Post-graduation career pathways: a nationwide survey among dental students in Germany.

OBJECTIVES: Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) has to compete with other specialties for the best candidates. With the upcoming change of generations (Z and Alpha) and the movement toward gender parity of dentistry, understanding changing preferences and misconceptions is essential. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted by the German-Association-of-Oral-and-Maxillofacial-Surgery (DGMKG) across German dental schools. The survey collected demographic data, academic background, and career aspirations, with a focus on OMFS. The dental student survey results were compared to a survey given to OMFS Specialists. RESULTS: 637 dental students, mainly female (70%), from 30 German universities participated. 27% had defined career aspirations post-graduation, with self-employment and academia being popular choices. 67% were unsure. Specializations leaned towards restorative dentistry (41%), orthodontics (36%), and prosthodontics (31%). While 73% showed interest in surgical practices, 20% were attracted in specializing in OMFS. Of those averse to OMFS, 78% cited long training duration as the deterrent, 12% were put off by perceived unattractive working hours. Other reasons included negative undergraduate experiences, scarcity of part-time positions, and perceived inadequate earnings. CONCLUSION: Accurate data is crucial for career decisions. OMFS societies must proactively share accurate information and guide students. OMFS offers family-friendly hours, and while its training might be longer than dental specialties, it is on par with other surgical professions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dental students consistently regard OMFS as commendable career path. To guarantee sustained OMFS expertise, it is imperative to nurture this interest through dedicated academic mentorship and innovative education, thereby solidifying their professional direction.

Clinical insights into traumatic injury of the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves: a comprehensive approach from diagnosis to therapeutic interventions.

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review explores the risk and management of traumatic injuries to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves during mandibular dental procedures. Emphasizing the significance of diagnostic tools, the review amalgamates existing knowledge to offer a comprehensive overview. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library informed the analysis. RESULTS: Traumatic injuries often lead to hypo-/anesthesia and neuropathic pain, impacting individuals psychologically and socially. Diagnosis involves thorough anamnesis, clinical-neurological evaluations, and radiographic imaging. Severity varies, allowing for conservative or surgical interventions. Immediate action is recommended for reversible causes, while surgical therapies like decompression, readaptation, or reconstruction yield favorable outcomes. Conservative management, utilizing topical anesthesia, capsaicin, and systemic medications (tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors), proves effective for neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic nerve injuries, though common in dental surgery, often go unrecorded. Despite lacking a definitive diagnostic gold standard, a meticulous examination of the injury and subsequent impairments is crucial. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tailoring treatment to each case's characteristics is essential, recognizing the absence of a universal solution. This approach aims to optimize outcomes, restore functionality, and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

The impact of electronic and conventional cigarettes on periodontal health-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of electronic cigarettes on periodontal health compared to conventional cigarette smoke and a non-smoking population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened for literature. Eligibility criteria included clinical studies published between 2006 and 2022 that compare e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes on periodontal health (bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), marginal bone loss (MBL), tooth loss, molecular inflammation markers, salivary flow rate). Meta-regression analysis was used to examine the influence of moderator variables. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were found to be eligible for qualitative synthesis. Individual analyses showed that cigarette smokers had significantly higher PI, PD, AL, and MBL and increased concentrations of proinflammatory mediators than e-cigarette users and non-smokers. Meta-analysis revealed a 0.33-fold lower chance for BoP in e-cigarette users compared to smokers (p = 0.03), whereby meta-regression failed to detect any effects regarding the age of users and frequency of smoking. A 0.01-fold decreased chance for positive BoP in e-cigarette users compared with non-smokers was seen (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggest that that e-cigarette use might be considered a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking concerning periodontal health. Even so, harmful effects of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) usage on periodontal health were seen as well. However, a definitive decision on this research question remains elusive due to the absence of randomized controlled trials. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Electronic cigarettes, marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, are becoming increasingly popular. Evidence on the use of electronic cigarettes as a cessation aid and its beneficial impact compared to cigarette smoke remains inconclusive, so the analysis conducted in this review addresses a recent question of high clinical relevance.

#OMFSurgery: analyzing the use of social media applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery resident training.

