The use of patient-related outcomes (PRO) and experience (PRE) in assessing the periodontal and implant patient.

The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence with regard to behavioral and psychosocial assessment of the periodontitis patient, the candidate for implant therapy, and the peri-implantitis patient. Periodontitis has an adverse effect on quality of life and its treatment can lead to significant improvements experienced by the patient. The latter is true for rehabilitation with dental implants, although patients harbor diverse expectations and perceptions of implant therapy, which can often interfere with satisfaction and/or influence long-term success. A thorough behavioral assessment of the candidate for implant therapy is essential, which should include, perceptions, expectations, as well as risk for behavioral disorders. Remedial action is essential to correct misperceptions and any identified risks. Finally, patients have limited awareness of limited ability to identify signs of peri-implantitis. The diagnosis of peri-implantitis can be a cause of significant distress, resentment, and loss of trust to the treatment and the caregivers. Despite documented value in clinical research, currently available instruments assessing patient-reported outcomes have little application in day-to-day clinical practice. Face-to-face patient to doctor open-ended communication remains the most effective way to comprehensively establish the long-term "therapeutic alliance" essential for the long journey for the periodontitis patient.

Complications of preseptal versus retroseptal transconjunctival approach for isolated orbital floor fracture repair: A double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized, split-face controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Effective surgical access to the orbital floor facilitates surgery and mitigates postoperative complications (PC). The aim of this study was to compare PC between the preseptal and retroseptal transconjunctival approaches (PS-TCA/RS-TCA) for isolated orbital floor fracture (OFF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized, split-face study design, patients aged ≥ 18 years with bilateral isolated OFF were enrolled. A sample size of 177 eyes per group was determined through power analysis. The primary predictor variable was the surgical approach, and the main outcome was the PC rate at month 6. Statistical analyses were computed with a significance level at 0.05 and the non-inferiority margin at a relative risk (RR) of 0.045. RESULTS: The final sample included 193 patients (23.3 % female; age, 42.8 ± 18.1 years). Both TCA variants exhibited comparable PC rates (5.2 % for PS-TCA vs. 7.3 % for RS-TCA; P = 0.53; absolute risk, +2.07 % [95 % CI, -2.74 % to 6.89 %]; RR, 1.4 [95 % CI, 0.64 to 3.07]). Approximately one in every 49 patients experiencing PC with RS-TCA (number needed to harm, 48.3). CONCLUSIONS: Both TCA methods can be used without different PC rates at 6 months postoperatively. Future research should focus on TCA in combination with other surgical approaches for multiple orbital wall reconstruction.

A stepwise approach to chainsaw kickback injury of the nasoorbital complex: a case-based meta-narrative review.

PURPOSE: This article outlines the management of a rare and severe nasoorbital injury resulting from a chainsaw kickback accident in a 60-year-old male. A meta-narrative review of English, French, and German literature indexed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to January 8, 2024, accompanies the case report. METHODS: This was a case report combined with a comprehensive review based on the 2011 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine's highest and most recent level of evidence (LoE) and highest recommendation grade (RG). Rigorous selection criteria were applied. RESULTS: The patient had an open nasal fracture, complex lacerations, and avulsion of the left eyelid, lateral orbital wall and lateral rectus muscle. Staged surgical interventions comprised repositioning and fixation of the fractured nose, buccal mucosal grafting for nasal mucosa and conjunctiva repair, titanium mesh and polydioxanone sheet for lateral orbital wall reconstruction, and subsequent muscle and eyelid repair. The second intervention 3 months postsurgery addressed lateral ectropion, nasal dorsal hump, and nasolacrimal system issues. Despite the rarity of such injuries, evidence-based discussions were conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Complex nasoorbital trauma resulting from chainsaw kickback necessitates a meticulous, staged surgical approach. The inside-out technique proved effective in addressing various challenges. This article concludes with evidence-based recommendations, highlighting the importance of adapting established principles to unique nature of these injuries.

Physicians' awareness of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with osteoporosis.

