Are There Differences in the Causes and Complications of Mandibular Third Molar Extraction in Older Patients Compared to Younger Patients?

BACKGROUND: Although most impacted third molars (ITMs) are extracted in the teens and early 20s, some undergo extractions after their 40s. It is unclear whether the reasons for extraction, the degree of impaction, and complications differ in patients in an older age group compared with a younger age group. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the association between age and 1) reason for extraction and 2) postoperative complications. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone surgical extraction of at least one mandibular ITM at a single institution. We excluded 1) age under 20 years, 2) follow-up period of less than 1 week, and 3) tooth extraction under general anesthesia. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The primary predictor variable was age, classified into 3 groups (20s:20-29; 30s:30-39; over 40s: 40 and greater). MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The primary outcome variables were the reason for extraction (prophylactic or symptomatic) and the presence of complications. The secondary outcome variable was type of complication (postoperative infection, dry socket, neurosensory disturbance, presenting pain over 1 month, retained root requiring secondary treatment). COVARIATES: The covariates were sex, laterality of ITM, and difficulty of extraction as measured by the difficulty index, a measure based on depth, orientation, and ramus relationship/space available, with a higher score indicating greater difficulty. ANALYSES: χ2 test was performed to analyze the association of categorical outcome variables and covariates. Level of statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Of a total of 831 eligible subjects, there were 555 (66.8%), 159 (19.1%), and 117 (14.1%) in the 20s, 30s, and over 40s age groups, respectively. The percentage of symptomatic extraction of ITM was significantly higher in the over-40 age group compared with the 20s group (92.3 vs 69.4%, (P < .001). Complication rate also significantly differed between over 40s group and the 20s group (7.7 vs 1.8%, P < .001). Difficulty index and indications for ITM extraction were significantly different between groups (P < .001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Symptoms, difficulty, and complications related to ITM increase at over 40 years of age. This should be taken into consideration during the joint clinical decision-making process with patients with ITM.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the maxilla: Prognosis of oral surgery combined with endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on the resolution of maxillary medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 62 patients diagnosed with MRONJ in the maxillary posterior area with or without maxillary sinusitis (MS). All patients underwent oral surgery. The concomitant MS was evaluated, and if indicated, FESS was performed on the same operation. Follow-up included clinical and radiological examinations at 4 months postoperation. RESULTS: Of the 62 patients, 24 (38.7%) showed no evidence of MS and 38 (61.3%) showed MS. Advanced MRONJ (stage 3), which has bony destruction of the sinus floor and signs of MS according to its definition, was seen in 27 patients (43.5%). In stage 3 MRONJ, patients with combined treatment of oral surgery and FESS compared to those treated with oral surgery alone showed higher percentage of resolution (84.2%, 37.5%, respectively) at 4 months postoperatively, and the results were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous management of MRONJ and sinusitis with combined treatment of oral surgery and FESS for the treatment of maxillary MRONJ can be an effective method, especially for advanced cases, to address its associated lesions.

Mucormycosis originated total maxillary and cranial base osteonecrosis: a possible misdiagnosis to malignancy.

BACKGROUND: This is a case of mucormycosis originated osteonecrosis of the maxilla extended to the cranial base, initially suspected of malignancy. The patient was first suspected with osteolytic sarcomatous lesion but was later diagnosed with total maxillary necrosis and cranial base through biopsy-proven invasive mucormycosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old male was presented with unknown total maxillary osteonecrosis. CT and MRI results showed extensive osteolytic change with bone destruction of the cranial base, and PET-CT showed irregular hypermetabolic lesion in the area suspected of malignancy. The first biopsy results only presented tissue inflammation. Thus, several further endoscopic biopsy were performed through posterior pharyngeal wall. The patient was eventually diagnosed with mucormycosis and associated osteomyelitis with subsequent bone necrosis. With confirmed diagnosis, partial maxillectomy of the necrosed bone was performed under general anesthesia. At the 4 week follow-up, the patient showed full mucosal healing and no recurrence or aggravation of the maxilla and cranial base lesion was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate diagnosis of atypical symptoms, timely diagnosis, and proper combination therapy of surgical intervention, antifungal agent, and antibiotic use for skull base osteomyelitis are all critical for proper treatment planning. In addition, biopsy and CT scans are essential in differentiating osteonecrosis from malignancy.

Individualized 3D-Printed Bone-Anchored Maxillary Protraction Device for Growth Modification in Skeletal Class III Malocclusion.

Bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) is effective for skeletal Class III malocclusion. However, infection, screw and plate loosening, and device failures occur with conventional plates. This pilot prospective study analyzed the feasibility of individualized BAMP using preoperative simulation and 3D titanium printing in patients referred by the orthodontic department for four BAMP miniplates. Preoperative cone beam computed tomography data were analyzed using CAD/CAM software to fabricate the individualized 3D-printed BAMP device. The customized plates were printed using selective laser sintering and inserted onto the bone through an adjunct transfer jig. The accuracy of preoperative simulation and actual placement of the BAMP device were tested by superimposing simulated positioned digital images and postoperative computed tomography data. The growth modification effect depended on superimposition of lateral cephalograms and comparative changes in SNA, SNB, ANB, and Wits. Two male patients were finally included in the study. BAMP decreased the ANB difference (-4.56 to -1.09) and Wits appraisal (-7.52 to -3.26) after 2 years. Normal measurement indices for sagittal and vertical growth indicated successful growth modification. The mean accuracy between preoperative simulation and actual surgery was 0.1081 ± 0.5074 mm. This treatment modality involving preoperative simulation and 3D titanium printing for fabricating and placing customized BAMP devices precisely at planned locations is effective for treating skeletal Class III malocclusion.