Effect of a gel containing green tea extract and hyaluronic acid on palate pain scores and wound healing after free gingival graft: a quasi-randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gel containing green tea extract and hyaluronic acid (HA) on pain scores and wound healing in donor sites after free gingival graft (FGG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients requiring FGG were included in three groups: (1) control group (n = 14), no material was placed in the donor area; only the clot was kept in position by sutures; (2) placebo group (n = 14), vehicle gel applied 3 times a day for 7 days; and (3) test group (n = 14), gel containing green tea extract and HA applied 3 times a day for 7 days. The wound size by clinical measurement (WS-CM) and photographic image (WS-PI), complete wound epithelialization (CWE), and palatal mucosa color were evaluated after 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and analgesic consumption were used to assess participant's perception in the same postoperative periods. RESULTS: A similar progressive reduction in the wound size, associated with an improvement in the color pattern, was observed in all groups (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found for CWE and pain assessment between the examined groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The gel containing green tea extract and HA application in palatal wounds after FGG removal does not provide clinical healing benefits using this investigated protocol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first clinical study evaluating the effect of gel containing green tea extract and HA on the palate postoperative pain control and wound healing after FGG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://clinicaltrials.gov : NCT05270161.

Application of highly ozonated sunflower oil does not improve palatal wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Ozone is a molecule that plays an important role in dentistry, specially for wound healing. The aim of the present study was to clinically and immunologically evaluate the effect of ozonated oil on the healing of palatal wounds. METHODS: This is a prospective, longitudinal, triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The groups were divided as follows: Test group (n = 14): after removal of the free gingival graft (FGG), the palatal wound was treated with ozonized seed sunflower oil with a peroxide index between 510 and 625 meq O2 /kg; Control group (n = 14): after removal of the FGG, the palatal wound was treated with non-ozonated sunflower oil (placebo). The treatments were applied three times a day, for 7 days. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the measurements of wound area (mm2 ) between the test and control groups in the different periods evaluated (0, 3, 7, and 14 days; p > 0.05). The intra-group analysis showed a significant decrease in wound size over the course of days (0, 3, 7, and 14 days; p < 0.05). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; pg/mL) presented a significant reduction at 7 days (p < 0.05) compared to day 3 in the test group (p < 0.05). There was a statistical difference for malondialdehyde (MDA; pg/mL) in the test group between 3 and 7 days post-treatment (p < 0.05) and between test and control groups on the 7th day (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of highly ozonated sunflower oil did not improve the remaining scar area of the palate, decreasing the VEGF and increasing the oxidative stress marker MDA.

Minimizing patient morbidity after free gingival graft harvesting:A triple-blind randomized-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on patient morbidity and donor site healing after free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting. METHODS: Forty-four patients requiring FGG were selected for this trial. Individuals were randomly assigned to test group (PBMT, n = 22) or control group (placebo, n = 22) applied immediately after surgery, 24 and 48 h after. Demographic, surgical-related and psychosocial variables possibly associated with treatment response were collected. The primary outcome was postoperative pain at the donor site evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) immediately after surgery and 6, 24, 48 and 72 h after. Secondary outcomes include medication consumption, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and percentage of wound closure. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis showed no differences in VASLOG means for placebo group throughout the study (p > .05), whereas a significant difference in PBMT group at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h (p < .05) were observed. Postoperative rescue analgesic requirement was significantly higher in the placebo group (p = .004). The number needed to treat(NNT) was 2.43. PBMT group reported significant better function related to sleeping, going to work/school and daily routine activities, less restriction to mouth opening, chewing and food consumption, less swelling and bleeding (p < .05), mainly in the first 48 h. PBMT group presented a significantly higher palatal wound closure at 7 days compared to placebo group (33.41 vs. 21.20 respectively, p = .024) after adjustment for confounding. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation therapy accelerated the pain resolution time and palatal closure, decreased rescue medication consumption and significantly improved patient satisfaction in the postoperative period.

