Complex Dentoalveolar Fractures: Main Clinical Variables Description and Analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze and evaluate clinical features that define complex dentoalveolar trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients, with a mean age of 36.1 years, were included in the study; most patients were male (82.2%). The main clinical features defining dentoalveolar fractures were evaluated, including the status of the tooth, alveolar socket and adjacent soft tissues and their relationships with tooth loss. The relationship between splinting and tooth loss was also studied. The data were analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods. RESULTS: A significant relationship was observed between the different clinical variables and tooth loss, in particular the status of the alveolar socket as the most relevant clinical factor; there was also a significant relationship between splinting and tooth loss, as this was the main protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth loss prognosis following complex dentoalveolar trauma is related to the clinical features of the fracture, particularly the status of the alveolar socket and the possibility of using splinting as treatment.

Maxillary Interdental Osteotomies Have Low Morbidity for Alveolar Crestal Bone and Adjacent Teeth: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Study.

PURPOSE: Maxillary segmentation involving interdental osteotomies can have an adverse effect on the interdental crestal bone and adjacent teeth. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of interdental osteotomies on surrounding osseous and dental structures, including adjacent teeth, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), in patients who underwent segmental maxillary osteotomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study evaluated interdental osteotomy (IDO) sites between the lateral incisors and canines in patients treated with 3-piece Le Fort I osteotomies. CBCT scans were assessed using Kodac Dental Imaging software at specific intervals: T0 (before surgery), T1 (immediately after surgery), and T2 (a minimum of 11 months after surgery). The statistical analysis using a linear regression model was adjusted to compare the variables at the different intervals. Injury to the dental structures was assessed by radiological evidence of dental damage, the requirement for endodontic treatment, or tooth loss. RESULTS: We evaluated 94 IDO sites in 47 patients in the present study. The mean inter-radicular distance at T0 was 2.5 mm. A statistically significant increase was seen in the inter-radicular distance (between T1 and T0) of 0.72 mm, with a reduction of the alveolar bone crest height (between T2 and T0) of 0.19 mm (P < .001) for the group that underwent IDO. A weak correlation was found for this increase in the inter-radicular distance, with changes in the alveolar crest bone height. The potential complications associated with interdental osteotomies such as iatrogenic damage to the tooth structure, the need for endodontic treatment, and tooth loss were not encountered in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found very low morbidity for the interdental alveolar crest and the integrity of teeth adjacent to interdental osteotomies for patients who underwent maxillary segmentation between the lateral incisors and canines.

Combined orthodontic, surgical, and restorative approach to treat a complicated crown-root fracture in a maxillary central incisor.

This case report shows the treatment of a severe traumatic tooth injury. For the maxillary right central incisor, the trauma was considered a complicated crown-root fracture. The level of the fracture line, the length of the remaining root segment, and the presence and condition of the tooth fragment determined the type of therapy. Traumatized teeth with fractures below the alveolar crest are often considered hopeless. As this report shows, the treatment of a complicated crown-root fracture in the esthetic region can be challenging. Orthodontic extrusion and crown-length surgery were performed to bring the fracture line above the alveolar bone crest. A multidisciplinary approach was required for complete rehabilitation of the traumatized maxillary incisor. Suggestions are made to improve treatment planning of complicated crown-root fractures.