BACKGROUND: Despite its increasing popularity, to our knowledge the use of social media applications (SM) for residents' training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) has not been investigated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of SM applications by OMFS residents for post-graduate training in Germany. METHODS: For explorative assessment, an online questionnaire containing 27 questions about the current use of SM for resident training was sent to OMFS residents in Germany. RESULTS: Sixty-four colleagues participated to the study. Thirty-four participants (54%) responded to regularly use those platforms mainly for OMFS-related content. YouTube (65%, n = 37), Instagram (48%, n = 27), ResearchGate (25%, n = 14) and WhatsApp (16%, n = 9) were the most popular platforms. (Surgical) videos (97%, n = 59), pictures and graphics (82%, n = 50) were the mainly accessed contents. Forty-four participants (69%) stated that SM substantially contributed to their OMFS training. Dentoalveolar surgery and implantology (66%, n = 35) and aesthetic facial surgery (55%, n = 29) content contributed most to OMFS resident training. Fifty-one participants (80%) recommended an official SM account of the DGMKG. CONCLUSIONS: SM is frequently used by OMFS residents for the consumption of training-related content. There is an imbalance toward dentoalveolar and facial aesthetic surgery regarding the presented content. Academic institutions and societies should complement their educational activities to not miss this emerging educational innovation. Official SM content by academic institutions and societies could contribute to the existing educational activities.

Evaluation of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) in Terms of Staging and Treatment Strategies by Dental Students at Different Educational Levels.

Background: The role of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) as a dento-maxillo-facial pathology is becoming increasingly important due to its growing prevalence. The success of preventive and therapeutic measures relies mainly on the dentist's ability to correctly diagnose the disease. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the skills of dental students of different educational levels in choosing the correct stage, diagnostics, and treatment option for MRONJ based on clinical and radiographic imaging (panoramic radiograph, CBCT). The study was designed as a cross-sectional cohort study. Twenty dental students were asked to complete a questionnaire in their third and fifth year of studies in which they had to correctly stage the disease, choose the radiological diagnostics and recommend the treatment. The control group contained experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Results: With an overall performance of 59% (third year: 145.2/248 points; fifth year: 145.3/248 points), no statistically significant difference between the educational levels could be observed. The classification based on CBCT imaging was significantly more often correct compared to panoramic radiographs (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights students' lack of knowledge in staging, diagnostics, and treatment of MRONJ, even though the CBCT positively affected decision-making. No significant increase in knowledge could be confirmed through clinical education. This study highlights the need for students to catch up on MRONJ diagnostics and treatment planning. Further expansion of teaching in this disease's context and X-ray diagnostics is needed.

Biomechanical evaluation of cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive for intraoral wound closure.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of a novel cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive (CTA) for soft-tissue closure of the (non-) tooth-bearing alveolar process and around dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Halves of porcine mandibles (n = 21) were randomly divided into three experimental intraoral wound closure groups (A-C) with three different mucoperiosteal flap types (F1-3, n = 7 each): F1, crestal incision between the last incisor and the canine with a mesial and distal vestibular relief; F2, crestal double-T-shaped incision and dental implant placement between the canine and the first premolar; and F3, trapezoidal incision on the second premolar. F1-3 were respectively closed using (A) monofil non-resorbable sutures, (B) CTA, and (C) a combination of both. Tensile strength (TS) and elasticity (E) measurements were performed for biomechanical analysis. RESULTS: In F1, CTA showed a significantly reduced TS compared to A (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.01). In F2, an increased TS of C compared to A (p < 0.01) and B (p < 0.001) was found. Here, E was significantly increased in C compared to B (p < 0.02). In F3, TS was significantly decreased in B compared to A (p < 0.01) and C (p < 0.001). The E in group C was significantly increased compared to B (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Different biomechanical characteristics between CTA and sutures were found. CTA could be a possible alternative to sutures for intraoral wound closure in special conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A combination of both, suturing and CTA, could be a promising option in critical soft-tissue wounds requiring high functional stability and elasticity.

Effects of throat packs in upper airway surgery under intubation anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Throat packs (TP) are used in upper airway surgery to avoid accumulation and aspiration of blood, foreign bodies, and fluids. But side effects such as sore throat and TP retention have been reported and challenge the standardized use of TP. The aim of this study is to compare benefits and side effects of TP versus no TP for upper airway procedures in intubation anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred forty-eight patients with surgical interventions at the upper airway under intubation anesthesia were included. Of those, n = 74 each were treated without (A, control) and with (B) TP. Study group B was subdivided whether TP was placed by the surgeon (B1; n = 37) or by the anesthesiologist (B2; n = 37). TP-related side effects such as sore throat, foreign body sensation, hoarseness, dyspnea, difficulty of swallowing, nausea, retching, nausea, aspiration, and pneumonia as well as the influence of TP design and the applicant (surgeon or anesthetist) were analyzed. RESULTS: A significantly increased rate of difficulty of swallowing (p = 0.045), intensity of sore throat (p = 0.04), and foreign body sensation (p = 0.024) was found in group B when compared to group A. There was no correlation between hoarseness, dyspnea, nausea, retching, and TP. No case of aspiration or pneumonia was seen but one TP was accidentally forgotten in the patient. B2 showed an increased frequency of difficulty swallowing, followed by A and B1. B1 led to the highest incidence of nausea followed by the A and B2. CONCLUSION: The use of TP led to a high rate of side effects without showing the propagated advantages. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of TP must be considered critically and cannot generally be recommended without specific reasons, such as high aspiration risk.

