Effects of Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis in the control of anxiety due to tooth extraction: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. to control anxiety, surgical discomfort, and changes in vital signs of patients undergoing extraction of two unilateral third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial. Fifty-four patients were allocated into three groups (Valeriana officinalis L., Passiflora incarnata L., and placebo). Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trace Anxiety Inventory (STAI) index, surgical discomfort using the QCirDental, and through the measurement of vital signs. The surgical times evaluated were before (T0), during (T1), and after surgery (T2). RESULTS: There was evidence that both Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L., reduced STAY-S scores between T0 and T2 (p < .05), unlike placebo (p = .129). There was no change in surgical discomfort in all groups over time, and vital signs presented variable results. CONCLUSION: Phytotherapy drugs showed a reduction in anxiety state compared to the placebo group during third molar extraction procedure.  CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: klRBR-6kcxvrc, March 10, 2022.

Factors associated with quality of life before and after orthognathic surgery.

PURPOSE: Evaluate which factors compromise patients' quality of life who have undergone orthognathic surgery in the pre and postoperative period of 2 years. STUDY DESIGN: In this longitudinal prospective study, 46 adult patients undergoing orthognathic surgery were evaluated. The primary outcome variable was quality of life, assessed using the overall score of the orthognathic quality of life questionnaire (OQLQ) in the pre and 2-year postoperative periods. The predictor variables were axis I (temporomandibular dysfunction) and axis II (psychosocial) RDC/TMD diagnoses, assessed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively; profile, asymmetry, and open bite preoperatively; and orthodontic treatment active 2 years postoperatively. The covariables were age and sex. The OQLQ score was compared preoperatively and postoperatively using the Wilcoxon test and with the other variables using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Preoperatively, higher OQLQ scores were associated with myofascial pain (P = .012) and severe depression (P = .030). Two years after surgery, there was an improvement in overall OQLQ (P < .001), myofascial pain (P = .012) and chronic pain (P = .001). However, higher OQLQ scores were associated with individuals who had myofascial pain (P = .012), active orthodontic treatment (P = .007), and other nonspecific physical symptoms including pain (NSPSIP) (P = .049). CONCLUSION: Quality of life was affected preoperatively by myofascial pain and depression, and although it improved significantly 2 years after surgery, it continued to be affected by myofascial pain, NSPSIP, and active orthodontic treatment.

Prevalence and associated factors of myofascial pain in orthognathic patients with skeletal class II malocclusion.

Orthognathic patients with skeletal class II malocclusion frequently suffer from myofascial pain (MP). PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of MP in these patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in adult patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion requiring orthognathic surgery. They were divided according to the presence or absence of MP. The predictor variables were craniofacial morphology, sex, temporomandibular disorders, chronic pain, depression, and polymorphisms of dopamine receptors DRD2 (rs6275 and rs6276) and ANKK1 (rs1800497) genes. Data were submitted to statistical analyses using the linear regression model and Poisson regression with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Sixty-five individuals were selected, of which 50 (76.92%) were females. A total of 21 (32.3%) patients had MP. Individuals with MP showed a decrease in the mandible gonial angle (p = 0.042) and an increased risk of having temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement (p = 0.003), TMJ pain (p = 0.030), chronic pain (p = 0.001), and severe depression (p = 0.015). Additionally, individuals carrying AA and AG genotypes in rs6275, and CC genotype in rs6276, were more likely to have MP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, 32.3% of skeletal class II orthognathic patients had MP, which was associated with a decreased gonial angle, TMJ disc displacement, TMJ pain, chronic pain, depression, and polymorphisms in the DRD2 gene.

Quality of Life and Temporomandibular Disorders in Patients With Skeletal Class III Malocclusion With Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life (QOL), oral health-related QOL (OHRQOL), temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and psychological factors in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and without CLP. DESIGN: Case-control. SETTING: Primary care, institutional practice. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-six patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with CLP (n = 68) and without CLP (n = 68). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: QOL and OHRQOL were assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire, respectively. TMDs and psychological factors were assessed using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD). RESULTS: No differences in QOL were found between the groups (P > 0.05). Patients with CLP reported a better OHRQOL (P = 0.025) in the physical pain, physical disability, and psychological disability domains (P < 0.05). Patients with CLP presented with less myofascial pain (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.71] and other articular conditions (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.06-0.90]. More patients with CLP reported no chronic pain (P = 0.012). The QOL of patients with CLP with no depression or with no nonspecific physical symptoms including pain (NSPSIP) was better than that of patients without CLP. The OHRQOL of patients with CLP without TMDs or no psychological factors was better than that of patients without CLP. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion who require orthognathic surgery with CLP have better OHRQOL and present with fewer TMDs than those patients without CLP.