Mineral trioxide aggregate improves healing response of periodontal tissue to injury in mice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a biomaterial used in endodontic procedures as it exerts beneficial effects on regenerative processes. In this study, we evaluate the effect of MTA on healing of periodontal ligament (PDL) and surrounding tissue, following injury, in a transgenic mouse model and on the differentiation of murine mesenchymal progenitor cells in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used an inducible Cre-loxP in vivo fate mapping approach to examine the effects of MTA on the contributions of descendants of cells expressing the αSMA-CreERT2 transgene (SMA9+ ) to the PDL and alveolar bone after experimental injury to the root furcation on the maxillary first molars. Col2.3GFP was used as a marker to identify mature osteoblasts, cementoblasts and PDL fibroblasts. The effects of MTA were examined 2, 17 and 30 days after injury and compared histologically with sealing using an adhesive system. The effects of two dilutions of medium conditioned with MTA on proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from bone marrow (BMSC) and periodontal ligament (PDLC) in vitro were examined using the PrestoBlue viability assay, alkaline phosphatase and Von Kossa staining. The expression of markers of differentiation was assessed using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Histological analyses showed better repair in teeth restored with MTA, as shown by greater expansion of SMA9+ progenitor cells and Col2.3GFP+ osteoblasts compared with control teeth. We also observed a positive effect on differentiation of SMA9+ progenitors into osteoblasts and cementoblasts in the apical region distant from the site of injury. The in vitro data showed that MTA-conditioned medium reduced cell viability and osteogenic differentiation in both PDLC and BMSC, indicated by reduced von Kossa staining and lower expression of osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein. In addition, cultures grown in the presence of MTA had marked decreases in SMA9+ and Col2.3GFP+ areas as compared with osteogenic medium, confirming reduced osteogenesis. CONCLUSION: MTA promotes regeneration of injured PDL and alveolar bone, reflected as contribution of progenitors (SMA9+ cells) into osteoblasts (Col2.3GFP+ cells). In vitro, MTA-conditioned medium fails to promote osteogenic differentiation of both PDLC and BMSC.

Tooth autotransplantation as a pillar for 3D regeneration of the alveolar process after severe traumatic injury: A case report.

In dental traumatology, the loss of teeth and the supporting alveolar bone in children compromise the proper development of maxillofacial structures and also limit the solutions that can be offered. In this case report, multidisciplinary management is described of a child with a significant loss of alveolar bone and associated teeth due to a traffic accident at 8 years of age. The management involved staged teeth autotransplantation into surgically prepared sites with bone expanders, orthodontic treatment and dental implants. The 3D regeneration of the alveolar process was successfully stimulated by teeth autotransplantation. At the 4-year follow-up visit, evaluation of the autotransplanted teeth and the implants indicated a successful outcome for the patient.

A retrospective study of isolated fractures of the alveolar process in the permanent dentition.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is a lack of studies of fractures of the alveolar process (FAP). Only five were published in the last 50 years. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of pulp necrosis and infection (PN), pulp canal obliteration (PCO), infection-related root resorption (IRR), ankylosis-related resorption (ARR), marginal bone loss (MBL), and tooth loss (TL) as well as to identify the possible risk factors for teeth involved in an isolated alveolar process fracture. In the second part, any late complications of the involved teeth were reported in patients who responded to a follow-up examination. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was a retrospective analysis of 126 patients with 329 traumatized permanent teeth treated in a regional dental trauma clinic. Follow-up examination was performed on 31 (24.6%) patients with 75 (22.8%) teeth. The risks of PN, PCO, RR, MBL, and TL were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Possible risk factors for PN (stage of root development, fracture position in relation to the root apex, concomitant injury, treatment delay, and antibiotics) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression and generalized estimating equation. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: Pulp necrosis was observed in 43% of the teeth, and it was significantly associated with the presence of a concomitant injury and complete root formation. PCO was recorded in 2.8%, root resorption (RR, IRR, and ARR) in 4%, MBL in 8%, and TL in 0.6% of the teeth. Thirty-four percent of the teeth were assumed to have normal pulps, but they did not respond to pulp sensibility testing. At the follow-up examination, PN was found in 49%, PCO in 28%, RR (IRR and ARR) in 4%, MBL in 17%, and TL in 5%. Estimated risk after a 5-years follow up was as follows: PN: 48.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 42.0-54.5), IRR: 7.2 (95% CI: 3.5-10.9), ARR: 33.0% (95% CI: 22.4-43.6), BL: 16.7% (95% CI: 9.6-23.8), TL: 4.0% (95% CI: 0.0-8.5). The following factors significantly increased the risk of PN: mature root development (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.50 [95% CI: 1.84-30.64], P=.005) and concomitant injury (HR: 2.68 [95% CI: 1.76-4.09], P<.001). In a logistic regression model, teeth with mature roots had a threefold risk of becoming non-responsive to pulp testing. CONCLUSION: Teeth involved in an isolated alveolar process fracture and managed with a conservative treatment approach appear to have a good prognosis. The most common complication was PN which did not negatively affect the survival of the teeth after root canal treatment.

