A 3-year follow-up clinical study on the preservation for vitality of involved tooth in jaw cysts through an innovative method.

Jaw cysts commonly affect the oral and maxillofacial region, involving adjacent tooth roots. The management of these teeth, particularly regarding root canal therapy and apicoectomy, lacks consensus. This study introduces a novel treatment concept and refined surgical approach to preserve pulp viability in teeth involved in jaw cysts. The objective was to investigate the effectiveness and potential benefits of this approach over a 36-month follow-up period. A conservative management approach prioritized vitality preservation, reserving root canal treatment and apicectomy for cases with post-operative discomfort. A comprehensive follow-up of 108 involved teeth from 36 jaw cyst cases treated with the modified method was conducted. Clinical observation, X-ray imaging, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and pulp vitality testing assessed changes in cyst size, tooth color, pulp vitality, root structure, and surrounding alveolar bone. After 36 months, our modified surgical approach successfully preserved tooth vitality in 84 involved teeth. Adverse symptoms in 19 teeth, such as redness, swelling, fistula, and pain, resolved with postoperative root canal therapy. Follow-up was lost for five teeth in two cases. No cyst recurrences were observed, and in 34 cases, the bone cavity gradually disappeared, restoring normal bone density during long-term follow-up. Our modified surgical method effectively preserves tooth vitality in jaw cysts. This innovative approach has the potential to improve the management of teeth involved in jaw cysts.

[Application of computer virtual design to assist the accuracy of socket preparation during tooth autotransplantation].

PURPOSE: It was aimed to apply computer virtual design and digital surgical templates to simulate postoperative position of tooth and guide the accuracy of socket preparation during tooth autotransplantation. METHODS: The study enrolled 10 patients who underwent tooth autotransplant surgery. Cone-bean CT (CBCT) data were imported into Proplan CMF 3.0 software. The donor tooth was transferred to the recipient site according to the occlusion and space situation. A digital template was designed to guide socket preparation. Computer-aided rapid prototyping (RP) technique was used to print the surgical template and tooth model. RESULTS: With computer virtual design and digital template, it was possible to accurately guide socket preparation in recipient site. The six-month follow-up results showed the periodontal space in the radiographs was continuous and intact. There was no mobility in all cases and the probing depth of the tooth was <4 mm. The related data showed a favorable survival and success rates of the donor teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Computer virtual design can successfully simulate postoperative position in tooth autotransplantation while simplifying the surgical procedure, and enhance the accuracy of socket preparation.

[Evaluation of using Proplan virtual software in teaching of orthognathic surgery].

PURPOSE: Using Proplan virtual software to construct a virtual teaching platform for orthognathic surgery, and to explore an effective teaching model for orthognathic surgery. METHODS: One-hundred grade four students of stomatology in Fujian Medical University were divided into two groups. Traditional orthognathic surgery teaching method and Proplan virtual software teaching method were employed to teach the two groups of students, respectively. Orthognathic-surgery-related paper test was used to evaluate how the two groups of students understand orthognathic surgery; then the students were switched to the other teaching method, respectively. A follow-up questionnaire survey was conducted to further evaluate students' acceptance of the two teaching methods. Finally, a comprehensive statistical analysis was performed for students understanding of orthognathic surgery using SPSS 11.0 software package. RESULTS: According to the test scores, students in the experimental group scored higher than the control group, the difference was significant (P<0.01). The acceptance of different teaching methods displayed remarkable difference between the two groups. Token together, our finding showed that virtual model surgery teaching was an easier teaching method for students to understand and accept. CONCLUSIONS: Proplan virtual software teaching improves the teaching efficiency of orthognathic surgery and deserves further promotion.

[Clinical effect of modified alveolar cleft repair with bone grafting].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of improved alveolar cleft repair with bone grafting. METHODS: Forty one cases with alveolar cleft treated by modified operation between 2008-2016 were included. The modified techniques were as follow: incision design, preparation of bone graft bed, bone removal and bone grafting, etc. The therapeutic effect was analyzed. RESULTS: The successful rate was 92.8%. After 6-12 months of follow-up, bone graft survived well with no obvious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Iliac bone is a good source for bone graft. Improvement of tight tension-free suture in bone bed is the key to surgical success.