Piezoelectric Surgery Versus Conventional Osteotomy in Impacted Lower Third Molar Extraction: Evaluation of Perioperative Anxiety, Pain, and Paresthesia.

PURPOSE: Piezoelectric surgery is a safe and effective osteotomy technique that can decrease the perioperative complications and morbidity in oral-maxillofacial surgery. In this study, we compared piezoelectric surgery and a conventional rotatory technique in the removal of impacted lower third molars. Our primary endpoints were perioperative anxiety, pain, and postoperative discomfort while avoiding the drilling sound of the conventional instrument. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 21 patients (14 female and 7 male patients) with bilateral, symmetrical impacted lower third molars. The 2 osteotomy techniques were randomly allocated to be performed on the right or left impacted lower third molars. The parameters evaluated were perioperative anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory), postoperative pain (visual analog scale), operation time, and paresthesia. RESULTS: No significant difference was seen between piezoelectric surgery and conventional rotatory techniques in terms of pain, anxiety, and nerve damage. Preoperative anxiety was significantly higher in the female group than in the male group. No correlation was found between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. The operation time was significantly longer in the piezoelectric surgery group. CONCLUSIONS: Piezoelectric surgery provides a precise, less aggressive osteotomy compared with conventional rotatory techniques. However, it has not been found to significantly reduce perioperative pain and anxiety.

Electrostimulation of the lingual nerve by an intraoral device may lead to salivary gland regeneration: A case series study

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland function is controlled by the salivary reflex, whose efferent arm is composed by the parasympathetic and the sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. Parenchymal injury is the main salivary gland involvement of Sjögren's syndrome and head and neck radiotherapy, but neural damage has been reported as well. Recently an intraoral device for electrostimulation of the lingual nerve in vicinity to the lower third molar has been introduced. At this point this nerve carries efferent fibers for the innervation of the submandibular, sublingual and several minor salivary glands and afferent fibers of the salivary reflex. Therefore, excitation of these fibers potentially leads to increased secretion of all salivary glands. Thus, the study objective was to assess whether comprehensive neural activation by electrostimulation of the lingual nerve carries the potential to induce the regeneration of damaged salivary glands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The device was tested on three patients with no collectable resting and stimulated secretion of saliva during a double blind, sham controlled period of two months and nine open-label months. RESULTS: All three subjects developed the capacity to spit saliva, not only in direct response to the electrostimulation but also after free intervals without electrostimulation. In addition, their symptoms of dry mouth severity and frequency improved. CONCLUSIONS: This recovery is probably due to the combined effect of increase in secretory functional gland mass and regain of nervous control of the secretory elements and blood vessels. Both are phenomena that would contribute to gland regeneration

Clinical features and molecular genetic analysis in a Turkish family with oral white sponge nevus

Background: Oral white sponge nevus (WSN) is a rare autosomal dominant benign condition, characterized by asymptomatic spongy white plaques. Mutations in Keratin 4 (KRT4) and 13 (KRT13) have been shown to cause WSN. Familial cases are uncommon due to irregular penetrance. Thus, the aim of the study was: a) to demonstrate the clinical and histopathological features of a three-generation Turkish family with oral WSN b) to determine whether KRT4 or KRT13 gene mutation was the molecular basis of WSN. Material and Methods: Out of twenty members of the family ten were available for assessment. Venous blood samples from six affected and five unaffected members and 48 healthy controls were obtained for genetic mutational analysis. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify all exons within KRT4 and KRT13 genes. These products were sequenced and the data was examined for mutations and polymorphisms. Results: Varying presentation and severity of clinical features were observed. Analysis of the KRT13 gene revealed the sequence variant Y118D as the disease-causing mutation. One patient revealed several previously unreported polymorphisms including a novel mutation in exon 1 of the KRT13 gene and a heterozygous deletion in exon 1 of KRT4. This deletion in the KRT4 gene was found to be a common polymorphism reflecting a high allele frequency of 31.25% in the Turkish population. Conclusions: Oral WSN may manifest variable clinical features. The novel mutation found in the KRT13 gene is believed to add evidence for a mutational hotspot in the mucosal keratins. Molecular genetic analysis is required to establish correct diagnosis and appropriate genetic consultation (AU)

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Expression and role of p53 in oral lichen planus patients.

