Clinical insights into traumatic injury of the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves: a comprehensive approach from diagnosis to therapeutic interventions.

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review explores the risk and management of traumatic injuries to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves during mandibular dental procedures. Emphasizing the significance of diagnostic tools, the review amalgamates existing knowledge to offer a comprehensive overview. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library informed the analysis. RESULTS: Traumatic injuries often lead to hypo-/anesthesia and neuropathic pain, impacting individuals psychologically and socially. Diagnosis involves thorough anamnesis, clinical-neurological evaluations, and radiographic imaging. Severity varies, allowing for conservative or surgical interventions. Immediate action is recommended for reversible causes, while surgical therapies like decompression, readaptation, or reconstruction yield favorable outcomes. Conservative management, utilizing topical anesthesia, capsaicin, and systemic medications (tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors), proves effective for neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic nerve injuries, though common in dental surgery, often go unrecorded. Despite lacking a definitive diagnostic gold standard, a meticulous examination of the injury and subsequent impairments is crucial. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tailoring treatment to each case's characteristics is essential, recognizing the absence of a universal solution. This approach aims to optimize outcomes, restore functionality, and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

Comparison of morbidity-related parameters between autologous and allogeneic bone grafts for alveolar ridge augmentation from patients' perspective-A questionnaire-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Alveolar ridge augmentation is often required before dental implant placement. In this context, autologous bone grafts are considered the biological gold standard. Still, bone block harvesting is accompanied by some serious potential disadvantages and possible complications, such as pain, bleeding, and nerve irritation. Several studies aimed to compare autologous to allogeneic bone grafts concerning bone quality and implant survival rates; this is the first prospective study analyzing and comparing morbidity-related parameters after alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous and allogeneic bone blocks from patients' perspective. METHODS: Using a questionnaire, 36 patients were asked to evaluate the surgery as well as the post-operative period concerning pain, stress, sensibility deficits, satisfaction with, and consequences from the surgery as well as the preferred procedure for future alveolar ridge augmentations. RESULTS: No significant differences were shown regarding stress and pain during and after surgery, whereas the rate of nerve irritations was twice as high in the autologous group. The swelling was significantly higher in patients with autologous bone blocks (p = 0.001). Nevertheless, the overall satisfaction of patients of both groups was very high, with over 8/10 points. CONCLUSIONS: The swelling was the main reason for patients' discomfort in both groups and was significantly higher after autologous bone augmentation. Since this side effect seems to be a highly relevant factor for patients' comfort and satisfaction, it needs to be discussed during preoperative consultation to allow shared decision-making considering the anticipated morbidity.

How does dental implant macrogeometry affect primary implant stability? A narrative review.

PURPOSE: The macrogeometry of a dental implant plays a decisive role in its primary stability. A larger diameter, a conical shape, and a roughened surface increase the contact area of the implant with the surrounding bone and thus improve primary stability. This is considered the basis for successful implant osseointegration that different factors, such as implant design, can influence. This narrative review aims to critically review macro-geometric features affecting the primary stability of dental implants. METHODS: For this review, a comprehensive literature search and review of relevant studies was conducted based on formulating a research question, searching the literature using keywords and electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to search for relevant studies. These studies were screened and selected, the study quality was assessed, data were extracted, the results were summarized, and conclusions were drawn. RESULTS: The macrogeometry of a dental implant includes its surface characteristics, size, and shape, all of which play a critical role in its primary stability. At the time of placement, the initial stability of an implant is determined by its contact area with the surrounding bone. Larger diameter and a conical shape of an implant result in a larger contact area and better primary stability. But the linear relationship between implant length and primary stability ends at 12 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors must be considered when choosing the ideal implant geometry, including local factors such as the condition of the bone and soft tissues at the implant site and systemic and patient-specific factors such as osteoporosis, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases. These factors can affect the success of the implant procedure and the long-term stability of an implant. By considering these factors, the surgeon can ensure the greatest possible therapeutic success and minimize the risk of implant failure.

Somatosensory and Gustatory Profiling in the Orofacial Region.

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is a standard procedure in medicine to describe sensory patterns in various pathologies. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to define reference values of the trigeminal nerve (V3), including taste qualities, to create a compatibility for sensory loss or gain in pathologies. Fifty-one patients were included, and a standardized testing battery with 11 QST parameters according to the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain (DFNS) was applied complemented by quantitative gustatory assessments. Significant somatosensory differences were found between the test sites (MDT at the chin, WDT at the lower lip) but no effect was detected for gender, age, and between body types. Taste sensitivity was dependent on concentration, gender (females being more sensitive) and increasing age (for bitter and sour taste). We provide reference values for somatosensory and gustatory testing of the facial area. Our data facilitate the detection of neurosensory abnormalities in the orofacial region. This might also serve as a control setting for COVID-19.

