Conservative management of mandibular fractures in pediatric patients during the growing phase with splint fiber and ligature arch wire.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to discuss the effective management of mandibular fractures in pediatric patients during the growing phase of the mandible using splint fiber and ligature wire. METHODS: A retrospective study examined pediatric patients with mandibular fractures who were treated using the splint (Quartz) fiber and ligature wire technique at the Stomatology Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from August 2021 to January 2023. Data on gender, age, location or site of the fracture, and development of tooth stage were collected from the patient's medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and evaluate the effectiveness of the splint (Quartz) fiber technique for treating mandibular fractures in pediatric patients. RESULTS: Out of 256 subjects, 6 pediatric patients with mandibular fractures were selected, resulting in an incidence rate of 2.34% with an equal sex ratio. Mental or symphysis fracture was the most common site for fracture in children, accounting for 100% of cases. Right mandibular angle fracture was observed in 16.7% of patients, while 50% of the group (3 individuals) suffered from left condylar fracture and 16.7% had a bilateral condylar fracture. Treatment with Quartz splint fiber and circumdental arch wiring using ligature wire was successful with no observed post-treatment complications or malocclusion. The splint fiber was worn for 30 days and the circumdental arch wiring was for the same. Healing of bone fracture yields good results after 12 weeks. Follow-up care is crucial to monitor for complications, in this study, no post-treatment complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The treatment of pediatric mandibular fractures is complex and requires careful consideration of various factors. Conservative management should be the first choice, with open reduction and internal fixation reserved for specific cases. The use of quartz splint fiber and ligature wire is an effective treatment option for stabilizing the mandible and providing occlusal stability in growing children. A fiber splint along with ligature wire can also be used as an alternative treatment to avoid any adverse effects on the growth and development of the mandible and permanent teeth. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to achieving the best outcomes for pediatric patients with mandibular fractures.

Clinical and imaging analysis of 22 cases of supernumerary teeth in the mandibular region.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe clinical and imaging analysis of supernumerary teeth in the mandibular region of 22 cases. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study METHODS: : This study enrolled patients diagnosed with supernumerary teeth who underwent cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) at Stomatology Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from August 2016 to September 2022. Participants included individuals aged 7-29 years of both genders. The following variables were examined: number of supernumerary teeth, location, shape, direction, length, relationship with adjacent teeth and surrounding anatomical structures, and secondary effects RESULTS: : Out of 236 subjects, 22 (6.02%) were found to have supernumerary teeth in the mandibular region, with a total of 62 teeth identified. The male-to-female ratio was 5:6. Most supernumerary teeth were located in the lingual side of the mandibular region, particularly in the 34-35 tooth area (21.66%), followed by the 44-45 tooth region. The vast majority of supernumerary teeth (96.77%) were impacted, and more than half (51.67%) were located near the mental nerve canal. The average length of the supernumerary teeth was 10.5 mm. While no primary complications were observed, some secondary symptoms were noted, such as the ectopic eruption of adjacent teeth and crowding of permanent teeth. CONCLUSION: The supernumerary teeth in the mandibular area have regional characteristics, which can provide for clinical diagnosis and treatment. CBCT can accurately analyze the location of supernumerary teeth and their secondary effects, and provides the treatment plan on that basis.