Genetic polymorphisms are associated with alterations in anxiety levels and vital signs in patients undergoing third molar extractions.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between SLC6A4 (rs1042173 and rs3813034), DRD2 (rs6275 and rs6276), ANKK1 (rs1800497), and COMT (rs174675) genetic polymorphisms and alterations in anxiety levels and vital signs in individuals undergoing third molar extractions. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred sixty-eight individuals were evaluated at the pre-, trans-, and postoperative periods by checking systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Buccal mucosa cells were collected for genetic evaluation using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The level of anxiety was associated with rs1800497 for STAI-Trait (P = .031) and rs174675 for STAI-State (P = .007). Considering the vital signs, there was a significant difference between the values of respiratory rate and rs1042173 (P = .029), rs3813034 (P = .024), and rs6275 (P = .025). The diastolic blood pressure values differed significantly for rs1042173 (P = .042), and the body temperature values differed significantly for rs174675 (P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in SLC6A4, DRD2, ANKK1, and COMT genes could be associated with alterations in anxiety levels and vital signs in individuals undergoing third molar extractions.

Odontogenesis-related candidate genes involved in variations of permanent teeth size.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms in RUNX2, BMP4, BMP2, TGFß1, EGF, and SMAD6 and variations in permanent tooth size (TS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 110 individuals' dental casts to determine the maximum tooth crown size of all fully erupted permanent teeth (third molars were excluded) in the mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions. Genomic DNA was obtained from the epithelial cells of the oral mucosa to evaluate the genetic polymorphisms in RUNX2 (rs59983488 and rs1200425), BMP4 (rs17563), BMP2 (rs235768 and rs1005464), TGFß1 (rs1800470), EGF (rs4444903), and SMAD6 (rs2119261 and rs3934908) through real-time PCR. The data were submitted to statistical analysis with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The genetic polymorphisms rs59983488, rs1200425, rs17563, rs235768, rs1005464, rs1800470, and rs4444903 were associated with MD and BL TS of the upper and lower arches (p < 0.05). The polymorphism rs2119261 was associated with variation in TS only in the upper arch (p < 0.05). The rs3934908 was not associated with any TS measurement (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study reports novel associations between variation in permanent TS and genetic polymorphisms in RUNX2, BMP4, BMP2, TGFß1, EGF, and SMAD6 indicating a possible role of these genes in dental morphology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Polymorphisms in odontogenesis-related genes may be involved in dental morphology enabling a prediction of permanent TS variability. The knowledge regarding genes involved in TS might impact the personalized dental treatment, considering that patients' genetic profile would soon be introduced into clinical practice to improve patient management.

Orthognathic surgery in class II patients: a longitudinal study on quality of life, TMD, and psychological aspects.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, longitudinally, the impacts of orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal class II malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and psychological symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients with skeletal class II malocclusion who were submitted to orthognathic surgery were evaluated during their preoperative and postoperative periods. They answered the short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and were also diagnosed according to Axes I and II of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). The evolution of OHRQoL and TMD before and after surgery was verified, and the relationships among these variables were found through statistical analysis using Wilcoxon, McNemar, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The median of the overall OHIP-14 score and five domains decreased after orthognathic surgery (p < 0.05), the functional limitation domain increased (p = 0.014), and the physical disability domain did not show an association (p = 0.133). There were improvements in articular pain (p = 0.016), chronic pain (p = 0.019), and nonspecific physical symptoms excluding pain (p = 0.013). In addition, an association was found between poorer OHRQoL (overall scale and domains) and the Axis II variables of the RDC/TMD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Orthognathic surgery improved perceived OHRQoL, articular pain, and chronic pain. The conditions of Axis II of the RDC/TMD interfered with OHRQoL postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although orthognathic surgery improves QoL and some TMD conditions in skeletal class II patients, poorer postoperative outcomes are observed when psychological conditions are present.

Association between oestrogen receptors and female temporomandibular disorders.