Long-term results in three-dimensional, complex bone augmentation procedures with customized titanium meshes.

OBJECTIVES: Complex, three-dimensional bony defects still represent challenging situations in routine implant dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate implant survival in customized bone regeneration using a patient-specific titanium mesh. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients (n = 21, implants 36) who had obtained an augmentation procedure with patient-specific titanium mesh were examined after 5.7 ± 0.38 years. Survival rate, clinical parameters for periimplantitis (Bleeding on Probing [BOP] and suppuration), and radiographic examination were evaluated. Peri-implant marginal bone loss (MBL) was calculated by using an image assessment program. Additionally, the influence of various factors on treatment outcomes such as periodontitis, smoking, professional maintenance, or diabetes was assessed as well as the impact on quality of life applying the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). RESULTS: The implant survival rate was 97%, with one implant loss in the lower jaw. At the end of the observation period, MBL showed mesial 0.13 ± 1.84 mm and distal -0.13 ± 1.73 mm. The lower jaw showed significant more MBL mesial compared with the upper jaw (p = .034, cluster-adjusted). Periodontitis was significantly associated with MBL mesial and distal (p < .05). Positive BOP (four implants) was significantly associated with MBL mesial (p = .0031) and distal (p = .0018). MBL was significantly associated with suppuration mesial (p < .0001) and distal (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: CBR® results in high implant survival rate and stabilized augmented marginal bone after follow-up of minimum 5 years. Periodontitis seems to play the mayor role for long-term stability indicated by BOP and suppuration.

Osseointegration of a New, Ultrahydrophilic and Nanostructured Dental Implant Surface: A Comparative In Vivo Study.

This study compared the osseointegration of acid-etched, ultrahydrophilic, micro- and nanostructured implant surfaces (ANU) with non-ultra-hydrophilic, microstructured (SA) and non-ultrahydrophilic, micro- and nanostructured implant surfaces (AN) in vivo. Fifty-four implants (n = 18 per group) were bilaterally inserted into the proximal tibia of New Zealand rabbits (n = 27). After 1, 2, and 4 weeks, bone-implant contact (BIC, %) in the cortical (cBIC) and spongious bone (sBIC), bone chamber ingrowth (BChI, %), and the supra-crestal, subperiosteal amount of newly formed bone, called percentage of linear bone fill (PLF, %), were analyzed. After one week, cBIC was significantly higher for AN and ANU when compared to SA (p = 0.01 and p = 0.005). PLF was significantly increased for ANU when compared to AN and SA (p = 0.022 and p = 0.025). After 2 weeks, cBIC was significantly higher in SA when compared to AN (p = 0.039) and after 4 weeks, no significant differences in any of the measured parameters were found anymore. Ultrahydrophilic implants initially improved osseointegration when compared to their non-ultrahydrophilic counterparts. In accordance, ultrahydrophilic implants might be appropriate in cases with a necessity for an accelerated and improved osseointegration, such as in critical size alveolar defects or an affected bone turnover.

Customised products for orbital wall reconstruction: a systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to critically analyse the recent literature and present the state of the art in customised reconstruction of orbital fractures. Three electronic databases and manual search approaches were used to identify relevant articles. Only controlled clinical studies were included. Primary outcome was defined as the status of recovery (complete/partial functional, and aesthetic disturbances). The benefit of intrasurgical navigation should be described. The secondary outcome was defined as the time of surgery, post-surgical events, and hospitalisation. Of the 552 records identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. Post-surgical results regarding recovery were superior in the customised group, and were comparable to the control group in five studies. The time of surgery was shorter in the customised groups, and liquid infusion and time of hospitalisation were reduced. Four studies documented more accurate reconstruction with the use of navigation. All the studies presented at least one bias, and considerable heterogeneity was evaluated. This review found that the use of customised meshes in combination with surgical navigation resulted in more accurate reconstruction. A significant reduction in surgical time was revealed.

