Biocompatibility and histological responses of eggshell membrane for dental implant-guided bone regeneration.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) utilizing eggshell membrane (ESM) as a potential biomaterial for dental implant therapy augmentation was explored in this study. ESM, an environmentally friendly waste product, possesses collagen-rich characteristics. The biocompatibility and histological responses of ESM were investigated in a rat model. Twelve young adult Wistar rats were used in this study. ESM samples were implanted in subcutaneous and intramuscular pockets, and samples were collected at 48 hours, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post-implantation. Histological analysis revealed the changes in ESM over time. Results showed that ESM maintained its structural integrity, induced a moderate cellular response, and exhibited slow degradation, indicating potential biocompatibility. However, the lack of organized collagen arrangement in ESM led to the formation of irregular and polymorphic spaces, allowing cell migration. Encapsulation of ESM by newly proliferating collagen fibers and multinucleated giant cells was observed at later time points, indicating a foreign body reaction. Crosslinking might improve its performance as a separation membrane, as it has the potential to resist enzymatic degradation and enhance biomechanical properties. In conclusion, ESM demonstrated biocompatibility, slow degradation, and lack of foreign body reaction. While not suitable as a complete separation membrane due to irregular collagen arrangement, further research involving crosslinking could enhance its properties, making it a viable option for guided bone regeneration applications in dental implant therapy. This study highlights the potential of repurposing waste materials for medical purposes and underscores the importance of controlled collagen structure in biomaterial development.

Botulinum Toxin Injection into the Digastric Muscle: Current Clinical Use and a Report of Five Cases.

The present research aimed to review the clinical applications of botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injection into the anterior belly of the digastric muscle (ABDM) and to highlight the potential role of the BTX-A injection into ABDM in preventing postsurgical relapse. Five Class II malocclusion patients who underwent orthognathic surgery received BTX-A injections into both ABDM for the prevention of postoperative relapse. The relapse was evaluated using lateral cephalometric radiographs by comparing the postoperative cephalometric analyses at two different time points, postoperatively at 2 weeks (T1), and long-term, at 9 months after the surgical intervention (T2). The results demonstrated no significant differences between T2 and T1 for the Selle-Nasion-point A (SNA) angle, Selle-Nasion-point B (SNB) angle, point A-Nasion-point B (ANB) angle, mandibular length, and sagittal mandibular position. The patients exhibited stable occlusion without any signs of relapse after the surgery. A single BTX-A injection into the ABDM can effectively prevent postoperative relapse in Class II malocclusion patients, following orthognathic surgery. From a clinical perspective, in case of optimal dosage and procedure, BTX-A injection could be considered as the primary option for the prevention of postsurgical relapse for Class II malocclusion patients.

Comparison of the Eggshell and the Porcine Pericardium Membranes for Guided Tissue Regeneration Applications.

Guided bone regeneration is frequently used to reconstruct the alveolar bone to rehabilitate the mastication using dental implants. The purpose of this article is to research the properties of eggshell membrane (ESM) and its potential application in tissue engineering. The study focuses on the structural, mechanical, and histological characteristics of ESM extracted from Gallus domesticus eggs and to compare them to a commercially available porcine pericardium membrane (Jason® membrane, botiss biomaterials GmbH, Zossen, Germany). Thus, histology was performed on the ESM, and a comparison of the microstructure through scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was conducted. Also, mechanical tensile strength was evaluated. Samples of ESM were prepared and treated with alcohol for fixation and disinfection. Histological analysis revealed that the ESM architecture is constituted out of loose collagen fibers. However, due to the random arrangement of collagen fibers within the membrane, it might not be an effective barrier and occlusive barrier. Comparative analyses were performed between the ESM and the AFM examinations and demonstrated differences in the surface topography and mechanical properties between the two membranes. The ESM exhibited rougher surfaces and weaker mechanical cohesion attributed to its glycoprotein content. The study concludes that while the ESM displays favorable biocompatibility and resorb ability, its non-uniform collagen arrangement limits its suitability as a guided bone regeneration membrane in the current non-crosslinked native form. Crosslinking techniques may enhance its properties for such applications. Further research is needed to explore modifications and processing methods that could leverage the ESM's unique properties for tissue engineering purposes.

Developing New Diagnostic Tools Based on SERS Analysis of Filtered Salivary Samples for Oral Cancer Detection.

