Experience with 808-nm diode laser in the treatment of 47 cases of oral vascular anomalies.

Treatment of oral vascular anomalies (OVA) has focused on minimally invasive techniques rather than radical surgery. We investigated the efficacy and safety of diode laser using the photocoagulation technique in the management of OVA. Forty-seven subjects with OVA were treated with forced dehydration with induced photocoagulation (FDIP) using diode laser (808 nm/4.5 W). This series consisted mostly of male (63.8%) and non-white (63.8%) patients with a mean age of 57.4 years. Varices (91.5%), venous malformations (6.4%), and hemangiomas (2.1%) with a mean size of 7.1 (±4.9) mm were the conditions treated. OVA presented as a nodular lesion (63.8%) involving mainly the lower lip (46.8%). Pulsed laser mode was used as standard and the number of applications varied from one to four sessions, with the majority requiring only one (83%) FDIP session. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that complete clinical healing can occur on the 15th day (n=9/29.5%), followed by the 20th (n=6/45.5%), and 30th (n=7/70.5%) days. Postoperative edema was observed in 31 (66%) patients, and recurrence of the lesion occurred in two (4.2%). Based on the data on complete clinical healing, minimal patient discomfort, and satisfactory esthetic results, we can confirm that FDIP by diode laser is a promising candidate for the safe and efficacious treatment of OVA.

Oral Rehabilitation of Marginal Maxillectomy Patient After Local Flap Reconstruction.

The treatment of oral cancer can lead to various oral complications, including oral defects, tissue deformation, and trismus in patients who have undergone oral cancer surgery with resection of any part of the maxillary. Restoring the ability to chew, swallow, and maintain esthetics is essential and a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to report a successful clinical case of preprosthetic surgery and prosthetic rehabilitation of a 65-year-old man who had undergone marginal maxillectomy, resulting in tissue scarring and a significant reduction in maximal mouth opening. The oral rehabilitation was achieved using a conventional removable prosthesis. This case demonstrates that preprosthetic surgery combined with conventional removable prosthesis is an effective strategy for complex rehabilitations providing functional and esthetic improvement in the affected area for patients with marginal maxillectomies resulting from oral cancer.

Accidental Intraoperative Mandibular Fracture in a Third Molar Surgery: When Surgical Skills Are Mandatory in the Face of Empiricism.

Iatrogenic mandible fractures are rare complications from third molar removal surgeries. While most documented cases stress risk factors inherent to the patient and tooth presentation in fractures' etiology, appreciation of the risk factors underlying the practitioner's skills is scarce. Here, we describe an intraoperative fracture in a healthy 26-year-old female resulting from an incompatible surgical technique during the right mandibular third molar removal. The patient showed facial swelling, pain, malocclusion, and significant mobility of the fractured segment. The surgical management involved an intraoral open reduction with the installation of titanium plates for the fixation of the bone segments. Thus, we highlight that acknowledging the extent of the operator's surgical skills should be part of comprehensive treatment planning, serving as a valuable measure to prevent iatrogenic mandible fractures besides avoiding a traumatic experience for the patient.

Management of oral leukoplakia with an 808-nm high-power diode laser: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: High-power diode laser emerges as a promising approach to the treatment of oral leukoplakia (OL); however, its short- and long-term effects have been barely explored. This study evaluated the postoperative endpoints and the recurrence rate of high-power diode laser treatment in a well-defined series of patients with OL. METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed on 22 individuals comprising 31 OL. The lesions were irradiated using the following protocol: Indium-Gallium-Arsenide diode laser, 808 nm, continuous-wave mode, 1.5-2.0 W, 780.0 ± 225.1 J, and 477.1 ± 131.8 s. Postoperative pain was assessed with a visual analog scale at three endpoints. Clinical follow-up was performed on all patients and the Kaplan-Meier test was used to analyze the probability of recurrence. RESULTS: The series consisted mostly of women (72.7%) with a mean age of 62.8 years. A single laser session was performed in 77.4% of cases. The median score on the scale that assessed pain on the 1st, 14th and 42nd postoperative day was 4, 1, and 0, respectively. The mean follow-up period per lesion was 28.6 months (range: 2-53 months). A complete response was observed in 93.5% of OL cases, while 6.5% had recurrence. The probability of recurrence at 39 months was 6.7%. No patient experienced malignant transformation. CONCLUSION: High-power diode laser for the treatment of OL is safe and effective during the trans- and postoperative period. These findings represent an alternative approach to the management of OL, mainly because a low recurrence rate was observed.

