Is Augmented Reality Technology Effective in Locating the Apex of Teeth Undergoing Apicoectomy Procedures?

This study seeks to assess the accuracy of apical location using an augmented reality (AR) device with a free-hand method. Sixty (60) osteotomy site preparations were randomly assigned to one of two study groups: A. AR device (AR) (n = 30), and B. conventional free-hand method (FHM) (n = 30). Preoperative CBCT scans and intraoral scans were taken and uploaded to specialized implant-planning software to virtually plan preparations for the apical location osteotomy sites. The planning software was then used to automatically segment the teeth in each experimental model for their complete visualization using the AR device. A CBCT scan was carried out postoperatively after conducting the apical location procedures. The subsequent datasets were imported into therapeutic software to analyze the coronal, apical, and angular deviations. The Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was used. There were no statistically significant differences identified at the coronal (p = 0.1335), apical (p = 0.2401), and angular deviations (p = 0.4849) between the AR and FHM study groups. The augmented reality technique did not show a statistically significant accuracy of osteotomies for apical location when compared with the conventional free-hand method.

Craniofacial and three-dimensional palatal analysis in cleft lip and palate patients treated in Spain.

Growth alterations have been described in patients operated on for oral clefts. The purpose of this work was to analyze the craniofacial and palate morphology and dimensions of young adults operated on for oral clefts in early childhood in Spain. Eighty-three patients from eight different hospitals were divided into four groups based on their type of cleft: cleft lip (CL, n = 6), unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP, n = 37), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP, n = 16), and cleft palate only (CPO, n = 24). A control group was formed of 71 individuals. Three-dimensional (3D) digital models were obtained from all groups with an intraoral scanner, together with cephalometries and frontal, lateral, and submental facial photographs. Measurements were obtained and analyzed statistically. Our results showed craniofacial alterations in the BCLP, UCLP, and CPO groups with an influence on the palate, maxilla, and mandible and a direct impact on facial appearance. This effect was more severe in the BCLP group. Measurements in the CL group were similar to those in the control group. Cleft characteristics and cleft type seem to be the main determining factors of long-term craniofacial growth alterations in these patients. Prospective research is needed to clearly delineate the effects of different treatments on the craniofacial appearance of adult cleft patients.

Comparative study of nasopharyngeal soft-tissue characteristics in patients with Class III malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of our study were to assess nasopharyngeal soft-tissue characteristics in white patients with Class III malocclusion and to compare the results with patients with ideal occlusion. METHODS: A sample of 71 patients with Class III malocclusion was selected from the Dental School at the Complutense University of Madrid. None of the subjects had a history of upper airway disease, adenoidectomy, or pathology in the pharynx. Lateral cephalograms were digitized, and linear and area measures were made to define the airway characteristics. Error analysis was performed to prevent systematic or random errors. Independent means t tests and Pearson correlation analysis were used to evaluate sex differences and the correlations among the variables. A discriminant analysis was also used to identify different groups with excellent occlusion and Class III malocclusion. RESULTS: Nasopharyngeal soft-tissue characteristics in Class III subjects were different in male and female subjects. Adenoidal tissue and upper airway length were greater in the men. Three groups of variables tended to be related among themselves but not with others. A discriminant analysis showed that changes in cranial base length are directly related to nasopharyngeal morphology in Class III malocclusion. A discriminant equation was also obtained. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests new lines of investigation about the relationship between skeletal and dental anomalies and airway obstruction, and possible specific respiratory characteristics for each type of malocclusion.