Cancer still represents one of the biggest challenges in current medical practice. Among different types of cancer, oral cancer has a huge impact on patients due to its great visibility, which is more likely to create social stigma and increased anxiety. New early diagnose methods are still needed to improve treatment efficiency and patients' life quality. Raman/SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) spectroscopy has a unique and powerful potential for detecting specific molecules that can become priceless biomarkers in different pathologies, such as oral cancer. In this study, a batch of saliva samples obtained from a group of 17 patients with oro-maxillofacial pathologies compared with saliva samples from 18 healthy donors using the aforementioned methods were evaluated. At the same time, opiorphin, potassium thiocyanate and uric acid were evaluated as potential specific biomarkers for oro-maxillofacial pathologies using multivariate analysis. A careful examination of SERS spectra collected on saliva samples showed that the spectra are dominated by the vibrational bands of opiorphin, potassium thiocyanate and uric acid. Given the fact that all these small molecules are found in very small amounts, we filtrated all the samples to get rid of large molecules and to improve our analysis. By using solid plasmonic substrates, we were able to gain information about molecular concentration and geometry of interaction. On the other hand, the multivariate analysis of the salivary spectra contributed to developing a new detection method for oral cancer.

The Impact of Benign Jawbone Tumors on the Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion in Children: A Ten-Year Follow-Up Study.

This study aimed to provide a complex analysis of the modifications in craniofacial skeleton development that may arise following the diagnosis of pediatric benign jaw tumors. A prospective study was undertaken involving 53 patients younger than 18 years of age, who presented for treatment at the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, with a primary benign jaw lesion between 2012 and 2022. A total of 28 odontogenic cysts (OCs), 14 odontogenic tumors (OTs), and 11 non-OTs were identified. At follow-up, dental anomalies were identified in 26 patients, and overjet changes were found in 33 children; lateral crossbite, midline shift, and edge-to-edge bite were found in 49 cases; deep or open bite were found in 23 patients. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were found in 51 children, with unilateral TMJ changes identified in 7 cases and bilateral modifications found in 44 patients. Degenerative changes in the TMJ were also diagnosed in 22 pediatric patients. Although benign lesions could be associated with dental malocclusions, a direct etiological factor could be not identified. The presence of jaw tumors or their surgical treatment could, however, be linked to a change of the occlusal relationships or the onset of a TMD.

Radioiodine-131 Therapy Used for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Can Impair Titanium Dental Implants: An In Vitro Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to assess, in vitro, the effects of radioiodine-131 (I-131) on the structure of titanium implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 titanium implants were divided into 7 groups (n = 4) and irradiated at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 192 and 384 hours. At the end of the experiment, each sample was investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical measures. RESULTS: The control sample revealed a smooth and compact surface. The small micro-sized porosity is slightly visible at the macroscopic level, but the precise details cannot be observed. A mild exposure to the radioactive solution for 6 to 24 h showed a good preservation of the macro-structural aspects such as thread details and surface quality. Significant changes occurred after 48 h of exposure. It was noticed that the open-circuit potential (OCP) value of the non-irradiated implants move toward more noble potentials during the first 40 min of exposure to the artificial saliva and then stabilizes at a constant value of -143 mV. A displacement of the OCP values toward more negative values was observed for all irradiated implants; these potential shifts are decreasing, as the irradiation period of the tested implants increased. CONCLUSION: After exposure to I-131, the structure of titanium implants is well preserved up to 12 h. The eroded particles start to appear in the microstructural details after 24 h of exposure and their numbers progressively increase up to 384 h after exposure.

