Is perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in the case of routine surgical removal of the third molar still justified? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a split-mouth design.

INTRODUCTION: Since antimicrobial resistance, caused by various factors including antibiotic overuse and abuse, is a severe challenge, the necessity of perioperative antibiotic prophylactic for surgical third molar removal remains a contentious topic. This study determined whether perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce surgical site infections (SSIs), swelling, and pain in the case of surgical removal of wisdom teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a split-mouth design. A study medication of 2 g amoxicillin, administered 1 h before the third molar removal, followed by 1.5 g each for the first 3 postoperative days, was compared with placebo medication. The primary outcome variable (SSI), secondary clinical parameters (swelling and trismus), and patient-centered outcome measures (bleeding, swelling, pain, and pain medication intake) were documented until postoperative day 7. Statistical analyses were done with a paired t test, t test for independent samples, Chi-square test, and McNemar test, including effect sizes. RESULTS: Primary outcome SSI, in total 11%, and clinical parameters swelling and trismus were not significantly different between the two groups. The patient-centered outcome measures (bleeding, swelling, and pain) did not significantly differ, except for postoperative bleeding in the EG on day 0. No significant result was found with pain medication intake postoperative on days 0-7. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative administration of oral antibiotics neither revealed additional benefits in patient-related outcome measures nor reduced postoperative complications compared with the placebo group indicated at routine surgical removal of noninflamed wisdom teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Taking antimicrobial resistance into account, clear recommendations for administering drugs, particularly antibiotics, are critical in oral surgery.

Dilemma in the Treatment of a Central Giant Cell Granuloma.

Management of central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) presents a clinical challenge. While eradicating a lesion known for its high recurrence rate calls for radical surgical approaches, these cause significant esthetic and functional impairment. We present an eight-year-old boy suffering from an extraordinarily large CGCG expanding into the mandible and base of the mouth in the whole anterior region. Combined treatment with surgical intervention and corticosteroid application was successfully applied, and all six attached dental germs could be preserved. Different approaches for clinical management in pediatric cases are discussed.

Long-term Follow-up for Apical Microsurgery of Teeth with Core and Post Restorations.

INTRODUCTION: Orthograde retreatment was recommended before apical surgery to achieve high success rates. The aim of this study was to determine the success rates of apicoectomy of core and post-restored teeth without prior root canal retreatment followed for up to 13 years. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with 87 teeth with apical periodontitis underwent apical microsurgery from 2004 to 2006 at the Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. After 1.5-5 years and 10-13 years, 85 and 49 teeth, respectively, were followed up by 4 independent, calibrated examiners. Absolute and relative frequencies of the dichotomous outcome (healed vs nonhealed) were analyzed considering patient-, tooth-, and treatment-related factors. The significance of the obtained values was determined with the chi-square and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: All of the 85 (100%) investigated teeth were in situ 1.5-5 years after surgery, whereas only 49 of 62 analyzed teeth (79%) remained after 10-13 years. Radiologically documented periapical healing was 97.6% (83/85 teeth) for the first follow-up period but decreased to 75.8% (47/62 teeth) by the second follow-up. Smokers showed significantly worse results after 10-13 years. None of the other investigated potential influencing factors significantly affected results. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study showed that apical microsurgery on teeth with core and post restoration using Intermediate Restorative Material (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE) as filling material achieves excellent results after 1.5-5 years (97.6%) and still shows good results after 10-13 years (75.8%). Accordingly, it is a reliable alternative to root canal retreatment, eliminating the risk of post removal-related complications.

Needle fracture as a complication of dental local anesthesia: recommendations for prevention and a comprehensive treatment algorithm based on literature from the past four decades.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this publication is to provide a concept for prevention and a standardized step-by-step clinical approach to this rare but serious and potentially preventable complication of dental local anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data with a PUBMED search using the key words "local anesthesia," "dental anesthesia/anesthesia" OR "mandibular block anesthesia," "complication," "hypodermic needle," "needle breakage" OR "needle fracture," and "foreign body AND removal" OR "retrieval." The existing literature was systematically evaluated from 1980 to date using Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft Corporation). RESULTS: After analysis of the literature, we included 36 reports documenting 59 needle breakage events and defined possible risk factors and preventive measures. All relevant reported parameters were listed in tabular form. The main result of this article is a treatment algorithm for this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of a needle fracture should be the main goal during local dental anesthesia. Use of longer hypodermic needle can obviate complex retrieval surgery. If immediate removal of the fragment fails, localization, planning, and the necessary surgical procedure should be arranged promptly. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Following a strict algorithm, successful surgical handling of this complication will depend on minimizing risk and following treatment recommendations closely.

Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor: a comprehensive updated review of the literature and case report.

Prompted by a unique case of an ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor (ECT) of the palate in a 54-year-old female, we reviewed the English and German literature on this entity until the end of 2016 using PubMed. The search produced 74 lingual cases with a nearly equal sex distribution and a mean age of 39.3 years, and two extra-lingual cases sharing histological and immunohistological features including nodular growth, round, fusiform or spindle-shaped cellular architecture, and chondromyxoid stroma. Immunophenotyping showed the majority of cases to be positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100 protein, glycoprotein CD57, pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3), and smooth muscle actin (SMA); in isolated cases there was molecular-genetic rearrangement or gain of Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) but no rearrangement of pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1). At present, ectomesenchymal cells that migrate from the neural crest are considered to play a pivotal role in tumor origin. All cases had a benign course, although there were three recurrences. Because of the rarity of this tumor and the need for differential diagnostic differentiation from myoepithelioma and pleomorphic adenoma, both oral surgeons and pathologists should be aware of this entity.

Immediate loading of four interforaminal implants supporting a locator-retained mandibular overdenture in the elderly. Results of a 3-year randomized, controlled, prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Implant-retained overdentures have become a standard option for the prosthetic treatment of the edentulous mandible in the elderly. PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to compare immediate and conventional loading of four interforaminal implants supporting a Locator-retained mandibular overdenture in elderly patients regarding implant survival, implant stability, and implant-related complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population comprised 20 completely edentulous patients (11 males) aged 60 years and older with severe mandible resorption. Each patient received four interforaminal implants (Neoss Ltd., Harrogate, UK). Following randomization, implants were loaded either immediately after dental implant surgery or 3 months after implant placement with the Locator-abutment system. At follow-up visits 3, 6 12, 24, and 36 months after loading, implant stability was evaluated with Periotest and Ostell. RESULTS: Twenty patients received 80 implants. In eight patients, 32 implants were loaded immediately. Two patients had to be switched from the immediate to the conventional loading group due to insufficient primary stability (≤30 Ncm). Implant survival was similar in both groups after 36 months. No implant was lost. Decreasing Periotest, and accordingly, increasing Ostell measurements indicated adequate osseointegration in both groups. The course of treatment was not significantly different in the two groups. There were comparable incidences of postoperative complaints like swelling, hematoma, or wound dehiscence, as well as need for prosthetic treatment due to abutment loosening or occlusal discrepancies. Incidence of pressure marks and number of patient visits were significantly higher in the conventional loading group. CONCLUSION: With sufficient primary stability, immediate loading of four interforaminal implants in the edentulous mandible might be the preferential choice in the elderly, reducing total treatment time, and number of patient visits.

Minimally Invasive Excision of Epulides with a CO2 Laser: A Retrospective Study of 90 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: It is the aim of this study to evaluate if the CO2 laser can beneficially be applied for excising epulides. BACKGROUND DATA: The standard procedure for treating epulides involves the excision of the hyperplastic tissue followed in most cases by the removal of parts of the underlying bone and the final closure of the wound by a flap. The use of the CO2 laser for the treatment of epulides has been documented only in isolated case reports and very few case series. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety patients with different subtypes of epulides were treated with a CO2 laser (Lasram, model OPAL 25, 25 W, 10.600 nm, gas laser); power setting 4 W, continuous wave. The surgery was performed only after a pretreatment could remedy any gingivitis or occlusal trauma. A new surgical way of working using a special applicator that allowed tangential application of the laser beam was applied for all patients. Patients were followed up to 3 years. RESULTS: No perioperative complications or recurrences after 4 weeks could be found. Six patients were lost to further follow-up, whereas 84 patients were followed up to 36 months. In 71 cases there were no recurrences over the entire observation period. Thirteen patients developed a relapse, usually a fibroma/fibrosis according to histopathological evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall CO2 laser seems to be an adequate tool for minimally invasive excision of epulides, although the respective histopathological entity could possibly influence the recurrence rate and so should be considered.

