The role of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin in the prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, in patients requiring dental extractions: an observational study.

PURPOSE: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a significant complication which can present following a dental extraction in patients receiving anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic medications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effect of L-PRF in the prevention of MRONJ in patients receiving these medications and requiring dental extractions. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were included and divided into two groups, depending on whether L-PRF was used after the required dental extraction or not. Subsequently, the patients were categorised into low and high-risk for developing MRONJ, as recommended by the SDCEP guidance. RESULTS: None of the patients in the L-PRF group returned with established MRONJ. Five high-risk patients in the control group presented with established MRONJ in the follow-up appointment. A significant statistical difference (p = 0.04) was observed following a comparison of the high-risk patients of the two groups. CONCLUSION: These encouraging results suggest that L-PRF may be useful in the prevention of MRONJ following a dental extraction especially in patients of the higher risk category. A protocol for the management of this type of patients is also introduced.

Is 1:1000 adrenaline as a topical haemostat an effective alternative to control bleeding in dentistry and oral surgery?

Minor oral surgery can give rise to bleeding intra- and post-operatively. This can be minimal in most patients; however, it can be more problematic in patients with impaired clotting disorders, liver disease, or taking any form of anticoagulation therapy. Haemostatic agents are available to overcome such bleeding risks. The topical application of 1:1000 adrenaline used in medicine can be considered for use in dentistry. Adrenaline is widely used within medicine, surgery and dentistry. Examples include its use in local anaesthetic agents, in the management of anaphylaxis and as part of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation algorithm. 1:1000 adrenaline used topically for ear, nose and throat surgeries has shown improved visual fields during surgery with better surgical outcomes. It is relatively safe, but in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, it should be practised with caution. This has precipitated the idea for its use within oral surgical procedures, including canine exposures, third molar surgery, root displacement into the antrum and periapical surgery. The haemostatic effect of 1:1000 adrenaline as an alternative should be considered in operative dentistry and oral surgery to aid in haemostasis and improve intra-operative visualisation, reducing the risk of iatrogenic damage and bleeding, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

Virtual consultations for oral surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Following Covid-19, many departments have incorporated teledentistry into practice. As new consultation methods are introduced, it's imperative that patients have as similar an experience with virtual consultations to ensure informed decision-making. This project evaluated patients' perceptions of video consultations and determined if patients seen virtually received the same standard of information by auditing compliance with sending patient information leaflets (PILs) following video consultation. METHOD: The department's PILs were used to create an inclusion list for patients requiring a PIL. A retrospective audit assessed the notes of 100 video consultations for records of if PILs were sent and by what method. The department's PILs were digitalised and a clinical mailbox introduced enabling clinicians to email patients a PIL hyperlink. The audit was repeated for 88 video consultations. Patient and staff feedback was gathered via online surveys. RESULTS: Initially, 51% of cases met the criteria requiring a PIL and 16% of patients were sent PILs. Following mailbox introduction, 53% of cases met the criteria and 94% were sent PILs, 100% via email. Patient and staff feedback was positive regarding video consultations and digital PILS. Technical difficulties were reported in 44% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Patients perceive virtual consultations to be a positive change and the introduction of a mailbox enhances video consultations in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Patient information can be standardised, via digital PILs, regardless of consultation type. As departments implement post-pandemic changes, utilisation of a mailbox can provide multiple improvements to care.

Commonly used terminology in oral surgery and oral medicine: the patient's perspective.

Introduction Dentistry is progressing into person-centred care and away from a paternal approach. Effective verbal and written communication are crucial to allow this collaboration; however, misunderstanding of terminology can lead to confusion, poor decision-making and poor health outcomes.Methods A voluntary questionnaire with multiple-choice and short-answer questions was given to patients attending the NHS Lothian Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine Department over two weeks; 137 were completed. Eighteen terms were assessed, including: ulcer, local anaesthetic, impacted tooth, radiograph, sedation, biopsy, mucosa and benign. Exclusion criteria were non-English speakers who required a translator.Results The multiple-choice questions revealed that terms such as 'blister' and 'local anaesthetic' are relatively well understood. Other terms, such as mucosa, were poorly understood. Over a third of patients confused 'sedation' with general anaesthetic. Short-answer questions revealed a wide range of answers. 'Biopsy' and 'radiograph' were generally better understood compared to other terms. Demographics, educational background and English as a first language appeared to have an influence on understanding.Conclusion Patients had a varied understanding of terminology. Incorrect interpretation of words may lead to ill-informed decision-making or unnecessary concern. It is essential that challenging terminology is identified and explained at an understandable level.

Endodontic management and cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of seven maxillary and mandibular molars with single roots and single canals in a patient.

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge of root canal morphology and the existing anatomical variations is essential for successful endodontic therapy. METHODS: This report presents an extraordinary case of unusual tooth morphology involving the bilateral existence of 7 maxillary and mandibular first and second molars with a single root and a single canal in a patient. RESULTS: Endodontic retreatment of the affected teeth #15, #19, and #18 was performed. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images confirmed our diagnostic and therapeutic measures after endodontic management of the teeth. CONCLUSIONS: This morphologic variation has not been reported in the literature. The availability of 3-dimensional images further provided the opportunity for the precise description of the anatomy of 7 maxillary and mandibular molars with single roots and single canals.