High-Frequency Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in the Head and Neck Region.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the human body and unfortunately the incidence continues to increase. NMSC is represented by the basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), which are the most prevalent forms, and basosquamous cell carcinomas (BSC) together with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), which are rare types but with a very aggressive pattern and poor prognosis. The pathological diagnosis is hard to assess without a biopsy, even by the dermoscopy. Moreover, the staging can be problematic because there is no access clinically to the thickness of the tumor and the depth of the invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ultrasonography (US), which is a very efficient imaging method, non-irradiating and cheap, in diagnosis and treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer in the head and neck region. Thirty-one patients with highly suspicious malignant lesions of the head and neck skin were evaluated in the Oral and Maxillo-facial Surgery Department and Imaging Department in Cluj Napoca, Romania. All tumors were measured with three transducers: 13 MHz, 20 MHz and 40 MHz. Doppler examination and elastography were also used. The length, width, diameter, thickness, the presence of necrosis, status of regional lymph nodes, the presence of hyperechoic spots, strain ratio and vascularization were all recorded. After that, all patients were treated by surgical resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the defect. Immediately after surgical resection, all tumors were measured again after the same protocol. The resection margins were evaluated by all three types of transducers in order to detect malignant involvement and the results were compared with the histopathological report. We found that the 13 MHz transducers offered a big picture of the tumor but the level of details, in the form of the presence of the hyperechoic spots, is reduced. We recommend this transducer for evaluation of surgical margins or for the large skin tumors. The 20 and 40 MHz transducers are better for viewing the particularities of malignant lesions and for an accurate measurement; however, in the case of large size lesions, assessing all three dimensions of the tumor can be difficult. The intralesional hyperechoic spots are present in case of BCC and they can be used for differential diagnosis of BCC.

Characterization of eggshell as a bio-regeneration material.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify and summarize the characteristic features of eggshell for regeneration purpose in oral surgery procedures. Methods: A review of literature was undertaken based on the PubMed database. A search to reveal the current state of knowledge and the current uses of the eggshell as a biomaterial was performed. The characteristics of the materials, the specific use, the procedure and the outcome were extracted from the articles. Results: The materials have been found to be used in humans, animals, and in vitro studies. There is a wide use regarding oral surgery especially in experimental models. There have also been attempts to enhance certain properties and improve the capabilities of eggshell as a biomaterial. There is yet a commercial product to be developed and approved for human use. Conclusions: Eggshell can be an important biowaste which can be of use in guided bone regeneration procedures, but it has not yet entered the commercial phase and approval through official regulation channels.

The Value of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Preoperative Differential Diagnosis of Parotid Gland Tumors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the value of multiparametric MRI in the preoperative differential diagnosis of parotid tumors, which is essential for therapeutic strategy selection. METHODS: A three-year prospective study was conducted with 65 patients. Each patient was investigated preoperatively with multiparametric MRI and surgical excision of the tumor was performed. The preoperative imaging diagnosis was compared with the histopathological report. Several MRI parameters were analyzed, including T1 and T2 weighted image (WI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), time to peak (TTP), and the time intensity curve (TIC). RESULTS: In the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant tumors, T2WI and ADC showed statistically significant differences. Multiparametric MRI had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 81.8%, 88.6% and 92.3%, respectively. All of the studied parameters (T1, T2, TIC, TTP, ADC) were significantly different in the comparison between pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors. With reference to the scope of this study, the conjunction of multiparametric and conventional MRI demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 94.1%, 100%, and 97.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological analysis using conventional MRI combined with diffusion-weighted imaging (DW) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) multiparametric MRI improved the preoperative differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumors.

Benign Pediatric Jawbone Lesions: A 10-Year Clinical and Radiological Pilot Study.

This study aimed at presenting a retrospective longitudinal analysis of the pediatric jaw lesions treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, over a timeframe of ten years (2012 to 2022). The clinical and radiological characteristics of the jawbone lesions, the treatment outcome, and the recurrence incidence were described. All consecutive patients aged below 18 years, with histologically diagnosed odontogenic tumors (OTs), nonodontogenic tumors (non-OTs), or odontogenic cysts (OCs) were included. Age, dentition type, clinical symptoms, preoperative and postoperative radiological tests, histological diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up information one year following the diagnoses were all examined. Eighty-two cases were included. The ratio of men to women was 1.15:1, with the mandible predominating by 64.4%. Inflammatory radicular cysts predominated in 31.7% of cases. A total of 42.68% of the patients were asymptomatic. Enucleation was the most frequent surgical technique (45.1%), followed by cystectomies (28%) and marsupialization (14.6%). The overall recurrence rate was 7.3%; the most recurrent histopathological lesion was the odontogenic keratocyst. This study sheds new light on the clinical and radiological characteristics, treatment outcomes, and recurrence rate of juvenile jawbone lesions in children and adolescents. The diagnosis and treatment of jawbone lesions in children and adolescents can be enhanced with the use of epidemiological, clinical, and imagistic information.