Objective: To evaluate if temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are associated with genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2, which are genes encoding oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERß). Also, we included an animal model to check if ERα and ERß are expressed in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during adolescence.Materials and methods: A total of 139 teenagers and 93 adults were diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMDs). The DNA was collected and the markers ESR1 and ERS2 were genotyped. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed in TMJ tissues from female Wistar rats during puberty. All data were submitted to statistical analysis with confidence interval of 95%.Results: Teenagers presented more disc displacement and arthralgia than adults (p < .05). The genetic polymorphism rs1256049 in ESR2 was associated with disc displacement (p = .040; OR = 10.50/95%CI 1.17-98.74) and arthralgia (p = .036; OR = 7.20/95%CI 1.10-46.88) in adults. The ERα and ERß are expressed in rat TMJ tissues.Conclusions: We provide evidence that ESR2 is associated with TMD and could be a genetic marker for this condition in adult women. Furthermore, oestrogens receptors are presented in TMJ of adolescent female rats.

Intranasal Ectopic Tooth in Adult and Pediatric Patients: A Report of Two Cases.

The aim of this study was to report two rare cases of ectopic tooth into the nasal cavity. The first case reports a 32-year-old female patient with the main complaint of having a tooth inside her nose. According to her, this condition causes pain and sporadic nosebleed. The patient had a facial trauma when she was 6 years old. The second case refers to an 8-year-old girl with left incomplete unilateral cleft lip and palate. The main complaint was left-sided nasal obstruction by a white hard mass. The treatment for both cases was surgical removal of the ectopic erupted tooth under general anesthesia. In conclusion, we can state that the surgical removal of intranasal tooth is a safe procedure and improves patient's quality of life.

Benign Cementoblastoma Associated with an Impacted Third Molar inside Maxillary Sinus.

INTRODUCTION: Cementoblastoma is a rare and benign odontogenic mesenchymal tumor, often characterized by the formation of cementum-like tissue produced by neoplastic cementoblasts attached to or around the roots of a tooth. CASE REPORT: 22-year-old male patient was referred to the Federal University of Paraná after occasional finding on a routine panoramic radiograph. Clinical examination suggested no alterations. Medical and family history presented no alterations as well. Computed tomographic (CT) showed the presence of a radiopaque area associated with the roots of the impacted third molar measuring 15 mm × 10 mm inside the left maxillary sinus. The treatment plan suggested was to surgically remove it under general anesthesia. An intraoral approach was conducted, using the Newmann incision from the superior left first molar to the retromolar area with anterior and posterior relaxant incisions. Using a Caldwell-Luc access next to the maxillary tuberosity region, the maxillary sinus was exposed and the calcified mass attached to the roots of the tooth was reached. Pathological mass removed was sent for histopathological investigation. Examination revealed dense, mineralized, cementum-like material and vascular soft tissue areas that consisted of cementoblasts. One-year follow-up shows no recurrence and absence of symptoms.

Total Mandibular Subapical Alveolar Osteotomy to Correct Class II Division I Dentofacial Deformity.

INTRODUCTION: Class II division I malocclusions are the most common dentofacial deformities seen in clinical practice. Severe cases or cases in which growth has ceased may require full correction combining orthodontic and surgical treatment. We report a case of a total mandibular subapical alveolar osteotomy, performed to correct a class II division I dentofacial deformity. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old female patient was referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery department at the Federal University of Paraná with chin aesthetic complaints as well as class II malocclusion. The proposed treatment was total mandibular subapical alveolar osteotomy, retaining the chin position and eliminating the need for genioplasty, since, although the patient presented with a class II dentofacial deformity, the chin was well positioned. Under general anesthesia, a "V-shaped" incision was conducted from the right retromolar region to the left retromolar region. A ring of cortical bone was removed around the mental foramen, with the aim to create a space around the mental nerve. Fixation was conducted with plates and screws of the 2.0 system. The patient on six-year follow-up showed osteotomy stability, a better overall occlusion, and outcome satisfaction.

Does orthognathic surgery improve myofacial pain in individuals with skeletal class III? One-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of orthognathic surgery on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-seven patients undergoing surgery were evaluated by a trained examiner using Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria/TMD index, consecutively, at 3 different periods: 1 week before operation (T0), 6 months after operation (T1), and 1 year after operation (T2). Bivariate analyses were performed to compare the evaluation periods (P < .05). RESULTS: The prevalence of TMD in the sampled patients from T0 to T1 decreased from 30 (63.8%) to 22 (46.8%) (P = .021). Even in T2, the prevalence of TMD remained lower than that in T0, at 21 (44.7%) diagnosed patients (P = .049). The reported frequencies of myofascial pain and headache were lower in T1 and T2 than in T0 (P < .001). Decrease in the frequency of joint pain and joint sounds was observed only from T0 to T1 (P = .039 and P = .021, respectively). The mean maximum of mouth opening decreased from T0 to T1 (P < .001) and increased again at T2 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Orthognathic surgery promoted reduction in the frequencies of myofascial pain and headache reported by patients with skeletal class III malocclusion.

