Ultrasonic Welded Resorbable Mesh (SonicWeld Rx System) in Reconstruction of Segmental Mandibular Defects: Technical Note and Report of 2 Cases.

The present report describes 2 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction after segmental mandibulectomy for benign pathology. The potential of an ultrasonic-aided biodegradable system for containment of a nonvascularized bone graft is discussed.

Unusually large complex odontoma in maxillary sinus associated with unerupted tooth. Report of case and review of literature.

An unusual case of a large complex odontoma with an associated impacted tooth is presented. Odontomas are hamartomatous growths of enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp tissue. Although they are usually tooth-sized or smaller, occasionally, the complex variant can exhibit considerable growth, as was seen in the case presented here. It occupied most of the maxillary sinus and displaced the floor of the orbit and the medial and posterior walls of the left maxillary sinus. Panoramic radiographs, as well as axial and coronal CT studies, showed the extent of the lesion in various dimensions. A differential diagnosis of various calcifying tumors was formulated on the basis of these findings. The lesion was surgically excised, and histologic analysis confirmed the radiographic impression. Although odontomas of this magnitude are rare, this case demonstrates the value of imaging, radiographic histopathologic diagnosis and surgical treatment planning prior to any definitive treatment.

Effectiveness of two nitrous oxide scavenging nasal hoods during routine pediatric dental treatment.

PURPOSE: This study compared the effectiveness of 2 nasal hoods (Porter/Brown and Accutron) in reducing waste nitrous oxide gas during conscious sedation for routine pediatric dental treatment. METHODS: Thirty children, ages 3 to 8 years (mean=5.4 +/- 1.2 years), participated in this study. Fifteen randomly selected children started with the Porter/Brown mask, which was then switched to the Accutron mask, and the other 15 children used the reverse order of masks. Four measurements of ambient nitrous oxide were recorded with a Miran 205B Portable Ambient Air Analyzer 5 minutes after each of the following: (1) administration of nitrous oxide; (2) placement of the rubber dam; (3) change of the nasal hood; and (4) reduction of the vacuum. Samples were taken 8 inches above the nose of the patient and in the room 5 feet away from the patient. RESULTS: Nitrous oxide levels were significantly lower (P<.05) with the Porter/Brown system (31 +/- 40 ppm for the patient and 8 +/- 10 ppm for the room) compared with the Accutron system (375 +/- 94 ppm for the patient and 101 +/- 37 ppm for the room). When the suction was reduced, there was an increase in nitrous oxide levels with the Porter/Brown nasal hood (169 +/- 112 ppm for the patient and 28 +/- 18 ppm for the room), whereas the levels with the Accutron nasal hood remained high (368 +/- 107 ppm for the patient and 121 +/- 50 ppm for the room). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that removal of waste nitrous oxide was greater with the Porter/Brown device and that recommended suction levels must be used for optimum effectiveness.

A review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of allergic reactions in the dental office.

Since more than 50 million people in the United States have allergies, knowledge of the management of allergic reactions in the dental office is extremely important. Appropriate care may range from a simple referral to a primary care physician to lifesaving measures implemented during acute anaphylactic reactions. The authors present a basic review of the pathophysiology of allergic reactions and provide information detailing the diagnosis and management of allergic reactions that may be encountered in the dental office. Utilizing this information, the dental practitioner and ancillary staff will have a thorough understanding of allergic reactions and be prepared to successfully identify and treat these reactions.

Use of monocortical miniplates for the intraoral treatment of mandibular fractures.

Fixation of mandibular fractures using rigid hardware has gained wide acceptance over the past 3 decades. The goal of rigid internal fixation is to allow for fracture healing with limited, or no, time in maxillo-mandibular fixation. There has been significant evolution in plate and screw materials and design over the past 30 years. The term miniplate is used to describe a fracture plate with a screw diameter of 2.0 mm or less. With correct diagnosis and understanding of the forces affecting mandible fractures, miniplates can be applied transorally in various situations, allowing for less invasive treatment with open reduction of mandible fractures. This article describes the use of monocortical miniplates for the intraoral treatment of mandibular fractures.

Rare, simultaneous, multiple, and recurrent mandibular bone cysts.

Simple bone cysts, also referred to as traumatic bone cysts, are benign connective tissue-lined cavities occurring most commonly in young people. Most of the time, they occur as solitary radiolucencies. In the jaws, they also have been reported to occur concurrently with benign fibro-osseous lesions. The radiographic appearance of simple bone cysts could be confused with other jaw cysts and benign tumors. This case report presents a patient who had 3 separate lesions simultaneously within the mandible. The right mandibular lesion presented as a multilocular radiolucency. The 2 left mandibular lesions were periapical, with mixed radiodensities and radiographically mimicked lesions of focal or periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia. More aggressive benign lesions of the jaw were initially included in the differential diagnosis, as well. A biopsy revealed the diagnosis of simple bone cysts in all 3 locations. Minimal surgical management resulted in complete recovery of these osseous defects only to recur in 2 years on the mandibular left premolar-molar region. A new biopsy confirmed that the lesion was a recurrent simple bone cyst. Simultaneous presence of benign cemento-osseous dysplasia was also considered, as it is known to coexist with the simple bone cysts.