PURPOSE: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an autoimmune skin and mucosal disorder. The range of malignant transformation in OLP varies between 0.1-3%. p53 is a tumor suppressor protein. Defective p53 could allow abnormal cells to proliferate, resulting in cancer. p53 plays an important role in cell cycle control and apoptosis and loss of p53 function has been demonstrated in about half of all human cancers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the malignant potential of OLP on the basis of p53 expression and to correlate p53 expression with clinical and histopathological features of OLP. METHODS: 40 patients with OLP underwent biopsy. All tissue samples were treated immunohistochemicaly using avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method. RESULTS: In 80% of OLP specimens the nuclei of basal and parabasal keratinocytes were p53-positive, but in low numbers. Low percentage of p53-positive cells in older and medium percentage of p53-positive cells in younger group of OLP patients were noted. Higher intensity of p53 stained keratinocytes, no matter their low number, could represent mutant and more stable form of p53 protein, and at the same time signal for monitoring of disease due to potential malignant transformation. Low percentage and weak intensity of p53-positive cells was detected mostly in OLP specimens with highly expressed civatte bodies (CB). Upregulation of apoptosis didn't correspond with the expression of CB. CONCLUSION: We believe that low percentage of p53-positive and well-marked keratinocytes in OLP represent the influence of mutant p53 protein, and that increasing expression of this protein could serve as a valuable diagnostic sign of early carcinogenesis. According to our results intensity of p53 coloration of keratinocytes could help assessing the malignant potential of OLP.

Frequency of temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms among call center employees.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to investigate the frequency of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among call center employees. METHODS: Workers from four call centers (CC) were invited to participate in this study. The examination was based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD). The tenderness of the masticator muscles was assessed on both sides by bilateral palpation. The mobility of the mandible was measured with a plastic millimeter ruler on opening, lateral excursions, and protrusion. RESULTS: In total, 124 call center employees with a mean age of 28.61 ± 4.71 (between 22 and 47 years of age) were enrolled in this study. There was no statistically significant relation between the numbers of calls answered in a day and teeth clenching, teeth grinding, earache, tinnitus, or pain on yawning/chewing. Only protrusive movement pain and joint noise were significantly higher among employees who answered more than 140 calls/day (p < 0.01). An evaluation of the TMD signs and symptoms in relation to job stress level revealed that job stress level significantly affected the incidence of headaches among call center employees (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated no statistically significant relation between TMD signs and symptoms and call center employees except protrusive movement pain and joint noise. This relation was seen only in the employees who answered more than 140 calls per day. Headache, teeth clenching, and TMJ noise were the signs and symptoms encountered most often in this study. Multicentered studies in different geographic locations should be conducted to eliminate the limitation of this study.

Implant-supported oral rehabilitation of a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: a clinical report.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare mucocutaneous vesiculobullous disease characterized by the development of autoantibodies against the desmosomal proteins. Current treatment is largely based on systemic immunosuppression using systemic corticosteroids. Immunosuppressive drugs used in the treatment of the disease may increase the risk of infection and delayed healing, which are of concern in dental treatment procedures in this group of patients. The clinical outcomes of implants in PV have not been investigated. We present a case of PV rehabilitated with an implant-supported prosthesis with a 32-month follow-up and discuss the important points in the surgical and prosthodontic phases.

Intraoral electrostimulator for xerostomia relief: a long-term, multicenter, open-label, uncontrolled, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: A previous sham-controlled multinational study demonstrated the short-term efficacy and safety for xerostomia treatment of an intraoral device that delivers electrostimulation to the lingual nerve. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that those beneficial effects would be sustained over an 11-month period. STUDY DESIGN: The device was tested on a mixed sample of 94 patients with xerostomia in an open-label, uncontrolled, prospective multicenter trial. Statutory outcome assessments were done at 5th, 8th, and 11th months and analyzed by multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Improvements achieved at month 5 from baseline were sustained throughout the follow-up period for the primary outcome, xerostomia severity, and the secondary outcomes resting whole salivary flow rate, xerostomia frequency, oral discomfort, and difficulties in speech, swallowing, and sleeping. No significant side effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effects of a removable intraoral electrostimulating device were sustained for an 11-month period.

The evaluation of fibrin sealants and tissue adhesives in oral surgery among patients with bleeding disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of two local hemostatic agents administered with apreoperative dose of replacement therapy in patients with bleeding disorders undergoing oral surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 21 patients that were randomly divided into 3 groups. Patients in Group1 (n = 7) received preoperative replacement therapy and postoperative fibrin sealant applied to the surgical site. Patientsin Group 2 (n = 7) received preoperative replacement therapy and postoperative tissue adhesive applied to the surgicalsite. Patients in Group 3 (n = 7) were given replacement therapy pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding was not observed in 17 of the 21 patients, including 5 in Group 1 (71.42%), 6 in Group2 (85.71%), and 6 in Group 3 (85.71%). Hemorrhagic complications occurred in only 4 of the 21 patients. CONCLUSION: The use of fibrin sealant and tissue adhesive was beneficial, as they reduced the level of factor concentratesused for replacement therapy and resulted in rapid hemostasis at the surgical site, facilitating the ability to performserial surgical procedures concurrently.

Efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device for xerostomia relief: a multicenter, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device, consisting of stimulating electrodes, an electronic circuit, and a power source, in treating xerostomia. The device delivers electrostimulation through the oral mucosa to the lingual nerve in order to enhance the salivary reflex. METHODS: The device was tested on a sample of patients with xerostomia due to Sjögren's syndrome and other sicca conditions in a 2-stage prospective, randomized, multicenter trial. Stage I was a double-blind, crossover stage designed to compare the effects of the electrically active device with the sham device, each used for 1 month, and stage II was a 3-month open-label stage designed to assess the long-term effects of the active device. Improvement in xerostomia severity from baseline was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were randomized. In stage I, the active device performed better than the sham device for patient-reported xerostomia severity (P<0.002), xerostomia frequency (P<0.05), quality of life impairment (P<0.01), and swallowing difficulty (P<0.02). At the end of stage II, statistically significant improvements were verified for patient-reported xerostomia severity (P<0.0001), xerostomia frequency (P<0.0001), oral discomfort (P<0.001), speech difficulty (P<0.02), sleeping difficulty (P<0.001), and resting salivary flow rate (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that daily use of the device alleviated oral dryness, discomfort, and some complications of xerostomia, such as speech and sleeping difficulties, and increased salivary output. The results show a cumulative positive effect of the device over the period of the study, from baseline to the end of the trial.

Implant-supported oral rehabilitation of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: case report and review of the literature.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with multisystemic involvement. Immune-suppressive drugs used in the treatment of the disease can increase the risk of infection and delay healing, which are of concern in dental-treatment procedures. Because of the involvement of the salivary glands, the composition and amount of saliva released are usually altered in patients with SLE. Significantly lowered salivary flow rate causes difficulties during dental procedures and makes it difficult to maintain oral hygiene and conserve both fixed and removable prostheses. This case report presents a patient who had an extremely dry mouth and oral lesions due to SLE and describes how oral rehabilitation was achieved with implant-supported fixed dentures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of oral implants in a patient with SLE. Dental practitioners should consider dental implants as a preferred treatment choice in the oral rehabilitation of patients with SLE.

iNOS expression in oral and gastrointestinal tract mucosa.

It is known that the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) occurs during the progression of various inflammatory diseases in intestinal tract. NOS inhibitors or inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression inhibitors should be considered as potential anti-inflammatory agents, as NO synthesized by iNOS is related to various pathophysiological processes including inflammation. In order to understand the relationship between iNOS and pathological reactions such as the inflammatory process and malign transformation clearly, the existence and amount of constitutive expression should be determined. It is crucial to comprehend the harmful and protective amounts of iNOS expressions in order to clarify the relationship between iNOS and pathological processes. Evidently, only after this inspection is it possible to utilize iNOS as a marker and treatment instrument during the diagnosis and treatment of malign transformation and the inflammatory process.

Maxillofacial and dental manifestations in a patient with mandibulo-acral dysplasia.

Mandibulo-acral dysplasia (MAD) is a rare condition characterized by mandibular hypoplasia, acroosteolysis, delayed cranial suture closure, hypoplastic clavicles, stiff joints, dental crowding, atrophy of the skin of the hands and feet, progeroid facial appearance, alopecia and short stature. This report presents a patient with MAD, suffering from difficulty in mastication and speech, together with limited lip closure and aesthetic problems related to the clinical outcomes of the syndrome. The aim of reporting this case is to detail the first widely determined dental and maxillofacial abnormalities of a rare syndrome, mandibulo-acral dysplasia, and to contribute to the data regarding the etiology of consanguinity.

Orbital pain and headache secondary to overfilling of a root canal.

A 35-yr-old woman was referred to the Istanbul University, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral Surgery Department with complaints of orbital pain and headache. Panoramic radiographs showed overfilling of a maxillary premolar, which caused a perforation in the maxillary sinus floor. The etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of this complication are discussed with emphasis on early surgical intervention to decrease the risk of a superimposed aspergillosis infection.