Isolation and Culture of Primary Oral Keratinocytes from the Adult Mouse Palate.

For years, most studies involving keratinocytes have been conducted using human and mouse skin epidermal keratinocytes. Recently, oral keratinocytes have attracted attention because of their unique function and characteristics. They maintain the homeostasis of the oral epithelium and serve as resources for applications in regenerative therapies. However, in vitro studies that use oral primary keratinocytes from adult mice have been limited due to the lack of an efficient and well-established culture protocol. Here, oral primary keratinocytes were isolated from the palate tissues of adult mice and cultured in a commercial low-calcium medium supplemented with a chelexed-serum. Under these conditions, keratinocytes were maintained in a proliferative or stem cell-like state, and their differentiation was inhibited even after increased passages. Marker expression analysis showed that the cultured oral keratinocytes expressed the basal cell markers p63, K14, and α6-integrin and were negative for the differentiation marker K13 and the fibroblast marker PDGFRα. This method produced viable and culturable cells suitable for downstream applications in the study of oral epithelial stem cell functions in vitro.

Uso de laser de alta potência para remoção de granuloma piogênico em palato: relato de um caso / Use of high power laser to remove piogenic granuloma in the palate: a case report

A laserterapia na área odontológica oferece ao paciente e ao profissional uma alternativa terapêutica em relação a métodos convencionais. O uso do laser de alta potência em procedimentos cirúrgicos apresenta inúmeras vantagens, uma vez que reduz o sangramento durante a diérese, proporciona uma boa visão do campo operatório e torna mais curto e conveniente o tempo do procedimento. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de remoção cirúrgica de granuloma piogênico em palato mole com Laser de diodo de alta potência. A paciente do sexo feminino com 75 anos foi encaminhada à Clínica Escola de Odontologia com lesão em palato, com hipótese diagnóstica de granuloma piogênico. O tratamento de escolha foi a exérese da lesão com o Laser de diodo Thera Lase surgery (DMC equipamentos, São Carlos/SP, Brasil) 808nm, meio ativo de Gallium-Indium-Arsenide (InGaAs), 3500mW, 4J e frequência contínua, a amostra foi encaminhada para o Laboratório de Histopatologia oral para análise histopatológica, sendo confirmado como granuloma piogênico fibrosado. O Laser cirúrgico utilizado foi eficaz na excisão da lesão, permitindo excelente hemostasia, acesso cirúrgico à lesão e fácil manuseio, não ocorrendo intercorrências trans- e/ou pós-operatórias. Após 3 anos de acompanhamento periódico, não houve recidiva da lesão... (AU)

Laser therapy in the dental field offers the patient and the professional an alternative to conventional methods. The use of high-powered laser in surgical procedures has numerous advantages, since it reduces bleeding during the incision, provides a good view of the operative field, the procedure time becomes shorter and more convenient. The objective of this work is to report a case of surgical removal of pyogenic granuloma in the soft palate with a high-power diode laser. The 75 year old female patient was referred to the Dental School Clinic with a palate lesion, with a diagnostic hypothesis of pyogenic granuloma. The treatment of choice was the excision of the lesion with the Thera Lase surgery diode laser (DMC equipment, São Carlos / SP, Brazil) 808 nm, active medium Gallium-Indium-Arsenide (InGaAs), 3500mW, 4J and continuous frequency, the sample was sent to the Oral Histopathology Laboratory for histopathological analysis, being confirmed as fibrous pyogenic granuloma. The surgical laser used was effective in excising the lesion, hemostasis was satisfactory, handling was practical, easy access to the area to be excised, there was no intraoperative complication and no postoperative complications were reported. The patient after about 3 years of periodic follow-up is healthy and has no recurrence of the lesion... (AU)

