On the feasibility of minimally invasive Le Fort I with patient-specific implants: Proof of concept.

A novel approach to Le Fort I osteotomy is presented, integrating patient-specific implants (PSIs), osteosynthesis and cutting guides within a minimally invasive surgical framework, and the accuracy of the procedure is assessed through 3D voxel-based superimposition. The technique was applied in 5 cases. Differences between the surgical plan and final outcome were evaluated as follows: a 2-mm color scale was established to assess the anterior surfaces of the maxilla, mandible and chin, as well as the condylar surfaces. Measurements were made at 8 specific landmarks, and all of them showed a mean difference of less than 1 mm. In conclusion, the described protocol allows for minimally invasive Le Fort I osteotomy using PSIs. Besides, although the accuracy of the results may be limited by the small sample size, the findings are consistent with those reported in the literature. A prospective comparative study is needed to obtain statistically significant results and draw meaningful conclusions.

Vascular Delay Soft Tissue Technique in Oral/Maxillary Bone Reconstructive Surgery: A Technical Note.

PURPOSE: The present study describes a new presurgical soft tissue technique in oral/maxillary bone reconstructive surgery for reducing the risk of soft tissue dehiscence and its related complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with Cawood and Howell type V atrophy were scheduled for CAD/CAM titanium mesh bone reconstructive surgery after applying the vascular delay technique 21 days before regenerative surgery. The surgical and healing complications were clinically assessed at nine time points, ranging from the time of bone regenerative surgery to 9 months after surgery. Surgical complications included flap damage and neurologic and vascular complications. Healing complications were subdivided into four classes. These classes comprised Class I: small membrane exposure (≤ 3 mm) without purulent exudate; Class II: large membrane exposure (> 3 mm) without purulent exudate; Class III: membrane exposure with purulent exudate; and Class IV: abscess formation without membrane. RESULTS: The study sample included seven men and three women (mean age: 48.2 ± 3.5 years) with seven mandibular cases and three maxillary cases. The defect length ranged from three to six teeth, with a mean mesiodistal distance of 29.9 ± 8.5 mm and a mean volume augmentation of 2.03 ± 0.9 cm3. There were no surgical complications. One patient presented a Class I healing complication that did not affect the regeneration outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The vascular delay technique appears to reduce the risk of soft tissue dehiscence and exposure in bone regenerative surgery, though randomized studies involving larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed in order to draw firm conclusions.

Effectiveness of virtual reality in relieving anxiety and controlling hemodynamics during oral surgery under local anesthesia: A prospective randomized comparative study.

It was the aim of the study to evaluate the contribution of a relaxing immersive experience with virtual reality (VR) goggles in reducing patient anxiety related to wisdom tooth extraction under local anesthesia. A prospective randomized comparative study in consecutive patients scheduled for bilateral wisdom tooth extraction under local anesthesia was carried out between March and December 2022. Both sides were operated upon in the same surgery, but on one side VR goggles were applied (VR), while on the other they were not (noVR). Anxiety was evaluated both subjectively (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] and visual analogue scale [VAS]) and objectively (measuring heart rate, blood pressure [BP] and blood oxygen saturation) before (T1) and after each surgical step (T2VR and T2noVR). The study sample consisted of 27 patients: 9 men and 18 women, with an average age of 25.8 ± 6.5 years (range: 18-43). Anxiety as assessed by the STAI and VAS decreased from T1 to T2 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), although to a similar degree regardless of whether VR was used or not. Heart rate showed significant differences influenced by RV exposure (p = 0.013): it increased +2.5 ± 8.8 bpm in the control group and decreased -2.22 ± 7.55 bpm with VR (p = 0.013). Both minimum and maximum BP after surgery were significantly higher in the noVR group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.040, respectively). Regarding minimum BP, VR proved more effective among male patients (p = 0.057) and on starting the procedure using VR (p = 0.055). The results provided evidence of meaningful control of the hemodynamic variables, but less predictable performance in the subjective evaluation of anxiety.

