Comparison of hybrid arch bar versus conventional arch bar for temporary maxillomandibular fixation during treatment of jaw fractures: a prospective comparative study.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a hybrid arch bar (hAB) with the conventional Erich arch bar (EAB) for the management of jaw fractures, focusing on their use for temporary fixation in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with maxillary and mandibular fractures at our institution were included in this prospective, comparative study. Placement time and ease of occlusal reproducibility were recorded intraoperatively for Group A (hAB patients) and Group B (EAB patients). The primary outcome was comparison of the postoperative stability of the two arch bars. Postoperative measurements also included mucosal overgrowth, screw loosening or wire retightening, and replacement rates. The data were tabulated and computed with a P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 41 patients. A statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative stability scores (3) between Group A and Group B (85.0% vs 9.5%, P=0.001). The mean placement time in Group A (23.3 minutes) significantly differed from that in Group B (86.4 minutes) (P<0.001). The ease of intraoperative occlusion was not different between the two groups (P=0.413). Mucosal overgrowth was observed in 75.0% of patients (15 of 20) in Group A. Conclusion: The hAB was superior to EAB in clinical efficiency, maxillomandibular fixation time reduction, stability, versatility, and safety. Despite temporary mucosal overgrowth, the benefits of hAB outweigh the disadvantages. The choice between hAB and EAB should be based on specific clinical requirements.

Acrylic "lollipop" for jaw rehabilitation after release of joint ankylosis in paediatric patients.

Falls are a leading cause of injuries to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the paediatric age group. In low- and middle-income nations, after injury to a child's chin, a careful clinical examination of the mandible and TMJ is sometimes omitted. Paediatric mandibular condylar fractures tend to shatter the relatively narrow condylar head, leading to ankylosis to the skull base, which leads to debilitating progressive deformity.1 Early surgical release is then the sole modality of treatment and needs to be followed up by several weeks of active mouth-opening exercises to prevent re-ankylosis, which are crucial in the immediate post-operative period. Unfortunately, as patient cooperation is low owing to uncomfortable jaw mobilization, we fabricated a simple acrylic appliance which is easy to use.

Post-traumatic tuberculosis of Zygoma - An uncommon presentation.

Tubercular osteomyelitis of mid-facial bones is extremely rare because of its immense vascular supply. Due to rare incidence, myriad presentation, and lack of specific symptoms, this condition presents a challenge in diagnosis and calls for acute clinical awareness. This article presents a case report of a 31-year-old martial artist with complaints of trauma to his right malar region since one month and a gradually increasing swelling below his right eye for 3 weeks without any discharge. A diagnosis of primary Tuberculosis of right zygomatic bone was made with the help of multiple diagnostic tools. The patient was treated with four drug anti-tubercular therapy and responded with complete recovery from disease.

Triclosan: Hazards of Overuse are not limited to Antibiotics.

Antibiotic abuse by patients and overprescription by some dentists are problems in modern healthcare practice. Less understood are the deleterious effects of antiseptics in oral care products marketed for routine home use. Ample literature exists to condemn the routine use of mouthrinses, but criticism focuses on alcohol content and its effects on oral mucosa.1 We highlight the more insidious problem of triclosan, which is added as an antiseptic to toothpastes and mouthrinses.

Bone wax to improvise a screw-holder: a makeshift emergency tool.

A missing screw-holder threatened cancellation of a case of facial trauma surgery. We present a simple makeshift tool using bone wax to improvise a temporary replacement for the screw-holder missing in our surgical instrument kit. This impromptu set-up is especially useful when operating in the field and faced with mass casualties.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia: A rare lesion that mimics oral cancer clinically and histopathologically.

With screening for oral cancer being increasingly performed by physicians, ulceroproliferative lesions of the oral cavity that resemble carcinoma may present a diagnostic challenge. We present one such case wherein the lesion resolved spontaneously after incisional biopsy. A clinical diagnosis of necrotizing sialometaplasia was confirmed by histopathology. General medical practitioners and otolaryngologists should consider this rare lesion in the work up of a suspicious oral ulcer. Decisions must be based on biopsy and clinicians should resist the urge to make diagnoses unsupported by biopsy or at least toluidine blue staining.

Quasi-surgical technique for easy removal of broken tooth roots.

We describe a new technique for the removal of broken tooth roots utilizing existing dental equipment.

Dental implications of bisphophonate-related osteonecrosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim is to explore the current theories about clinical , pathological and dental management of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Also discussed are the actions of bisphosphonates, pathogenesis related to the susceptibility of jaws, the predisposing risk factors for the development of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) and diagnostic criteria based on the literature review. DISCUSSION: Osteoporosis is a disease that generally affects the mineral status of both cortical and trabecular bone in post menopausal women. Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that preserve and increase bone mass. Bisphosphonate drugs are classified according to use and method of delivery. The bisphosphonates used for the treatment of osteoporosis are taken orally. Little is known about the side effects and dangers of the long-term use of therapeutic doses of Bisphosphonates. A recent complication reported is osteonecrosis of jaws. The use of IV bisphosphonates for multiple myeloma and metastatic bone diseases suggests that dosage, length of treatment, and route of administration, as well as cofactors such as use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents, and dental surgery, could all be related to the incidence of BRONJ. This review provides an update on current knowledge about clinical, pathological and management aspects of BRONJ. CONCLUSIONS: Little evidence exists to direct the prosthodontic management of patients with a history of bisphosphonate use. Patients with active osteonecrosis related to bisphosphonate use have reduced tissue tolerance to function with removable prostheses and decreased potential for osseointegration of dental implants. Decisions should be based on clinical judgment tempered by the presenting conditions, medical profile, and patient needs. A better understanding would help in a dental setting to prevent any complication and help to improve the prognosis for those being treated for osteoradionecrosis.Until further evidence emerges regarding management of patients with active bisphosphonate- related osteonecrosis, conservative prosthodontic treatment is reasonable and prudent.

Socket sclerosis: a rare complication obstructing orthodontic tooth movement.

Socket sclerosis is usually asymptomatic and does not require any treatment. The only potential complication arises during orthodontic treatment, wherein a sclerosed socket of the premolars may be an obstacle in closing spaces by movement of teeth through the extraction space. This article demonstrates the problems encountered during the orthodontic treatment of a 20-year-old woman with socket sclerosis and the treatment strategy employed to overcome the same.