CO2 Laser Excision of a Pyogenic Granuloma Associated with Dental Implants: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: This article reports the CO2 laser excision of a pyogenic granuloma related to dental implants and reviews the current literature on this pathology in association with dental implants. BACKGROUND DATA: Five publications describe pyogenic granulomas related to dental implants, and a further one describes the removal of such a lesion with an Er:YAG laser; removal with a CO2 laser is not reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 67-year-old male patient presented with a hyperplastic gingival lesion around two implants in the left lower jaw. The hyperplastic tissue was removed with a CO2 laser (Lasram; model OPAL 25, 25 W continuous wave, 10.600 nm, gas laser), and a vestibuloplasty was performed. The excised tissue was examined histopathologically. The patient was followed up after 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year, and a panoramic X-ray was also made. RESULTS: There were no complications during surgery or follow-up. The panoramic X-ray taken 1 year after excision showed neither vertical bone loss nor impaired osseointegration of the implant. Histopathology reported a pyogenic granuloma. After vestibuloplasty, the height of the fixed mucosa was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The CO2 laser seems to be a safe and appropriate tool for removal of a pyogenic granuloma in close proximity to dental implants. The laser parameters must, however, be chosen carefully and any additional irritants should be excluded to prevent a recurrence.

Epulis: a study of 92 cases with special emphasis on histopathological diagnosis and associated clinical data.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of the present study was clinical and histopathological evaluation of a series of epulides to provide clinicians data to frequency distribution and biological behaviour of different underlying entities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two cases of epulides removed by CO2-laser at the Department of Oral Surgery and Radiology, Medical University of Graz from 2000 to 2014 were studied retrospectively for clinical data and histopathological diagnosis. RESULTS: In the presented study, histopathological examination revealed peripheral ossifying fibroma (32.6 %), fibroma/fibrosis (29.3 %), giant cell lesion (13.1 %) and granuloma pyogenicum (8.7 %) as the most frequent underlying entities. For the first time, hyperplastic squamous epithelium (7.6 %), granulation tissue (5.4 %) and peripheral odontogenic fibromas (3.3 %) were detected to clinically appear as epulides. Irrespective of the histological diagnosis, the mean age in our patients was 43.8 years. The majority of the lesions were found in the frontal region of both jaws. In all cases, the patients showed poor oral hygiene, local gingivitis and some of them an occlusal trauma. CONCLUSIONS: To identify different entities with different biological behaviour, to exclude malignant tumours and to identify new entities among epulides, histopathological examination is required. Poor oral hygiene and occlusal trauma seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis and could be risk factors for recurrences. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Frequency distribution of different entities in epulides is provided to clinicians, and new histopathological entities were detected to clinically appear as epulides.

Potential correlations of dentogenic factors to the development of clinically verified fungus balls: A retrospective computed tomography-based analysis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Fungus balls are a common disease of the paranasal sinuses, usually involving the maxillary sinus. To clarify the pathology, we analyzed patients treated for maxillary sinus fungus balls to see whether the latter correlated with dentogenic factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case analysis. METHODS: Cases of maxillary sinus fungus balls diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients' charts were reviewed for diagnosis, gender, and age. Paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed according to the side of the fungus ball, calcifications/opacifications, and dentogenic factors. RESULTS: In 98/102 patients (96.1%), 157 dentogenic factors could be identified on the side affected by a fungus ball. On the contralateral healthy side, there were 125 dentogenic factors. In four (3.9%) of the patients, no dentogenic pathology was identified on the CT scan. The presence of dentogenic factors (regardless of number) was significantly associated with a fungus ball compared to the healthy side (P = .024, χ(2) test, odds ratio: 2.72 [95% confidence interval: 1.02-7.23]). CONCLUSIONS: Dentogenic factors regardless of type potentially correlate with the presence of maxillary sinus fungus ball. Unlike the overall presence of dentogenic factors, the particular dentogenic factors in an individual patient do not significantly influence the development of fungus balls. After diagnosis of dentogenic pathology in penetrated maxillary sinus floors, patients should be closely monitored and informed about their higher risk of developing a fungus ball.

Stage-related treatment concept of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw-a case series.

OBJECTIVES: There is no general consensus for treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). A stage-related approach that primarily aims to minimize morbidity and preserve function was prospectively evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment goals are stable mucosal closure and absence of clinical symptoms. Patients were enrolled between March 2010 and October 2011. MRONJ lesions were treated either by conservative means or surgically by debridement or resective surgery. RESULTS: In total, 38 patients were treated. Six patients were healed by undergoing conservative measures; nine were treated palliatively. Four patients dropped out after surgery in the recall phase. In 17 of 19 patients (89.5%) surgical treatment was successful. After a 1-year observation period, the success rate was 92% (23 of 25), including all patients treated as per protocol. CONCLUSION: In stage-related treatment, conservative means or surgical debridement can be successful at early stages. Extensive resection is solely indicated in cases of extended necrosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The number of patients with MRONJ is steadily increasing. Guidelines to deal with this condition are helpful for both clinicians and dental practitioners.

Beneficial effect of methylprednisolone after mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-mouth trial.

