The Dental Practicality Index - to treat or not to treat.

The Dental Practicality Index (DPI) has been designed to describe, on a clinical level, the 'practicality' of restoring a tooth versus referring to secondary care or extraction.The systematic approach of DPI has been shown to improve decision-making and confidence in treatment planning when used by young dentists. In addition, there is good evidence demonstrating that it provides an accurate estimation of the outcome of treatment. The DPI enhances clinician-patient communication and ultimately the consent process.

Vascularized free fibula flap oral rehabilitation using tissue engineered mucosa: Report of 3 cases.

The aim of this report is to introduce the use of the dermal substitute Integra® in the context of free fibula flap prelamination for mandibular reconstruction. Three cases of mandibular reconstruction with prefabricated and Integra-prelaminated vascularized fibula flaps are reported in this article. The patients reported in this case series presented with the following tumours: an extensive cemento-ossyfying fibroma, a multicystic ameloblastoma and an extensive calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour. Virtual three-dimensional (3D) planning and 3D-printed cutting guides were used for the mandibulectomies, the flap harvest and the positioning of the implants. The dermal substitute Integra was used for prelamination instead of skin grafts. Treatment of all 3 patients was performed in two stages; the first consisted of the fibula prefabrication (dental implant insertion) and prelamination, and the second consisted of tumor resection and reconstruction with the vascularized implant-bearing fibula flap. Integra was shown to be able to generate complete mucosa-like tissue over the fibula flaps and in the peri-implant areas. The patients have been followed up for 1, 3 and 7 years, respectively, with satisfactory prosthetic, functional and aesthetic results. None of the patients developed peri-implant disease. It was observed that prelamination with the dermal substitute Integra leads to development of mucosal lining with clinical features similar to oral mucosa. In this report of three cases, use of Integra as part of the prelamination and prefabrication process, instead of skin grafts, appears able to clinically generate mucosal lining with avoidance of skin grafts.

Contemporary management of advanced midface malignancy in the age of Instagram - a parallel surgical and patient's perspective.

The internet and social media give our patients extraordinary access to information; in these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where so much of life takes place online, patients and professionals alike look to the internet more and more for information and (self-)diagnosis. This article details the treatment journey for a patient with a high-grade chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the right maxilla, paranasal area and zygoma, from misdiagnosis through to resection and full rehabilitation with free flap surgery and implant reconstruction. Uniquely, the article details the patient's treatment, in parallel with her own perception of the treatment, as shared on social media.

Management of Extraoral Complications in a Patient Treated with Four Zygomatic Implants.

This article details the significant complications associated with treatment of a patient who underwent maxillary reconstruction based entirely on zygomatic implants. The use of zygomatic implants is becoming increasingly widespread, and treatment has been shown to be predictable and generally free of surgical complications. However, extending from the maxillary alveolus, alongside or through the maxillary antrum, toward the zygoma or orbital rim, these long implants have the potential to create a range of complications that may be more serious than those encountered with conventional dental implants. In the case presented, complications included implant failure, prominence of the implant apices, recurrent loosening of the implant prosthesis, and, most significantly, extraoral infection associated with the apex of one implant. The authors describe the complications and remedial surgical treatment for this patient.

Percutaneous implant retention of a nasal prosthesis.

This report describes an approach to the simultaneous retention of a nasal prosthesis and an intraoral prosthesis for a patient who had undergone a total rhinectomy with resection of the upper lip and premaxilla. At the time of the nasal resection, 2 dental implants were placed adjacent to the resection margins in the first premolar positions. These were used to anchor an intraoral, milled titanium bar and overdenture to replace the missing anterior teeth and provide support for the upper lip, which had been reconstructed with a vascularized radial forearm free-flap. The titanium bar also incorporated a connection for a tissue-penetrating percutaneous nasal extension, which pierced the radial forearm flap near the junction with the hard palate. Magnetic attachments screwed to the nasal extension retained a nasal prosthesis. The predictable and straightforward implementation of this novel concept with digital design and manufacture of the titanium components and guided placement of the nasal extension was made possible with software planning.

A New Approach to Implant-Based Midface Reconstruction Following Subtotal Maxillectomy.

This case presentation describes the reconstruction of an extensive maxillary-orbital defect following subtotal resection of the maxilla en bloc with orbital exenteration in a young adult following the diagnosis of chondrosarcoma. A new approach to composite midface reconstruction with dental implants is described, in which computer-guided surgery (CGS) was used to obliquely position dental implants interradicularly in the residual maxilla, such that the implant tips lie in close proximity to the root apices of the remaining teeth. The implants were then used to fixate a milled-titanium bar, fabricated using computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM), and provided with attachments for the stabilization and retention of a maxillary obturator.

