Parameters affecting improvement of excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder caused by repetitive obstruction of the upper airway; this impairs gaseous exchange, resulting in hypoxia, hypercapnia, and frequent arousals. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common daytime symptom of OSA. EDS manifests as fatigue and impaired attention, leading to poor performance at work and falling asleep while driving, which is a major socioeconomic problem. Therefore, it is important to properly treat EDS and accurately predict the response to treatment. However, few studies have compared OSA patients showing and not showing improvement in EDS. Therefore, this study aimed to objectively analyze and compare EDS improvement and non-improvement groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 57 OSA patients with EDS. Patients were divided into two groups according to the improvement in EDS after positive airway pressure (PAP) device treatment. We analyzed differences in clinical records including patients' age, sex, history of smoking, hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular disease between the two groups. Systolic, diastolic blood pressure, blood test including blood glucose, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were also analyzed. Polysomnography (PSG) data, PAP device treatment compliance and scores of questionnaires related to various psychiatric symptoms, subjective sleep quality between the two groups were also analyzed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, or past medical history between the two groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and blood test results, were also not significantly different. Among the questionnaires related to various psychiatric symptoms, the groups showed statistically significant differences in Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS) and Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE) scores (P = 0.001 and 0.020, respectively). The group differences in the scores on the other questionnaires were not significantly different. Among the PSG items, significant group differences were observed in the percentage of stage 2 non-REM sleep (N2%, P = 0.023), apnea index (AI, P = 0.005), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI, P = 0.023), and frequency of 3 % oxygen desaturation (ODI3, P = 0.001). No obesity-related parameters showed significant group differences. The percentage of days on which a PAP device was used (out of 90 days; PAP%) and percentage of days on which a PAP device was used for >4 h (Time4%) did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The SADS, FNE, AI, AHI, N2%, and ODI3 parameters differed significantly between the EDS improvement and non-improvement groups. These parameters may help clinicians treat and predict the prognosis of patients suffering with EDS.

Is distal segment ostectomy essential for stabilization of the condylar position in patients with facial asymmetry?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the postoperative change in the position and stability of the mandibular condyle after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) and BSSRO with distal segmental ostectomy (DSO) in patients with facial asymmetry using 3D computed tomography. METHODS: The condyles of the patient diagnosed with facial asymmetry were divided into the deviated side (DS) and the non-deviated side (NDS). Group I, which was treated with BSSRO only, and Group II, which additionally received DSO along with BSSRO, were superimposed on the condyle using the pre-and postoperative 3D CT. The amount of condylar change in anteroposterior displacement, mediolateral displacement, and rotation was measured. The clinical symptoms of temporomandibular joint were also evaluated before and after surgery for each patient. RESULTS: Between Groups I and II, there was no statistically significant difference in the anteroposterior condylar position on both DS and NDS. And also, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in the mediolateral change on DS but, statistically significant difference on NDS. The change in the rotation of the condyle was observed to rotate inward from both condylar heads of Groups I and II, and a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups on both DS and NDS. Moreover, no difference in clinical temporomandibular joint symptoms was observed after surgery in each DS and NDS condyle of the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of analyzing the condylar position change of the group treated with BSSRO alone and the group treated with BSSRO and DSO in patients with facial asymmetry, there were statistically significant differences in the mediolateral displacement of NDS and the condyle rotation of NDS and DS. However, the anteroposterior condylar position did not show any difference in the bilateral condyles. In addition, since worsening clinical symptoms of bilateral temporomandibular joint were not observed before and after surgery in both groups, it is concluded that it is not necessary to accompany DSO in patients with facial asymmetry (minimum 3 mm, maximum 7 mm).

