Anthropometric measures and obstructive sleep apnea in children and adolescents: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric measurements can be used to identify children at risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study aimed to assess which anthropometric measurements (AMs) are most associated with an increased predisposition to develop OSA in healthy children and adolescents. METHODS: We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO #CRD42022310572) that searched eight databases and gray literature. RESULTS: In eight studies with low-to-high risk of bias, investigators reported the following AMs: body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, neck-to-waist ratio, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and facial AMs. The meta-analysis showed that the OSA group had an average of 1.00 cm greater for the neck circumference (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 2.26 [0.72, 5.23]), 3.07 cm greater for the waist circumference (p = 0.030; Cohen's d = 0.28 [0.02, 0.53]), 3.96 cm greater for the hip circumference (p = 0.040; Cohen's d = 0.28 [0.02, 0.55]), 5.21° greater for the cervicomental angle (p = 0.020; Cohen's d = 0.31 [0.03, 0.59]), and 1.23° greater for maxillary-mandibular relationship angle (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.47 [0.22, 0.72]) than the control group. The mandibular depth angle had a reduction of 1.86° (p = 0.001; Cohen's d = -0.36° [-0.65, -0.08]) in control than in patients with OSA. The BMI (p = 0.180), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.280), neck-to-waist ratio (p = 0.070), maxillary depth angle (p = 0.250), and upper/lower face height ratio (p = 0.070) showed no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the control group, the OSA group exhibited a greater mean difference in neck circumference, the only anthropometric measurement with high certainty of evidence.

Oral hygiene protocols reduce the severity and incidence of oral mucositis during antineoplastic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether oral and dental hygiene protocols (DHPs) reduce the incidence and severity of oral mucositis (OM) during antineoplastic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42021295322) was based on searches of publicly accessible databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, EBSCOhost, LIVIVO, Embase, and gray literature (Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Energy) until December 2021. Twenty-five articles from these searches and 14 articles retrieved from the references therein were evaluated in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I for randomized (RCT) and non-randomized (n-RCT) clinical trials, respectively. A meta-analysis was performed on RCTs and n-RCTs in two subgroups to evaluate oral mouth rinses or DHP. GRADE-pro was used to assess the degree of certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Of the 3367 articles retrieved, 25 RCTs and 14 n-RCTs involving 2109 and 754 patients, respectively, were included in the analyses. RoB was low for RCTs and moderate-to-very severe for n-RCTs. High heterogeneity and publication RoB were identified. In RCTs, mouth rinses (p = 0.830) and DHP (p = 0.100) did not reduce the incidence of OM. However, mouth rinses strongly reduced the severity of OM (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = - 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = - 2.49 to - 1.24). In non-RCTs, mouth rinses (p < 0.001) and DHP (p < 0.001) reduced the relative risk of OM 0.38 (95% CI = 0.24 to 0.59) and 0.64 (95% CI = 0.53 to 0.70) times, respectively. In addition, DHP strongly reduced OM severity (Cohen's d = - 0.81, 95% CI = - 1.03 to - 0.59). GRADE-pro showed high certainty of OM severity and incidence in RCTs and non-RCTs, respectively, and low (OM incidence in RCTs) to very low (OM severity in non-RCTs) certainty in other outcomes. CONCLUSION: DHPs strongly reduce the severity and moderately reduce the incidence of OM. However, further studies with low heterogeneity are needed to validate these findings.

Effect of subgingival periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: Meta-analysis and meta-regression of 6-month follow-up randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis worsens the hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subgingival instrumentation, with or without surgical access, is the gold-standard treatment for periodontitis. The aim was to summarize the evidence on the effect of subgingival instrumentation (with or without open flap) on the reduction of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). METHODS: Nine electronic databases were searched up to 15 February 2023. Twelve randomized controlled trials with at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Studies using systemic or local-delivery antimicrobial therapies were excluded. Meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects model. The sources of heterogeneity were assessed by applying linear meta-regression. Risk of bias was assessed by RoB 2, and certainty of evidence by GRADE. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the quantitative analyses (1374 patients). Subgingival instrumentation resulted in 0.29% lower HbA1c (95% confidence interval: 0.10-0.47; p = .03) compared with non-active treatment. DISCUSSION: None of the 12 studies were assessed as having low risk of bias. The percentage of females and the time of diabetes diagnosis significantly explained the high level of heterogeneity. Subgingival periodontal therapy results in a significant and clinically relevant improvement in glycaemic control over 6 months in patients with T2DM and periodontitis. The grade of evidence was moderate.