A serious adverse effect of antiresorptive drugs, which are widely used to treat osteoporosis, is medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Physicians can reduce the risk of MRONJ by educating patients and emphasizing the importance of good oral health. However, limited information is available regarding physicians' awareness and clinical practices associated with MRONJ. Hence, this study aimed to examine physicians' awareness related to MRONJ and associated clinical practices. This study was a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. An online self-administered questionnaire was sent to physicians in Thailand who prescribed antiresorptive drugs for osteoporosis. Most respondents agreed that antiresorptive drugs might cause MRONJ (92.3%), poor oral health increased the risk of MRONJ (84%), and MRONJ is an important consideration in patients with osteoporosis (85%). Of the respondents, 48.1% and 15.5% always referred patients to dentists before and during antiresorptive therapy, respectively. Approximately 60% of physicians informed patients of the MRONJ risk before prescribing antiresorptive drugs, and 30% inquired about patients' oral symptoms at the follow-up visit. Overall, 44% of physicians advised patients to receive oral health care; the most common reason for not advising this was that respondents did not consider themselves to be adequately knowledgeable to detect oral health problems. These findings indicate that while most physicians who prescribed antiresorptive drugs for osteoporosis were aware of and considered MRONJ in their practice, several took insufficient action to prevent it. This highlights the need to emphasize clinical practice guidelines and collaboration between physicians and dentists.

Evaluation of dental education during the pandemic of COVID-19-Results from an online survey among dental students.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the students' experience with education during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to investigate their views moving forward after resumption of face-to-face education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to dental students in clinical dental education at seven dental schools. The questionnaire included 33 items organized in three sections: (a) Demographics, (b) Perceptions/activity during lockdown, and (c) Perceptions/activity upon resumption of face-to-face teaching. RESULTS: A total of 286 students from seven universities in Europe and Asia participated. Students' satisfaction with education during the pandemic varied among universities and ranged between 36%-80%, but students engaged in delivering emergency care had a significantly higher opinion (p = .001). Students who felt that their workload decreased, were commonly 24 years old or older (p = .015), male (p = .05) reported lower concentration and motivation, experienced a more severe disruption and valued lower the efforts of their universities to ensure the continuity of education (p = .009). The majority of the students (80.3%) felt confident to resume clinical training after the lockdown. In general, female students experienced a higher disruption of their education during the pandemic (p = .043) and expressed lower confidence to continue clinical training in comparison to their male colleagues (p = .001). CONCLUSION: Students' perception of their workload during the COVID-19 lockdown was very diverse, with those experiencing a reduction in workload being more likely to express lower satisfaction as well. Female students experienced a higher level of disruption. Engaging students in the delivery of emergency care had a positive effect on their appreciation of the education.

Does Training Background Influence Outcomes after Coronal Scalp Incision for Treating Craniomaxillofacial Injuries?: A German Pilot Study.

Objectives: To examine outcomes of the coronal scalp approach to craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures performed by oral-maxillofacial or craniofacial plastic surgery residents (OMFS/CFPS-Rs) vs. trauma surgery residents (TS-Rs), and to determine differences in treatment outcomes between both operator groups. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled a sample of CMF fracture adult patients treated via the coronal approach in a German level one trauma center during a two-year interval. The predictor variable was training background (OMFS/CFPS-Rs vs. TS-Rs; each n = 5). All trainees must assist in ≥ two surgeries before self-performance. The main outcomes were length of hospital stay (LHS) and coronal flap-related complications (CFRCs). Appropriate statistics were computed at α = 95%. Results: Of the 97 patients identified during the study period; 71 of whom (19.7% females; mean age, 40.2 ± 15.2 years; 46.5% operated by TS-Rs; 38% combined upper and midfacial fractures) met the inclusion criteria. Operative time, LHS, CFRCs, readmission rates, and post-discharge emergency room visits were not significantly different between the trainee groups. 60% of CFRCs were visible/unfavorable or hypertrophic scar with/without alopecia. The number needed to treat of short LHS was 44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9 to 4.8), the number needed to harm of CFRCs was 14 (95% CI, 3.6 to 7.4), i.e., the likelihood to be helped or harmed was 0.32. Conclusions: Coronal flap raising by OMFS/CFPS-Rs does not appear beneficial over that by TS-Rs in terms of LHS and CFRCs evaluated until postoperative month six. Trainees from any surgical specialties could gain partial independence from skilled surgeons in CMF trauma "sub-steps" and favorable clinical outcomes. Further studies in a larger sample cohort are required to confirm this pilot data.