Positional changes of the mandibular condyle in unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy combined with intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy for asymmetric class III malocclusion.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the effects of sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) combined with intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) for the treatment of asymmetric mandible in class Ⅲ malocclusion patients were assessed and the postoperative stability of the mandibular condyle and the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 82 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for the treatment of facial asymmetry or mandibular asymmetry at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dong-A University Hospital, from 2016 to 2021 were selected. The patients that underwent SSRO with IVRO were assigned to Group I (n=8) and patients that received bilateral SSRO (BSSRO) to Group II (n=10, simple random sampling). Preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) axial images obtained for each group were superimposed. The condylar position changes and degree of rotation on the superimposed images were measured, and the changes in condyle based on the amount of chin movement for each surgical method were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Group I showed a greater amount of postoperative chin movement. For the amount of mediolateral condylar displacement on the deviated side, Groups I and II showed an average lateral displacement of 0.07 mm and 1.62 mm, respectively, and statistically significantly correlated with the amount of chin movement (P=0.004). Most of the TMD symptoms in Group I patients who underwent SSRO with IVRO showed improvement. CONCLUSION: When a large amount of mandibular rotation is required to match the menton to the midline of the face, IVRO on the deviated side is considered a technique to prevent condylar torque. In the present study, worsening of TMD symptoms did not occur after orthognathic surgery in any of the 18 patients.

Immediate implant placement following tooth extraction with simultaneous lateral sinus augmentation: a retrospective clinical study after at least 1 year of loading.

BACKGROUND: Lateral sinus augmentation is necessary when the residual bone height is insufficient in the posterior maxilla. Immediate implant placement following tooth extraction with lateral sinus augmentation will shorten the number of operations and treatment time. PURPOSE: To evaluate radiologic and clinical results for at least 1 year after loading in patients who underwent tooth extraction, implant placement, and lateral sinus augmentation at the same time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 35 implants placed in 25 patients. Preoperative and postoperative CBCT were compared and analyzed for residual bone height (RBH) and increased bone height (IBH), the initial torque value (ITV), and the implant stability quotient (ISQ). A comparative evaluation was performed between a 1-stage (non-submerged) group and a 2-stage (submerged) group. After loading for at least 1 year, clinical and radiological evaluations were performed to evaluate the survival rate. RESULTS: One of the 35 implants failed in osseointegration, and the remaining 34 showed successful results. The failure-free survival rate at 1 year was 97.06% (95% CI, 91.38-100.0%). The RBH ranged from 3.1 to 9.6 mm (mean, 5.62 ± 1.68 mm), and the IBH ranged from 3 to 15.3 mm (mean, 8.87 ± 2.74 mm). Among the RBH, ITV, ISQ, treatment period, final bone height, and failure evaluation by stage of implant placement, only ISQ showed statistical significance between the groups (p < .001). A comparison of RBH, ITV, and ISQ, regardless of group, showed that each value tended to increase, but there were no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate implant placement following tooth extraction with simultaneous lateral sinus augmentation is considered reliable even though the procedures had been performed at the same time.

The effect of autogenous tooth bone graft material without organic matter and type I collagen treatment on bone regeneration.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of particulate autogenous tooth graft removed with organic matter and type I collagen addition on bone regeneration and to validate the possibility of useful allograft material for jaw defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Autogenous tooth bone maker (Korean Dental Solution® KOREA) made particulate autogenous tooth not including organic matter. We used to the developed tooth grafts for experiment. Cell adhesion test with hemacytometer and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (Supra40 VP®, Carl Zeiss, Germany) analysis about the particulate autogenous tooth and type I collagen were performed. Rabbits were divided into three groups: bone graft with organic matter (OM) removing particulate autogenous tooth group, bone graft with OM removing particulate autogenous tooth and type I collagen group, and a control group. Bone grafting was performed in rabbit's calvaria. The rabbits were sacrificed at different interval at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after bone grafting for the histopathologic observation and observed the effect of bone regeneration by SEM, H-E & Masson stains, osteocalcin IHC staining. RESULT: In vitro cytopathological study showed affinity for cells, cell attachment pattern, and cell proliferation in the order of control group, OM-removed and collagen-treated group, OM-removed particulate autogenous tooth group. The results of the degree of mineralization were opposite to those of the previous cell experimental results, and the OM-removed group, OM-removed group and collagen-treated group were relatively higher than the control group. Histopathologic analysis showed that vascularization and neonatal bone formation were higher in particulate autogenous tooth group with removing OM and with addition of collagen than control group and group of OM removed only. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that osteocalcin (OSC) expression was not observed in the control group, but at 4 weeks groups, OSC expression was observed the OM removed and OM-removed-collagen-treated particulate autogenous tooth, and the degree of expression was somewhat stronger in group of the OM removed and collagen additionally treated particulate autogenous tooth. CONCLUSION: Particles that do not contain organic matter, the saint tooth, was responsible for sufficient bone graft material through the role of space maintenance and bone conduction, and further improved bone formation ability through additional collagen treatment. Therefore, research on various extracellular substrates and autologous bone grafting materials is necessary, and through this, it is possible to lay the foundation for a new type of autologous bone grafting material with excellent academic and technical utility.