Needle tip deformation in local dental anesthesia - A technical note.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the mechanical deformation rate of dental cannula tips after injection simulation in a new developed animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new mechanical device was designed to define forces (100 g for 60 s) to impact a pigs jaw bone with different cannulas (25-Gauge/27-Gauge) from dental local anaesthesia syringes. 8 different products (100 cannulas each) were evaluated. Cannula tips were examined for deformation under the digital microscope VHX-100 (500-fold magnification). RESULTS: 27G and 27G free flow showed a significantly lower likelihood of bending (OR 0.05; p = 0.0001). Comparing 27G cannulas of the same outer diameter but different inner diameter, large inner diameter produced a significantly higher deformation rate than those of cannulas with a standard inner diameter. 12-38% of the cannulas showed manufacturing defects and production-related deformation. CONCLUSIONS: Cannula deformation seems to depend on the inner diameter, bevel and cutting profile. Multiple use of the same cannula could result in more pronounced deformation, increasing the risk of complications during local anesthesia.

Expression of Surface-associated 82 kDa proMMP-9 in Lymphatic Leukemia Blast Cells Differentially Correlates With Prognosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix and process regulatory proteins. Recently, a membrane-bound 82kDa variant of proMMP-9 identified on myeloid blasts was shown to be associated with prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To investigate the role of 82kDa proMMP-9 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), we performed flow-cytometry analysis of expression on ALL blasts (n=18) and CLL lymphocytes (n=21) from blood and correlated data with clinical parameters. RESULTS: In ALL, mature B-linear blasts expressed higher levels of 82kDa proMMP-9 compared to T-linear blasts. Elevated levels of 82kDa proMMP-9 were found in elderly patients and at patients with relapse. No correlation was observed on blood cells and extramedullary disease. In CLL, the 82kDa proMMP-9 expression did not correlate with any of the clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that higher levels of 82kDa proMMP-9 expression on blast cells may correlate with a more unfavorable ALL-subtype. Further studies are required to clarify the prognostic role of the 82kDa pro-MMP-9 expression.

Expression profiles of HMGB1 on B-CLL related leukocytes contribute to prediction of relapse.

BACKGROUND: The High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that is frequently overexpressed in hematologic diseases and might be of relevance in immunogenic cancer control thus correlating with patients' (pts.) prognosis in diseases such as acute myeloid, acute lymphatic and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression profiles of blasts from AML (n = 21), ALL (n = 16) and of B-lymphocytes of CLL (n = 9) pts. were analyzed for surface expression of HMGB1 using flow cytometry. Expression was quantified and correlated with clinically and prognostically relevant markers. RESULTS: Expression profiling of HMGB1 in blasts of AML and ALL subtypes did not show differences between primary vs. secondary disease development and gender related differences. In ALL pts. however, age groups at initial diagnosis between ≥20 vs. <20 years were compared and showed significant differences (≥20 vs. <20 years; 89% vs. 49%, p  <0.05) with higher expression in higher age. In AML and CLL these differences were not visible. To evaluate the prognostic significance of HMGB1 expression, expression quantity was correlated with established and prognostic classification systems (in AML ELN, in ALL GMALL) and probability to relapse. No significant correlation was seen in these entities. However, when AML pts. were analyzed for remission rates after first anthracycline based induction therapy, in those who did not experience a complete remission significantly enhanced HMGB1 surface expression was seen (98 vs. 94%; p < 0.05; n = 20). Furthermore, for CLL it was shown that higher HMGB1 expression was found in pretreated patients with relapsed or/and refractory disease (1 vs. more relapses; 94 vs. 98%; p  <0.05; n = 9). CONCLUSION: HMGB1 is frequently expressed in hematologic malignancies. In this study it was shown that HMGB1 surface expression on AML blasts can be used as predictors for treatment response. In CLL it may be a marker for advanced disease. In order to implement this marker in FACS routine it could be a useful and practical tool for prognostic assessment and treatment planning.

Minimizing risk of customized titanium mesh exposures - a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations for soft tissue management associated with customized bone regeneration should be developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new protocol for customized bone augmentation in a digital workflow. METHODS: The investigators implemented a treatment of three-dimensional bone defects based on a customized titanium mesh (Yxoss CBR®, ReOSS, Filderstadt, Germany). Patients and augmentation sites were retrospectively analysed focussing on defect regions, demographic factors, healing difficulties and potential risk factors. An exposure rate was investigated concerning surgical splint application, A®- PRF and flap design. RESULTS: In total, 98 implants could be placed. Yxoss CBR® was removed after mean time of 6.53 ± 2.7 months. Flap design was performed as full flap preparation (27.9%), full flap and periosteal incision (39.7%), periosteal incision (1.5%), poncho/split flap (27.9%) and rotation flap (2.9%). In 25% of the cases, exposures of the meshes were documented. Within this exposure rate, most of them were slight and only punctual (A = 16.2%), like one tooth width (B = 1.5%) and complete (C = 7.4%). A®- PRF provided significantly less exposures of the titanium meshes (76.5% no exposure vs. 23.5% yes, p = 0.029). Other parameters like tobacco abuse (p = 0.669), diabetes (p = 0.568) or surgical parameters (mesh size, defect region, flap design) did not influence the exposure rate. Surgical splints were not evaluated to reduce the exposure rate (p = 0.239). Gender (female) was significantly associated with less exposure rate (78,4% female vs. 21.6% male, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the new digital protocol including patient-specific titanium meshes, resorbable membranes and bone grafting materials was proven to be a promising technique. To improve soft tissue healing, especially A®-PRF should be recommended.