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy and Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the association between findings of blinded reviews of preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and outcomes of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter cohort study of 343 adults who underwent treatment of OSA with HNS from 10 academic medical centers was performed. Preoperative DISE videos were scored by four blinded reviewers using the VOTE Classification and evaluation of a possible primary structure contributing to airway obstruction. Consensus DISE findings were examined for an association with surgical outcomes based on therapy titration polysomnogram (tPSG). Treatment response was defined by a decrease of ≥50% in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to <15 events/hour. RESULTS: Study participants (76% male, 60.4 ± 11.0 years old) had a body mass index of 29.2 ± 3.6 kg/m2 . AHI decreased (35.6 ± 15.2 to 11.0 ± 14.1 events/hour; P < .001) on the tPSG, with a 72.6% response rate. Complete palate obstruction (vs. none) was associated with the greatest difference in AHI improvement (-26.8 ± 14.9 vs. -19.2 ± 12.8, P = .02). Complete (vs. partial/none) tongue-related obstruction was associated with increased odds of treatment response (78% vs. 68%, P = .043). Complete (vs. partial/none) oropharyngeal lateral wall-related obstruction was associated with lower odds of surgical response (58% vs. 74%, P = .042). CONCLUSIONS: The DISE finding of primary tongue contribution to airway obstruction was associated with better outcomes, whereas the opposite was true for the oropharyngeal lateral walls. This study suggests that the role for DISE in counseling candidates for HNS extends beyond solely for excluding complete concentric collapse related to the velum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1676-1682, 2021.

Microcurrent electrotherapy improves palatal wound healing: Randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the clinical, immunological, and patient-centered outcomes of microcurrent electrotherapy on palatal wound healing. METHODS: This was a parallel, double-masked randomized clinical trial, in which 53 patients with ridge preservation indications were selected and randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the control (sham) group (n = 27), palatal wounds, after free gingival grafts (FGG) harvest, received sham application of electrotherapy. In the test (electrotherapy treatment [EE]) group (n = 26), palatal wounds, after FGG harvest, received application of microcurrent electrotherapy protocol. Clinical parameters, patient-centered outcomes, and inflammatory markers were evaluated, up to 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: The EE group achieved earlier wound closure (P <0.001) and epithelialization (P <0.05; P = 0.03) at 7 and 14 days after harvest when compared with the sham group. Painful symptomatology was reported less frequently in the EE group than in the sham group at 3-day follow-up (P = 0.008). Likewise, an improvement in Oral Health Impact Profile was reported 2 days after the procedure by the EE group (P = 0.04). In addition, favorable modulation of inflammatory wound healing markers occurred when electrotherapy was applied. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the use of a low-intensity electrotherapy protocol may accelerate palatal wound healing and decrease patient discomfort after FGG harvest.

Evaluation of photobiomodulation therapy to accelerate bone formation in the mid palatal suture after rapid palatal expansion: a randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the efficiency of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the midpalatal suture (MPS) and pain sensation in patients undergoing rapid palatal expansion (RPE). Thirty-four individuals with the diagnosis of skeletal maxillary hypoplasia were divided in two groups: laser (n = 18) and control (n = 16). Treatment plan consisted of the use of the Hyrax expander in all patients. Subjects in the laser group were irradiated with diode laser (980 nm, 0.3 W) in six spots bilaterally distributed along the MPS for 10 s during the active phase of treatment and after overcorrection (passive phase of RPE). Control group received sham irradiations with the laser in standby mode to characterize the placebo effect. Digital occlusal radiographs were performed at different time-points for bone formation evaluation in both groups. The effects of laser irradiation on pain were assessed by the visual analog scale (Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale). Bone formation between groups was not significantly different (p = 0.2273). At 3 months, bone formation was not yet complete in both groups. Pain sensation was similar between groups (p = 0.3940). However, pain was significantly higher for the first 7 days of treatment compared with the 14th day. PBMT did not accelerate bone regeneration in the MPS and pain sensation was similar.