The reverse zygomatic implant: a new implant for maxillofacial reconstruction.

This case report describes the rehabilitation of a patient who had been treated with a hemimaxillectomy, reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi vascularized free flap, and radiotherapy for carcinoma of the sinus some years previously. Limited jaw opening, difficult access through the flap to the bony site, and the very small amount of bone available in which to anchor the implant inspired the development and use of a new "reverse zygomatic" implant. For this treatment, site preparation and implant insertion were accomplished using an extraoral approach. The implant was used along with two other conventional zygomatic implants to provide support for a milled titanium bar and overdenture to rehabilitate the maxilla. Two years later, the patient continues to enjoy a healthy reconstruction. The reverse zygomatic implant appears to show promise as a useful addition to the implant armamentarium for the treatment of the patient undergoing maxillectomy.

Re-thinking 3D printing: A novel approach to guided facial contouring.

Rapid prototyped or three dimensional printed (3D printed) patient specific guides are of great use in many craniofacial and maxillofacial procedures and are extensively described in the literature. These guides are relatively easy to produce and cost effective. However existing designs are limited in that they are unable to be used in procedures requiring the 3D contouring of patient tissues. This paper presents a novel design and approach for the use of three dimensional printing in the production of a patient specific guide capable of fully guiding intraoperative 3D tissue contouring based on a pre-operative plan. We present a case where the technique was used on a patient suffering from an extensive osseous tumour as a result of fibrous dysplasia with encouraging results.

'Sometimes the simplest interventions can make a big difference'.

London dentists Andrew Dawood and Susan Tanner speak to the BDJ ahead of their presentation at the 2013 British Dental Conference & Exhibition. The London practice owners talk about Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies, facial reconstruction, implant inventions and more.

Computer guided surgery for implant placement and dental rehabilitation in a patient undergoing sub-total mandibulectomy and microvascular free flap reconstruction.

A 58-year-old patient presented with an extensive, destructive, recurrent pleomorphic adenoma occupying the mandibular body and the soft tissues of the mouth and neck. Resection of the mandible from right ramus to left condylar process, and implant rehabilitation in both jaws with fixed bridgework was planned. Comprehensive presurgical prosthetic work up was carried out to record the existing dental relationship and guide all stages of the reconstruction. The jaw was first grafted with a segmented, fibular microvascular free-flap, which was fixed in place with a fixation plate prebent on a Rapid Prototype Anatomical Model of the jaw. Reconstruction with implant supported fixed partial dentures took place to the dental scheme planned preresection, using a computer guided approach to implant placement in the complex and unfamiliar anatomy of the extensively grafted mandible. This approach facilitated and expedited implant surgery such that treatment could take place using a minimally invasive approach relatively soon after surgery, prior to commencement of radiotherapy, and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment for patients having extensive surgery to the jaws. The patient's personal assessment 2 years post surgery was recorded using 1999 University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire.

A new implant for nasal reconstruction.

Extraoral implants have been used for many years to anchor silicone nasal prostheses. This report describes the design and use of a specially engineered bifunctional implant, which is placed via an intraoral approach, to simultaneously anchor nasal and oral prostheses for an edentulous patient who has undergone a complete rhinectomy. The bifunctional implant was designed and milled from commercially pure titanium using computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The nasal part of the implant was designed to fit through the prepared site and protrude into the piriform aperture. A hex attachment was orientated perpendicular to the axis of the implant on this extension. The intraoral head of the implant was provided with a standard Branemark hex configuration. Implants were placed using the guide and associated instrumentation. This case demonstrates the potential for CAD/CAM technology to produce bespoke implantable components at low cost. In this report, the implant greatly facilitated the surgical and prosthetic management for the simultaneous provision of nasal and oral prostheses.

E.A.O. guidelines for the use of diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry 2011. A consensus workshop organized by the European Association for Osseointegration at the Medical University of Warsaw.

Diagnostics imaging is an essential component of patient selection and treatment planning in oral rehabilitation by means of osseointegrated implants. In 2002, the EAO produced and published guidelines on the use of diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry. Since that time, there have been significant developments in both the application of cone beam computed tomography as well as in the range of surgical and prosthetic applications that can potentially benefit from its use. However, medical exposure to ionizing radiation must always be justified and result in a net benefit to the patient. The as low a dose as is reasonably achievable principle must also be applied taking into account any alternative techniques that might achieve the same objectives. This paper reports on current EAO recommendations arising from a consensus meeting held at the Medical University of Warsaw (2011) to update these guidelines. Radiological considerations are detailed, including justification and optimization, with a special emphasis on the obligations that arise for those who prescribe or undertake such investigations. The paper pays special attention to clinical indications and radiographic diagnostic considerations as well as to future developments and trends.