Tenting effect of dental implant on maxillary sinus lift without grafting.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Maxillary sinus lift without grafting is an alternative procedure that is used to lower the risk of infection and facilitate the surgical procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tenting effect of the dental implant by measuring the amount and morphology of bone formation around it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 49 implants were placed in 26 patients by maxillary sinus lift without grafting. Radiographic images were taken preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively and used to evaluate the height of the residual bone, the width of the maxillary sinus, the amount of bone formation, and the adjacent tooth. RESULTS: The most common type of bone formed around the implant, as seen in 23 cases, was the same height as the apex of the implant; in 11 cases, it was 0-2 mm above the apex of the implant, and in 7 cases, 2 mm or more. Meanwhile, 5 cases showed defects. The tent type of bone formation, which showed more bone formation at the implant apex than in the surrounding bone, was overwhelmingly the most common. (80.4%) The amount of bone formation increased in proportion to the difference between the residual bone height and the implant length. (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The amount of bone formation in the sinus lift without grafting increased in proportion to the length of the implants in the maxillary sinus due to the tenting effect of the implant in the maxillary sinus membrane.

Immediate reconstruction of mandibular defect after treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) with rhBMP-2/ACS and miniplate: Review of 3 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to pursue, and to report the results of, mandibular reconstruction and rehabilitation of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) patients having large critical-sized defects of the mandible using a combination of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) with surgical miniplate without any grafting materials. CASE PRESENTATION: Three (3) patients aged 67 and 86 (2 patients) presented due to discomfort on the mandible. They all had a medical history of bisphosphonate and steroids treatment orally or intravenously, and all had been diagnosed as MRONJ stage 3. Sequestrectomy and saucerization were performed, and then a surgical miniplate (Hansolmedical, Korea) was adapted and fixed on the sound portion of the mandible. rhBMP-2 was loaded onto an ACS at a dose of 1.5 mg/cc. Several rhBMP-2 (Cowellmedi, Korea)/ACS (Ateloplug, TRMkorea, Korea) were placed into the bony defect with a surgical miniplate. All 3 patients recovered without complications. They all exhibited radiographic evidence of bone formation by 3 months postoperatively in every case. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 patients were treated successfully with rhBMP-2/ACS and miniplate without any complications. This protocol reported herein represents a new approach to the surgical treatment of maxillofacial bone defects and deficiencies, especially in MRONJ patients.

Cytoprotective effect of flavonoid-induced autophagy on bisphosphonate mediated cell death in osteoblast.