Ultrasound-Guided Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Block Is Effective in Reducing Postoperative Opioid Use Following Bimaxillary Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided maxillary nerve block has recently been described, though its impact upon bimaxillary osteotomy has not been formally investigated. PURPOSE: The present study was carried out to determine whether the addition of ultrasound-guided maxillary nerve block in subjects undergoing bimaxillary osteotomy reduces opioid use. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: A randomized clinical trial was carried out in adults undergoing bimaxillary osteotomy between April 2019 and January 2020 at Teknon Medical Center (Barcelona, Spain). PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The predictor variable was the treatment technique used (maxillary nerve block or no block). The subjects were randomized to either receive (test group) or not receive (control group) bilateral ultrasound-guided suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block (5 ml of 0.37% ropivacaine) before surgery. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The primary outcome variable was the intravenous methadone requirements in the first two postoperative hours. The secondary outcome variables were postoperative pain, rescue subcutaneous methadone, intravenous remifentanil used intraoperatively, the incidence of postoperative nausea-vomiting, and complications derived from maxillary nerve block. COVARIATES: Subject age, sex, weight, height, and anesthetic risk, and the duration of surgery were recorded. ANALYSES: Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using the χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was considered for P < .05. RESULTS: The baseline sample consisted of 68 subjects scheduled for bimaxillary osteotomy. The follow-up sample comprised 60 subjects: 30 in the control group (10 females and 20 males, aged 34.0 ± 10.2 years) and 30 in the test group (13 females and 17 males, aged 29.8 ± 10.8 years). The subjects who received maxillary nerve block showed less intravenous methadone use in the first 2 hours postsurgery (median 2.0 mg control group vs 0 mg test group; P < .001), lower pain levels at any time during the first 18 hours postsurgery (median visual analog score 4 control group vs 2 test group; P < .001), and a lesser percentage required methadone (33.3% control group vs 0% test group; P < .01) at 4-18 hours postsurgery. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The results obtained suggest that ultrasound-guided maxillary nerve block is a promising anesthetic technique capable of reducing intraoperative and postoperative opioid use, with greater patient comfort in bimaxillary osteotomy.

Surgery-first in interdisciplinary class II cases.

OBJECTIVES: To present an interdisciplinary case treated with a surgery-first orthognathic approach, followed by orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: After an accurate pre-operative virtual planning, a young patient with skeletal class II, retrognathia, and an anterior open bite was treated with bimaxillary orthognathic surgery without pre-surgical orthodontic decompensation. Orthodontic treatment was carried out post-operatively. The treatment was completed with a prosthodontic phase to improve the final esthetic outcome of the smile. CONCLUSIONS: A surgery-first approach allowed to achieve esthetic and functional results in a reduced treatment duration that remained stable over the course of 1 year. The outcomes were consistent with prior research in terms of advantages brought by following an accurately planned surgery-first protocol. Nevertheless, longer-term follow-up was required to evaluate the treatment stability. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An accurately planned surgery-first approach significantly helped in shortening the duration of the treatment, while providing a stable, functional, and esthetic solution to the patient's problems.

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy with or without concomitant removal of third molars: a retrospective cohort study of related complications and bone healing.

PURPOSE: To carry out a comparative evaluation of the intra- and postoperative complications, and bone healing, following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) with or without concomitant removal of third molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of two cohorts subjected to BSSO with the intraoperative removal of third molars (test group) versus the removal of third molars at least 6 months prior to BSSO (control group), comprising at least 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow-up. Partially or completely erupted third molars were extracted immediately before completing the osteotomy, whereas impacted third molars were removed after the osteotomy had been performed. Hardware reinforcement was performed in bimaxillary cases where concomitant molar extraction impeded placement of the retromolar bicortical screw of the hybrid technique. RESULTS: A total of 80 surgical sites were included (40 in each group). Concomitant extraction of the molar represented a mean increase in surgery time of 3.7 min (p < 0.001). No additional complications occurred in the test group (p = 0.476). The gain in bone density was preserved in both groups (p = 0.002), and the increase was of the same magnitude in both (p = 0.342), despite the fact that the immediate and final postoperative bone densities were significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: The results obtained support concomitant molar extraction with BSSO as a feasible option.