OBJECTIVES: Third molar (M3) removal is the model most frequently used for pain trials in oral surgery. Corticosteroids are frequently administered to reduce trismus and swelling after dentoalveolar surgical procedures. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of a single, preoperative oral application of methylprednisolone on postoperative trismus, pain intensity, and the subjective need for analgesic medication after surgical removal of impacted mandibular M3 (LM3). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen healthy patients requiring similar bilateral surgical LM3 removal were included in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in a split-mouth design. At random, each patient received either weight-dependent methylprednisolone (40-80 mg) or a placebo orally 1 h prior to surgery. In each case, the right and left LM3 were treated in independent visits. Trismus, swelling, pain measured on a 100-mm visual analog scale, and the postoperative demand of analgesics were assessed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis indicates a significant reduction of trismus, swelling, pain intensity, and patient-controlled intake of analgesics during the whole postsurgical period of investigation (first to seventh day). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that a single preoperative weight-dependent administration of methylprednisolone is a safe and effective concept for diminishing postoperative discomfort, pain intensity, and the total intake of analgesics after wisdom tooth extractions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In case of missing contraindications, the preoperative administration of methylprednisolone is recommended, a routine medication for more extended procedures in oral surgery.

Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws: surgical treatment with ErCrYSGG-laser. Case report.

Bisphosphonates (BP) play an important role in concomitant therapy of certain types of cancer and multiple myeloma as well as in treatment of osteoporosis. The administration of BP has great therapeutic benefits, but correlates with a specific kind of osteonecrosis of the alveolar bone. The so-called bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is a rare, but often severe adverse side effect of high-dosage and long-term BP therapy. Thus far, no consensus for treatment of BRONJ has been achieved. All strategies have to take into account the insecure prognosis and danger of recurrence of clinically apparent necrosis and progression of disease. At the Department of Oral Surgery and Radiology, Medical University of Graz, an ErCrYSGG laser was successfully applied in surgical treatment of BRONJ. Stable mucosal coverage could be achieved in all of 5 cases. Laser surgery can be considered as a promising technique for the effective treatment of BRONJ.

Evaluation of a muscle relaxant on sequelae of third molar surgery: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the influence of the muscle relaxant tizanidine following third molar surgery on the main variables trismus and pain as well as on swelling. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty healthy patients participated in this prospective clinical study. The test group received tizanidine (4 mg in the evenings for the first 2 postoperative days) in addition to antibiotic and antiinflammatory medications. Postoperatively, 1 independent investigator performed clinical examinations. Appropriate statistical analysis was used to evaluate data. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in facial pain and swelling between the two groups. Statistically significant improvement was detected when the groups were compared for mouth opening ability at days one and three. CONCLUSION: The results of this trial indicate that the influence of tizanidine on trismus, pain, and swelling does not justify prescription of the additional medication.

The clinical effect of LLLT in endodontic surgery: a prospective study on 72 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate a possible clinical benefit of LLLT in endodontic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-two endosurgery cases on incisors and premolars were included to the study and were split randomly into an LLLT test group, a placebo group, and a control group. In the LLLT group, irradiation was performed intraoperatively and postoperatively 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery. In the placebo group, irradiation was performed without laser activation. In the control group, neither LLLT nor placebo therapy was used. Swelling, wound healing, and pain were evaluated by a blinded investigator 1, 3, and 7 days postoperatively. RESULTS: No statistically relevant differences between the LLLT and the placebo groups were found. Patients in the control group reported on statistically relevant stronger pain. CONCLUSION: In routine endodontic surgery cases, LLLT does not achieve a significant clinical benefit. Further, the results indicate a prominent placebo effect of the soft laser therapy.

Late-onset Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome without alteration of the cathepsin C gene.

Mutations in the cathepsin C gene have recently been detected in Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS). Until now, 5 cases with the late-onset variation of this disease have been reported in the literature. The genetic background of this type of PLS is still unknown. We describe a 46-year-old woman with late-onset transgredient palmar hyperkeratosis and a 10-year history of severe periodontal disease. Histology of skin biopsy specimens revealed a psoriasiform pattern. Dental examination showed severe gingival inflammation with loss of alveolar bone. Dental plaque investigated by a polymerase chain reaction method revealed DNA signals of 5 different dental bacteria. DNA from EDTA blood was investigated for mutations in the cathepsin C gene by polymerase chain reaction analysis and direct sequencing. A silent variation in the codon for proline-459 was detected but interpreted as a polymorphism of this gene. All genetic linkage and mutation studies for PLS performed so far have shown that PLS is genetically homogeneous. Our patient with late-onset variation of PLS, however, did not show a mutation in the cathepsin C gene. Thus, we suspect that there is another genetic cause for the late-onset forms of PLS.