With rapid economic growth and further developments in medical science, the entry into the aging population is currently increasing, as is the number of patients with metabolic diseases, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, and diabetes. The current treatments for metabolic bone diseases, which are also on the rise, cause negative side effects. Bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis, inhibit the bone resorption ability of osteoclasts and during prolonged administration, cause bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Numerous studies have shown the potential role of natural plant products as flavonoids in the protection against osteoporosis and in the influence of bone remodeling. Autophagy occurs after the degradation of cytoplasmic components within the lysosome and serves as an essential cytoprotective response to pathologic stress caused by certain diseases. In the present study, we hypothesized that the cytoprotective effects of flavonoids might be related to those associated with autophagy, an essential cytoprotective response to the pathologic stress caused by certain diseases, in osteoblasts. We demonstrated the cytoprotective effect of flavonoid-induced autophagy against the toxicity of zoledronate and the induction of autophagy by flavonoids to support osteogenic transcription factors, leading to osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Further studies are necessary to clarify the connections between autophagy and osteogenesis. It would be helpful to shed light on methodological challenges through molecular biological studies and new animal models. The findings of the current study may help to delineate the potential role of flavonoids in the treatment of metabolic bone disease.

The Effects of Kaempferol-Inhibited Autophagy on Osteoclast Formation.

Kaempferol, a flavonoid compound, is derived from the rhizome of Kaempferia galanga L., which is used in traditional medicine in Asia. Autophagy has pleiotropic functions that are involved in cell growth, survival, nutrient supply under starvation, defense against pathogens, and antigen presentation. There are many studies dealing with the inhibitory effects of natural flavonoids in bone resorption. However, no studies have explained the relationship between the autophagic and inhibitory processes of osteoclastogenesis by natural flavonoids. The present study was undertaken to investigate the inhibitory effects of osteoclastogenesis through the autophagy inhibition process stimulated by kaempferol in murin macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells. The cytotoxic effect of Kaempferol was investigated by MTT assay. The osteoclast differentiation and autophagic process were confirmed via tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, pit formation assay, western blot, and real-time PCR. Kaempferol controlled the expression of autophagy-related factors and in particular, it strongly inhibited the expression of p62/SQSTM1. In the western blot and real time-PCR analysis, when autophagy was suppressed with the application of 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) only, osteoclast and apoptosis related factors were not significantly affected. However, we found that after cells were treated with kaempferol, these factors inhibited autophagy and activated apoptosis. Therefore, we presume that kaempferol-inhibited autophagy activated apoptosis by degradation of p62/SQSTM1. Further study of the p62/SQSTM1 gene as a target in the autophagy mechanism, may help to delineate the potential role of kaempferol in the treatment of bone metabolism disorders.

Lateral approach for maxillary sinus membrane elevation without bone materials in maxillary mucous retention cyst with immediate or delayed implant rehabilitation: case reports.

This case series study demonstrates the possibility of successful implant rehabilitation without bone augmentation in the atrophic posterior maxilla with cystic lesion in the sinus. Sinus lift without bone graft using the lateral approach was performed. In one patient, the cyst was aspirated and simultaneous implantation under local anesthesia was performed, whereas the other cyst was removed under general anesthesia, and the sinus membrane was elevated in a second process, followed by implantation. In both cases, tapered 11.5-mm-long implants were utilized. With all of the implants, good stability and appropriate bone height were achieved. The mean bone level gain was 5.73 mm; adequate bone augmentation around the implants was shown, the sinus floor was moved apically, and the cyst was no longer radiologically detected. Completion of all of the treatments required an average of 12.5 months. The present study showed that sufficient bone formation and stable implantation in a maxilla of insufficient bone volume are possible through sinus lift without bone materials. The results serve to demonstrate, moreover, that surgical treatment of mucous retention cyst can facilitate rehabilitation. These techniques can reduce the risk of complications related to bone grafts, save money, and successfully treat antral cyst.

Removal of submandibular calculi by surgical method and hydraulic power with curved needle: a case report.