The Role of miRNA-221 and miRNA-34a in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck Region.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is one of the most frequent types of malignancy in the human body with an increasing incidence. Short, non-coding RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) can control post-transcriptional gene expression and they have a significant role in several physiological cellular processes and pathologies, including cancer. Depending on the functions of the genes, miRNAs may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The aim of this paper was to describe the role of miRNA-34a and miRNA-221 in head and neck NMSC. Thirty-eight NMSC match paired (tumor and adjacent) tissue samples were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Total RNA was extracted and isolated from tissue samples using the phenol-chloroform (Trireagent) method according to the manufacturer's protocol. The concentration of RNA was measured by a NanoDrop-1000 spectrophotometer. The expression level of each miRNA was calculated by threshold cycle. For all statistical tests, the 0.05 significance level was used and two-tailed p values. All analyses were conducted in an R environment for statistical computing and graphics. We found the miRNA-221 being overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (p < 0.05), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and basosquamous cell carcinoma (BSC) compared with adjacent normal tissue. Additionally, the levels of miRNA-221 were two times higher (p < 0.05) in cases where the excision of the tumor was done with positive margins (R1), which means that we are the first to highlight the potential role of miRNA-221 in the microscopical local invasion. Mi-RNA-34a expression was altered in the malignant tissue compared with the adjacent normal one both in BCC and SCC but not statistically significantly. In conclusion, NMSC are challenging because of their increasing incidence and rapidly evolving development and discovering their molecular mechanisms of action lead us to understand tumorigenesis and evolution, while also contributing to the implementation of novel therapeutic keys.

Short Implants versus Standard Implants and Sinus Floor Elevation in Atrophic Posterior Maxilla: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials with ≥5 Years' Follow-Up.

Background and objectives: The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the performance of short implants in comparison with standard implants and sinus floor elevation in atrophic posterior maxilla. Materials and methods: The protocol of the study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022375320). An electronic search on three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was performed to find randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with ≥5 years' follow-up, published until December 2022. Risk of bias (ROB) was calculated using Cochrane ROB. A meta-analysis was performed for primary (implant survival rate, ISR) and secondary outcomes (marginal bone loss, MBL; biological and prosthetic complications). Results: Of 1619 articles, 5 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The ISR showed a risk ratio (RR) of 0.97 [0.94, 1.00] (CI 95%), p = 0.07. The MBL indicated a WMD of -0.29 [-0.49, -0.09] (CI 95%), p = 0.005. Biological complications showed a RR of 0.46 [0.23, 0.91] (CI 95%), p = 0.03. Prosthetic complications showed a RR of 1.51 [0.64, 3.55] (CI 95%), p = 0.34. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that short implants might be used as an alternative to standard implants and sinus floor elevation. After 5 years, in terms of ISR, standard implants and sinus floor elevation showed a higher survival rate comparted to short implants, although statistical significance was not achieved. Future RCTs with long-term follow-up are needed to draw a clear conclusion on the advantages of one method over another.

Clinical Outcomes of Enamel Matrix Derivate Used in Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

Background and objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the available evidence of using enamel matrix derivate in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Materials and methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched until August 2022 to identify relevant articles. The inclusion criteria consisted in human clinical studies that reported the use of enamel matrix derivate (EMD) in surgical and non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and for non-RCTs ROBINS-I tool. Results: Clinical studies included were published between 2012 and 2022 and consisted of two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for non-surgical therapy and two RCTs, three prospective cohort studies, and one retrospective case series in surgical therapy. Due to the heterogeneity of patients' characteristics and assessment of peri-implant therapy, statistical analysis could not be achieved. Conclusions: The use of EMD indicated a positive effect on both surgical and non-surgical therapy. However, the available literature is scarce, with low evidence in non-surgical approach and modest evidence in surgical approach using EMD. More RCTs with standardize protocols are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of using EMD in both therapies.

Post-Traumatic-Related Technical Errors in Orthopantomographic Imaging.