Comparison of Traditional Upper Airway Surgery and Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patients with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing traditional single and multilevel sleep surgery to those undergoing upper airway stimulation (UAS). STUDY DESIGN: Case control study comparing retrospective cohort of patients undergoing traditional sleep surgery to patients undergoing UAS enrolled in the ADHERE registry. SETTING: 8 multinational academic medical centers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 233 patients undergoing prior single or multilevel traditional sleep surgery and meeting study inclusion criteria were compared to 465 patients from the ADHERE registry who underwent UAS. We compared preoperative and postoperative demographic, quality of life, and polysomnographic data. We also evaluated treatment response rates. RESULTS: The pre and postoperative apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 33.5 and 15 in the traditional sleep surgery group and 32 and 10 in the UAS group. The postoperative AHI in the UAS group was significantly lower. The pre and postoperative Epworth sleepiness scores (ESS) were 12 and 6 in both the traditional sleep surgery and UAS groups. Subgroup analysis evaluated those patients undergoing single level palate and multilevel palate and tongue base traditional sleep surgeries. The UAS group had a significantly lower postoperive AHI than both traditional sleep surgery subgroups. The UAS group had a higher percentage of patients reaching surgical success, defined as a postoperative AHI <20 with a 50% reduction from preoperative severity. CONCLUSION: UAS offers significantly better control of AHI severity than traditional sleep surgery. Quality life improvements were similar between groups.

Oral mucosal calcified nodule requiring palatoplasty.

Calcinosis cutis describes a condition of pathologic calcium deposition in the dermis. Several subtypes exist, including the subepidermal calcified nodule. The oral mucosal calcified nodule (OMCN) was posited in 1992 as a specific term for a subepidermal calcified nodule occurring in the oral cavity, and since that time only six such lesions have been described in the literature. This report explores a case of OMCN on the palate of a 3-month-old infant with the goal of supplementing extant literature, providing a consideration of the differentials of palatal lesions in the pediatric population, and describing a unique instance in which OMCN resulted in a full-thickness defect requiring palatoplasty for repair.

Alvogyl and absorbable gelatin sponge as palatal wound dressings following epithelialized free gingival graft harvest: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial compares for the first time effects of Alvogyl versus absorbable gelatin sponge as palatal wound dressings on postoperative pain, amount of analgesic consumption, post-surgical bleeding, and wound re-epithelization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following sample size calculation, 36 systemically healthy patients requiring palatal mucosal graft harvesting were randomized to receive Alvogyl (intervention group, 18 patients) or absorbable gelatin sponge (control group, 18 patients) palatal dressings. Patient-reported VAS pain scores over 2 weeks were defined as primary outcome. Post-surgical bleeding, number of analgesics consumed, and complete re-epithelialization of the palatal wound for up to 5 weeks were defined as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Although significantly higher VAS pain scores were reported in the control as compared with the intervention group up to 12 days post-surgically (from (median [range]) 8.5 [2-10] to 1 [0-2] and from 6 [0-10] to 0 [0-2] respectively), with higher analgesics consumption (from 2 [1-3] to 1 [0-3] and from 1 [0-3] to 0 [0-2] tablets respectively), a multivariate regression analysis considering age, gender, graft width/length, tissue thickness, analgesics intake, and dressing type demonstrated no statistically significant effect of any factor, including dressing type on VAS pain scores. At 4 weeks, 22.2% of patients in the intervention group versus 11.1% in the control group demonstrated complete re-epithelization of their palatal engraftment site, before complete re-epithelization in both groups at 5 weeks. No post-surgical bleeding was reported with both dressings. CONCLUSIONS: Within the study's limitations, results suggest Alvogyl as a practical palatal surgical dressing, comparable with absorbable gelatin sponge in cost, pain reduction, hemostasis, and re-epithelization properties. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03402321 CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alvogyl could present a novel palatal wound dressing material, comparable with gelatin sponge.

Tongue rehabilitation through the froggy mouth device: case series.

Based on the knowledge supporting the position of the tongue in relation to the palate to be the guiding factor of oro-dental growth and the key factor in long-term orthodontic stability after treatment, 6 different case reports show how the Froggy Mouth device changes treatment strategy in rehabilitation of dysfunctional swallowing by relying on the subcortical process, following the principles established by pioneering studies on memorization mechanisms conducted by Eric Kandel (year 2000 Nobel Prize winner in medical field for his research on memorization process).

Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Hypericum perforatum Oil on Excisional Palatal Wound Healing in Rabbits.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Hypericum perforatum (HP) oil on wound-healing process in rabbit palatal mucosa. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six New Zealand albino rabbits were randomly allocated to following groups; (1) HP oil (test, n = 18) and (2) olive oil (control, n = 18). Palatinal excisional wounds were created and the oils were topically applied (0.1 ml, 30 s, twice a day). Gingival biopsies were excised, and analyzed for re-epithelialization (RE) and granulation tissue maturation (GTM) on days 3, 7, and 14 after surgery. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) were assessed using the immunohistochemical method. Apoptotic cells (ACs) were evaluated using TUNEL staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess tissue catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: RE and GTM were completed earlier in the HP oil group than in the control group. The number of positively stained cells/vessels was higher in olive oil than in the test group on day 3 for FGF-2 and on days 3 and 7 for VEGF (p < 0.05). In contrast, on day 14, a higher number of vessels was observed in the HP oil group than in the control group. HP oil treatment reduced the number of ACs compared to olive oil (p < 0.05), but the difference during the healing period did not reach significance. Tissue CAT and MDA levels between groups were not different, and also the results were the same when the levels were analyzed by the evaluated time periods (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that topical HP oil treatment did not provide an additional benefit to its base, olive oil, in the early phase of secondary wound healing.

Previous Surgery and Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether previous palate or hypopharyngeal surgery was associated with efficacy of treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with hypoglossal nerve stimulation. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort (retrospective and prospective). SETTING: Eleven academic medical centers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Adults treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation were enrolled in the ADHERE Registry. Outcomes were defined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), in 3 ways: change in the AHI and 2 definitions of therapy response requiring ≥50% reduction in the AHI to a level <20 events/h (Response20) or 15 events/h (Response15). Previous palate and hypopharyngeal (tongue, epiglottis, or maxillofacial) procedures were documented. Linear and logistic regression examined the association between previous palate or hypopharyngeal surgery and outcomes, with adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. RESULTS: The majority (73%, 217 of 299) had no previous palate or hypopharyngeal surgery, while 25% and 9% had previous palate or hypopharyngeal surgery, respectively, including 6% with previous palate and hypopharyngeal surgery. Baseline AHI (36.0 ± 15.6 events/h) decreased to 12.0 ± 13.3 at therapy titration (P < .001) and 11.4 ± 12.6 at final follow-up (P < .001). Any previous surgery, previous palate surgery, and previous hypopharyngeal surgery were not clearly associated with treatment response; for example, any previous surgery was associated with a 0.69 (95% CI: 0.37, 1.27) odds of response (Response20 measure) at therapy titration and a 0.55 (95% CI: 0.22, 1.34) odds of response (Response20 measure) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Previous upper airway surgery was not clearly associated with efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

The Effects of Electrical Stimulation Pulse Duration on Lingual Palatal Pressure Measures During Swallowing in Healthy Older Adults.