Does Aesthetic Osseous Genioplasty Impact Upper Airway Volume?

BACKGROUND: Although maxillomandibular advancement is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in the presence of underlying maxillomandibular complex hypoplasia, there is still a gap in the literature regarding the impact of genioplasty upon upper airway volume (UAV). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of isolated osseous genioplasty upon UAV. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients subjected to isolated osseous genioplasty between July 2015 and July 2022 was conducted. Cone-beam computed tomography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively to assess the chin and hyoid 3-dimensional (3D) spatial position and UAV changes after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were included in the study. Regarding surgical movements of the chin, almost all patients received a sagittal movement (n = 42; 39 forward and 3 backward), while in 8 patients a vertical movement (5 upward and 3 downward) was applied, and in 6 patients the chin was centered. Statistically significant increases in total UAV (P = .014) and at the level of the oropharynx (P = .004) were observed. Specifically, chin centering, upward and forward movements enlarged the oropharynx volume (P = .006, .043 and .065, respectively). Chin advancement enlarged the hypopharynx volume (P = .032), as did upward movement of the hyoid bone (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study suggest that aesthetic osseous genioplasty impacts the UAV: each 3D spatial chin movement differently impacts the upper airway by enlarging or narrowing it. However, further studies addressing the apnea-hypopnea index are required to assess its effectiveness in treating OSAS.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of the Accuracy of Zygomatic Implant Placement Through an In-House Fully Guided Approach.

Purpose: To validate guided surgery for zygomatic implants (ZIs) by analyzing the final position of the implants relative to the preoperatively planned position. Material and Methods: Five patients with fully edentulous atrophic maxillae treated with four ZIs through a fully guided implant surgical approach were evaluated. The preoperative phase included digital planning, through which the surgical guide was designed and created. Analysis of the guided surgery accuracy was carried out by superimposing the digital planning over the final position of the implants using preoperative and postoperative CBCT. The radiologic evaluation included implant angular deviation, entrance deviation, exit deviation, platform deviation, and apex apicocoronal and mesiodistal deviation. Results: All five patients (two men and three women; mean age: 61.8 ± 3 years) were each treated with four ZIs using a fully guided approach with an extrasinusal path, obtaining ideal emergence of the implants. Superimposition comparison found a mean axial angular implant deviation of 0.79 ± 0.41 degrees and a mean implant entrance deviation of 0.95 ± 0.26 degrees. The platform deviation was 0.62 ± 0.19 mm buccopalatally and 0.76 ± 0.14 mm mesiodistally, while the apical deviation was 0.42 ± 0.13 mm buccopalatally and 1.06 ± 0.37 mm mesiodistally. Conclusions: Guided surgery in zygomatic implants appears to be sufficiently accurate to make it a safe and predictable technique.

Dental Implant Positioning Accuracy Using a Key or Keyless Static Fully Guided Surgical System: A Prospective Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To realize a systematic review with prospective meta-analysis aiming to compare the accuracy of static fully guided implant placement depending on the drill key modality (conventional drill key surgery systems versus newer keyless systems) and evaluate the impact of deviations factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic systematic search was conducted to identify prospective clinical trials matching inclusion criteria. The variables of interest were coronal global, apical, vertical, and angular deviations. The types of edentulism, and surgical guide support were investigated as deviation factors. Meta-regression (mixed-effect model) was performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane's I² test and interpretation thresholds. RESULTS: A total of 1233 implants in 475 patients were analyzed (18 studies included). Coronal global deviation was significantly lower in the keyless group than in the key group (-0.36 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.62, -0.09; p=0.008). Angulation control of the keyless system was superior to that of the key system (-0.36 degrees; 95% CI -0.75, 0.02; p=0.063). Non-significant differences were found between both groups in apical (p=0.684) and vertical deviations (p=0.958). Significant influence of the type of edentulism (single, partial, total) and surgical guide support (tooth, mucosa, bone) on the overall amount of coronal global, apical, and angular deviations was found (p<0.001). Lowest deviations were found in partial edentulism and tooth-supported surgical guide groups. (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Keyless static fully guided surgical systems allowed significantly better control of coronal and angular deviations than conventional systems. The types of edentulism and surgical guide support seemed to influence the positioning accuracy.