To drain or not to drain following posttraumatic ear reconstruction with Dieffenbach's postauricular flap in patients with antithrombotic therapy.

PURPOSE: To measure the association between drainage use and postoperative complications (POCs) after posttraumatic ear reconstruction (PTER) with Dieffenbach's postauricular flap (DPF) in patients with antithrombotic therapy (ATT). METHODS: This was a retrospective double-cohort study of patients undergoing posttraumatic DRF with vs. without drainage in 4 maxillofacial units during a 7-year interval. The primary predictor variable was drainage use, and the main outcome was POCs (i.e., auricular haematoma and infection). Descriptive, bi- and multivariate statistics were computed with P ≤ 0.05 defined as statistically significant. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 365 unilateral PTER patients (14% POCs, 15.6% ATT, 34.5% females) aged 58.1 ± 19.7 years (range, 18-101). Among subjects with ATT, drainage use significantly reduced POCs (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8; P = 0.009; absolute risk reduction [ASR], 34.04%; NNT, 3), especially when delayed surgery > 5 h after trauma was evident (forward stepwise logistic modelling: OR, 20.6; 95% CI, 2 to 215.9; P = 0.012). Drainage placement under DPF in ATT patients with smoking habit, concomitant diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus), ear cartilage loss, or wound contamination almost halved POC rates (ASR, 34.5 ± 12.1%; range, 22.1% to 49%). Patient's age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, alcohol misuse, ATT and antibiotic type, and international normalised ratio (INR) before surgery had no meaningful effect on POCs. CONCLUSIONS: Drainage should be placed under DPF in patients with ATT, regardless of age, gender, ATT and antibiotic type, and preoperative INR.

Deproteinized bovine bone and freeze-dried bone allograft in sinus floor augmentation: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of deproteinized bovine bone (DBB, Bio-Oss®) and freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA, SureOss®) on bone healing during maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) using histology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expressions of the marker genes including Runx2, Opn, Ocn, Col1a1, Rankl, and Tnf-α. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen participants who required two-stage maxillary sinus augmentation were randomly assigned to DBB and FDBA bone grafting groups. Six months after the sinus augmentation procedure, bone samples were collected before implant placement with a trephine bur. Gene expression of Runx2, Opn, Ocn, Col1a1, Rankl, and Tnf-α of the bone samples was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction as a primary outcome. Histological analysis of H&E-stained sections, immunohistochemistry for OPN quantification, and CBCT-based bone tissue examination were performed to investigate the bone healing effects of DBB and FDBA substitutes. RESULTS: The FDBA treated group showed higher gene expression when compared with the DBB treated group in Opn (2.83 ± 1.23 vs. 1.40 ± 0.69; p = 0.04), Runx2 (1.49 ± 0.44 vs. 0.67 ± 0.14; p = 0.01), and Rankl (2.34 ± 0.85 vs. 0.69 ± 0.39; p = 0.03). In the DBB treated group a downregulated expression was found of Ocn relative to maxillary edentulous bone (1.18 ± 0.40 vs. 2.51 ± 0.78; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Two-stage maxillary sinus augmentation with FDBA upregulated specific bone remodeling genes when compared to DBB. The outcome of gene expression matched with the ones for OPN immunoreactivity, being higher in the FDBA group. FDBA had an expression pattern similar to native bone and showed stronger expression of bone forming related-genes suggesting it may be clinically preferable over DBB. This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization (clinical registration number TCTR20221217002).

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Non-allergic Perioral Angioedema: A Case-Based Scoping Review.

Patients with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)-induced angioedema (ACEIIA) may visit family physicians. The aim of this article was to describe a case of delayed-onset ACEIIA and to present a concise scoping review. Using a case report and a scoping review study design, we report a case of ACEIIA, with clinically confirmed diagnosis. The symptoms resolved after replacing the offending ACEI with another antihypertensive agent. After excluding other causes of perioral swelling and discontinuation of ACEI, the patient was symptom-free within a few days thereafter. Based on this case presentation, we performed a meta-narrative scoping review including up-todate diagnosis and management of ACEIIA, based on published data in English, French, and German from inception to April 1, 2021. Patients with angioedema of unknown origin should be cautiously examined to rule out oral diseases, including allergy to dental materials and drug-induced angioedema. Clinicopathological aspects and current treatment guidelines for ACEI-associated angioedema are also presented.