Limited research in swallowing physiology has suggested that the most common existing transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) protocol (VitalStim) may not penetrate to layers of tissue to affect deep swallowing muscles. TES amplitude is the primary parameter that determines the depth of electrical current penetration (DECP). Preliminary work suggests that replacing a long-pulse duration with a short-pulse duration can increase maximum amplitude tolerance (MAT) within subjects' comfort level. Increasing MAT may indicate a higher DECP. The current study evaluates this premise in reference to the effects of varying pulse duration on lingual-palatal pressure during swallowing. Thirty healthy older adults (60-70 years of age) participated in this study. Each subject swallowed three trials of 10 mL pudding under three TES conditions: no stimulation, short-pulse duration, and long-pulse duration. TES was delivered using two pairs of surface electrodes on the submental muscles. MAT and perceived discomfort levels were identified separately for short and long-pulse TES conditions. Lingual-palatal peak pressure, pressure integral, and pressure duration were measured under each condition. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to identify within subject effects of TES condition and tongue bulb location. Lingual-palatal pressure and pressure integral were significantly reduced in the short-pulse duration condition. MAT was significantly higher in the short-pulse duration versus the long-pulse duration condition. Furthermore, MAT was significantly correlated with lingual-palatal pressure. Changing pulse duration had no significant impact on tongue pressure duration. Results suggest that a short-pulse duration may penetrate deeper into muscles involved in swallowing. The specific impact is reflected in a reduced upward pressure of the tongue on the palate during swallowing. This 'restrictive' effect of TES on tongue pressure may have the potential to be used during a resistive exercise paradigm for tongue elevation during swallowing.

Evaluating the Effects of a Topical Preparation with Dexpanthenol, Silbiol, Undecylenic Acid, and Lidocaine on Palatal Mucosa Wound Healing in a Rat Model

Background: Postoperative complications occur after periodontal plastic surgeries, but an ideal treatment to overcome them has not been found yet. Aims: To evaluate the effects of topically applied Oral-norm gel on the healing of excisional wounds. Study Design: Animal experiment. Methods: Excisional wounds with a diameter of 3 mm were made in the center of the palatal mucosa of 63 Sprague Dawley rats. Seven animals were sacrificed at time 0. The remaining rats were divided into two groups: a test group in which the topical Oral-norm gel was applied three times a day and a control group in which nothing was applied. Seven animals in each group were sacrificed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. Mean wound surface area was measured photographically, while wound healing and width were evaluated microscopically. Results: The mean wound surface area decreased significantly after 3 days in both groups (p<0.001). Between days 3 and 7, the mean wound surface area decreased from 6.62 (2.85) to 0.83 (1.62) mm2 in the control group and 5.07 (0.88) to 1.42 (1.67) mm2 in the test group. The wound width decreased significantly on day 7 in both groups (p<0.001), with no further changes by day 14. Both groups had a significant increase in inflammation and vascularization on day 3 (p<0.001), with a reduction thereafter. No significant differences in macroscopic and microscopic measurements were observed between the groups at any time point (p>0.05). Conclusion: The Oral-norm gel has no positive healing effects in the palatal mucosa of rats.

Upper-Airway Stimulation Before, After, or Without Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: A Two-Year Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an effective second-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In certain patients, there is a considerable need for advanced programming, notably with inadequate palatal response to therapy. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and tonsillectomy (UPPP-TE) on UAS therapy outcomes from a 2-year perspective after implantation. METHODS: This study included all consecutive patients implanted with UAS in which a full set of 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments (M12 and M24) were obtained. Cases were analyzed in three groups: patients with UPPP-TE after (group 1) and before (group 2) UAS, and those without UPPP-TE (group 3). RESULTS: Therapy success could be achieved in about 80% of the entire cohort. Groups 2 and 3 did not differ significantly with regard to obesity, Apnea-Hypopnea Index, or Oxygen Desaturation Index. With regard to initial sleep endoscopy, there were fewer patients without any obstruction at the palatal and oropharyngeal levels and higher prevalence of lateral obstruction patterns at oropharynx in group 1 in contrast to groups 2 and 3. Groups 2 and 3 showed similar results, although group 2 patients underwent UPPP-TE before UAS implantation. CONCLUSION: UPPP-TE should be considered in patients with persistent OSA after UAS implantation if the obstruction is identified at the level of velum and oropharynx. Although this approach has higher response rates and better outcomes can be achieved in patients with UAS, there is no indication for patients to routinely undergo UPPP-TE prior to UAS implantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:514-518, 2019.

Low-intensity laser for harvesting palatal graft for the treatment of gingival recession: A systematic review.