Polyphenols for Preventing Dental Erosion in Pre-clinical Studies with in situ Designs and Simulated Acid Attack.

Dental erosion is a chemical process characterized by acid dissolution of dental hard tissue, and its etiology is multifactorial. Dietary polyphenols can be a strategy for dental erosion management, collaborating to preserve dental tissues through resistance to biodegradation. This study describes a comprehensive review to interpret the effects of polyphenols on dental erosion of pre-clinical models with in situ designs and simulated acid attacks on enamel and dentin samples. We aim to evaluate evidence about Polyphenols' effects in the type of dental substrate, parameters of erosive cycling chosen in the in situ models, and the possible mechanisms involved. An evidence-based literature review was conducted using appropriate search strategies developed for main electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, EMBASE, LIVIVO, CINAHL, and DOSS) and gray literature (Google Scholar). The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence. From a total of 1900 articles, 8 were selected for evidence synthesis, including 224 specimens treated with polyphenols and 224 control samples. Considering the studies included in this review, we could observe that polyphenols tend to promote a reduction in erosive and abrasive wear compared to control groups. However, as the few studies included have a high risk of bias with different methodologies and the estimated effect size is low, this conclusion should not be extrapolated to clinical reality.

Methodological parameters for upper airway assessment by cone-beam computed tomography in adults with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A reliable method for analyzing the upper airway (UA) remains a challenge. This study aimed to report the methods for UA assessment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO #CRD42021237490 and PRISMA checklist) that applied a search strategy to seven databases and grey literature. RESULTS: In 29 studies with moderate-to-high risk of bias, investigators mostly reported the body position during CBCT (upright or supine) and hard tissue references, diverging in UA delimitation and terminologies. The meta-analysis showed two subgroups (upright and supine), and no statistical differences were identified (p = 0.18) considering the UA area. The volume in the OSA group was smaller than that in the control group (p < 0.003 and Cohen's d = - 0.81) in the upright position. Patients with OSA showed smaller anteroposterior dimensions than the control group and were not affected by the position during image acquisition (p = 0.02; Cohen's d = - 0.52). The lateral measurements were also lower in the OSA group (supine) (p = 0.002; Cohen's d = - 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSA showed smaller UA measurements in the upright (volume) and supine (lateral dimension) positions. The anteroposterior dimension was also reduced in patients with OSA compared to the control group, regardless of the position during CBCT acquisition.

Effectiveness of Autogenous Chin Bone Graft in Reconstructive Surgery of Cleft Patients: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Algorithm of Treatment.

PURPOSE: Bone grafting is fundamental in the treatment of cleft patients, and several grafting materials have been used for this purpose. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of autogenous bone graft from the chin in the reconstruction of cleft alveolus. METHODS: Searches were performed in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, and Google Scholar) by two researchers individually until July 2022. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021267954) and conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The predictor variable is reconstruction technique, grouped into three levels: autogenous genial grafts, other endochondral autogenous grafts, and bio- or tissue-engineered materials. The outcome variables were alveolar cleft healing rate and bone height. The secondary variables were complications that included infections, necrosis, paresthesia, and dehiscence. Data analysis included the risk of bias and assessment of the certainty of evidence by the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions and grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation tools, respectively. The meta-analysis was performed with heterogeneity based on random effects of I2 and 95% confidence. RESULTS: In the initial search, 4,833 articles were found, and 10 of them were included in this systematic review. The included studies were from six countries on three different continents, with a sample of 692 patients. It was observed that the chin bone graft (214 patients) when compared to the endochondral bone graft (386 patients) reduced by 0.42 [confidence interval 95% = 0.18, 0.95] times the prevalence of bone resorption (P = .040 and I2 = 70%) analyzed in radiographic images. Two studies evaluated the bone filling through computed tomography, and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = .340, I2 = 0%). Only two studies had a low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Based on a low certainty of evidence, the chin autogenous bone graft proved to be similar to the endochondral graft in the reconstruction of the cleft alveolar; however, the limited number of studies with high heterogeneity and an uncertain risk of bias decreased the strength of the results found in this systematic review. New controlled primary studies should be carried out with the purpose of safely determining the effectiveness of chin bone grafts for the reconstruction of cleft alveolar.