Factors associated with complications of submental intubation in 339 patients with facial fractures: A German retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: For nearly four decades, submental intubation (SI) has been introduced and employed to avoid tracheostomy in facial trauma cases where nasal/oral intubation is infeasible or associated with possible risks. The purposes of this study were to estimate the frequency and to identify variables associated with complications of SI (CSI). METHODS: The authors organised a retrospective cohort study and enrolled a group of patients with facial trauma and SI during a seven-year interval at two German level one trauma centres where SI has routinely been used in complex facial trauma cases. The predictor variables included demographic, medical, dental, fracture-related, operative, and postoperative parameters. The outcome variable was CSI. We used descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses at the 0.05 significant level. RESULTS: The sample included 339 patients (24.5% females, 9.4% had complications) with an average age of 58.2 ± 12.0 years (range, 17-89). Bivariate analyses revealed nine significant variables. However, forward stepwise multiple logistic regression modelling identified three variables statistically associated with CSI: smoking (OR, 691.8; 95% CI, 75.9 to 6303.9; P < 0.0001; number needed to harm [NNH], 6), moderate to high gingival inflammation (OR, 786.7; 95% CI, 66 to 9378.9; P = 0.002; NNH, 12), and postoperative use of chlorhexidine mouthwash (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.77; P = 0.0003; number needed to treat [NNT], 2). CONCLUSIONS: smokers and subjects with gingivitis were more likely to experience CSI. Postoperative chlorhexidine rinsing was the potentially modifiable, albeit low-OR, factor. These findings could help to draw an effective guideline against the CSI.

Assessing effectiveness of endoscope-assisted medial orbital wall fracture repair vs. no surgery using benefit-risk metrics and literature review.

PURPOSES: To evaluate clinical usefulness of endoscope-assisted medial orbital wall fracture repair via the retrocaruncular approach (rc-EAMOWFR) vs. no surgery (NS), and to perform a narrative review of relevant literature. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study enrolling isolated medial orbital wall fracture (IMOWF) eyes presented to two German level 1 trauma centers during a 7-year interval. The predictor variable was treatment type (rc-EAMOWFR vs. NS), and the main outcomes were late enophthalmos (LE) and retrobulbar hemorrhage (RH) assessed at 9-15 posttraumatic months. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed at α = 95%. Binary adjustments enabled calculation of number needed to treat (NNT), to harm (NNH), and likelihood to be helped or harmed (LHH) for demonstrating benefit-risk tradeoffs. Moreover, a narrative review was also performed. RESULTS: The sample comprised 502 patients (28.3% females; mean age, 46.5±19.2 years) with 541 IMOWF eyes (5.9% NS; 7.2% LE; 1.3% RH). Operated eyes had significantly lower LE events than NS eyes (symptomatic IMOWF: P < .0001; 95% confidence interval [CI], .03 to .16; NNT = 2 [95% CI, 1.1 to 6.1]; asymptomatic IMOWF: P < .0001; 95% CI, .01 to .07; NNT = 2 [95% CI, 1.1 to 1.8]). There were 7 (1.5%) RH events following rc-EAMOWFR (P = .99; 95% CI, .06 to 17.4; NNH = 68 [95% CI, 38.3 to 254.2]). LHH calculations posited that rc-EAMOWFR was 34 times more likely to prevent LE than to cause RH, regardless of fracture symptoms. Our results conformed to those of other 15 studies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that all IMOWFs be treated. rc-EAMOWFR performed in every 68 IMOWFs would be at risk of one RH event, but prevent 34 eyes from LE due to untreated fractures. Nearly 72% of untreated IMOWFs develop LE after 9 months.

Dental Screening Including Panoramic Radiograph for Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome in Patients With Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas.