Sialolithiasis, the most common salivary gland pathology, is caused by calculi in the gland itself and its duct. While patients with small sialoliths can undergo conservative treatment, those with standard-size or larger sialoliths require sialolithotomy. In the present case study, we removed two sialoliths located beneath the mucosa in the posterior and anterior regions of Wharton's duct, respectively. For the posterior calculus, we performed sialolithotomy via an intra-oral approach; thereafter, the small anterior calculus near the duct orifice was removed by hydraulic power. This method has not previously been reported. There were no complications either during the operation or postoperatively, and the salivary function of the gland remained normal.

Comparison of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-infused absorbable collagen sponge, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-coated tricalcium phosphate, and platelet-rich fibrin-mixed tricalcium phosphate for sinus augmentation in rabbits.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Numerous grafting materials have been used in the bone regeneration of maxillary sinus to obtain a sufficient amount of new bone in implant dentistry. The objective of this study was to compare the potentials of Type I absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) impregnated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2, rhBMP-2-coated tricalcium phosphate (TCP), platelet-rich fibrin-mixed TCP for enhancing bone regeneration in sinus augmentation in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sinus defects were grafted with rhBMP-2+ACS (Group A), rhBMP-2-coated TCP (Group B), and platelet-rich fibrin-mixed TCP (Group C). The specimens underwent decalcification, and were stained for histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in inflammatory features among the groups 1-week postoperation. In a histomorphometric analysis, the new bone formation ratio showed significant differences between groups at 2 weeks. rhBMP-2+ACS showed a larger and more rapid bone formation area at 2 weeks than those of Groups B and C. CONCLUSION: Our histological evaluation demonstrates that Type I ACS can be used as a carrier of rhBMP-2, and rhBMP-2+ACS showed rapid bone formation, remodeling, and calcification at Week 2 in rabbit.

The role of kaempferol-induced autophagy on differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

BACKGROUND: Kaempferol, a kind of flavonol, has been reported to possess various osteogenic biological activities, such as inhibiting bone resorption of osteoclasts and promoting the differentiation and mineralization of preosteoblasts. However, the precise cellular mechanism of action of kaempferol in osteogenesis is elusive. Autophagy is a major intracellular degradation system, which plays an important role in cell growth, survival, differentiation and homeostasis in mammals. Recent studies showed that autophagy appeared to be involved in the degradation of osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes, potentially pointing to a new pathogenic mechanism of bone homeostasis and bone marrow disease. The potential correlation between autophagy, osteogenesis and flavonoids is unclear. METHODS: The present study verified that kaempferol promoted osteogenic differentiation and mineralization and that it elevated osteogenic gene expression based on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining and quantitative PCR. And then we found that kaempferol induced autophagy by acridine orange (AO) and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining and autophagy-related protein expression. The correlation between kaempferol-induced autophagy and the osteogenic process was confirmed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). RESULTS: Kaempferol promoted the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts at a concentration of 10 µM. Kaempferol showed cytotoxic properties at concentrations above 50 µM. Concentrations above 10 µM decreased ALP activity, whereas those up to 10 µM increased ALP activity. Kaempferol at concentrations up to 10 µM also increased the expression of the osteoblast- activated factors RUNX-2, osterix, BMP-2 and collagen I according to RT-PCR analyses. 10 µM or less, the higher of the concentration and over time, kaempferol promoted the activity of osteoblasts. Kaempferol induced autophagy. It also increased the expression of the autophagy-related factors beclin-1, SQSTM1/p62 and the conversion of LC3-II from LC3-I. The application of 3-MA decreased the activity of ALP and the autophagy induced by kaempferol. In the RT-PCR analysis, the expression of RUNX-2, osterix, BMP-2 and collagen I was decreased. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that kaempferol stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of cultured osteoblasts by inducing autophagy.

Temporomandibular joint disorder from skull-base osteomyelitis: a case report.

