Correlation between alveolar cleft volume and alveolar bone quality in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the correlation between alveolar cleft volume and fenestration and dehiscence in the adjacent alveolar bone in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) sections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, CBCT scans of 68 non-syndromic patients with UCLP aged between 6 and14 years were selected. All patients were treated in Iran and had undergone lip and palate repair surgery within the first 3 to 18 months after birth. CBCT scans had been taken after orthodontic expansion and prior to alveolar bone grafting surgery. Cleft volume, fenestration and dehiscence were assessed using Mimics software. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation coefficient and logistic regression model. RESULTS: The mean alveolar cleft volume was 628.66±172.84 mm3. There was a significant negative correlation between cleft volume and fenestration (P<0.001). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between cleft volume and dehiscence (P<0.001) in the adjacent bone. CONCLUSION: The Mimics software can be successfully used to estimate the cleft volume prior to surgical procedures in UCLP patients. The results suggest that the alveolar cleft volume can be used as an aid to assess the periodontal condition of adjacent teeth. The cleft volume has a negative and positive correlation with fenestration and dehiscence respectively.

Determination of proper band size for stainless steel crowns of primary second molars: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fixed space maintainers are often used following primary tooth loss. In this process, selection of a proper band size for stainless steel crowns (SSCs) is often performed by trial and error, which increases the chairside time and risk of contamination of the tried bands with saliva, blood, and gingival crevicular fluid, necessitating their subsequent sterilization. This study is aimed at determining the proper size of prefabricated bands for all SSCs of primary second molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, seven examiners, including three orthodontists and four pediatric dentists attempted to select the proper band size for 24 primary second molar SSCs (3M). They selected the proper band size for each size of SSC six times in three sessions. The significance of all selected choices was carried out using the test of proportions. RESULTS: The most commonly selected bands for EU2, EU3, EU4, EU5, EU6, and EU7 SSCs were sizes 31+, 32+, 34, 35+, 37, and 38, respectively, and the proper bands for EL2, EL3, EL4, EL5, EL6, and EL7 SSCs were sizes 30, 31+, 32+, 33+, 35 and 36+, respectively. The difference in the frequency ratio of different choices for all sizes of SSCs was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study determined the proper band size for all SSCs of primary maxillary and mandibular second molars. This information can help dental clinicians in selecting the proper band size for SSCs without trial and error.

Dental implant in a multiple myeloma patient undergoing bisphosphonate therapy: A case report.

Dental implant placement in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing bisphosphonates therapy could be accomplished; however, it can turn into a successful treatment for edentulous area and functionally stabilized for many years. But a meticulous case selection, proper medical consultation with physician, minimally invasive surgery, and other cautions must be considered.

Three Methods for Correction of Astigmatism during Phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of three methods for correcting pre-existing astigmatism during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, comparative, non-randomized study was conducted from March 2010 to January 2011, and included patients with keratometric astigmatism ≥1.25 D undergoing cataract surgery. Astigmatism was corrected using the following approaches: limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) on the steep meridian, extension and suturing of the phaco incision created at the steep meridian (extended-on-axis incision, EOAI), and toric intraocular lens (tIOL) implantation. Keratometric and refractive astigmatism were evaluated 1, 8, and 24 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Eighty-three eyes of 72 patients (35 male and 37 female) with mean age of 62.4 ± 14.3 (range, 41-86) years were enrolled. The astigmatism was corrected by using the LRI, EOAI and tIOL implantation methods in 17, 33 and 33 eyes, respectively. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was significantly improved in all three groups. The difference in postoperative UDVA was not statistically significant among the study groups throughout follow-up except at week 24, when UCVA was significantly better in the tIOL group as compared to the EOAI group (P = 0.024). There is no statistically significant difference of correction index and index of success between three groups at week 24 (P = 0.085 and P = 0.085 respectively). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in astigmatism reduction among the three methods of astigmatism correction during phacoemulsification. Each of these methods can be used at the discretion of the surgeon.