of the other three groups, respectively. Bone scintigraphy was performed on all rats on days 0 (following the surgical procedure) and 28 of the experimental period. At the end of the 28th day, the animals were sacrificed, and tissue samples were collected for histological examination. A standard grading system was used to evaluate fracture healing. When the groups were compared in terms of bone healing histopathological scores, a statistically significant difference was observed between group C1 and the other groups (p < 0.005). In the statistical evaluation made according to the histopathological mean scores, the least improvement was observed in group C2. No statistically significant difference was observed between group nHA and group nHA + B1 and group C2 and between group nHA and group nHA + B1 in terms of bone healing scores (p > 0.005). A statistically significant difference was found between group nHA + B2 and group C2 (p = 0.026). Although there was no statistically significant difference in histopathological scores, the mean score closest to group C1 was observed in group nHA + B2. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in the scintigraphic evaluation performed on the 28th day of the experimental procedure, and the difference was between group C1 and group nHA + B1 and between group nHA and group nHA + B1 (p = 0.004; p = 0.028, p < 0.005). In the comparison of the values obtained on days 0 and 28 within the group, a statistically significant change was observed in group nHA + B1 and group nHA + B2 (p < 0.005). When the results of the present study were evaluated, it was thought that the boron-doped nHA graft biomaterials may have positive effects on bone healing. Providing a different perspective for the development of an alternative new treatment modality that can be locally applied in the treatment of fractures a serious and common health problem can be interpreted as an important outcome of the present study. We believe that this study will serve as a preliminary study for more comprehensive future studies on this subject.

Primary Intraosseous Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Mandible: Report of a Diagnostically Challenging Case with NAB2::STAT6 Fusion and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) represents an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm affecting primarily the extremities and deep soft tissues with, overall, benign but locally aggressive biologic behavior and an underlying pathognomonic NAB2::STAT6 fusion. Intraosseous SFTs are infrequent, and involvement of the jawbones is exceedingly rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic, well-demarcated, multilocular radiolucency of the left posterior mandible featuring focally irregular borders, root resorption and lingual cortex perforation. The lesion had shown progressive growth over a 6-year period. Microscopically, a proliferation of predominantly ovoid and spindle-shaped cells with indistinct cell membrane borders, elongated, plump or tapered, hyperchromatic nuclei, and lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm was noted. Marked cytologic atypia, pleomorphism and mitoses were absent. A secondary population of epithelioid cells exhibiting ovoid or elongated vesicular nuclei, and abundant, pale eosinophilic or vacuolated cytoplasm was also present. The supporting stroma was densely fibrous with areas of marked hyalinization and variably-sized, ramifying, thin-walled vessels. By immunohistochemistry, lesional cells were strongly and diffusely positive for STAT6 and CD99, and focally immunoreactive for MDM2 and SATB2. Ki-67 was expressed in less than 5% of lesional cells, while most interspersed epithelioid cells were positive for the histiocyte marker, CD163. Molecular analysis disclosed a NAB2::STAT6 fusion confirming the diagnosis of SFT. The patient underwent segmental mandibulectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we report the first case of primary intraosseous SFT of the mandible with complete documentation of its characteristic immunohistochemical and molecular features. Diagnosis of such unusual presentations may be further complicated by the challenging histomorphologic diversity of SFT.

Mandibular Bony Exostoses or Hyperostosis: A Case Report.

Mandibular bony exostoses or hyperostoses are benign, non-neoplastic, localized bony outgrowths that are broad-based, slow-growing, and surface masses on the buccal or lingual surface of the mandible alveolar bone. Such exostoses grow over several years. Exostoses are more common in the maxilla posterior region along the maxillary tuberosity, called palatal exostoses. Torus palatinus occurs in the mid-line of the hard palate; mandibular torus or torus mandibularis occurs along the mandibular canine, premolar regions. We report a rare case of such bony exostoses on the lingual surface of the mandible in a 70-year-old edentulous male.

Performance evaluation of a low-cost Ti-Mo-Fe (TMF8) as a replacement for Ti-6Al-4V for internal fixation implants used in mandibular angular fractures: a finite element analysis study.