Background: This study aimed at identifying errors encountered in orthopantomography (OPG) in post-traumatic patients caused by limitations in performing a correct technique. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed. Diagnosis, exposure/processing mistakes, positioning-related errors, and bimaxillary immobilization were evaluated. Results: Thirty panoramic radiographs with mandible fractures were examined. Twelve error types were encountered: errors in exposure or processing, air radiolucency in the palatoglossal space, errors in the alignment of the Frankfort horizontal plane: head in flexion, with a joyful expression or head extended, with a somber appearance, errors towards the mid-sagittal plane (lateral head inclination, deviation, or rotation), errors caused by the non-use of the bite-block or inappropriate position on the device, errors caused by positioning outside the focal plane, artifacts/shadow images produced by post-operative metal plates, and bimaxillary immobilization errors. The number of errors per radiograph ranged from two to a maximum of five. The most dominant ones were inappropriate alignment in the focal plane and lateral rotation of the head in over 70% of cases. Lateral deviation and palatoglossal air were present in more than 50% of images. Conclusions: In trauma cases, technical difficulties in obtaining a proper OPG image are common and often insurmountable, limiting the diagnosis.

Recovery following Orthognathic Surgery Procedures-A Pilot Study.

This study aims at evaluating and categorizing patients' objective and subjective postoperative recovery symptoms after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery assigning the healing process. The patients were monitored throughout the recovery process, and their symptoms were managed. A prospective, observational study was performed. Patients with Class II and III malocclusion (aged 18 to 35) were evaluated and monitored preoperatively, and postoperatively at 48 h, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months postsurgery. A questionnaire was used to assess pain and anesthesia/hypoesthesia. The most common objective and subjective signs that were correlated with the healing process were edema, hematoma, trismus, pain, and anesthesia/hypoesthesia. Edema peaked at 48−72 h postoperatively (distance between eye's external canthus and gonion, mean difference = 4.53, between tragus and cheilion, mean difference = 7, between tragus and gnathion, mean difference = 4.65, p < 0.001); mouth opening amplitude was significantly decreased during the first two weeks postsurgery (class II, mean difference = 32.42, p = 0.006, class III, mean difference = 44.57, p < 0.001), but it steadily and considerably improved over three months. The nose tended to widen postsurgery. The most severe pain experienced by patients was of medium intensity in the mandibular body, described as pressure, and usually did not spread. Patients were most severely and persistently impacted by anesthesia/hypoesthesia.

The quality of life after cleft lip and palate surgery.

Background and aims: Labio-maxillo-palatal clefts represent one of the most common congenital malformations, which manifests through aesthetic, functional and psycho-social alterations. The long course of multidisciplinary treatments represent a psycho-emotional and financial burden for both the patient and his family, being an important factor in the complex management of these patients.The study aims to assess the quality of life of parents of children with clefts and the psychosocial impact on the family and society. Methods: The study included 40 subjects who met the inclusion criteria for this study. Following patient informed consent and the approval of the ethics committee, the data were collected by applying the quality-of-life evaluation questionnaire. The evaluation was performed using the Likert scale (1 - not at all to 5 - very satisfactory), and the data were statistically processed. Results: Most of the questionnaires were completed by the mother, who accompanied the child to the regular check-up; 58% of parents believe that their social life is not affected by having a child with a cleft, and 83% say that interfamilial relationships have not been affected. Most parents consider that the postoperative result was very good, which led to improved psycho-social integration of the child. Conclusions: The study confirmed an acceptable quality of life for the children's parents, which was not influenced by the family presence of a child with a cleft. At the same time, the excessive care of the parents for the child with the cleft was confirmed. The postoperative improvement of the aesthetic aspect led to a much better psycho-emotional integration of the child in the society.

The usefulness of cone beam computed tomography according to age in cleft lip and palate.

The current study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination in cleft children and adolescents, the age of the first CBCT exposure, and the criteria that justified the first CBCT exposure. A number of 229 non-syndromic cleft subjects aged between 0-22 years receiving treatment in the same specialized surgical center in orofacial cleft treatment were studied. A cleft group of 64 cleft lip and palate (CLP) children with at least one CBCT exposure was identified based on CBCT records. Parameters related to diagnosis and treatment planning in cleft deformity were considered dental anomalies and bone morphology changes. The examiners assessed whether the treatment option was necessary, not necessary, or could not be evaluated at the age of CBCT exposure. A number of thirty-nine unilateral clefts and fifteen bilateral clefts were identified. Posterior palatal cleft was present in six children (mean age: 15.03±5.55 years; male/female ratio: 1/0.8). Alveolar bone morphology changes were found in 90.58% of cases; jaw relationship changes in 71.82%; nasal fossa morphology changes in 74.99%; airway obstruction in 49.98% and maxillary asymmetry in 87.48%. Orthodontic planning was necessary for 85.93% of CLP patients, and orthognathic surgery in 39.05%. The usefulness of CBCT in patients with CLP varied with age, with reduced value for the evaluation of impaction and root resorption under the age of ten.