Eva Vacuum-Formed Alternative Splinting of Alveolar Fractures in Primary Dentition: A Case Report.

Alveolar fractures treatment includes repositioning of displaced segments and splinting. In children, splinting procedures may occasionally present clinical problems resulting from fewer teeth available for splinting or presence of occlusal disturbances. An alternative clinical approach for splinting in alveolar fractures of primary dentition is described. CLINICAL CASE: A 4.5-year-old girl was referred to our clinic 8 hours after a fall accident. Clinical examination revealed mandibular alveolar process segmental fracture in the right canine area with frontal dislodgement of the labial cortical bone resulting to occluding inability. The area was anaesthetized, cleaned and the dislodged bone was manually repositioned, followed by an EVA copolymer splint for fixation as a result of patient's deep bite impeding regular wire-composite splint. The cap splint that was fabricated on a cast made after an alginate impression, was set on the mandibular dentition and immobilized in the primary molars with acid-etch adhesive and flowable resin composite. Following splint removal after 4 weeks and follow-up visits, successful healing was observed clinically and radiographically with no pathological signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION: The described alternative splinting method in alveolar fractures of primary dentition is a valuable clinical tool for peediatric dentists, easily accepted by children in cases where regular splinting methods cannot be used.

Alveolar Fracture Caused by Tooth Extraction at Home.

Injuries to the teeth and surrounding structures are relatively common. Although traumatic injuries caused by falls or activities related to sports are widely discussed, the same cannot be said regarding accidents arising from non-professional extraction of primary teeth. The present study reports a 6-year-old male child who underwent mandibular alveolar bone fracture during non-professional extraction of his central lower left incisor at home, performed by his 30-year-old aunt. The root of the tooth was with an irregular physiological resorption, which acted as a lever component for the mechanical force applied, leading to bone fracture. Although not common, the possibility that dental roots with irregular resorption can act as a possible risk factor for accidents if the parents or guardians of children during the period of transitional dentition try to perform intentional extraction of primary teeth should be highlighted. Parents should always consult a professional, preferably a pediatric dentist, for monitoring this period of transitional dentition.

Application of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Combination of Bone Substitute Material for Alveolar Ridge Augmentation - a Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Different barrier membranes and augmentation techniques are used in oral surgery to recover lost bone structures with varied success. Recently, a combination between bone graft materials and Platelet-Rich-Fibrin (PRF) is implemented in the periodontology and implantology. AIM: The aim of this case report was to assess the possibility for augmentation of the alveolar ridge in the frontal region of the upper jaw, utilizing a combination of bone graft material, injectable platelet-rich-fibrin (i-PRF) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 18 year-old male with expulsion of tooth 11 and partial fracture of the alveolar ridge was treated with augmentation of the alveolar ridge using bone graft material, injectable platelet-rich-fibrin(i-PRF) and advanced platelet-rich-fibrin (A-PRF). Clinical results were reviewed 4 months after the augmentation and a dental implant was placed. RESULTS: The postoperative period was uneventful. The control CBCT scan showed good organization of new bone allowing placement of a dental implant. CONCLUSION: The successful clinical and radiographic results of the case suggest that using A-PRF and i-PRF can be beneficial for bone augmentation of the alveolar ridge before implant placement.

Alveolar process fractures in the permanent dentition. Part 2. The risk of healing complications in teeth involved in an alveolar process fracture.