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) for harvesting palatal connective tissue graft (PCTG) in the treatment of gingival recession. Databases were searched up to May 2018. The addressed focused question was: Is adjunctive LILT effective in the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG? Screening of the initially identified studies resulted in four clinical studies. All studies showed that LILT was effective in improving clinical outcomes, such as tissue thickness, postoperative discomfort, remaining wound area, and visual analog score at follow up. Upon comparison with the control group, two studies showed significantly greater improvements in the clinical parameters and patient-centered outcomes for LILT than control groups at follow up. Due to the low number of included clinical studies, it remains debatable whether LILT improves clinical and patient-centered outcomes of PCTG procedures. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the outcomes of LILT on the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG.

Influência da aplicação de estimulação elétrica e de proteínas derivadas da matriz do esmalte no reparo de feridas em palato: dois estudos clínicos randomizados / Influence of electric stimulation and enamel matrix protein derivative application on palatal wound healing: two randomized clinical trials

Procedimentos periodontais cirúrgicos podem levar a execução de feridas na região do palato como por exemplo na remoção de enxertos autógenos. Contudo, tais abordagens podem causar ao paciente certo grau de morbidade e desconforto na área operada. Procura-se, portanto, terapias para a área palatina auxiliando a cicatrização de feridas no local doador, que eventualmente também poderiam ser utilizadas para outras finalidades. Assim, o objetivo dos presentes estudos clínicos foi avaliar clínica e imunologicamente os resultados de três meses de duas abordagens, estímulo elétrico (EE) e matriz derivada do esmalte (EMD), no reparo de feridas palatinas advindas da remoção de enxerto gengival livre para preservação de alvéolo. Dois ensaios clínicos randomizados foram realizados seguindo o CONSORT-STATEMENT 2010. (1) Selecionou-se 53 pacientes apresentando necessidade de preservação de rebordo, divididos nos grupos: Sham (n=27) - simulação de EE na ferida aberta no palato, EE (n=26) - estímulo elétrico na ferida aberta no palato. As avaliações clínicas revelaram fechamento precoce da ferida palatina, bem como epitelização desta, aos 7 e 14 dias no grupo EE quando comparado ao grupo Sham (p<0,05 e p=0,03, respectivamente). Sintomatologia dolorosa revelou-se reduzida no grupo EE em relação ao grupo Sham aos 3 dias pós-operatórios (p=0,008). Bem como, uma melhoria na qualidade de vida do paciente foi reportada após 2 dias do procedimento cirúrgico (p<0,04). A modulação de certos biomarcadores de modo favorável à reparação tecidual se fez presente com o uso da eletroterapia. Deste modo, conclui-se que o uso da eletroterapia apresenta benefícios clínicos e imunológicos no reparo de feridas. (2) Selecionou-se 44 pacientes com necessidade de preservação de rebordo, divididos nos grupos: Controle (n=22) - ferida aberta no palato sem terapia e EMD (n=22) - aplicação de Emdogain® na ferida palatina. Nenhum benefício clínico, como fechamento da ferida e epitelização, foi visto com a aplicação de EMD. Contudo, verificou-se uma modulação favorável em biomarcadores inflamatórios importantes ao reparo bem como menor sintomatologia dolorosa. Por conseguinte, o uso do EMD revelou uma modulação positiva do processo inflamatório local à resolução da ferida(AU)