E-learning as a strategy in dentistry in the context of COVID-19: a path to follow?

The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of e-learning in compliance with the new biosafety recommendations in dentistry in the context of COVID-19 applied to the clinical staff of a dental school in Brazil. A quasi-experimental epidemiological study was carried out by means of a structured, pre-tested online questionnaire, applied before and after an educational intervention, using an e-learning format. After data collection, statistical tests were performed. A total of 549 members of the clinical staff participated in the study in the two collection phases, with a return rate of 26.9%. After the e-learning stage, a reduction was found in the reported use of disposable gloves, protective goggles, and surgical masks. The course had no impact on the staff's knowledge concerning the proper sequence for donning PPE and showed 100% effectiveness regarding proper PPE doffing sequence. Knowledge about avoiding procedures that generate aerosols in the clinical setting was improved. Despite the low rate of return, it can be concluded that online intervention alone was ineffective in significantly improving learning about the new clinical biosafety guidelines. Therefore, the use of hybrid teaching and repetitive training is highly recommended.

E-learning as a strategy in dentistry in the context of COVID-19: a path to follow?

Abstract The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of e-learning in compliance with the new biosafety recommendations in dentistry in the context of COVID-19 applied to the clinical staff of a dental school in Brazil. A quasi-experimental epidemiological study was carried out by means of a structured, pre-tested online questionnaire, applied before and after an educational intervention, using an e-learning format. After data collection, statistical tests were performed. A total of 549 members of the clinical staff participated in the study in the two collection phases, with a return rate of 26.9%. After the e-learning stage, a reduction was found in the reported use of disposable gloves, protective goggles, and surgical masks. The course had no impact on the staff's knowledge concerning the proper sequence for donning PPE and showed 100% effectiveness regarding proper PPE doffing sequence. Knowledge about avoiding procedures that generate aerosols in the clinical setting was improved. Despite the low rate of return, it can be concluded that online intervention alone was ineffective in significantly improving learning about the new clinical biosafety guidelines. Therefore, the use of hybrid teaching and repetitive training is highly recommended.

Indices in dental image exams for bone mineral density evaluation of aromatase inhibitor users.

We evaluated the accuracy of radiomorphometric indices (RI) and fractal dimension (FD) for screening bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal patients who had breast cancer and were using aromatase inhibitors (AI). The sample consisted of 40 participants. Digital panoramic radiography (DPR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were evaluated along with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is the gold standard for detecting low BMD. According to the T-scores of DXA, the subjects were assigned into two groups: with normal BMD and with low BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis). The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity with their respective confidence intervals were determined for DPR and CBCT. For DPR indices, AUC ranged from 52.6 to 75.8%. The mandibular cortical width (MCW) had the highest AUC. For FD, the total trabecular index had the highest sensitivity, while the index anterior to the mental foramen (MF) had the highest specificity. In CBCT, the AUC ranged from 51.8 to 62.0%. The indices with the highest AUC were the molar (M) and anterior (A). The symphysis (S) index had the highest sensitivity and the posterior (P) index had the highest specificity. Sensitivity and specificity were adequate for the computed tomography index (Inferior; CTI [I]). Therefore, MCW, FD of the mandible angle, and total trabecular ROI in DPR and the CTI (I), M, P, and A indices in CBCT proved to be promising tools in distinguishing individuals with low BMD. Cutoff point for these indices could be a useful tool to investigate low BMD in postmenopausal women taking AI.