Stainless steel and titanium-based alloys have been the gold standard when it comes to permanent implants and magnesium-based alloys have been the best option for bioresorbable alloys. Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-64, with its 110 GPa Young's Modulus is the most commonly employed alloy to manufacture biomedical implants used for treatment of fractures of skeleton. Recently, researchers have developed a new low-cost and toxic Vanadium-free alternative to this alloy, Ti-3Mo-0.5Fe at.%, namely TMF8. This alloy has a 25% lesser Young's Modulus compared to Ti-6Al-4V and also demonstrated acceptable mechanical properties while possessing better cell proliferation results. The lower Young's Modulus can aid in lowering stress shielding effects while its cytocompatibility could enhance healing. This work, therefore, tries to use finite element analyses to compare these two alloys (Ti-64 and TMF8) from a practical structural point of view to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of this new alloy and how a low-cost biocompatible alternative (TMF8) can actually prove to be a more viable option. The analyses confirm that TMF8 shows almost similar biomechanics performance to Ti-64 alloy (and in acceptable range) in bone plate fixation of mandibular angular fracture treatment.

Rostral Mandibular Fracture and Dentoalveolar Trauma Secondary to Climbing Stairs With a Foreign Object in the Mouth in Four Dogs.

Rostral mandibular injuries present unique challenges for repair. The presence of strategically important teeth which occupy a large volume of the mandible, multiple tooth roots and the mental neurovascular bundle all combine to limit treatment options that serve to preserve the form and function of the involved structures. This case series describes the approach to treatment for rostral mandibular trauma seen in four dogs with a unique etiology that has not been previously described.

The Lipid Enigma: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges in Adipocytic Tumors.

Infiltrating lipomas are a rare form of lipomas exhibiting unusual clinical behavior. We report a case of an adipocytic tumor of a 31-year-old male diagnosed with an infiltrating lipoma in the right submandibular region. It exhibits unusual clinical features such as invasion into surrounding structures, posing significant diagnostic challenges. The histopathological findings and differential diagnosis for this case are discussed, underscoring the importance of investigation techniques for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Infiltrating lipomas, while benign, can mimic malignant adipocytic tumors such as atypical lipomatous tumors (ALTs) and well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDLS), complicating diagnosis. This case underscores the importance of combining histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and molecular testing, particularly murine double minute clone 2 (MDM2) amplification, to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors.

Imaging findings in a case of primary intraosseous carcinoma arising from a mandibular cyst.

Primary intraosseous carcinoma not otherwise specified (PIOC NOS) is a rare tumor assumed to arise from the epithelium, such as odontogenic cysts or benign tumors. Its clinical and imaging diagnoses are often challenging, especially in the early stages, as it mimics jaw cysts and benign tumors, and no specific findings have been identified. This report presents the case of a 66-year-old male patient with mandibular PIOC, highlighting the imaging findings over time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before symptom onset showed a cystic lesion in the right mandible with a soft tissue component. Both the fluid component and soft tissue exhibited low apparent diffusion coefficient values (1.0 × 10-3 mm2/s and 1.3 × 10-3 mm2/s, respectively). Subsequent MRI approximately 5 months later during symptom onset showed a slight increase in the soft tissue component. Based on the clinical and imaging findings, ameloblastoma was suspected, prompting a biopsy for confirmation. However, the histopathological findings showed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). MRI performed approximately 1 month later exhibited significant tumor growth and extension beyond the jawbone, consistent with a malignant tumor. Histopathological examination identified areas with a basal layer in a palisading arrangement, indicating a pre-existing odontogenic cyst, and showed a transition from epithelial dysplasia to SCC. In addition, carcinoma cell invasion and proliferation into the cyst were observed. Based on these findings, PIOC of the right mandible was determined to be the definitive diagnosis.

Comparative analysis of free SMAS fold flap and ADM in facial depression after parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the effects of anterior descending mandible (ADM) and free superior mesenteric artery (SMAS) folding flaps on post-parotidectomy facial depression. METHODS: This retrospective study examined the effects of sex, age, surgical sample size, method, duration, and blood loss on postoperative complications in 65 patients. RESULTS: No significant differences involving sex, age, or sample size for surgical resection were observed between the two groups. The incidence of Frey syndrome (P = 0.175) and the locations of facial nerve injuries and tumors were not significantly different between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative facial depression between the groups (P = 0.045, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between facial nerve injury and Frey's sign in subgroup analysis of facial depression deformities. Within the facial depression group, tumor locations were significantly different (P = 0.021, P < 0.05). In the cases of facial depression after partial parotid resection, no significant difference was observed between ADM implantation and SMAS flap placement. A significant difference was noted between the ADM implantation and SMAS flap groups in the total parotidectomy group (P = 0.046 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Women are more likely to experience facial depression after parotid surgery. Facial depression is most likely to occur after parotid resection if the tumor is located in the deep lobes of the parotid gland. The use of SMAS flaps can prevent facial depression, and both ADM and SMAS flaps can prevent Frey's syndrome. Partial parotid resection reduces the risk of facial nerve injury and facial depression.