3D printing in oral and maxillofacial surgery: a nationwide survey among university and non-university hospitals and private practices in Germany.

OBJECTIVES: Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) has undergone pioneering progress through the development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of 3D printing at OMFS university and non-university hospitals and private practices in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For explorative assessment, a dynamic online questionnaire containing 10-22 questions about the current use of 3D printing and the reasons behind it was sent to OMFS university and non-university hospitals and private practices in Germany by the study group from the German Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGMKG). RESULTS: In total, 156 participants responded from university (23 [14.7%]) and non-university hospitals (19 [12.2%]) and private practices without (85 [50.5%]) and with 29 (18.6%) inpatient treatment facility. Highest applications of 3D printing were in implantology (57%), microvascular bone reconstructions (25.6%), and orthognathics (21.1%). Among the participants, 37.8% reportedly were not using 3D printing. Among the hospitals and private practices, 21.1% had their own 3D printer, and 2.5% shared it with other departments. The major reason for not having a 3D printer was poor cost efficiency (37.6%). Possessing a 3D printer was motivated by independence from external providers (91.3%) and rapid template production (82.6%). The preferred printing methods were stereolithography (69.4 %) and filament printing (44.4%). CONCLUSIONS: OMFS 3D printing is established in Germany with a wide range of applications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence of 3D printing in hospitals and private practices is moderate. This may be enhanced by future innovations including improved cost efficiency.

How is neck dissection performed in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery? Results of a representative nationwide survey among university and non-university hospitals in Germany.

INTRODUCTION: Neck dissection (ND) is a surgical procedure addressing cervical lymph nodes and metastases in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this study was to analyze clinical decisions regarding indications and variations of ND in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nationwide survey of the German Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was performed using dynamic online questionnaires including 38 questions. Data about oncological centers, case numbers, and staging procedures were collected. Relevant aspects, such as inclusion of level IIb and levels IV and V to ND, uni- vs. bilateral ND, and the influence of extra-nodal extension (ENE) of metastases on extension of ND were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-four OMFS of university and non-university hospitals participated in the study (responding rate 21.4%). Sixty-six (78.57%) stated to work at certified cancer centers and 53.57% of the hospitals treated between 50 and 100 OSCC cases per year. CT and/or MRI of the head and neck was performed in most of the staging procedures. Level IIb was included by 71 (93.42%) of the participants in selective ND. Levels IV and V were included by 53 (69.74%) in node-positive neck. In solitary ipsilateral metastases (ENE-), 49 participants (62.82%) stated to perform exclusively an ipsilateral ND and 40 (51.95%) stated to perform only an ipsilateral ND in ENE+. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a high rate of certified cancer centers in Germany showing differences regarding staging procedures, indications, and extension of ND, especially in increasingly complex cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical decisions regarding ND are dependent on case-individual aspects and must be decided individually.

Complications or rather side effects? Quantification of patient satisfaction and complications after orthognathic surgery-a retrospective, cross-sectional long-term analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this clinical analysis was to evaluate intraoperative and early postoperative complications as well as late findings and the overall patient satisfaction following orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, 119 patients after orthognathic surgery were included. Surgical approaches were single bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO (n = 52)), single LeFort-I osteotomy (n = 5) and bimaxillary osteotomy (LeFort-I + BSSO (n = 62)). Intraoperative and early (0-4 weeks postoperative) complications were investigated retrospectively (n = 119), whereas late findings and quality of life were assessed via clinical follow-up and survey (mean: 59 months postoperative) on 48 patients. RESULTS: Bad split (n = 4/114) was the most common intraoperative complication followed by one case of severe bleeding. Regarding early postoperative complications, temporary damage of the inferior alveolar nerve after BSSO was most common (n = 33/114), followed by facial nerve dysfunction (n = 3), failed osteosynthesis (n = 2) and one case of postoperative dyspnoea. Permanent hypaesthesia of the lower lip was the most prevalent (n = 28/45(BSSO and LeFort-I + BSSO)) late finding with varying extent, followed by temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) (n = 25/48). Skeletal relapse mostly occurred after class II treatment, followed by class III, posterior crossbite and open bite. Overall, the surgery improved the patients' self-perception (85.4%), with 60.4% of patients opting for surgery again. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term complications after orthognathic surgery occurred more frequently than commonly described in the literature, and analyses of the quality of life show the need for more comprehensive preoperative patient education. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypaesthesia of the lower lip presented less as complication but rather as side effect following BSSO. As orthognathic surgery is mostly elective, preoperative patient education is of pivotal importance and should include proactive risk stratification.