Lateral Cephalometric Analytical Uses for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: The Importance of Cervical Posture and Hyoid Position.

The temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a syndrome that affects the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Its pathophysiology is not yet fully known. Cephalometric analysis is used for routine evaluation regarding orthodontic treatment and other purposes. The aim of this study was to assess if using cephalometric analysis and TMJ conservative therapy to evaluate the hyoid bone position and the cervical posture reduced symptoms in adults with TMDs compared to no intervention. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) for clinical studies of TMDs with conservative treatment and lateral cephalometric analysis of the hyoid and cervical posture. To assess the risk of bias for non-randomized clinical trials ROBINS-I tool was used. Out of 137 studies found, 6 remained to be included. Most of them found a link between TMD and lateral cephalometric analysis, but there was a high risk of bias. This review found a possible link between TMDs, the neck and cervical posture. There is a benefit reported regarding the use of the lateral cephalometry as a treatment, but more extensive prospective randomized clinical trials are necessary to be able to draw definitive conclusions.

Evaluation of the Mandibular Condyle Morphologic Relation before and after Orthognathic Surgery in Class II and III Malocclusion Patients Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

This study aimed at evaluating the mandibular condyle position changes before and after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in class II and III malocclusion patients. CBCT scans from patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were analyzed: Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Both condyles were independently assessed for their largest anterior and posterior joint spaces, smallest medial joint spaces, and condyle angles concerning the transverse line. In the sagittal plane, the minimum size of the anterior and posterior joint spaces was measured. In the coronal plane, the smallest medial joint space was measured. The position of the condyle within the glenoid fossa was determined before and after surgery. A total of 56 TMJs from 28 patients were studied. Following orthognathic surgery, the anterior and posterior space in class II increased. Postoperatively, the anterior joint space in class III decreased. In 42.85% of malocclusion class II patients and 57.14% of malocclusion class III patients, the pre-and post-surgical position of the condyle changed, the condyle was anteriorly positioned (42.85%) in class II patients and centrically positioned (71.4%) in class III patients. Significant changes in the joint space, condylar position, and condyle angle were found in the class II and class III subjects.

Substantial Improvements in Facial Morphology through Surgical-Orthodontic Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background and Objectives: The long face type is associated with excessive vertical facial growth and most often with anterior open bite. In many cases of anterior open bite of high severity associated with bimaxillary dento-alveolar protrusion, lips are unable to form an adequate seal at rest. This leads to many issues, including facial dysmorphism. The aim of this study was to describe the case of a 15 year old girl who addressed the orthodontist in November 2015, having complaints related to the skeletal and dental open bite. Case Description: A 15.7 year old patient required a consultation with the orthodontic service for impaired dento-facial aesthetics at rest, smile and speech due to an exaggerated superior protrusion of the upper frontal teeth, labial incompetence with excessive gingival exposure at rest and smile associated with upper and lower anterior teeth crowding. The orthodontic diagnostic consisted of skeletal open bite with a hyperleptoprosop morphological facial type, high degree of hyperdivergence, bimaxillary dento-alveolar protrusion, 7 mm skeletal open-bite, 3 mm vertical inocclusion of the anterior teeth, skeletal class II relationships, bilateral half cusp class II molar and canine relationships, labial incompetence, highly increased interlabial gap, facial asymmetry, excessive gingival exposure of 7 mm at smiling and bimaxillary anterior crowding. Because the patient initially refused orthognathic surgery, prior to starting the orthodontic treatment, the patient was recommended to receive a bilateral extraction of the first upper premolars. Key objectives of pre-surgical orthodontic treatment were to achieve a retroclined position of the upper incisors under their normal inclination for the planned upward maxillary rotation, to maintain slightly lower incisor proclination. The orthognathic surgery consisted of Le Fort I impaction osteotomy with 8 mm anterior impactation, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, and mandibular repositioning using occlusal splint. Conclusions: At the end of the orthodontic-surgical treatment, the patient presented significant improvement in dento-facial aesthetics, and optimal skeletal, muscular and dental balance.