Review of oral mucositis treatment guidelines with an emphasis on laser therapy.

Healthcare professionals require effective treatment options for managing the complications that may arise during cancer treatment. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and the International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO) work together to reduce oral complications secondary to cancer, including difficulties associated with oral mucositis (OM). The present article is intended to summarize the MASCC/ISOO guidelines, which are updated periodically based on the most recent evidence supporting the multiple treatment options for OM caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy used to treat head and neck tumors. The Mucositis Study Group (MSG) of MASCC/ ISOO conducted systematic reviews of the current literature pertaining to several interventions, including anti-inflammatory agents; basic oral care; vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements; and photobiomodulation. The MSG then categorized the effectiveness of each treatment for preventing OM or reducing the severity, duration, and reported pain of patients with OM based on the type of cancer being treated, the cancer treatment modality (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combination therapy), and the goals of the OM treatment (preventive or therapeutic). The present article also describes a case demonstrating the positive effects of using various laser devices to heal the symptoms of OM in a patient undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy for a squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue.

Novel approach to maxillary reconstruction using osteocutaneous free tissue transfer with a customized stent.

BACKGROUND: Computer-guided 3D virtual planning and customized templates are novel and effective methods aiding maxillary reconstruction, particularly during osteocutaneous free tissue transfer of complex defects. However, virtual planning and modelling is often expensive. METHODS: We present a new method to reconstruct complex defects with a surgical stent designed from presurgical casts. We present 2 patients who underwent this technique. Reconstruction in both cases was aided by a surgical stent fashioned preoperatively to approximate the anatomic dimensions of the defect, guiding the shape and orientation of the flap during inset to aid in dental rehabilitation. RESULTS: Surgery was performed without evidence of malocclusion, oronasal separation, or osteoradionecrosis with both patients undergoing successful rehabilitation and showing good postoperative oral intake. CONCLUSION: Utilization of our novel surgical stent allowed reconstruction of complex maxillectomy defects and facilitated the design of a reconstructive flap without the need of pre-bent plates, cutting guides, or associated expenses.

The use of biomechanical orthodontic treatment concepts for removable appliances in maxillofacial prosthodontics. Part I: review of prosthesis design principles.

Maxillary cuspids are commonly included in ablative block resections in maxillectomy patients. Although the remaining incisors are poor abutments for interim or definitive obturators, they must be used if adequate retention and support is to be achieved. Orthodontic biomechanical concepts for removable appliances offer solutions for the treatment of these patients. The proper application of these concepts can improve retention, support, and force distribution to the anterior teeth and is particularly useful in younger patients when long-term maintenance of teeth is critical. The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale for this approach and its application to interim and definitive Aramany Class I and II obturators.