Effectiveness of low-intensity laser photobiomodulation in reducing inflammatory events (pain, edema, and trismus) after orthognathic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to answer whether, in (P) individuals undergoing orthognathic surgery, (I) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) during or shortly after the surgical procedure compared to (C) pharmacologic therapy alone or no therapy for improvement of post-intervention complications relieves (O) postoperative inflammatory events in (S) randomized clinical trials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A preliminary electronic search was conducted for references with language following a Latin (Roman) alphabet in seven databases index, and gray literature without restriction on language or publication period. Risk of bias was performed by RoB 2.0 tool, and meta-analysis used mean differences (MD) for edema and mouth opening and standardized mean differences (SMD) for pain scores (p < 0.05, Revman®). RESULTS: A total of 91 control patients and 114 LLLT patients were included. The wavelengths ranged from 660 to 940 nm, and the applied energy density was between 5 and 100 J/cm2 at mostly extraoral distributed points. LLLT significantly reduced edema (MD = - 4.27, CI95% - 5.13 to - 3.41 mm) in the period from 5 days to 2 weeks postoperatively (p < 0.001) and showed strongly reduced pain scores (SMD = - 1.37, I95% = - 1.99 to - 0.75) between 1 day and 5 weeks (p < 0.001), without significantly interfering with mouth opening (p = 0.110). Despite the low risk of bias, high heterogeneity among studies (I2 > 70%) and small sample sizes made the certainty of GRADE evidence low. CONCLUSION: This SR demonstrated that LLLT effectively controls pain and edema after orthognathic surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Systematic review that summarizes the use of photobiomodulation on orthognathic surgery.

The impact of partially removing the Bichat fat pad in the linear facial measurements, satisfaction with facial aesthetics and quality of life: a single-arm CONSORT-guided clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of Bichat's ball removal on postoperative inflammatory parameters (pain, edema, and trismus), facial volume reduction, facial esthetic satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-arm clinical trial with 21 patients undergoing Bichat's ball removal. The following parameters were assessed at baseline and up to 3 months postoperatively: Visual Analogue Scale pain scores (0-10), rescue medication consumption, mouth opening, AM-Tr, AM-CEO, AM-NA, AM-CL, and AM-PM measurements, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 QoL scores, and satisfaction with facial esthetics (FACE-Q Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale (SFAOS). X2, analysis of variance-repeated measures/Bonferroni, or Friedman/Dunn tests were used (p < 0.05, SPSS v20.0). RESULTS: Peak pain occurred after 2 h and, 10 h later, the levels returned to baseline values (p < 0.001). Rescue medication consumption peaked in the first 24 h reducing significantly after 72 h (p < 0.001). Mean mouth opening decreased after 24 h and returned to baseline levels after 1 month, and all linear facial measures reduced significantly after 1 or 3 months (p < 0.05). OHIP-14 scores and FACE-Q SFAOS scores showed significant improvement after 1 month (p < 0.001), but patients aged > 25 years showed a significant reduction in FACE-Q SFAOS at the end of the study (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical removal of the Bichat's ball induces a mild inflammatory process controlled by rescue medication, significantly reduces face volume, and improves QoL and satisfaction with facial esthetics 3 months postoperatively. However, the efficacy of this procedure in patients > 25 years old is questionable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evaluate the effectiveness of bichectomy in terms of clinical effects and impact on quality of life.