Biosafety in Dental Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had quite an impact on dental health care. Concerns about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through contaminant fluids and droplet formation during several dental procedures highly impacted dental health care, drastically reducing the number of dental practices worldwide. To monitor SARS-CoV-2 contamination in dental clinics, a longitudinal study was carried out during the return of dental practice at university. Methods: Dental health care professionals [(DHCPs); teachers, undergraduate dental students, and dental assistants] and patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a dental school clinic environment from 11th January to 12th March 2021 (9 weeks). Serological testing was performed on DHCPs in two-time points. Additionally, samples with low Ct values were sequenced to identify the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant and possible transmission clusters. Results: We found a low number of dental staff (5.8%), patients (0.9%), and environment sites (0.8%) positive for SARS-CoV-2. Most positive cases had asymptomatic to mild symptoms, and two asymptomatic DHCPs presented prolonged infection. In the first week after previous exposure to COVID-19, 16.2% of DHCPs had IgM or IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and 1/3 of them had undetected antibodies in the last weeks. The variant zeta (P.2) could be detected. No cross-infection was observed between participants. Conclusion: Our study suggests that dental practice can be safely executed when adequate control measures and biosafety protocols are applied. DHCP and patient testing, patient telemonitoring, proper use of personal protection equipment, and sanitization of surfaces are essential to avoid SARS-CoV-2 cross-infection in dental practice.

Staff Knowledge and Attitudes Towards COVID-19 New Biosafety Practices at a Brazilian Dental School

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate knowledge and attitudes towards biosafety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic at a Brazilian dental school. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 with the clinical staff of a Brazilian dental school. The whole clinical staff was sent pre-tested self-administered online questionnaires about knowledge and attitudes towards the recommendations for biosafety in dental settings in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistical analyses were carried out for proportion calculation. Results Disposable head covering caps, isolation gowns, and gloves were the most frequently reported personal protective equipment (PPE). The rates ranged from 52.9% to 88.5% for N95 respirators, from 68.6% to 92.6% for face shields, from 47.4% to 67.5% for conventional eye protection shields, and 45.1% to 77.4% for eye protection with solid side shields. Chlorhexidine gluconate was the most frequent mouthwash indicated before clinical dental care. The percentage of agreement to provide clinical care to patients with suspected COVID-19 varied from 23.5% to 50.0%. The percentage of respondents who agreed that bioaerosol-generating procedures should be avoided was higher than 74.5%. Less than 50% knew the correct sequence for doffing of PPE. Conclusion This study revealed important gaps in knowledge and attitudes towards prevention and control measures against infection in dental environments in the context of COVID-19, indicating the need for improvements.

Indices in dental image exams for bone mineral density evaluation of aromatase inhibitor users

Abstract We evaluated the accuracy of radiomorphometric indices (RI) and fractal dimension (FD) for screening bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal patients who had breast cancer and were using aromatase inhibitors (AI). The sample consisted of 40 participants. Digital panoramic radiography (DPR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were evaluated along with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is the gold standard for detecting low BMD. According to the T-scores of DXA, the subjects were assigned into two groups: with normal BMD and with low BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis). The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity with their respective confidence intervals were determined for DPR and CBCT. For DPR indices, AUC ranged from 52.6 to 75.8%. The mandibular cortical width (MCW) had the highest AUC. For FD, the total trabecular index had the highest sensitivity, while the index anterior to the mental foramen (MF) had the highest specificity. In CBCT, the AUC ranged from 51.8 to 62.0%. The indices with the highest AUC were the molar (M) and anterior (A). The symphysis (S) index had the highest sensitivity and the posterior (P) index had the highest specificity. Sensitivity and specificity were adequate for the computed tomography index (Inferior; CTI [I]). Therefore, MCW, FD of the mandible angle, and total trabecular ROI in DPR and the CTI (I), M, P, and A indices in CBCT proved to be promising tools in distinguishing individuals with low BMD. Cutoff point for these indices could be a useful tool to investigate low BMD in postmenopausal women taking AI.

A Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst Associated with Compound Odontoma Mimicking a Tooth Germ.

Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is a rare cyst that affects mainly the anterior region of the jaws. Generally, it appears as a unilocular radiolucent lesion containing peripheral foci of calcification, but with radiographic variations depending on the type of presentation. Here, we report an atypical case of COC associated with odontoma, initially diagnosed as a tooth germ, in the posterior region of the mandible of a 10-year-old male patient. Interestingly, the radiographic aspect appeared as a unilocular radiolucent lesion without peripheral foci of calcification in the edentulous region, having its size increased after traction of the impacted tooth adjacent to that area. Thus, the case presented in this study is aimed at calling dentists' attention to its developmental changes and related pathologies.