Skull-base osteomyelitis is a rare disease affecting the medulla of the temporal, sphenoid, and occipital bones. In general, it occurs due to external ear canal infections caused by malignant external otitis. Skull-base osteomyelitis usually affects elderly diabetic patients. The patient, a 58-year-old man, was referred for evaluation and management of the left jaw. Clinical examination of the patient revealed pain in the left jaw and mouth-opening deflection to the left. The maximum active mouth opening was measured to about 27 mm. Panoramic, CT, and CBCT revealed bone resorption patterns in the left condyle. Through control of diabetes, continued pharmacological treatment, arthrocentesis, and occlusal stabilization appliance therapy were carried out. The extent of active mouth opening was increased to 45 mm, and pain in the left jaw joint was alleviated. This was a case wherein complications caused by failure to control diabetes induced skull-base osteomyelitis. There is a need for continued discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of arthrocentesis with lavage for patients with skull-base osteomyelitis and other treatment options.

Reconstruction of extensive jaw defects induced by keratocystic odontogenic tumor via patient-customized devices.

Keratocystic odontogenic tumors can occur in any area of the maxilla or mandible. According to their size, location, and relations with surrounding structures, they are treated by cyst enucleation or enucleation after either marsupialization or decompression. Enucleation is performed when cysts are not large and when only minor damage to adjacent anatomical structures is expected. Although marsupialization and decompression follow the same basic bone-regeneration principle, which is to say, by reducing the pressure within the cyst, the former leaves a large defect after healing due to the large fistula necessary to induce the conversion of the cyst-lining epithelia to oral epithelia; the latter leaves only a relatively small defect, because of the continuous washing carried out by means of a tube inserted into a small hole in the cyst. In the latter case too, a decompressor appropriate for the focal position is required, owing to the importance of maintaining the device and controlling for oral hygiene. We report herein decompression treatment with a patient-customized device for an extensive cyst in the anterior region of the mandible.

Facial asymmetry: a case report of localized linear scleroderma patient with muscular strain and spasm.

Facial asymmetry is found in patients with or without cosmetic facial alterations. Some patients have facial asymmetry that manifests underlying skeletal problems, while others have only limited soft-tissue facial asymmetry. Orthognathic surgery brings about a dermatic change, as soft tissue covers underlying bones. Limited soft-tissue asymmetry, meanwhile, is difficult to correct. The treatment modalities for the creation or restoration of an esthetically pleasing appearance were autogenous fat grafts, cartilage graft, and silicon injections. A young female patient had right-side facial asymmetry. The clinical assessment involved visual inspection of the face and palpation to differentiate soft tissue and bone. Although the extra-oral examination found facial asymmetry with skin atrophy, the radiographic findings revealed no mandibular atrophy or deviation. She was diagnosed as localized scleroderma with muscle spasm. In conclusion, facial asymmetry patients with skeletal asymmetry can be esthetically satisfied by orthognathic surgery; however, facial atrophy patients with skin or subdermal tissue contraction need treatment by cosmetic dermatological surgery and orthodontic correction.

Complication rates in patients using absorbable collagen sponges in third molar extraction sockets: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the postoperative complication rates for absorbable type-I collagen sponge (Ateloplug; Bioland) use in third molar extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January to August 2013, 2,697 total patients undergoing third molar extraction and type-I collagen sponge application in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Yonsei University Dental Hospital (1,163 patients) and Dong-A University Hospital (1,534 patients) were evaluated in a retrospective study using their operation and medical records. RESULTS: A total of 3,869 third molars in 2,697 patients were extracted and the extraction sockets packed with type-I collagen sponges to prevent postoperative complications. As a result, the overall complication rate was 4.52%, with 3.00% experiencing surgical site infection (SSI), 1.14% showing alveolar osteitis, and 0.39% experiencing hematoma. Of the total number of complications, SSI accounted for more than a half at 66.29%. CONCLUSION: Compared to previous studies, this study showed a relatively low incidence of complications. The use of type-I collagen sponges is recommended for the prevention of complications after third molar extraction.