AIM: To analyze the risk of pulp canal obliteration (PCO), pulp necrosis (PN), repair-related resorption (RRR), infection-related resorption (IRR), ankylosis-related resorption (ARR), marginal bone loss (MBL), and tooth loss (TL) for teeth involved in an alveolar process fracture and to identify possible risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 91 patients with 223 traumatized teeth. STATISTICS: The risks of PCO, PN, RRR, IRR, ARR, MBL, and TL were analyzed separately for teeth with immature and mature root development using Kaplan-Meier and Aalen-Johansen methods. Possible risk factors for PN (age, fracture in relation to apex, displacement, gingival injury, degree of repositioning, type of splint, duration of splinting, treatment delay, and antibiotics) were analyzed for mature teeth using Cox regression. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: Immature: No severe complications (PN, IRR, ARR, MBL, or TL) were diagnosed during follow up. Mature: Estimated risk after a 10-year follow up: PN: 56% (95% confidence interval (CI): 48.1-63.9), IRR: 2.5% (95% CI: 0-5.1), ARR: 2.1% (95% CI: 0.1-4.1), MBL: 2.4% (95% CI: 0.3-4.4), and TL: 7.8% (95% CI: 0-15.7). The following factors significantly increased the risk of PN in teeth with mature root development: fracture in relation to apex (hazard ratio (HR): 2.6 (95% CI: 0.2 - 5.7), P = 0.01), displacement in the horizontal part of the fracture >2 mm (HR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-3.2, P = 0.03), incomplete repositioning (HR: 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.5), P = 0.003), and age >30 years (HR: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1-4.6), P = 0.02). The type of splint (rigid or flexible), the duration of splinting (more or less than 4 weeks), and the administration of antibiotics did not affect the risk of PN. CONCLUSION: Teeth involved in alveolar process fractures appear, apart from PN, to have a good prognosis. A conservative treatment approach is recommended.

Alveoler process fracture in mandibular immature permanent incisors region.

The presented case evaluates the treatment of an alveolar fracture associated with mandibular immature lower permanent incisors. An 8-year-old girl was referred to our clinic 3 hours after the trauma. The clinical and radiographic examination of the alveoler bone showed a fracture, along with the mandibular fracture and significant segment mobility and dislocation of several immature mandibular permanent incisors. These were moving together to the lingual side because of the direct trauma associated with falling from the school wall. After the application of the buccal and lingual infiltration of local anaesthesia, the dislodged bone including the lower permanent incisors, were carefully repositioned. The teeth were splinted using semi-rigid arch bars with orthodontic brackets keeping the teeth between primary molars.The splints were removed one month later and no abnormality was observed in the immature permanent incisors. After 24 months follow up, the mandibular permanent incisors were observed to have the apical closure. Treatment of alveolar fractures in growing children with immature teeth may provide beneficial healing pattern with careful semi-rigid splinting and follow up procedures.

Pterygoid Plate Fractures: Not Limited to Le Fort Fractures.

Pterygoid plate fractures are often described in the setting of Le Fort fractures. The goal of this study was to define other craniofacial fracture patterns causing injury to the pterygoid plates. A retrospective review of computed tomography (CT) scans obtained on craniofacial trauma patients over a 5-year period revealed 209 patients with pterygoid plate fractures. Pterygoid plate fractures in 78 patients (37.3%) were unrelated to Le Fort fractures. Common causes included sphenotemporal buttress fractures in 26 patients (33.3%), temporal bone fractures in 18 patients (23.1%), zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in 17 patients (21.8%), and displaced mandible fractures in 14 patients (17.9%). These findings indicate that approximately one third of pterygoid plate fractures do not result from Le Fort pattern injuries and that the craniofacial surgeon should have a broad differential for causes of pterygoid plate fractures when reviewing trauma imaging.

Alveolar process fractures in the permanent dentition. Part 1. Etiology and clinical characteristics. A retrospective analysis of 299 cases involving 815 teeth.