Neurophysiological changes and chronic pain in cleft patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if patients after orofacial cleft repair experience neurophysiological changes with consecutive chronic pain states after surgery. Patients (n = 48) with a repaired orofacial cleft (CLP) recruited in a support group took part in a survey including five questionnaires. They revealed pain states, described cleft situation and history, and epidemiological data. Patients' quality of life and psychological comorbidity after the surgical procedures were assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), the Giessen Subjective Complaints List (GSCL) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Furthermore, psychosocial impairment was documented. 39 out of 48 subjects with CLP reported to have experienced pain during the last 6 months. Pain was proven to be already chronic for 36 persons. Locations of pain were the orofacial region, back and limbs. Neurophysiological perception to cold, warmth, pressure and touch were found to be inhomogeneous. Local disturbances of subjective sensitivity in hard and soft tissues in the operated region are suspicious for neuropathic disorders and peripheral and central sensitization. 16 participants also reported that during dental interventions higher doses of local analgesia were necessary to achieve a pain free condition. Overall participants with CLP demonstrated elevated levels for anxiety and depression. As a conclusion for daily routine, CLP patients are considered to be at a higher risk to develop chronic pain states. To avoid these, proper pain and psychological management must be performed from early childhood. Further clinical studies examining patients with neurophysiological diagnostic tools are needed.

Evaluation of Risk Parameters in Bone Regeneration Using a Customized Titanium Mesh: Results of a Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was an evaluation of risk factors for an innovative bone regeneration technique using a customized titanium mesh that was tested in a clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 65 patients with 70 grafting procedures of osseous defects of the jaws with a customized titanium mesh together with Advanced- and Injectable-Platelet-Rich Fibrin (A- and I-PRF), resorbable membranes, and bone grafting materials. Exposures of the meshes and grafting outcome were analyzed according to a novel classification as (a) punctual and (b) tooth width or complete exposure of the mesh (c). No exposure was stated as (d). RESULTS: In 37% of cases, exposures of the meshes occurred that were significantly associated with loss of grafted material (P < 0.001). Tobacco abuse (P = 0.032) and grafting procedures together with simultaneous sinus floor elevation techniques (P = 0.001) were found to be risk factors for success of the grafted material. Implant placement was not possible in 2 cases only. CONCLUSION: The results of this study verified the treatment of large defects with a customized titanium mesh as a useful protocol with a predictable outcome, even in cases of dehiscences.

Customized lattice structure in reconstruction of three-dimensional alveolar defects.

Missing or reduced buccal bone plates and a reduced vertical dimension still represent challenges in bone grafting and require a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. The protocol presented in this short technical note describes the clinical application of a patient-specific, titanium lattice structure for customized bone regeneration (CBR). A 3D projection of the bony defect is generated, and an individualized titanium lattice structure designed using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) procedures and rapid prototyping. By confirming this design interactively, the surgeon is integrated into the design process. The aim of this technical note is to describe the principle of a novel and modern digital workflow, and describe a possible improvement to the common hand-configured lattice structure graft technique. The new protocol presented in this note facilitated and shortened surgery time, and may be a successful and predictable procedure for rebuilding an atrophied complex bone defect.

Neurophysiological changes associated with implant-associated augmentation procedures in the lower jaw.