Morphometric Analysis of the Dimension and Distance to Anatomical Structures From the Mental Foramen Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the dimensions and differences in distances from several anatomical structures to the mental foramen (MtF) in Pakistani participants using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, retrospective CBCT data of Pakistani individuals from both genders were assessed using the Mimics software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). The participants were selected from the Mahajir and Pukhtoon ethnic groups in Pakistan. The dimensions of the MtF, which included vertical and horizontal diameter and area of foramen, were measured. The distance of the foramen to various anatomical structures was measured, which included the alveolar crest, inferior border of the mandible, and anterior mandible. Data were assessed using SPSS version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample t-test and a paired t-test. P-values greater than 0.05 and 0.001 were considered significant. RESULTS: Greater measurements had been recorded for the Pukhtoon ethnicity with respect to the vertical, horizontal, and area of the foramen. In relation to the dimensions, males showed larger measurements than females. MtF's distance to the alveolar crest, inferior border of the mandible, and anterior mandible (p < 0.001) was greater in Pukhtoon ethnicity. Males displayed longer measurements. CONCLUSION: CBCT proved to be a highly accurate and useful tool for the analysis of the dimensions and distances from the MtF in both ethnicities. The Pukhtoon ethnicity exhibited overall greater measurements with respect to the dimensions, highlighting a significant difference between the two ethnicities. Analysis of MtF distance to various landmarks resulted in longer measurements being observed in males and Pukhtoon ethnicity.

CBCT analysis of mandibular position and bilateral symmetry in adult female patients with a deep overbite before and after flat bite plate treatment: a retrospective study.

AIM: To determine whether three-dimensional measurements can assess symmetry and mandibular position with greater accuracy than traditional two-dimensional measurements. METHODS: Mimics 19 software was used for three-dimensional measurements of 20 adult female patients' cone-beam computed tomography with deep overbite before and after flat bite plate treatment. Differences in mandible position and bilateral symmetry were assessed using the paired t test. RESULTS: Three-dimensional measurements showed that the condylar distance in the pogonion-Frankfort horizontal, pogonion-coronal, right and left gonion-coronal planes was significantly higher after flat bite plate treatment. However, flat bite treatment did not affect the distance between the vertex of the condyles and the gonion of each measurement reference plane. After flat bite plate treatment, the mandibles of adult female patients had rotated backward and downward, with the condyle as the centre; the chin had been backward. Bilateral symmetry remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Flat bite plate treatment in adult female patients resulted in a downward and downward rotation of the mandible, with the condyle as the centre, chin backward, and no significant change in bilateral symmetry.

Transitional implants in computer-assisted implant surgery and fixed complete-arch provisionalization: A retrospective case series.

INTRODUCTION: Using mini implants as transitional implants (TIs) for complete arch implant-supported rehabilitations may overcome limitations associated with mucosa-supported surgical guides and facilitate immediate fixed provisionalization. This study aimed to assess the success of TIs in supporting surgical guides for implant placement and fixed provisional prostheses. METHODS: Patients who received TIs between 2012 and 2023 for a complete arch implant-supported prosthesis were evaluated retrospectively. Patient demographic data, TI functionality in supporting a surgical guide and supporting a complete arch provisional prosthesis, and dates of TI placement and regular implant placement were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the survival rate and success rate for TIs. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients, 35 jaws, 136 TIs, and 216 regular implants were included. The survival rate of TIs was 74.26%; however, the use of TIs yielded success in 97% of jaws for supporting a surgical guide and a fixed complete-arch provisional prosthesis throughout the complete provisional phase. An average of 4 TIs per maxilla and 3 TIs per mandible supported surgical guides. Thirty-five provisional prostheses were placed on an average of 4 TIs in the maxilla and 3 TIs in the mandible. Thirty-four provisional prostheses were successfully supported by TIs and regular implants until final restoration delivery. The survival of regular implants placed in conjunction with the use of TIs was 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Using TIs to support a surgical guide and provisional prosthesis may be a predictable approach with a high success rate. All surgical guides planned to be supported on TIs were successful. Despite premature loss or replacement of TIs, this approach was able to support most provisional prostheses until the regular implants could be loaded.

