A possible association between medial depression of mandibular ramus and maximum bite force.

BACKGROUND: Medial depression of the mandibular ramus (MDMR) is an anatomical depression with unknown aetiology and described as a result of a slender mandibular ramus in the area of the mandibular notch. It is suggested that MDMR may be due to variations in muscle functions. The aim of this study is to compare the bite force of patients with and without MDMR detected on panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ten patients (55 women and 55 men; mean age 22.69 ± 2.85 years) participated in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of MDMR. Bite force of 55 patients with MRMD and 55 patients without MDMR were determined using a bite force sensor. Non-parametric tests were used to assess differences between groups. RESULTS: Measurements showed statistically significant differences in bite force between genders (p = 0.00) with men having higher values (535.98 ± 187.85 N) than women (363.59 ± 139.56 N). The mean bite force in the sides with and without MDMR was 538.19 ± 196.94 N and 396.22 ± 157.69 N, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between groups with and without MDMR (p = 0.00). There was no statistically significant difference in bite force between groups according to Angle's classification (p = 0.581). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the presence of MDMR may be an indicator of high muscle activity. Patients with MDMR should be carefully examined for the risk of relapse prior to any surgical intervention.

The importance of early diagnosis of gardner's syndrome in dental examination.

Gardner syndrome (GS) is a rare genetic disorder. Dentists play an important role in diagnosis considering that craniomaxillofacial osteomas are a major criteria for GS. We report a 26-year-old male patient who referred to our department with toothache. On routine panoramic radiographic examination, multiple radiopaque masses were detected incidentally. In addition, on extraoral examination, a soft tissue tumor was detected on his shoulder. The patient was referred to the gastroenterology department and intestinal polyps were detected in the colon. Histopathology report revealed malignant changes in the intestinal polyps. Early colectomy, which is a life-saving operation, was possible because of our early diagnosis.

Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy.

Acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are aggressive hematopoietic neoplasms that, if untreated, can lead to death within days. Owing to its high morbidity rate, early diagnosis and appropriate medical therapy is essential. Oral lesions may be the presenting feature of acute leukemias and are, therefore, important diagnostic indicators of the disease. Erythematous or cyanotic gingival hyperplasia with or without necrosis is reported to be the most consistent symptom leading to a diagnosis of acute leukemia that directs the patient to seek early dental consultation. This report refers to a patient with AML that was provisionally diagnosed in the dental hospital due to severe gingival enlargements.

The effect of 3 T MRI on microleakage of amalgam restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of 3 T magnetic field on microleakage of amalgam restorations containing three different types of silver (Ag). METHODS: 60 extracted teeth were restored with three different types of amalgam filling materials. Restored teeth were sectioned mesiodistally and divided into experimental and control groups. Experimental groups were exposed to a magnetic field of 3 T for 20 min. All samples were plunged into 2% basic fuchsin solution and examined under a digital microscope by three different observers with regard to microleakage. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significant differences in microleakage between the groups exposed to MRI and controls, whereas differences in microleakage between amalgam types were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: The primary risk of MRI systems arises from the effects of its strong magnetic field on objects containing ferromagnetic materials. An MRI of 1.5 T is known to be safe for amalgam restorations. However, our research indicates that MRI is not completely devoid of any effects on amalgam restorations.