PURPOSE: To answer the following clinical research question: "Among patients with multiple basal cell carcinomas (mBCCs), can panoramic radiograph (PaR) facilitate the diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS)?" METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled mBCCs subjects who presented to a German tertiary care center between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2021. The primary predictor was presence of syndromic mBCCs, and the main outcomes were jaw cysts and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs). Descriptive, bi- and multivariate statistics, diagnostic test evaluation, and number needed to screen (NNS) were computed at α = 95%. RESULTS: The sample comprised 527 mBCCs patients (36.1% females; 6.8% GGS; 5.5% OKCs; mean age, 74.5 ± 15.8 years [range, 15-102]). There was a significant association between syndromic mBCCs and jaw cysts (P < .0001; NNS = 2 [95% CI, CI, 1.1 to 1.4]). In the adjusted logistic model, PaR identified GGS via radiographic diagnosis of jaw cysts in case of 1) age ≤ 35 years, 2) ≥ 5 BCCs, and 3) ≥ 1 high-risk BCCs. Nearly every jaw cyst identified by PaR was OKCs (P = .01; 95% CI, 3.1 to 3,101.4; NNS = 1.3 [95% CI, .9 to 2]). The post hoc power was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Dental screening with the use of PaR for mBCCs patients, especially those aged ≤35 years, or with ≥5 BCCs, or ≥1 high-risk BCCs, may be helpful in detection and identification of GGS through recognition of OKCs.

Benefit-risk appraisal of lip-split mandibular "swing" vs. transoral approaches to posterior oral/oropharyngeal carcinomas using number needed to treat, to harm, and likelihood to be helped or harmed.

PURPOSE: s: To evaluate benefit-risk profiles of lip-split mandibular "swing" vs. transoral approaches (LS-MSA; TOA) to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I-III posterior oral/oropharyngeal carcinomas (PO/OPC). METHODS: Using a retrospective double-cohort study design, we enrolled stage I-III PO/OPC patients treated in two German medical centers during a 4-year interval. The predictor variable was surgical technique (LS-MSA/TOA), and main outcomes were complete resection with R0 margins (CR-R0), 5-year overall survival and recurrence (OS5; R5), and adverse events (AEs). Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed with α = 95%. Benefit-risk profiles were investigated using number needed to treat (NNT), to harm (NNH), and likelihood to be helped or harmed (LLH). RESULTS: At 5-year follow-ups of 202 subjects, LS-MSA caused significantly better CR-R0 (P = 0.001; NNT: 4) and fewer R5 (P = 0.003; NNT: 5), but more risks of wound dehiscence ([WD]; P = 0.01; NNH = 8), and orocutaneous fistula ([OCF]; P = 0.01; NNH: 10). LLH calculations demonstrated that LS-MSA was 2 and 1.6 times more likely to result in CR-R0 and fewer R5 than an incident of WD. There was no significant difference in OS5, postoperative infections (within 30 postoperative days) and AE domains according to the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire version 4 (UW-QoLv4) between the surgical approach groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to TOA, LS-MSA is an efficacious and tolerable intervention for inspecting and eradicating stage I-III PO/OPCs, and reducing recurrences at 5-year follow-ups. Post-LS-MSA WD and OCF require meticulous concerns and more investigations.

COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown increase the frequency and severity of periorbital dog bite injuries in children.

Objective: To determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown increase the risk of head, neck, and face (HNF) dog bite injuries in children. Methods: Using a retrospective cohort study design, the investigators enrolled a sample of children presenting with HNF dog bite injuries during 22 weeks before and 22 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic in a German level 1 trauma center. The predictor variables were COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The outcome variables were grouped into demographic, anatomic, injury-related, and therapeutic. Appropriate statistics were computed, and statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05. Results: The sample included 36 subjects (19.4% girls; 97.2% Caucasians; 50% isolated periorbital injuries; 61.1% during the lockdown; 16.7% after the lockdown) with an average age of 8 ± 3.3 years. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, pediatric HNF dog bite injuries increased ca. 5.5- and 1.5-fold during and after the lockdown, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with severe household injury from a pet dog, number of inpatients and treatments in the operating room, and prolonged hospitalization. Isolated periorbital injury was common during the COVID-19 pandemic (P = 0.04; relative risk [RR], 4.86; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.76 to 31.12), especially during the lockdown (P = 0.02; RR, 4.36; 95% CI, 0.72 to 26.6). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the lockdown, there is an increasing tendency of frequency and severity of domestic HNF dog injuries in children, and periorbital region is the most injury-prone.

Can computer-assisted implant surgery improve clinical outcomes and reduce the frequency and intensity of complications in implant dentistry? A critical review.

Computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS), either static or dynamic, is well documented to significantly improve the accuracy of implant placement. Whether the increased accuracy leads to a corresponding improvement in clinical outcomes has not yet been systematically investigated. The aim of this critical review was to investigate whether the use of CAIS can lead to reduction of complications as well as improved clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) when compared with conventional freehand implant surgery. A comprehensive online search was conducted to identify studies where implants were installed with static computer-assisted implant surgery (s-CAIS)or dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery(d-CAIS) or combinations of the two, either compared with conventional free-hand implant placement or not. Seventy-seven studies were finally included in qualitative analysis, while data from three studies assessing postsurgical pain were suitable for a meta-analysis. Only a small number of the available studies were comparative. The current evidence does not suggest any difference with regard to intraoperative complications, immediate postsurgical healing, osseointegration success, and survival of implants placed with CAIS or freehand protocols. Intraoperative and early healing events as reported by patients in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) did not differ significantly between CAIS used with flap elevation and conventional implant placement. There is limited evidence that increased accuracy of placement with CAIS is correlated with superior esthetic outcomes. Use of CAIS does not significantly reduce the length of surgeries in cases of single implants and partially edentulous patients, although there appears to be a more favorable impact in fully edentulous patients. Although CAIS alone does not seem to improve healing and the clinical and PRO, to the extent that it can increase the utilization of flapless surgery and predictability of immediacy protocols, its use may indirectly lead to substantial improvements in all of the above parameters.

Influence of interproximal peri-implant tissue and prosthesis contours on food impaction, tissue health and patients' quality of life.

PURPOSE: To investigate tissue features and interproximal contour of posterior implant-supported single crowns (ISSC), which correlate with food impaction. 2) To evaluate the influence of food impaction on the health of the adjacent peri-implant tissue and patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with posterior ISSC under maintenance between July 2019 and July 2020 were recruited. OHRQoL of patients who self-reported food impaction between ISSC and teeth was evaluated by Oral Impacts on Daily Performance questionnaire and reported at patient level. Interproximal prosthesis contours and periodontal/peri-implant tissue conditions were assessed by clinical and radiographic examination. Differences between food impaction (FI) and non-food impaction (NFI) sites were analysed. RESULTS: Totally, 178 patients (286 ISSC and 410 interproximal spaces) were included. Among 119 patients who self-reported food impaction, 84 (70.6%) reported their OHRQoL to be affected with minor-to-severe intensity. The most commonly affected daily performance was the ability to clean the teeth. Plaque accumulation at ISSC, deeper probing depth, complete interdental papilla fill, loose contact, longer contact length, lower contact point level, closer distance between ISSC and tooth, lesser embrasure surface area, tissue-level implant and cement-retained restoration were found significantly more in the FI group than the NFI group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Interproximal features of the implant prosthesis were associated with food impaction between the ISSC and the adjacent tooth, which might affect periodontal and/or peri-implant tissue health conditions. Patients' OHRQoL was commonly affected by food impaction, but the intensity was low.

A retrospective cohort study on predictors associated with skull base invasion of maxillary ameloblastomas.

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with skull base involvement (SBI) of maxillary ameloblastomas (MA). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was composed of MA patients treated during a 7-year period. Demographic, radiographic, and nine immunohistopathologic predictor variables were included. The outcome variable was presence of SBI (yes/no). Descriptive, bi- and multivariate statistics were computed, and P ≤ .05 in multivariate analyses was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The sample comprised 23 subjects (34.8% females; 21.7% with SBI) with a mean age of 50.3 ± 18.2 years. Candidate predictors of an SBI in MAs were 1) male gender, 2) a low Karnofsky Performance Status score (KPS), 3) multilocular radiolucency, 4) ill-defined margins, 5) cortical perforation, 6) inclusion of an unerupted tooth, 7) moderate to strong reactivity to p53, Ki-67, CD10, astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) protein, carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), calretinin (calbindin2; CALB2), and BRAF-V600E, and 8) negative to low immunopositivity to α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and syndecan-1 (CD138). However, multivariate analyses confirmed the significant associations of SBI with negative/low syndecan-1 reactivity (P = .003; adjusted odds ratio [ORadj.], 4.04; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -.89 to -.48; Pearson's Correlation Coefficient [r] = -.74) and with KPS (P = .003; ORadj., 4.04; 95% CI, -.78 to -.17; r = -.54) only. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest an aggressive approach to MAs with negative to low syndecan-1 immunopositivity and/or in multi-morbid patients (who may have difficulty in access to health care). Otherwise, health care inequalities due to low KPS scores should be minimized or eliminated.