Dynamic Implant Surgery-An Accurate Alternative to Stereolithographic Guides-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Dynamic guided surgery is a computer-guided freehand technology that allows highly accurate procedures to be carried out in real time through motion-tracking instruments. The aim of this research was to compare the accuracy between dynamic guided surgery (DGS) and alternative implant guidance methods, namely, static guided surgery (SGS) and freehand (FH). (2) Methods: Searches were conducted in the Cochrane and Medline databases to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective and retrospective case series and to answer the following focused question: "What implant guidance tool is more accurate and secure with regard to implant placement surgery?" The implant deviation coefficient was calculated for four different parameters: coronal and apical horizontal, angular, and vertical deviations. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of 0.05 following application of the eligibility criteria. (3) Results: Twenty-five publications were included in this systematic review. The results show a non-significant weighted mean difference (WMD) between the DGS and the SGS in all of the assessed parameters: coronal (n = 4 WMD = 0.02 mm; p = 0.903), angular (n = 4 WMD = -0.62°; p = 0.085), and apical (n = 3 WMD = 0.08 mm; p = 0.401). In terms of vertical deviation, not enough data were available for a meta-analysis. However, no significant differences were found among the techniques (p = 0.820). The WMD between DGS and FH demonstrated significant differences favoring DGS in three parameters as follows: coronal (n = 3 WMD = -0.66 mm; p =< 0.001), angular (n = 3 WMD = -3.52°; p < 0.001), and apical (n = 2 WMD = -0.73 mm; p =< 0.001). No WMD was observed regarding the vertical deviation analysis, but significant differences were seen among the different techniques (p = 0.038). (4) Conclusions: DGS is a valid alternative treatment achieving similar accuracy to SGS. DGS is also more accurate, secure, and precise than the FH method when transferring the presurgical virtual implant plan to the patient.

Accuracy of Orthognathic Surgical Planning using Three-dimensional Virtual Techniques compared with Conventional Two-dimensional Techniques: a Systematic Review.

Objectives: The objective was to assess the accuracy of orthognathic surgical planning using three-dimensional virtual planning compared with conventional two-dimensional planning. Material and Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Library search combined with hand-search of relevant journals was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English through August 2nd, 2022. Primary outcomes included postsurgical accuracy of hard and soft tissue. Secondary outcomes included treatment planning time, intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, financial expenses, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Quality and risk-of-bias assessment were evaluated by Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE system. Results: Seven RCTs characterised by low, high, and unclear risk of bias fulfilled inclusion criteria. Included studies disclosed conflicting results regarding accuracy of hard and soft tissue as well as treatment planning time. The intraoperative time was shortened, and financial expenses were increased with three-dimensional virtual surgical planning (TVSP), while no planning-related complications were revealed. Comparable improvement in PROMs were reported with TVSP and two-dimensional planning. Conclusions: Future orthognathic surgical planning will indisputable be performed by three-dimensional virtual planning. The financial expenses, treatment planning time, and intraoperative time will therefore probably decrease due to further development of three-dimensional virtual planning techniques. The hard and soft tissue accuracy between planned position and achieved surgical outcome seems to be improved by three-dimensional virtual planning compared with two-dimensional planning, although results are inconsistent. Further development of three-dimensional virtual planning involving cutting guides and patient-specific osteosynthesis plates are therefore needed to improve the accuracy of orthognathic surgical planning.