Radiographic evaluation of condylar positioning in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in condylar positioning through submentovertex projection (Hirtz Radiographic Technique) in patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement and mandibular setback with stable internal fixation. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal clinical study of 40 surgical patients presenting dentofacial deformity admitted in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) in the period between March 2013 and December 2015. We performed two submentovertex digital radiographs, one 7 days before surgery and the other one 30 days after the procedure. Cephalometric tracings were made using Radiocef® Studio 2 Software and measured the intercondylar and condylar angles (right and left). RESULTS: There was a decrease in the intercondylar angle (p < 0.001) and an increase in condylar angles both the right and the left side (p < 0.001) when compared with the pre and postoperative period. There was a larger increase in condylar angle on the right side in males (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: There is a tendency of decreasing of the intercondylar angle after orthognathic surgery, regardless of the alteration in the condylar angles, creating a new position of the condyle in the glenoid fossa. Patients with asymmetry may present greater alterations in the positioning of the opposite condylar to the deviation of the mandibular midline.

Le Fort I osteotomy to enucleation of grand proportions fissural cyst-presentation of case report.

Fissural cysts (FC) are caused by entraped epithelium between nasal and maxilar processes. They are commonly treated with surgical enucleation precedded or not by marsupialization depending on the cyst size. Biopsy of lesion is recommended due to confirm radiographic evaluation. It is rare to observe Le Fort I surgical approach to this type of injury. This study reports the case of an uncommon grand proportions fissural cyst in a female patient, 53, that was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Departament of Hospital XV presenting volume increase in maxilla associated with numbness of palate. Radiograph examination showed an intimate relationship between incisors apexes and FC. Expansion of both buccal and palate cortical was then confirmed as well as its unusual size, approximately 25 millimeters. Due to the abnormal size of lesion and possible impairment of upper incisors, LeFort I osteotomy associated with downfracture to cystic enucleation was the chosen treatment. After enucleation, the remaining space was filled with BIOSs and bioguide (lyophilized bone and collagen membrane). Patients' twelve months follow-up demonstrate no relapses and maintenance of teeth involved.

Delayed removal of maxillary third molar displaced into the maxillary sinus.

INTRODUCTION: The present article reports the late removal of a wisdom tooth displaced into the maxillary sinus associated with the curettage of the adjacent infection tissue, under general anesthesia. CASE DESCRIPTION: A male patient, 42 years-old, was forwarded to remove a right wisdom tooth which was displaced into the right maxillary sinus for 10 months. The patient reported that the tooth was tried to be removed using odontosection in two moments without any success. Since then, the patient has been having (applicants) episodes of sinusitis. It had been planned to remove the tooth and the cleaning of the right maxillary sinus. The surgical procedure was done through the Caldwell-Luc access, followed by the removal of the dental fragments which were into the maxillary sinus and curettage of the cavity in order to remove the granulation tissue, associated to copious irrigation. CONCLUSION: The surgical removal of the tooth displaced into the maxillary sinus associated with the sinus curettage was successfully achieved, solving the patient complaints.

Influence of orthognathic surgery for symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of orthognathic surgery on the clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). STUDY DESIGN: In a cohort study, 54 patients undergoing orthognathic surgery were evaluated with regard to the signs and symptoms of TMDs through subjective and objective assessments. These evaluations were performed 1 week preoperatively (T1), 1 month postoperatively (T2), and 6 months postoperatively (T3). The evaluations included patient variables and surgery. Univariate analyzes were performed to verify the association of the variables (P < .05). RESULTS: The incidence of TMD 6 months after orthognathic surgery was significantly lower (P < .001). TMD intensity decreases significantly in the postoperative period. Females had a higher prevalence of TMD (P = .003) and muscular disorders preoperatively (P = .001). There was a decrease in clicks between T1 and T3 (P = .013). Mouth opening without pain worsened from T1 to T2 (P < .001) and improved from T1 to T3 (P = .015) and T2 to T3 (P < .001). The results were similar for mouth opening with pain (P < .001). In patients undergoing jaw fixation with bicortical screws, mouth opening without pain was significantly less in T3 patients than in patients undergoing fixation with plate and monocortical screws (P = .048). CONCLUSIONS: Orthognathic surgery reduces the clinical signs and symptoms of TMD.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of maxillary central incisors exposure in patients undergoing maxillary advancement.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with dentofacial deformities may undergo orthodontic or orthodontic-surgical treatment. Both modalities can affect esthetics. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate clinical and radiographic changes in exposure of maxillary central incisors occurring after orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement. METHODS: A total of 17 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement between September, 2010 and July, 2011 were selected. Exposure of maxillary central incisors was evaluated clinically and by lateral cephalograms. Measurements were taken one week before and three months after surgery. Data were paired in terms of sex, age, nasolabial angle, height and thickness of the upper lip, the amount of maxillary advancement, clinical exposure and inclination of maxillary central incisor by statistical tests (CI 95%). RESULTS: After maxillary advancement, incisor clinical exposure had increased even with relaxed lips and under forced smile. Moreover, there was a mean increase of 23.33% revealed by lateral cephalograms. There was an inverse correlation between upper lip thickness and incisors postsurgical exposure revealed by radiographic images (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes in the exposure of maxillary central incisors occur after maxillary advancement, under the influence of some factors, especially lip thickness.