AIM: To describe the etiology and clinical characteristics of alveolar process fractures treated in a regional trauma clinic. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study is a retrospective descriptive analysis of 299 patients (180 males, 119 females; 815 permanent teeth) diagnosed with fractures of the alveolar process. RESULTS: Violence was the overall most frequent cause of injury in men (44%), whereas the three most common causes of this type of injury in women were violence (33%), falls (32%), or traffic injuries (26%). Fracture of the alveolar process occurred most frequently in the maxilla (74%) and less frequently in the mandible (26%). The majority of the fractures involved only two teeth (57%) but occasionally involved up to seven teeth. The age at fracture ranged from 5 to 90 years; alveolar process fractures occurred most frequently between 15 and 25 years of age (43%). Concomitant soft tissue injuries were present in 73%. The most frequent location of the mandibular fracture line was along the periodontal ligament of the canine and in the sagittal suture between the two central maxillary incisors. This pattern appears to correlate with weak zones in the jaws. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, alveolar process fractures are rare. They occur most frequently in young males and are often associated with violence. Concomitant soft tissue injuries are frequent. This type of injury accordingly appears to result from a frontal impact transmitted through a soft tissue shield (the lips) where the zone of least resistance gives in, namely the periodontal ligament and areas where the alveolar bone is thin.

Successful dental implant placement surgeries with buccal bone fenestrations.

This is the first comprehensive review of the classification, preventative measures, diagnosis, treatment methods, and determination of success criteria of buccal bone plate fenestrations (BPFs) secondary to posterior implant surgeries. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss the current literature from peer-reviewed journals, recent studies, and international implantology guidelines and to provide practitioners with guiding points to identify and understand whether BPFs are complications or accidents of implant surgeries. In addition, this review sets forth a detailed set of criteria for the evaluation and diagnosis of BPFs and for the subsequent classification of BPFs as either complications or accidents of posterior implant surgeries. From the literature analyzed, it is clear that BPFs are disqualified from the class of implant treatment failures because BPFs neither impair nor significantly delay treatment. A comprehensive outline of preventative measures and surgery aids to avoid fenestrating the buccal bone plate during implant placement, and a variety of repair methods are included in this review. Considerations of treatment outcomes and patient sensitivities are also included in this comprehensive review.

The role of dental implants in the management of dento-alveolar trauma. Part 2.

Patients who suffer dento-alveolar trauma present a unique challenge for the dentist. There are numerous options to consider when attempting to restore the dentition. This article reviews the role of dental implants and how thorough planning and execution of such treatment could result in an optimal outcome. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of the role of dental implants and factors imperative for a successful treatment outcome will assist the clinician in achieving optimal restorative results.

Intraoral epimucosal fixation for reducible maxillary fractures of the jaws; surgical considerations in comparison to current techniques.

Fractures of the jaw are often treated with rigid and stable internal fixation using plates or miniplates. Early surgery for jaw fractures is the optimal treatment; however, if a late treatment is begun, often the adoption of other protocols is needed. When the jaw fracture has one free bone fragment with 2 full-thickness lesions of mucoperiosteal soft tissues both on the buccal and palatal sides, the risk of resorption or necrosis is very high after elevating a mucoperiosteal flap for rigid fixation. For this reason, we developed an intraoral epimucosal fixation technique using self-locking screws and plates. Substantial advantages of this new technique, in comparison with other commonly used fixation techniques, consisted in the prevention of bone resorption or necrosis by safe and simple screw insertion procedure after manipulation of the fracture for reduction in closed surgery. Major indications for epimucosal fixation in closed surgery are the presence of jaw fractures without dislocation or reducible jaw fractures by manipulation particularly in edentulous patients.

Conservative orthodontic treatment of mandibular bilateral condyle fracture.