Fat grafting in patients with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review.

This systematic review aims to compare different fat-grafting techniques for cleft lip and palate repair. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, gray literature and reference lists of selected articles. A total of 25 articles were included, 12 on closure of palatal fistula and 13 on cleft lip repair. The rate of complete resolution of palatal fistula ranged from 88.6% to 100% in studies with no control group, whereas in comparative studies patients receiving a fat graft showed better outcomes than those not receiving a graft. Evidence suggests that fat grafting can be indicated for the primary and secondary repair of cleft palate, with good results. The use of dermis-fat grafts in lip repair was associated with gains in surface area (11.5%), vertical height (18.5%-27.11%), and lip projection (20%). Fat infiltration was associated with increased lip volume (6.5%), vermilion show (31.68% ± 24.03%), and lip projection (46.71% ± 31.3%). The available literature suggests that fat grafting is a promising autogenous option for palate and fistula repair and for improvement of lip projection and scar aesthetics in patients with cleft. However, to develop a guideline, further studies are needed to confirm whether one technique is superior to the other.

Definition of New Three-Dimensional Cephalometric Analysis of Maxillomandibular Sagittal Relationship for Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery: Normative Data Based on 700 CBCT Scans.

The objective of the study was to define the norm of new 3-dimensional cephalometric analysis of maxillomandibular sagittal relationship with the patient in Natural Head Position. A cross-sectional study was performed using 700 consecutives cone beam computed tomography datasets of pre-orthodontic patients received for three-dimensional craniofacial analysis. To stablish the clinical norm of the new sagittal reference (linear distance A-B), the correlation with the gold standard (ANB angle) was estimated with the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Subsequently, the prognostic values of the linear distance A-B was calculated to define the clinical norm. The sample was composed by 463 women (66.1%) and 237 men (33.9%). The mean age was 30 ± 14,5 years old (range 6-71 y old). According to the skeletal class classification (ANB), 46.1% (323) were class I, 42% (294) class II, and 11.9% (83) class III. The regression model found that each additional grade of the ANB angle imply a mean increase of 1.24 mm of the distance A-B ( P <0.001). The normative value of the linear distance A-B was obtained through the prognostic values of the distance for the limits of the ANB norm 0 to 4. These values were on the range of 0.52 to 5.48 mm. Therefore, the clinical norm for cephalometric maxillomandibular sagittal relationship using linear distance from point A-B is: 3±2.48 mm. With this new approach, we can define the skeletal sagittal relationship of the patient in natural head position overcoming the limitations of using intracranial or occlusal plane references improving the diagnosis and orthognathic surgical planning process.

Barcelona line. A multicentre validation study of a facial projection reference in orthognathic surgery.

The purpose of this study was to validate an already published facial anteroposterior reference: upper incisor (UI) to soft tissue plane or so-called Barcelona line (BL) to trace the most aesthetic sagittal position of the maxilla. A cross-sectional multicentre evaluation of Caucasian patients from Spain and Brazil with different anteroposterior maxillary positions was designed. Sagittal images in natural head orientation of grouped patients according to the horizontal distance from the UI to BL were ranked by healthcare professionals and non-professional Caucasian raters according to the aesthetic perception of each profile, using a digital survey. Seventy-four raters (50 laypeople, 12 orthodontists, and 12 maxillofacial surgeons) rated 40 profiles. The best-rated profile corresponded to group 3 (0-4 mm UI-BL) with 61.8% of positive evaluations, followed by group 4 (≥ 4 mm UI-BL): with 61.1%. On the other hand, group 1 (≤-4 mm UI-BL) was the worst-ranked profile with 71.8% of negative evaluations, followed by group 2 (-4-0 mm UI-BL): with 59.6% of negative evaluations. The correlation between the mean assessment score and UI-BL showed a moderately-strong association (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). The inter-rater reliability of assessment (74 evaluators) was moderate (k = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.59). The results suggest that protrusive middle-third facial profiles are preferable. The BL is proposed as a simple, individualised, and reproducible tool to trace an aesthetic sagittal position of the maxilla in orthognathic surgery.