Customized virtual surgical planning in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery: a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare conventional (CSP) versus customized virtual surgical planning (VSP) in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. The primary goal was to compare the accuracy of defined angles. The secondary purpose was to analyze the accuracy of the splints, the time required for surgery, and the costs of both methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients (nCSP = 12; nVSP = 9) treated by two-jaw orthognathic surgery were analyzed prospectively between the years 2014 and 2016. Customized VSP consisted of virtual planning as well as CAD/CAM printing of splints and pre-bent osteosynthesis plates. The evaluated parameters were the difference between planned and postoperative situation (SNA/SNB/ANB), accuracy of splints, time required for surgery (min), and total costs of planning (€). RESULTS: When compared to CSP, VSP appears to be a more accurate method for orthognathic treatment planning with significant differences in the angle outcome (SNA p < 0.001; SNB p = 0.002; ANB p < 0.001). There were significant differences in splint accuracy in favor of CAD/CAM splints (p = 0.007). VSP significantly reduced the duration of operation (p = 0.041). Nevertheless, VSP increased the total costs (481.80 € vs. 884.00 €). CONCLUSIONS: When using virtual 3D technology in combination with printed acrylic splints, 3D models of the jaws and pre-bent osteosynthesis, there is a noticeable reduction in the duration of the operation in conjunction with an improvement in accuracy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Virtual model surgery and the prefabrication of splints and plates may replace traditional orthognathic surgery as it becomes cost-effective.

Through the ages-Aetiological changes in maxillofacial trauma.

AIMS: The number of patients suffering maxillofacial trauma remains constant although the affected patients become older. The aim of this study was to illuminate the patterns of maxillofacial fractures in a University Medical Centre and to analyse potential changes in patient population and treatment methods during a 5-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, the records of 573 patients with maxillofacial fractures treated in a level one trauma centre from January 2010 to December 2014 were analysed with regard to gender, age, date and time of hospitalization as well as discharge, aetiology, type of fracture, surgery details, complications and further injuries. Causes were subdivided into assaults, falls, epileptic seizure, work-related, traffic accident by car or bicycle, sport-associated or others (eg caused by explosions, horse kicks or unknown). RESULTS: The most common causes for fractures were assaults (28.8%; n = 165), followed by falls (23.9%; n = 137), although falls became the main reason for maxillofacial fractures in 2013 and 2014. The mean age for patients suffering from facial fractures due to falls was significantly higher compared to those injured by other causes. Most commonly, fractures of the zygomatico-maxillary complex with or without orbital floor involvement were seen (31.6%; n = 291) followed by fractures of the mandible (20.6%; n = 190) and fractures of the nose (15.2%; n = 140). Most patients were treated surgically (89.5%; n = 513) even though an increase in non-surgical treatment was found over the examination period, especially in older patients. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillofacial fractures are mostly seen in younger male patients. Assaults were the main pattern of injury during the whole examination period, although falls became the main cause in older patients over the last 2 years.

Extraction of mandibular premolars and molars: comparison between local infiltration via pressure syringe and inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anesthetic efficiency of local infiltration anesthesia administered with a pressure syringe (P-INF) via a special technique versus direct block anesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve (IANB) for tooth extraction in the posterior mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective randomized study, 101 teeth in 101 patients were extracted in the posterior mandible under local anesthesia whereby two different administration techniques were used (P-INF n = 48; IANB n = 53). Primary objectives were comparisons of anesthetic success rate (yes/no) and efficacy (full/sufficient vs. insufficient). Secondary objectives were patients' pain perception during treatment, pain of injection (numerical rating scale), need for second injections (always IANB), time until onset of anesthetic action (min), and duration of local numbness (min). RESULTS: IANB was successful in all cases, whereas initial P-INF achieved 35% of success only. Furthermore, IANB reached significant higher values of anesthetic efficacy compared to P-INF (P < 0.001). Concerning pain of injection, patients rated IANB to be more painful (P = 0.039). Second injections were significantly more often necessary for P-INF (P = 0.006) whereas duration until onset of action as well as the duration of local numbness were found to be equal. CONCLUSIONS: For anesthetic efficacy as well as anesthetic success, block anesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve (IANB) turned out to be more proficient to local infiltration via special delivering system with a special technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Infiltration, even when performed with 4% articaine and a pressure syringe system, is not a suitable method of anesthesia in the posterior mandible.