Maxillofacial trauma is rare in children younger than the age of 5 years (range 0.6%-1.2%), and they can require different clinical treatment strategies compared with fractures in the adult population because of concerns regarding mandibular growth and development of dentition. A 5-year-old girl with a history of falling from a bicycle 7 hours earlier was referred to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Multislice computed tomographic examination demonstrated a bilateral fracture of the mandibular condyle neck associated with minimal fracture of the alveolar ridge of the maxilla. The multislice computed tomographic scan also demonstrated dislocation on the right condyle neck and, on the left side, a medial inclination of approximately 45 degrees associated with greenstick fracture of the right parasymphysis region. In this particular case, orthodontic rubber elastics in combination with fixed orthodontic brackets provided good results in the treatment of bilateral condyle neck fractures associated with greenstick fracture of parasymphysis.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillary dentoalveolar defects with fixed dental prostheses: two clinical reports.

Traumatic injuries or congenital malformations may cause soft and hard tissue defects resulting in the loss of alveolar bone and attached mucosa. Restoring the defective area presents a challenge for clinicians. The prosthetic rehabilitation of 2 patients with maxillary dentoalveolar defects with 2 different prosthetic designs is presented. The esthetic and functional requirements of the patients were fulfilled.

Experimental ex vivo traumatic intrusion in the mandibular incisors of the farm pig, Sus scrofa.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Traumatic intrusion of incisor teeth occurs frequently in young children, as well as in teens and adults; however, the biological mechanisms promoting negative sequelae or recovery are not well understood (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009;107:493 and Vital Health Stat 11 2007;248:1). Modeling intrusive trauma and post-traumatic healing in an animal model offers the opportunity to define these biological mechanisms and to inform the design of treatments. The objective of this study was to investigate the pig, Sus scrofa, as a model for intrusive trauma, using an in vitro approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular segments from ex vivo farm pigs were bisected and primary central incisors were prepared to either receive axial traumatic loads or to serve as non-intruded controls. A class 2 lever modeled traumatic impact to the incisors. Damage to the periodontal support in intruded and control specimens (n = 10) was evaluated through compression testing and comparison of elastic moduli. Incisor displacement was measured on X-ray images taken before and after trauma, and following compressive tests. RESULTS: Lingual x-rays showed a mean postinjury displacement of the incisor root of 3.81 ± 1.87 mm. With compression testing, the root length embedded in bone increased in traumatized and non-traumatized teeth by 2.9 mm and 0.81 mm, respectively (P = 0.03). The intrusion group Young's modulus was significantly lower than the control group (4452 vs 7704 Mpa; P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: In vitro modeling of traumatic intrusion resulted in damage to the periodontal support of central incisors and axial tooth displacement. Pig incisors offer an important model for further study of incisor trauma.

Effects of the bisphosphonate alendronate on molars of young rats after lateral luxation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN) was employed with the aim of investigating its effects on dental and periodontal tissues after lateral luxation of developing molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one-day-old Wistar rats had their second upper molars laterally luxated. Daily 2.5 mg kg(-1) ALN injections started at the day of the luxation; controls received sterile saline solution. The teeth were analyzed 7, 14, and 21 days after the procedure. On the days cited, the maxillae were fixed, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin or Spurr resin. The paraffin sections were stained with H&E, incubated for TRAP histochemistry or immunolabeled for osteopontin (OPN). Spurr ultrathin sections were examined in a transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: After 21 days, the root apex of luxated molars without ALN was wide open and disorganized and also covered by an irregular layer of cellular cementum, which was not observed in ALN-treated animals. Ankylosis sites were observed in ALN rats in both luxated and non-luxated teeth. The TRAP-positive osteoclasts were more numerous in ALN group, despite their latent ultrastructural appearance without the presence of resorption apparatus compared to controls. OPN immunolabeling revealed a thick immunopositive line in the dentin that must be resultant from the moment of the luxation, while ALN-treated specimens did not present alterations in dentin. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that alendronate inhibits some alterations in dentin and cementum formation induced by dental trauma.