Aesthetic Considerations in Orthofacial Surgery.

Currently, the wish to optimize facial esthetics-in the context of a dysfunctional occlusion or not-has become the main motivation for orthognathic surgery in many cases. In this context, considering that protrusive faces are advised more attractive and that the lack of skeletal support accelerates the aging process, orthognathic surgery will mostly involve a forward movement of the maxillamandibular complex..

Failure of Dental Implants and Associated Risk Factors in a University Setting.

PURPOSE: To assess the cumulative failure rate of 4,842 implants comprising six commercial implant brands in a university setting, and to evaluate the influence of different risk factors on the implant failure rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients receiving dental implants at the School of Dentistry of the International University of Catalonia (Barcelona, Spain) from 2011 to 2018. The inclusion criterion was patients presenting at least one failed implant. RESULTS: The cohort study included 1,510 patients who received a total of 4,842 implants. The cumulative failure rate was 4.9% and 10.8% at the implant and patient levels, respectively. The multiple regression analysis showed that for the same number of implants per patient, variables such as age and sex were not associated with higher implant failure rates. Furthermore, in considering the combination of arch-sector, a statistically significant reduction in failure rate was observed in the posterior maxilla (OR = 0.66, P = .038) and in the posterior mandible (OR = 0.64, P = .037). The results showed all implant brands offering high implant survival rates (> 91%). Nobel Biocare and Straumann implants significantly reduced the risk of implant failure (OR = 0.37, P = .021 and OR = 0.53, P = .024, respectively), while no significant differences were recorded among Klockner (2.8%), MIS (5.4%), Biomet 3i (7.1%), and Astra Tech (8.4%; P ≥ .05). No association was found between implant loss and bone augmentation, time of implant placement, smoking, and history of periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: The implant failure rates obtained in a university setting resulted in overall cumulative rates of 4.9% and 10.8% at the implant and patient levels, respectively, over a 7-year period. Male sex and implants placed in the anterior mandible may be associated with a higher risk of implant failure. Nobel Biocare and Straumann implants seem to positively affect implant survival rate.

Extramaxillary Zygomatic Implant Coverage with a Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap Through a Tunnel Approach: A Prospective Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe the benefits of covering the extrasinusal length of extramaxillary zygomatic implants with a pedicled buccal fat pad flap through a tunnel approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four extramaxillary zygomatic implants were placed in 10 patients and loaded immediately with an acrylic provisional fixed prosthesis. The extrasinusal length of every implant was covered with a pedicled buccal fat pad flap. Study variables were implant survival rate, peri-implant soft tissue recession (PISTR), peri-implant soft tissue condition (PISTC), modified Bleeding Index (mBI), and suppuration. The statistical analysis comprised the Brunner-Langer model of longitudinal data for each variable and the analysis of variance to assess main effects and interactions. RESULTS: All the zygomatic implants showed osseointegration, resulting in a survival rate of 100%. The PISTR was evaluated after surgery (T0) and after 12 months (T1), statistically significant differences being observed (P = .014). Recession also depended on specific implant positioning; zygomatic implants in the anterior were found to have a higher risk of recession vs implants in the posterior (P = .065). The PISTC was assessed at T0 and T1, and no statistically significant changes were observed (P = .718). Bleeding on probing was present in 10% of the implants at T0 and in 15% at T1, the difference being nonsignificant (P = .317). CONCLUSION: The use of a pedicled buccal fat pad flap to cover the extrasinusal length of extramaxillary zygomatic implants appears to reduce the risk of soft tissue recession and exposure of the implant surface to the oral cavity.