Extra short 4mm implants used to rehabilitation of atrophic posterior mandible. A serial case reports.

Rehabilitation of patients through implants in areas with severe bone resorption in the posterior mandible is a challenge in implant dentistry. In this context, extra short implants configure a treatment option for this type of patient, as they can avoid increased financial cost, treatment time and patient morbidity. The present study evaluated the marginal bone stability in individualized extra-short implants for masticatory function in the posterior mandible. Using digitized periapical radiographs of 13 extra-short implants performed on 7 patients. The mesial and distal regions of each implant were selected, from the bone crest to the region parallel to the apex, and the bone stability of this crest was measured using the Image J software immediate T1 and 1 year after rehabilitation (T2). The height of the bone crest remained stable, showing no statistically significant difference between T1 and T2 (p> 0.005) for both the mesial bone crest and the distal bone crest in individual or united crowns rehabilitation. Marginal bone stability was observed in extra short implants, corroborating the biological and biomechanical stability of these implants presented in the literature. Despite the limited sample size and proservation time, extra-short implants are predictive treatment options for patients with severe bone atrophy in the posterior mandible. Key words:Extra-short implants, marginal bone loss, mandibular bone atrophy.

Coronectomy of partially erupted lower third molars performed by an undergraduate dentistry student: a case series.

PURPOSE: The coronectomy technique is an alternative to conventional impacted tooth removal which aims to reduce the risk of damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). The technique is usually performed by senior oral surgeons or residents in training. Herein, patients were treated in a single service, in which coronectomy was performed by an undergraduate dental student on partially erupted lower third molars. METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed on 21 individuals submitted to a total of 35 coronectomies. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: Overall, healing was within normal limits, without major complications and without permanent IAN injury. However, one case showed temporary IAN paraesthesia resolved within a month and two required repetitions of coronectomy due to the remaining enamel, but with a good final result. Root migration was observed in all cases, but no other surgery was required. CONCLUSION: Coronectomy may be an important option for treating partially erupted teeth in close nerve relationships, which could also be performed by trained undergraduate dental students. This series is interesting because it can encourage oral and maxillofacial surgeons to train undergraduate students and to stimulate their attraction and passion for surgery.

Diode laser surgery versus electrocautery in the treatment of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of diode laser and electrocautery techniques for inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (IFH) removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 40 individuals were randomly allocated to two groups: group 1 (G1) consisted of 20 individuals assigned to treatment with diode laser and group 2 (G2) consisted of 20 individuals assigned to treatment with electrocautery. The following transoperative parameters were evaluated: bleeding, temperature, and surgical technique parameters (energy deposited on tissue, flow rate, and time of incision). The postoperative parameters evaluated were as follows: pain, functional alterations (chewing, speaking), analgesic medication intake, swelling, healing of the wound area, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Among the 40 individuals included in the study, four (two in G1 and two in G2) did not complete the entire follow-up. Therefore, 36 individuals (18 in G1 and 18 in G2) participated. Participants in G1 and in G2 had similar demographic characteristics. No difference regarding the trans- or postoperative parameters evaluated was observed between G1 and G2 (p > 0.05). Also, no difference regarding the time for healing was observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser seems to be as effective and safe as electrocautery when applied under similar conditions for IFH removal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IFH corresponds to 65% of the lesions observed in denture wearers. This study shows that under similar conditions diode laser is as effective and safe as electrocautery for removal of IFH.

Unusual exophytic gingival lesion in a newborn treated with diode laser.

Gingival lesions rarely occur in newborns. However, when present, they commonly worry the parents and impair the infant's feeding, thus affecting growth. Such lesions are usually nonneoplastic in nature, although malignancies may develop; therefore, specimens must be submitted for histopathologic examination. A 2-month-old girl presented with a 10-mm nodule on the anterior lower alveolar ridge in association with natal tooth extraction and neonatal tooth eruption. The lesion was excised with high-power laser under local anesthesia, and a histopathologic diagnosis of a peripheral ossifying fibroma was made. In addition to peripheral ossifying fibromas being rare in newborns, the use of high-power lasers for surgical procedures in newborns have been proven to be safe, comfortable, and efficient.