Mental Foramen and Anterior Loop Anatomic Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cross-sectional Imaging Studies.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to review the epidemiologic, topographic, and morphometric aspects of the mental foramen (MF) and anterior loop (AL) on cone-beam computed tomographic imaging studies. METHODS: An International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)-registered systematic review (CRD42018112991) was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction from observational studies that evaluated MF and AL on 7 electronic databases. MedCalc (MedCalc Software bv, Ostend, Belgium) software was used to perform a meta-analysis with a 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Of 1545 articles, 66 met the inclusion criteria, totaling 14,233 patients from 5 continents, with a total of 6655 females and 5884 males (some studies did not report sex), with an age range between 8 and 89 years. The most prevalent shapes of MF were oval (48.72%) and circular (44.36%), and the most frequent horizontal positions were between premolars (43.66%) and in line with the long axis of the second premolar (43.12%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the articles that assessed AL, the mean prevalence was 43.18%, with most studies reporting bilateral localization as the most prevalent.

Reconstruction of Frontal Bone With Custom-Made Prosthesis Using Rapid Prototyping.

Frontal bone fracture treatment is still an issue of research in craniofacial surgery and neurosurgery. The aims of the treatment are to reduce the complication risks and to keep the aesthetic of the face. Before the management of this fracture type, it is necessary to consider the permanence or not of the frontal sinus function. Rapid prototyping has been an aid tool on planning and simulation of the surgical procedure, improving the diagnostic quality and the implant manufacture, beyond reducing the operative time. Among the used materials on treatment of these fractures, titanium mesh shows large versatility and ease of handling. Poly(methyl methacrylate) has been used in defects of partial thickness or irregularities on cranial surface. The aim of this study is to report a case of a patient presenting sequelae of large fracture of anterior wall of frontal bone, treated by a titanium mesh associated with the customized poly(methyl methacrylate) implant from the rapid prototyping. It could be concluded that the use of this technique showed itself effective on patient treatment, and rapid prototyping demonstrated being a valuable tool showing predictable and satisfactory results.

Root resorption after dental traumas: classification and clinical, radiographic and histologic aspects

Introduction: One of the most common sequelae observed after dental trauma is root resorption. Objective: The aim of this study was to classify and discuss the external root resorption after a dental trauma, based on a literature review. Literature review: A bibliographic search was performed in the following databases: Medline, PubMed, and Lilacs, from 1997 to 2010. The following descriptors were used: Root resorption, Dental trauma and Classification. From a total of 152 articles found, 25 were selected: 24 in English and 1 in Spanish. Classic articles were also used in our study. External root resorption after dental traumas can be divided into superficial, inflammatory and replacement. It can also be verified in primary dentition as physiological and atypical resorptions. Conclusion: Each type of resorption presents clinical features as well as radiographic and histological aspects. Therefore, the dentist should know these characteristics to perform an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, minimizing the sequelae related to this problem. Moreover, in primary dentition, the differential diagnosis between physiological and pathological resorption is important to avoid over-treatment.