Semiquantifiable angiogenesis parameters in association with the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to assess the role of angiogenesis in the process of malignant transformation of clinical diagnosed oral leucoplakia (OL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 131 histological preparations [oral leukoplakia/hyperkeratosis without dysplasia (OL; n = 49), oral leukoplakia/hyperkeratosis with mild dysplasia (OL-SIN1; n = 33), with moderate dysplasia (OL-SIN2; n = 13) and leukoplakia-derived oral squamous cell carcinoma (OL-OSCC; n = 36)] were evaluated for microvessel density (MVD), vessel diameter as well as for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) expression. Data were compared within the groups. RESULTS: For MVD, there were significant differences between OL and OL-SIN 2/OL-OSCC (P < 0.05) and between OL-SIN 1 and OL-OSCC (P < 0.05). For OL-OSCC, vessel diameters were significantly increased compared with OL (P < 0.05). Expression of VEGF-A increased significantly gradually from OL-SIN 1 to OSCC (each P < 0.05). This was especially evident for lesions of the tongue when compared to the others. CONCLUSION: Angiogenesis increases during the transition from OL through dysplasia to OL-OSCC. In particular, OL-OSCCs of the tongue, VEGF-A expression may be used for estimation of malignant progression of OL.

A comparative analysis of particulate bovine bone substitutes for oral regeneration: a narrative review.

PURPOSE: Particulate bovine bone substitutes (BS) are commonly used in oral regeneration. However, more literature is needed focusing on comparative analyses among various particulate bovine BS. This study evaluates pre-clinical and clinical data of different particulate bovine BS in oral regeneration. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted by screening the PubMed database Included in the review were pre-clinical and clinical studies until 2024 comparing a minimum of two distinct particulate bovine BS. In addition to examining general data concerning manufacturing and treatment processes, biological safety, physical and chemical characteristics, and graft resorption, particular emphasis was placed on assessing pre-clinical and clinical data related to ridge preservation, sinus floor elevation, peri-implant defects, and various forms of alveolar ridge augmentation utilizing particulate bovine BS. RESULTS: Various treatment temperatures ranging from 300 to 1,250 °C and the employment of chemical cleaning steps were identified for the manufacturing process of particulate bovine BS deemed to possess biosecurity. A notable heterogeneity was observed in the physical and chemical characteristics of particulate bovine BS, with minimal or negligible graft resorption. Variations were evident in particle and pore sizes and the porosity of particulate bovine BS. Pre-clinical assessments noted a marginal inclination towards favorable outcomes for particulate bovine BS subjected to higher treatment temperatures. However, clinical data are insufficient. No distinctions were observed regarding ridge preservation, while slight advantages were noted for high-temperature treated particulate bovine BS in sinus floor elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Subtle variances in both pre-clinical and clinical outcomes were observed in across various particulate bovine BS. Due to inadequate data, numerous considerations related to diverse particulate bovine BS, including peri-implant defects, must be more conclusive. Additional clinical studies are imperative to address these knowledge gaps effectively.

The Perfect Timing-Immediate versus Delayed Microvascular Reconstruction of the Mandible.

In this retrospective study, the clinical and economic implications of microvascular reconstruction of the mandible were assessed, comparing immediate versus delayed surgical approaches. Utilizing data from two German university departments for oral and maxillofacial surgery, the study included patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction following continuity resection. The data assessed included demographic information, reconstruction details, medical history, dental rehabilitation status, and flap survival rates. In total, 177 cases (131 male and 46 females; mean age: 59 years) of bony free flap reconstruction (72 immediate and 105 delayed) were included. Most patients received adjuvant treatment (81% with radiotherapy and 51% combined radiochemotherapy), primarily for tumor resection. Flap survival was not significantly influenced by the timing of reconstruction, radiotherapy status, or the mean interval (14.5 months) between resection and reconstruction. However, immediate reconstruction had consumed significantly fewer resources. The rate of implant-supported masticatory rehabilitation was only 18% overall. This study suggests that immediate jaw reconstruction is economically advantageous without impacting flap survival rates. It emphasizes patient welfare as paramount over financial aspects in clinical decisions. Furthermore, this study highlights the need for improved pathways for masticatory rehabilitation, as evidenced by only 18% of patients with implant-supported dentures, to enhance quality of life and social integration.