The usefulness of cephalometric measurement as a diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterized by apnea and hypopnea maintained for over 10 seconds and occurring at least 5 times per hour, with at least 30 episodes during 7 hours of nocturnal sleep. The most important pathophysiology in OSAS is the obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. The aim of this study was to identify the correlations between lateral cephalometric parameters, which seemed to be related to OSAS severities, and polysomnography (PSG) indices and to thus determine the cephalometric parameters reflecting OSAS severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 140 participants (122 males, 18 females) were evaluated by lateral cephalography and PSG. A total of 29 measurements (24 distances and 5 angles) were made on lateral cephalography. Cephalometric and PSG parameters were evaluated statistically to select and validate the cephalometric parameters reflecting OSAS severity. RESULT: OSAS has a significant relationship with the anatomic deformities of craniofacial and soft tissues. Lateral cephalometry revealed that patients with OSAS have a significant vertical airway length, a regrognathic mandible, a thick uvula, a large tongue, and a long mid-face length. The position of the hyoid bone had a tendency to displace inferiorly and/or posteriorly. Using the discriminant variable combination, including tongue base-posterior nasal spine (T1-PNS), sella-nasion-B point angle (SNB), maximum uvula thickness (Max U), tongue base-tongue tip (T1-TT), and nasion-anterior nasal spine (N-ANS), 102 of 140 (72.9%) patients were correctly assigned to the normal-to-mild and moderate-to-severe apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral cephalometric radiography may be an accessible and suitable tool for evaluation of craniofacial and soft tissue deformities in their correlations with OSAS severity. Further research on the cephalometric parameters reflecting OSAS severity is needed.

Effect of simultaneous therapy of arthrocentesis and occlusal splints on temporomandibular disorders: anterior disc displacement without reduction.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the effect of simultaneous application of arthrocentesis and occlusal splint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 43 patients (3 males, 40 females) whose symptoms had improved was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dong-A University Hospital between 2008 and 2010. Subjects were divided into three groups: Group A (17 patients with arthrocentesis and occlusal splints simultaneously applied), Group B (13 patients whose symptoms did not improve with occlusal splints, undergoing arthrocentesis after occlusal splint use for 8 weeks), and Group C (13 patients that only used occlusal splints). We compared these groups in maximum comfortable opening (MCO) and the visual analogue scale of pain and noise. Follow-up was performed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. RESULTS: The improvement of symptoms was noted in all three groups, but Group A had a quicker improvement than the other groups, in terms of pain reduction and MCO increases. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous application of arthrocentesis and occlusal splints can reduce patient discomfort more quickly.

A comparative study of the effectiveness of sinus bone grafting with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2-coated tricalcium phosphate and platelet-rich fibrin-mixed tricalcium phosphate in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this histologic study was to evaluate platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)-mixed tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 2 (rhBMP-2)-coated TCP in their potential to enhance bone regeneration in sinus elevation in rabbits as well as in their inflammatory features. STUDY DESIGN: Bilateral round-shaped defects (diameter 8.0 mm) were formed in the maxillary anterior sinus walls of 36 New Zealand white rabbits. The defects were grafted with TCP only (control group), with rhBMP-2-coated TCP (experimental group A) and with PRF-mixed TCP (experimental group B). Each group included 12 rabbits. The animals were killed at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks. The specimens underwent decalcification and were stained for histologic analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in inflammatory features among the groups at 3 days or the first week after operation. In a histomorphometric analysis, the new bone formation ratio showed significant differentiation between groups A and B. The TCP-only control group showed a relatively lower bone formation ratio rather than the experimental groups. The PRF-mixed TCP group showed a larger bone formation area, compared with both the control group and group A. CONCLUSIONS: In the results of the histologic evaluation (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome stain), the experimental groups A and B showed rapid bone formation, remodeling, and calcification in the second week. Moreover, there was a significant difference between those experimental groups and the control group in the new bone formation area at the fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks. The PRF-mixed TCP showed more rapid bone healing than the rhBMP-2-coated TCP or the TCP-only control.