Is coadministration of preemptive medications an effective strategy for reducing inflammatory clinical events and the need for rescue medication after mandibular third molar surgery? A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

This study aimed to evaluate the scientific evidence on the effect of preemptive drug coadministration (PDC) for relieving inflammatory events (pain, swelling, and trismus) in mandibular third molar surgery. A PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42022314546) was conducted according to the PRISMA guide. The searches were carried out in six primary databases and the gray literature. Studies not written in languages with the Latin alphabet (Roman) were excluded. Potential randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were screened for eligibility. Cochrane's Risk of Bias-2.0 (RoB) tool was assessed. A synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) based on a vote counting and an effect direction plot. Nine studies (low RoB) fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included for data analysis, with a total of 484 patients. PDC mostly involved corticosteroids (Cort) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). PDC of Cort and other drugs mainly reduced pain scores (6 and 12 h postoperatively) and swelling (48 h postoperatively). PDC of NSAIDs and other drugs mainly reduced pain scores at 6, 8, and 24 h follow-up; swelling and trismus intensity ameliorated at 48 h postoperatively. The most frequently prescribed rescue medication was paracetamol, dipyrone, and paracetamol plus codeine. Results from individual studies have shown reduced consumption of ingested rescue analgesics. In summary, the available evidence from clinical trials included in this SWiM suggests that PDC may provide benefits in reducing the severity of inflammatory outcomes related to mandibular third molar surgery, especially the pain scores in the first hours after surgery, and the rescue analgesic consumption during the postoperative period.

Anatomical study of the maxillary sinus: which characteristics can influence its volume?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether there is a relationship between the volume of the maxillary sinus and individual parameters such as gender, side, posterior tooth absence, sinus membrane thickening, bony septa, vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. METHODS: The tomographic volume of the maxillary sinus from 211 individuals (422 sides) was evaluated using Horos DICOM Viewer Software. Bony septa and sinus membrane thickening were classified as absent or present. At the same time, loss of one or more teeth in the posterior region of the maxilla (except for the third molars) was considered. The t test was applied to analyze maxillary sinus volume according to gender, age, side, posterior tooth absence, sinus membrane thickening and bony septa. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post-hoc test was applied to compare sagittal and vertical patterns. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also used to verify the association between maxillary sinus volume, age and skeletal patterns. RESULTS: Concerning the sagittal skeletal pattern, a statistically significant difference was observed between Classes II and III (p = 0.05) and it was confirmed by the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = - 0.107/p = 0.029). No statistically significant differences were observed between the maxillary sinus volume according to gender (p = 0.06), side (p = 0.37), posterior tooth absence (p = 0.92), sinus membrane thickening (p = 0.47), bony septa (0.89) and vertical skeletal pattern (p = 0.67). No significant differences were observed with age (r = - 0.076/p = 0.109) and the vertical skeletal pattern (r = - 0.078/p = 0.108). CONCLUSION: Maxillary sinus volume was influenced by the sagittal skeletal pattern and was higher in Class III individuals.

Effect of preemptive photobiomodulation associated with nimesulide on the postsurgical outcomes, oxidative stress, and quality of life after third molar surgery: a randomized, split-mouth, controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and nimesulide on inflammatory parameters, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and quality of life after lower third molar (L3M) surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, two-factor, triple-blind, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial was performed with 40 volunteers who required bilateral L3M removal. Patients were allocated depending on the use or not of 100 mg nimesulide 1 hbefore surgery, as well as the use or not of LLLT in the preoperative period. RESULTS: Pain peaks occurred after 6 h (nimesulide-placebo [N-P] group) and 8 h (nimesulide group). In the N-P group, LLLT resulted in significantly lower mean pain scores than the subgroup without LLLT after 4 h (p = 0.009) and 6 h (p = 0.048). As for edema, a shorter distance between the mandibular angle and the outer canthus of the eyes after 7 days (p = 0.037) and a smaller cumulative effect (p = 0.036) were observed in the N-P group associated with LLLT. A direct effect between LLLT (p = 0.047) and a reduction in the mean scores of overall dissatisfaction with quality of life was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive use of nimesulide only delayed peak pain. LLLT reduced edema, trismus, and contributed to a better perception of quality of life. Nimesulide inhibits peroxidation by increasing GSH and stopping neutrophil migration. The benefit of the association of both strategies was not superior to the use of LLLT alone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Translational study with impact on clinical-surgical protocols involving L3M surgery related to pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.