Bardach's triple-legged rotation flap as single-staged 3D helical upper-third reconstruction: A technical note.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the helical upper-third is often technically demanding, especially when the defect is huge and the ear is severely deformed. The aim of this short communication was to present an alternative technique to rebuild this difficult task, using a modification of the Bardach's three-legged rotation flap for scalp closure. METHODS: To achieve the flap design, we raised the retro- and supraauricular tissue with the Dieffenbach's postauricular advancement fl ap. The Gillies' V-Y advancement fl ap helped to develop the preauricular fl ap, and the Mustardé's otoplastik technique was used to reduce the gap between the resected ear cartilage and the temple. CONCLUSION: This flap technique appears simple and quick; thereby, it can be used as a single-staged reconstruction alternative in aging patients with multiple comorbidities.

A German AWMF's S2e/realist synthesis and meta-narrative snapshot of craniomaxillofacial manifestations in COVID-19 patients: Rapid living update on 1 January 2021.

PURPOSES: To execute a review answering the following question: "Among novel coronavirus disease (COVID19) patients, what are craniomaxillofacial (CMF) manifestations?" based on the RAMESES and the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF)'s S2e guidelines. METHODS: We performed a realist synthesis and meta-narrative review extracting data in English, French, German and Thai from PubMed/Medline, Embase, Biomed Central, Cochrane Library, and Thai Journals Online, until 1 January 2021. The primary outcome variable was CMF manifestations grouped into 5 categories: (1) mouth and throat, (2) nose, paranasal sinus, and skull base (3) ocular/orbital and periorbital tissue, (4) ear, and (5) craniofacial skin. Appropriate statistics was computed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven original articles meeting the inclusion criteria were analysed; all were in English and indexed in PubMed/Medline. Hand searches of their references yielded a total of 101 articles for the review. Most data were in low level of evidence and focused on smell and taste disturbances and non-specific orofacial lesions. Iatrogenic complications may occur in this body region. Conservative measures remained effective and were usually enough for patient care. CONCLUSION: Because SARS-CoV-2 infection is new and becomes the stringent worldwide pandemic within a short time period, most of the data on CMF symptoms are of low level evidence. Apart from taste and smell dysfunctions, non-specific CMF lesions can be found and treated conservatively. Treatment complications are possible. Dentists and CMF surgeons are privileged to examine the orofacial region and work closely with colleagues in other specialities to combat this pandemic.

Are oral lichen planus patients at high risk of hepatitis C? A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between oral lichen planus (OLP) and viral hepatitis C (HCV). METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included a sample of OLP patients in a 3-year interval. The predictor variable was the presence of OLP (yes/no). The outcome variable was the diagnosis of HCV. Other study variables were grouped into demographic, anatomic, and clinical. Descriptive, bi- and multivariate statistics were computed with a significant level at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 237 OLP patients (38.8% females) with a mean age of 59.9 ± 17.8 years (range, 17-96), and 948 age- and gender-matched control individuals. The significant higher frequency of HCV was identified in OLP patients (frequency: 19.8% vs. 2.1%; adjusted matched odds ratio [mORadj], 9.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 5.98 to 15.91; P < 0.0001; Pearson's Phi coefficient [rphi], 0.307). In the adjusted model, OLP with HCV was associated with 1) oro-cutaneous manifestations (mORadj, 17.58; 95% CI, 1.92 to 161.26; P = 0.0059; Bayesian posterior probability of positive test [Wp], 96%), 2) any intraoral forms other than reticular/plaque-liked forms (mORadj, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.18; P < 0.0001; Wp, 52%), and 3) poor response to topical corticosteroids (mORadj, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.16; P < 0.0001; Wp, 88%). CONCLUSIONS: OLP, especially oro-cutaneous disease or steroid-refractory OLP, are associated with an increased frequency of HCV. Not only HCV screening in OLP patients, but oral examination in HCV patients, are both recommended as primary preventive measures.