Towards optimized tissue regeneration: a new 3D printable bioink of alginate/cellulose hydrogel loaded with thrombocyte concentrate.

Introduction: Autologous platelet concentrate (APC) are pro-angiogenic and can promote wound healing and tissue repair, also in combination with other biomaterials. However, challenging defect situations remain demanding. 3D bioprinting of an APC based bioink encapsulated in a hydrogel could overcome this limitation with enhanced physio-mechanical interface, growth factor retention/secretion and defect-personalized shape to ultimately enhance regeneration. Methods: This study used extrusion-based bioprinting to create a novel bioink of alginate/cellulose hydrogel loaded with thrombocyte concentrate. Chemico-physical testing exhibited an amorphous structure characterized by high shape fidelity. Cytotoxicity assay and incubation of human osteogenic sarcoma cells (SaOs2) exposed excellent biocompatibility. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis confirmed pro-angiogenic growth factor release of the printed constructs, and co-incubation with HUVECS displayed proper cell viability and proliferation. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay explored the pro-angiogenic potential of the prints in vivo. Detailed proteome and secretome analysis revealed a substantial amount and homologous presence of pro-angiogenic proteins in the 3D construct. Results: This study demonstrated a 3D bioprinting approach to fabricate a novel bioink of alginate/cellulose hydrogel loaded with thrombocyte concentrate with high shape fidelity, biocompatibility, and substantial pro-angiogenic properties. Conclusion: This approach may be suitable for challenging physiological and anatomical defect situations when translated into clinical use.

Forensic Identification: Dental Scan Data Sets of the Palatal Fold Pairs as an Individual Feature in a Longitudinal Cohort Study.

The INTERPOL standard for the identification of unknown individuals includes the established primary characteristics of fingerprint, DNA, and teeth. Exposure to noxious agents such as fire and water often severely limits the availability of usable material such as fingerprints. In addition to teeth, the protected oral cavity also houses palatal fold pairs, which are the subject of this study to demonstrate individuality and consequently support identification. Material and Methods: In this cohort study, 105 participants' palates were scanned twice with a dental intraoral scanner (Omnicam SIRONA®) over a 3 month period and were then analyzed using a matching program. The intraindividual and interindividual differences were determined, and the mean values and standard deviations were calculated and presented. Results: The intraindividual differences are highly significantly lower than the interindividual differences (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that palatal rugae pairs can be considered a highly individual feature and could be considered an identification feature in a young and healthy population.

A novel alloplastic grid reconstruction plate for the mandible - Retrospective comparative clinical analysis of failure rates and specific complications.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of three different osteosynthesis plate systems on failure rates and complications after continuity-interrupting mandibular resections with alloplastic reconstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of respective patients from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The analyses included the osteosynthesis plate type (2.4 MANDIBULAR (RP1: MANDIBULAR [Medicon®, Tuttlingen, Germany]; RP2: Modus® Reco 2.5 [Medartis®, Basel, Switzerland]; and RP3: Modus 2 Mandible [Medartis®, Basel, Switzerland]), extent & location of the defect, age, sex, radiotherapy, and nicotine abuse. In case of failure, timepoint, and the problem, namely oral/extraoral dehiscence, screw loosening, and plate fractures that led to removal, were analyzed. Complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo system. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were included. The mean follow-up time was 18 ± 26 months. Survival rates after 1, 2, and 5 years were 69.9%, 66.9%, and 64.7%, respectively. Although survival was not significantly associated with the reconstruction system, the most frequent complications were seen in cases of RP1 & RP2 when compared to RP3 (p = 0.033). In brief, dehiscences were seen significantly less often in cases of RP3 (12.5%) when compared to RP1 (44.7%) and RP2 (26.9%; p = 0.024). Fractures of the osteosynthesis systems occurred in 3 of 4 cases (75%) with RP1, in 1 of 4 cases (25%) using RP2, and in no single case using the RP3 system (p = 0.03). Most of the observed complications occurred up to 12 months postoperatively. A total plate survival rate of 64.7% and a total plate complication rate of 47.8% were seen. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it seems that RP3 should be preferred over RP1 and RP2 regarding failure rates and complications.