The Use of Surgical Splints in Orthognathic Surgery: A Bibliometric Study.

Introduction Orthognathic surgeries require the use of surgical splints (SS) to stabilize the occlusion and the segments fixed with plates and screws. Technological advances in the field of computing and the possibility of generating three-dimensional (3D) images have brought different possibilities for making SS, which has generated greater predictability and customization of surgical plans. The bibliometric study can have a qualitative character through the scope of articles in a certain area of knowledge. It is a selection process that can track a topic or scientific production. Methods The present study aimed to carry out a bibliometric literature review, in order to assess the evolution of the use of SS and the different planning protocols in orthognathic surgery. The Scopus database was used, with the terms "splint" and "orthognathic surgery." Results A total of 331 articles were found. These were exported to Rayyan for application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria and selection of articles. A total of 76 references were selected and exported to the VOSviewer application for the analysis of bibliometric data. Conclusions Orthognathic surgery was initially not associated with any computerized technological resource; however, it underwent updates between the years 2010 to 2012. These advances allowed surgical planning to become faster, cheaper, and more accurate.

Does Platelet-Rich Fibrin Prevent Hemorrhagic Complications After Dental Extractions in Patients Using Oral Anticoagulant Therapy?

PURPOSE: The number of anticoagulated patients requiring dental extractions and other minor dentoalveolar surgical procedures has increased significantly. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) prevents hemorrhagic complications after dental extractions in patients being treated with oral anticoagulants. METHODS: A 2-phase PROSPERO-registered systematic review of published within-subject controlled trials (CRD42020186678) was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Searches were conducted through Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, Central Cochrane, Scopus, DOSS, and Google Scholar, until May 2020. The predictor variable was the study group (PRF vs use/non-use of other hemostatic agents). The main outcome of interest was the risk of bleeding after tooth extraction and the covariates were postoperative complications. Data analysis included synthesis of results, risk of bias (RoB) evaluation, meta-analysis (random effects; I²-based heterogeneity; 95% confidence), and certainty of evidence assessment. RESULTS: From a total of 216 articles, 3 articles (low-moderate RoB) were included for evaluation in this systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 130 patients were involved. The outcomes of the meta-analysis showed that the use of PRF in extraction wounds did not reduce the risk of bleeding after extraction in anticoagulated patients (P= .330; I² = 99%). Furthermore, the use of PRF did not improve pain scores (P = .470; I² = 96%) or the risk of postoperative alveolitis (P = .4300; I² = 38%) in anticoagulated patients. The certainty of the evidence ranged from moderate to low. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that PRF does not prevent hemorrhagic complications after tooth extraction in patients using oral anticoagulant therapy.

Association of anxiety, depression, and stress with burning mouth syndrome: a case-control study.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a painful disorder characterized by severe burning in the oral cavity in the absence of clinical signs. In this case-control study, 60 patients were allocated to 3 groups: patients with BMS, patients with benign changes in the oral cavity (anxiety [positive] control group), or healthy patients (negative control group). A visual analog scale (VAS), Beck Anxiety and Depression inventories, Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory, Xerostomia Inventory-Dutch Version, and a BMS questionnaire were used. Statistical analyses (P < 0.05) were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn post hoc, Pearson chi-square, Fisher exact, and multinomial logistic regression tests. Most of the patients were female. The BMS group had more patients who were older than 60 years (P = 0.008), more patients with high VAS scores (P < 0.001), and more patients with moderate or severe anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001) than the 2 control groups. Patients in the BMS group also had higher rates of stress during the alarm (P = 0.003), resistance (P < 0.001), and exhaustion phases (P < 0.001). All patients with BMS reported burning and xerostomia, 90% reported a feeling of dry mouth, and 80% reported a change in taste; these values were significantly higher than those in the control groups (P < 0.001). Anxiety was independently associated with a 123.80 times greater risk of having BMS (P = 0.004). Psychological factors are directly associated with BMS, and anxiety is the most important of these factor.