Surgical periodontal procedures may favor the formation of wounds in the palatal region as for example to obtain autogenous graft. Discomfort and a certain degree of morbidity may be present in patients undergoing this procedure. Thus, treatments for the palatine donor area has been sought to aid wounds healing and eventually be useful for other functions. Therefore, the aim of the investigations was to evaluate the 3-month clinical and immunological outcomes of two approaches, electric stimulus (EE) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD), on palatal open wound healing due to harvesting a graft for socket preservation. For this, two clinical trials were carried out following the CONSORT STATEMENT 2010. (1) Fifty-three patients presenting need of ridge preservation were divided into 2 groups: Sham (n=27) - sham electrical stimulation on the open palatal wound; EE (n=26) - electrical stimulation on open palatal wound. Clinical perceptions shown early wound closure, as well as, better epithelization in 7 and 14 days after surgery in EE group when related to Sham group (p<0,05 e p=0,03, respectively). Painful symptomatology was less reported in EE group in comparison to Sham group at 3 days after surgical approach (p=0,008). Likewise, an improvement in Oral Health Impact Profile was reported after 2 days of the procedure when combinate with electrotherapy protocol (p<0,04). Biomarkers modulation occurred in a favor manner when electric stimulus was applied at the wound. Therefore, the use of electrotherapy presented benefits for clinical wound healing and influenced the expression of favorable biomarkers during injury resolution. (2) Forty-four patients presenting need of ridge preservation were allocated into 2 groups: Control (n=22) - open palatal wound without treatment and EMD (n=22) ­ Emdogain® applied on the open palatal wound. None clinical benefits, as wound closure and epithelization was seen when EMD was used. However, important biomarkers modulation for repair occurred, as well as, less painful symptomatology. In conclusion, EMD application shown a positive influence in local inflammation during wound repair(AU)

Associação entre os aspectos da avaliação clínica da língua realizada em crianças / Association between aspects of clinical assessment of the tongue accomplished in children

RESUMO Objetivo Pesquisar a existência de associação entre os aspectos da avaliação clínica da língua. Métodos Estudo transversal observacional, com 80 crianças brasileiras, saudáveis, faixa etária entre 8 e 12 anos, sendo 36 (45%) do gênero masculino e 44 (55%) do gênero feminino. Foram avaliados aspectos da língua relacionados à morfologia, frênulo, mobilidade, praxias e força. Foram obtidas as associações entre os aspectos da avaliação clínica, considerando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Houve associação entre largura e altura; entre extensão do frênulo e as provas de sugar a língua no palato, vibrar, protrair/retrair e tocar comissuras direita e esquerda e lábios superior e inferior e entre a fixação do frênulo no assoalho da boca e as provas de sugar a língua no palato e vibrar. A prova de estalar ápice de língua apresentou associação com estalar o corpo. Estalar a língua (ápice ou corpo) apresentou associação com sugar a língua no palato, vibrar, protrair/retrair, tocar comissuras direita e esquerda e lábios superior e inferior e força. A prova de sugar a língua no palato apresentou associação com vibrar, protrair/retrair, tocar comissuras direita e esquerda e lábios superior e inferior e força de língua e a prova de vibrar a língua, com protrair e retrair e força de língua. Também houve associação entre protrair e retrair e tocar comissuras direita e esquerda e lábios superior e inferior. Conclusão Os aspectos da língua na avaliação clínica apresentaram associações entre si.

ABSTRACT Purpose Investigate the possible association between myofunctional aspects of the tongue clinical evaluation. Methods Observational, cross-sectional study conducted with 80 healthy Brazilian schoolchildren aged 8-12 years: 36 (45%) males and 44 (55%) females. The following aspects of the tongue were assessed: morphology, frenulum, mobility, praxis, and force. Association between the aspects of clinical evaluation was obtained considering a statistical significance level of 5%. Results The following associations were observed: between tongue width and height; between frenulum length and the tasks of sucking the tongue on palate, tongue vibration, tongue protrusion/retraction, and touching right and left commissures and upper and lower lips; between frenulum attachment to the floor of the mouth and the tasks of sucking tongue on palate and tongue vibration. In the snap task, tongue apex snap was associated with tongue body snap. Tongue snap (apex or body) was associated with sucking the tongue on palate, tongue vibration, tongue protrusion/retraction, touching right and left commissures and upper and lower lips, and tongue force. Sucking tongue on palate was associated with tongue vibration, tongue protrusion/retraction, touching right and left commissures and upper and lower lips, and tongue force. Tongue vibration was associated with tongue protrusion/retraction and tongue force. Association was also observed between the tongue protrusion/retraction task and touching right and left commissures and upper and lower lips. Conclusion Association between tongue aspects was verified in the clinical evaluation.