Covariates Relating to Implant Failure and Marginal Bone Loss of a Novel Triangular Neck-Implant Placed by Post-Graduate Students: A 1-Year Prospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Most of the clinical literature dealing with dental implants has been issued by experienced teams working either in university settings or in private practice. The purpose of this study was to identify contributing covariates to implant failure and marginal bone loss (MBL) at the 1-year follow-up of a novel triangular-neck implant design when placed by inexperienced post-graduate students. (2) Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on study participants eligible for implant placement at the UIC (International University of Catalonia), Barcelona, Spain. Implant failure rate and contributors to implant failure and MBL were investigated among 24 implant and patient variables. (3) Results: One hundred and twenty implants (V3, MIS) were placed and rehabilitated by the students. The mean insertion torque was 37.1 Ncm. Survival and success rates were 97.5% and 96.7%, respectively. Implants placed in patients with smoking habits displayed a tendency of higher failure risk (OR = 5.31, p = 0.17) when compared to non-smokers. The mean (SD) MBL was 0.51 (0.44) mm. Gender significantly affected the MBL (p = 0.020). Bleeding on probing (BoP) on the buccal sites proved to be a good predictor of proximal MBL (p = 0.030). (4) Conclusions: The survival and success rates of the V3 triangular-neck implant placed by inexperienced post-graduate students at the 1-year follow-up were high and similar to the ones published in the literature by experienced teams on other implants.

Accuracy of dynamic implant navigation surgery performed by a novice operator.

AIM: The main objective was to evaluate the accuracy of dynamic navigation-guided surgery (DNGS) for implant positioning performed by a novice operator. The secondary objectives were to analyze the operator's learning curve and identify possible complications deriving from the technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five implants were placed in eight partially edentulous human heads. Preoperative CBCT scans were imported to planning software to determine the implant positions. Implants were placed using a dynamic navigation system. Postoperative CBCTs were superimposed onto the implant planning images. Discrepancies between the virtually planned implant positions and the postoperative positions were evaluated by measuring horizontal platform deviation, apex deviation, apicocoronal (vertical) deviation, and angular deviation. RESULTS: Mean platform, apex, vertical, and angle deviations were 1.55 ± 0.81 mm, 2.45 ± 0.84 mm, 1.59 ± 0.70 mm, and 5.56 ± 4.03 degrees, respectively. No significant differences were found between the maxilla and mandible or between anterior and posterior sites. A flat learning curve was observed, with the exception of the implant platform, where a tendency toward improvement in accuracy was observed between the 8th and the 17th implant placed. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of a study performed by a novice operator on a cadaveric model, DNGS allows accurate implant placement within a 2-mm safety margin in terms of implant platform and vertical positions, and a 3-mm margin in apical vicinities. The technique requires practice to learn the required eye-hand coordination. (Int J Comput Dent 2022;25(4):377-0; doi: 10.3290/j.ijcd.b2588207).

Minimally invasive surgical and miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MISMARPE) in adult patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate maxillary expansion, operative time and pain associated with a new minimally invasive surgical technique to treat maxillary hypoplasia in adult patients. Consecutive patients were included and prospectively analyzed. The technique consists in miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), minimally invasive approach to maxillary osteotomies, latency period and activation period until the desired expansion. The parameters evaluated included operative time, treatment-related pain by the visual analog scale (VAS), and transverse maxillary expansion. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data distribution. A paired t-test was used to compare the data between T0 (preoperative) and T1 (postoperative - end of activation). The significance level was set at 5%. Eleven patients were included. Mean operative time was 24.11 min (14.4-32 min) and overall postoperative VAS score was 2.81 (0-9). A comparative analysis showed significant increases in maxillary width at the skeletal, alveolar, and dental levels (p < 0.0001 for all), with a mean range of 1.8 (SD 0.3) mm to 4.7 (SD 0.5) mm. The present minimally invasive surgical MARPE (MISMARPE) technique appears to yield good skeletal outcomes with minimal trauma. It might have potential for clinical use, but larger comparative studies are needed to confirm the clinical relevance of the approach.