Inflammatory Paradental Cyst: A Case Report.

Inflammatory paradental cysts (IPC) are frequently under-reported due to insufficient clinical details. Our case report describes a 45-year-old male with a complaint of discomfort in the right lower posterior region. Intra-oral examination revealed a partially erupted, mesioangularly impacted 48 without any dental caries. The radiograph revealed a well-circumscribed radiolucency around the distal root of the impacted mandibular third molar. Histopathology revealed odontogenic epithelium with an inflamed connective tissue wall. It was diagnosed as an IPC correlating the clinical and radiological findings. This case report describes the importance of clinical correlation to diagnose IPC.

Relationship between tooth macrowear and jaw morphofunctional traits in representative hypercarnivores.

The mammalian adult dentition is a non-renewable resource. Tooth attrition and disease must be accommodated by individuals using behavioral, physiological, and/or musculoskeletal shifts to minimize impact on masticatory performance. From a biomechanical perspective, the musculoskeletal system becomes less efficient at producing bite force for a given amount of muscle input force over an individual's life, because tooth-food contact area increases as cusps wear. In this study we ask the question: does mandibular biomechanical performance show evidence of compensation with increasing tooth wear? We use representative taxa of three carnivoran ecomorphologies (meat specialist, scavenger, bone cracker) as a study system to compare morphofunctional data on tooth macrowear, jaw depth, bite mechanical efficiency, and jaw stress during biting. No significant shifts in adult mandibular corpus dimensions occurs in the sampled taxa as canine and carnassial teeth wear. In bone cracking spotted hyenas carnassial biting mechanical efficiency increases significantly with increasing tooth wear, with no significant change in mandibular stress. Analyses of the fossil carnivore Hyaenodon suggests an increase in canine biting efficiency with increased tooth wear, but this may reflect interspecific variation or phylogenetic contingency rather than a life history shift. Overall, these findings indicate that scavenging hyaenids and felid meat specialists do not exhibit morphofunctional compensation for the decreased mechanical capability of worn and dull teeth. Behavioral modifications, rather than musculoskeletal adjustments, may instead play a major role in maintaining food acquisition and processing capabilities for individuals surviving into advanced ontogenetic age and tooth wear. These observations highlight the mammalian masticatory system as having a dynamic performance profile through its useful lifespan, and encourage a more nuanced understanding of past and present carnivore guilds by considering wear-dependent performance changes as a possible source of selection.

Ectopic thyroid follicular carcinoma in the right mandible: a case report.

Background: Ectopic thyroid carcinoma in the mandible is extraordinarily rare; few histologically proven cases have been reported in the literature. Embryologically, cases of ectopic thyroid occur with a developmental abnormality during the migration of the thyroid gland from the floor of the primitive foregut to its final position in the neck. Ectopic thyroid tissue can be found around the course of the thyroglossal duct or laterally in the neck, and even in the mediastinum or below the diaphragm. Since 90% of ectopic thyroid tissues are located at tongue bases, the mandible ectopic thyroid gland is extremely rare. Theoretically, ectopic thyroid glands in the mandible are unlikely to become cancerous. Clinically, follicular carcinoma is less common than papillary carcinoma in both the ectopic thyroid regions and the eutopic anterior neck position. This case is the first to report a cancerous ectopic thyroid in the mandibular bone with eutopic thyroid follicular adenoma and adenomatous goiter. Case Description: Here, we report a case of mandible follicular thyroid cancer (MFTC). A 72-year-old male was presented with a chief complaint of pain and discomfort in the lower right back tooth that had persisted for over 3 months, with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealing a mass in the right mandible. The patient's mandible mass was removed via right hemimandibulectomy, and reconstruction was simultaneously performed using free autogenous rib grafts. The postoperative pathology diagnosis revealed follicular thyroid carcinoma. In addition, this patient underwent a total thyroidectomy at another hospital 3 years ago for benign thyroid lesions. Conclusions: In conclusion, we present a rare case of ectopic follicular thyroid carcinoma located in the right mandible, accompanied by benign eutopic thyroid lesions. Effective management of such cases necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, and surgical resection is recommended for ectopic follicular thyroid carcinoma.