Loss of heterozygosity and immunoexpression of PTEN in oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is a risk factor for developing subsequent oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) profiles have been validated as risk predictors of malignant transformation of OED. It is still unclear if Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) allelic loss also occurs in initial stage malignant lesions and if the allelic loss is involved as one of the mechanisms of oral carcinogenesis. Thus, this study objective investigate LOH of PTEN gene and the immunohistochemical expression of the protein in OED and OSCC samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of 19 OEDs and 16 OSCCs were included to immunohistochemistry and LOH analysis. Two polymorphic microsatellite markers (AFMA086WG9 and D10S1765) located in chromosome 10 were used in this study for LOH analysis. For immunohistochemical analysis, 5 random fields with 400× magnification were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively in epithelial and neoplastic cells. RESULTS: AFMA086WG9 marker only demonstrated LOH in OEDs cases (10.5%). D10S1765 marker demonstrated LOH in 57.2% of OEDs and 50% of OSCCs. Higher nuclear immunostaining was detected in cases of OSCCs when compared to OEDs (p < .001) and there was strong cytoplasmic immunoexpression in OSCCs (p < .045). CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that the allelic loss of PTEN is present in premalignant oral lesions and OSCCs, however the LOH of PTEN does not seems to influence its protein expression.

Clinical investigation of gustatory and neurosensory alterations following mandibular third molar surgery: an observational prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to prospectively observe gustatory and neurosensory alterations following surgical removal of mandibular third molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective clinical study was conducted with patients who required mandibular third molar extraction, recruited from the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Federal University of Ceará (Brazil). Age, sex, and radiographic signs were recorded. The outcome variables were the presence or absence of gustatory and neurosensory alterations. The patients were observed preoperatively and at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days postoperatively by using gustatory and neurosensory tests. RESULTS: The response to sweet (p = 0.509) and sour (p = 0.078) stimulus did not alter significantly over time. The salty threshold significantly increased from the preoperative to 7- and 30-day postoperative periods, returning to baseline values at 90 days postoperatively (p = 0.038). The bitter threshold increased significantly from the preoperative to 7-day postoperative period, returning to baseline values at 30 days after surgery (p < 0.001). Regarding neurosensory evaluation, there was an altered response to stimulus at 7 days postoperatively in specific studied areas, returning to baseline values 30 days after surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that mandibular third molar removal was associated with slight sensory disturbances related to mechanical, tactile, and gustatory perception. Regarding the recovery period, all patients returned to normal function without intervention, over a period ranging from 30 to 90 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlighted the importance of a sensory evaluation following removal of third molars, notably regarding mechanical perception and gustatory threshold assessment.

Does the Preemptive Use of Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Reduce Postoperative Pain in Surgical Removal of Third Molars? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of preemptive analgesia with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in third-molar surgery. A PubMed literature search was conducted for articles restricted to the English language using the following terms (DeCS/MeSH) or combinations: analgesia, third molar, and preemptive. From a total of 704 articles, 6 (n=420 subjects) were selected. All studies presented a low risk of bias (Cochrane criteria) but exhibited high heterogeneity of methods. Two studies were excluded from the meta-analysis because they did not have adequate numeric values (dichotomous data) for the calculations. Preemptive analgesia showed no significant benefit (n=298, P=.2227, odds ratio: 2.30, 0.60-8.73) in reducing postoperative pain after removal of lower impacted third molars. However, there was a probable direct relationship between the effectiveness of NSAIDs in preemptive analgesia for removal of third molars and its selectivity for the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Preemptive analgesia did not have a significant effect in reducing postoperative pain after removal of lower impacted third molars. More homogeneous and well-delineated clinical studies are necessary to determine a possible association between NSAIDs' selectivity for COX-2 and treatment effectiveness.