Sialolithiasis in the duct of submandibular gland: a case report in patient with epidermolysis bullosa.

AIM: To describe the options of treatment to remove a sialolith associated with the submandibular gland duct in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with EB is very complex and involves a multidisciplinary team. This condition is characterized by a spectrum of blistering and mechanical fragility of the skin. One main feature of this disease is the esophageal constriction and possible constriction to the submandibular duct. This alteration may induce the formation of calculi in this duct, which is called sialolith. Once the sialolith obliterates the trajectory of the duct this will lead to a sialolithiasis. The calculi have to be removed. CASE REPORT: Seventeen years old female patient with dystrophic EB developed a sialolith at the submandibular duct. She has a limited mouth opening and her tongue was collapsed with mouth floor. The first choice of treatment was the lithotripsy, once this procedure is less invasive and a surgical remove could worse the collapsed tongue. She was with acute pain and with a great augmentation in the submandibular area. Once the patient was debilitated and has difficult to swallow she invariably needed to be hospitalized in order to receive intravenous medication. During the hospitalization the sialolith could be seen through the opening of the duct and the calculi was removed with local anesthesia. CONCLUSION: The treatment of sialolithiasis usually does not present major challenges, nevertheless if the sialolithiasis is associated with EB, the treatment became an extremely challenge. In this particular case the option of treatment was the less invasive. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case report has an enormous clinical relevance once there is no protocol to treat patients with EB and buccal diseases.

Analysis of incision effects on upper lip height and thickness after maxillary surgically assisted expansion: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes from maxillary circumvestibular incision performed with a #15 scalpel blade versus electrocautery on the height and thickness of the upper lip (UL) after surgically assisted maxillary expansion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients who underwent surgically assisted maxillary expansion for transverse maxillary deficiency from April 2011 through April 2012 were included in the study. In group 1 (n = 11), the incision was performed with a Bard-Parker #15 scalpel blade. In group 2 (n = 12), the incision was performed with monopolar electrocautery (blend function, 1; power, 20 Watts; frequency, 480 kHz). Clinical measurements for UL height and radiographic measurements for UL height and thickness were performed preoperatively and postoperatively (mean, 6 months). The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to test the hypotheses of the study. RESULTS: After excluding 2 patients, 21 patients were included in the sample. For UL height, clinical and radiographic measurements showed shortening of the UL, and the differences between pre- and postoperative values were statistically significant (P < .05) in the 2 groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 for UL height (P > .05) by clinical or radiographic measurements. For UL thickness, the 2 groups showed slight UL thickening in the lower portion, with no statistical difference between pre- and postoperative values (P > .05). Moreover, these results were not statistically different between the 2 groups (P = .754). In the uppermost portion of the UL, there was significant thinning in group 2 (P = .001), but not in group 1 (P = .076), and no statistical difference between groups (P = .535). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary circumvestibular incision causes significant shortening of the UL and thinning of the uppermost portion when using a #15 scalpel blade or electrocautery. However, there is no difference in UL dimensional changes when using either technique for maxillary circumvestibular incision.

Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint.

Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint is a rare acute infectious disease that requires attention from physicians and, once misdiagnosed, can have several implications for a patient. The most common microorganisms related to this disease are Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus. The infection of the joint may be caused by a direct spread of a local infection or by hematogenous inoculation from a distant focus. General predisposing factors, such as immunodepression, can eventually be found. The aim of the current study was to report a case in which a patient with an articular infection resulting from hematogenous dissemination from a distant site was successfully treated using joint drainage and systemic antibiotics. Secretion culture from the temporomandibular joint space was positive for S. aureus. After 1 month of antimicrobial therapy, the patient was asymptomatic and mandibular function was normal. Literature related to this topic was reviewed and discussed.