Applications of Propolis in Dentistry: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a resinous substance obtained from the beehives that has antioxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-virus, anti-fungal, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to review the studies about the role of propolis in improving dental and oral health. METHODS: This study reviewed the published articles regarding the applications of propolis in dentistry. An electronic search of the literature was carried out in Farsi electronic databases including Google, Medlib.ir, SID, Iranmedex and Magiran as well as English electronic databases such as PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge. These databases were searched for articles published between 1997 and October 20, 2017. Non-dental books and journals were also manually searched. RESULTS: This study reviewed published articles on the efficacy of propolis for surgical wound healing, caries prevention, treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, treatment of aphthous ulcers and propolis as a storage medium for avulsed teeth, root canal irrigating solution and mouthwash. CONCLUSION: The result of the reviewed article showed that propolis is effective an agent that is used for multiple purpose in oral health.

Mandibular Rami Implant: A New Approach in Mandibular Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The mandible is an essential esthetic and functional component of the lower third of the face and its reconstruction has always been a challenge, especially after severe post-traumatic injuries. The purpose of the present report was to introduce a new approach of mandibular reconstruction in a patient who had lost the entire mandible except for the rami after being severely injured in a blast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new approach using a titanium mandibular rami implant technique was applied using computer-aided 3-dimensional virtual planning and rapid prototyping technology. A prosthetic component was supported by the mandibular implant, which achieved occlusion and dedicated function for the patient. RESULTS: This method offered precise adaptation of the implant and prosthesis and an easier surgical procedure, providing a shortened operation time, no donor site morbidity, and more predictable outcomes. CONCLUSION: This new technique allows reconstruction of large-scale mandibular defects that is not possible by conventional surgical methods.

Need for revision surgery after alveolar cleft repair.

The study assessed the need for revision surgery and the relating factors in alveolar cleft autogenous bone grafting in patients with complete cleft. It was a retrospective study carried out in 2009. The medical records of the 54 patients with alveolar cleft who underwent autogenous bone grafting in the maxillofacial department in Shariati Hospital from 2005 to 2008 were studied. The patients' age, sex, cleft type, age at palatal and alveolar clefts repair, tooth missing, surgery turn, and presence of orthodontic treatment were assessed. The patients' alveolar bone height was evaluated from their postoperative and follow-up panoramic radiographs. In general, 41% (n = 22) of patients needed revision surgery. Among all patients, 20 (37%) had secondary bone grafting and 34 (63%) had tertiary bone grafting. For 77% of the secondary unilateral clefts and 71% of bilateral ones, the remaining bone was at least three-fourths of the normal. Logistic regression model controlling for grafting time, surgery turn, orthodontic supervision, and age at palatal cleft closure showed that orthodontic treatment is associated with a lower need for revision surgery (odds ratio = 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-1.0). In conclusion, although alveolar cleft bone grafting is necessary for the reconstruction of the complete clefts, all these patients must be under the supervision of orthodontists to benefit from the surgical treatment.

Ewing sarcoma of the jaws.

Three cases of Ewing sarcoma in the jaw bones are presented. The first patient is a 43-year-old woman with a rapidly growing tumor in the hard palate. The second patient is a 9-year-old girl with tumor in the left mandibular ramus and body. In both patients, the tumors were excised with significant safe margins. However, postoperative histopathologic evaluation revealed the presence of tumor cells in bony margins, necessitating a second surgery. The third patient is a 9-year-old boy with tumor in the right mandibular ramus and body. In patients 1 and 2, chemotherapy failed to control the tumor; however, in patient 3, chemotherapy resulted in significant shrinkage of the tumor and no further growth.