BACKGROUND: Neurophysiological changes after oral and maxillofacial surgery remain one of the topics of current research. PURPOSE: This study evaluated if implant placement associated with augmentation procedures increases the possibility of sensory disturbances or result in impaired quality of life during the healing period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who had obtained an implant placement in the lower jaw in combination with augmentation procedures were examined by implementing a comprehensive Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol for extra- and intraoral use. As augmentation procedures, we used Guided Bone Regeneration (Group A) and Customized Bone Regeneration (Group B) techniques. Patients were tested bilaterally at the chin and mucosal lower lip. Results were compared to a group without augmentation procedures (Group C). Patients' quality of life and psychological comorbidity after the surgical procedures was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: For groups A (n = 20) and B (n = 8), mechanical QST parameters showed no significant differences in all qualities of the inferior alveolar nerve compared to the contralateral side and compared to the nonaugmentation control group (n = 32) as well. Evaluation of quality of life and psychological factors showed no statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation procedures did not increase sensory disturbances, indicating no changes in the neurophysiological pathways. Extended augmentation procedures did not lead to sensory changes either or result in an impaired quality of life or modified anxiety and depression scores.

Profiling intraoral neuropathic disturbances following lingual nerve injury and in burning mouth syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyse intraoral neurophysiological changes in patients with unilateral lingual nerve lesions as well as patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) by applying a standardized Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol. METHODS: The study included patients suffering from a peripheral lesion of the lingual nerve (n = 4), from BMS (n = 5) and healthy controls (n = 8). Neurophysiological tests were performed in the innervation areas of the tongue bilaterally. For BMS patients the dorsal foot area was used as reference. RESULTS: For patients with peripheral lesion of the lingual nerve the affected side of the tongue showed increased thresholds for thermal (p < 0.05-0.001) and mechanical (p < 0.01-0.001) QST parameters, indicating a hypoesthesia and thermal hypofunction. In BMS patients, a pinprick hypoalgesia (p < 0.001), a cold hyperalgesia (p < 0.01) and cold/warmth hypoesthesia (p < 0.01) could be detected. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study verified the lingual nerve lesion in our patients as a peripheral dysfunction. The profile showed a loss of sensory function for small and large fibre mediated stimuli. A more differentiated classification of the lingual nerve injury was possible with QST, regarding profile, type and severity of the neurologic lesion. BMS could be seen as neuropathy with variable central and peripheral contributions among individuals resulting in chronic pain.

Neurophysiological changes associated with implant placement.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a standardized Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol extra- and intraoral in patients to detect and quantify sensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve due to the proximity of implantation procedures to the inferior alveolar nerve canal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who had obtained an implant placement were examined by implementing a comprehensive QST protocol for extra- and intraoral use. The study included 33 patients after implant placement in the lower jaw and one patient suffering from an inferior alveolar nerve injury. Patients were tested bilaterally (chin and mucosal lower lip). RESULTS: Comparing the implanted vs. the control side, QST parameters revealed no significant neurophysiological changes in all parameters. Evaluating the development of sensory disturbances in dependency of the proximity of the implant to the inferior alveolar nerve canal, mechanical QST parameters showed no significant correlation. The mean distance of the inserted implant to the inferior nerve canal was 2.65 ± 1.75 mm. In the case of one patient suffering from impairment of the nerve function due to implant placement, we found abnormal sensory responses to touch coexisting with numbness and temperature algesia. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of trigeminal nerve fiber functions by QST intra- and extraoral is feasible to evaluate oral sensory pattern after implantation procedures. Sensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve were shown to be avoided by keeping an average safety zone of 2.65 mm between implant and nerve.

Efficacy of a sealant : study on the efficacy of a sealant (Light Bond) in preventing decalcification during multibracket therapy.

AIM: Decalcification remains a serious problem when treating patients with a multibracket appliance. The objective of this study was to classify patients with decalcification in terms of where it occurs, and to compare its potential reduction using a smooth surface sealant with a control group with no sealant. We also aimed to discover whether this enamel sealant would affect the incidence of bracket loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients aged 11.6 to 39.5 years (median: 15.9 years) treated at a private orthodontic practice were examined for signs of decalcification within a maximum of 3 months after debonding. The indexing system used for evaluation subdivided the tooth's labial surface into four zones for quantifying the area affected (0-3) and severity of the decalcification (0-3). Preexisting areas of demineralization were excluded based on photographic evidence. We used cumulative logistical regression to investigate the sealant effect. Bracket loss was evaluated according to patient records. RESULTS: In patients with sealed labial surfaces, we observed a significantly reduced level of severity in the areas affected by decalcification (p = 0.013) and the depth of demineralization (p = 0.080). Sealant application reduced the median incidence of bracket loss by half. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that Light Bond Reliance, the viscous sealant used in this study, may assist in preventing or reducing the incidence of enamel demineralization. We also noted a correlation between the sealant's use and the incidence of bracket loss in the treatment group.