Preventive effect of teriparatide on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of teriparatide (TPD) administration on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) before tooth extraction due to periodontal lesions in bilaterally ovariectomized female rats treated with zoledronic acid. Thirty skeletally mature Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (CONT, n = 10), zoledronic acid (ZA, n = 10), and zoledronic acid and teriparatide (ZA-TPD, n = 10). The rats were sacrificed 8 weeks after tooth extraction. Micro-computed tomography analysis of the tibia showed that bone mineral density was highest in the CONT, followed by that in the ZA and ZA-TPD groups (CONT/ZA, p = 0.009; CONT/ZA-TPD, p < 0.001; ZA/ZA-TPD, p < 0.001). In the trabecular bone analysis of the extraction site, significant differences in specific bone surface (CONT/ZA, p = 0.010; CONT/ZA-TPD, p = 0.007; ZA/ZA-TPD, p = 0.002) and trabecular thickness (CONT/ZA-TPD, p = 0.002; ZA/ZA-TPD, p = 0.002) were observed. Histological analyses of the extraction sites revealed characteristic MRONJ lesions in the ZA group. Osteonecrosis, inflammatory cells, and sequestrum were less frequently observed in the ZA-TPD group than in the ZA group. In conclusion, TPD administration before tooth extraction helped reduce the occurrence of MRONJ in rats treated with zoledronic acid, confirming its preventative effects.

Micellized protein transduction domain-bone morphogenetic protein-2 accelerates bone healing in a rat tibial distraction osteogenesis model.

The clinical application of growth factors such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rh-BMP-2), for functional bone regeneration remains challenging due to limited in vivo efficacy and adverse effects of previous modalities. To overcome the instability and short half-life of rh-BMP-2 in vivo, we developed a novel osteogenic supplement by fusing a protein transduction domain (PTD) with BMP-2, effectively creating a prodrug of BMP-2. In this study, we first created an improved PTD-BMP-2 formulation using lipid nanoparticle (LNP) micellization, resulting in downsizing from micrometer to nanometer scale and achieving a more even distribution. The micellized PTD-BMP-2 (mPTD-BMP-2) demonstrated improved distribution and aggregation profiles. As a prodrug of BMP-2, mPTD-BMP-2 successfully activated Smad1/5/8 and induced mineralization with osteogenic gene induction in vitro. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that mPTD-BMP-2 had a much more stable pharmacokinetic profile than rh-BMP-2, with a 7.5-fold longer half-life. The in vivo BMP-responsive element (BRE) reporter system was also successfully activated by mPTD-BMP-2. In the in vivo rat tibia distraction osteogenesis (DO) model, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scan findings indicated that mPTD-BMP-2 significantly increased bone volume, bone surface, axis moment of inertia (MOI), and polar MOI. Furthermore, it increased the expression of osteogenesis-related genes, and induced bone maturation histologically. Based on these findings, mPTD-BMP-2 could be a promising candidate for the next-generation osteogenesis drug to promote new bone formation in DO surgery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study introduces micellized bone morphogenetic protein-2 (mPTD-BMP-2), a next-generation osteogenic supplement that combines protein transduction domain (PTD) and nano-sized micelle formulation technique to improve transduction efficiency and stability. The use of PTD represents a novel approach, and our results demonstrate the superiority of mPTD-BMP-2 over rh-BMP-2 in terms of in vivo pharmacokinetic profile and osteogenic potential, particularly in a rat tibial model of distraction osteogenesis. These findings have significant scientific impact and potential clinical applications in the treatment of bone defects that require distraction osteogenesis. By advancing the field of osteogenic supplements, our study has the potential to contribute to the development of more effective treatments for musculoskeletal disorders.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw using periodontitis-induced rat before tooth extraction.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) after tooth extraction due to periodontitis in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Twenty-four osteoporosis-induced rats were administered with zoledronic acid (ZA; ZA group) or saline (CONT group). In both groups, tooth extraction was performed after inducing periodontitis, and all animals were sacrificed 8-week after tooth extraction. RESULTS: Micro-CT of the tibia showed that the bone volume fraction, bone surface density, trabecular number, and bone mineral density were significantly higher in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Histologically, the proliferative zone on the growth plate was thicker in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Micro-CT of the extraction sites revealed that the bone volume fraction was significantly higher in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Radiologically, the ZA group showed partial healing and delayed healing. Histological analysis revealed normal bone healing status with completely healed epithelium in the extraction sites of the CONT group, whereas abnormal empty osteocytes in the necrotic bone and inflammatory infiltration were observed in the ZA group. CONCLUSION: The incidence of MRONJ increased in the rats administered with ZA.

Evaluation of dental status using a questionnaire before administration of general anesthesia for the prevention of dental injuries.

Background: Dental evaluation and protection are important for preventing traumatic dental injuries when patients are under general anesthesia. The objective of the present study was to develop a questionnaire based on dentition-related risk factors that could serve as a valuable tool for dental evaluation and documentation. Methods: We developed a questionnaire for dental evaluation before administration of general anesthesia, investigated the association between patient-and-dentist responses and mouthguard fabrication, and assessed response agreement between 100 patients. Results: Protective mouthguards were fabricated for 27 patients who were identified as having a high risk of dental injury. There was a strong association between dentists' responses and mouthguard fabrication, depending on the general oral health status, use of ceramic prosthesis, presence of masticatory pain related to periodontal diseases, gingival edema, and implants (P < 0.05). Response agreement between patients and dentists for items related to dental pain, loss of dental pulp vitality, root canal therapy, dental trauma, aesthetic prosthesis, tooth mobility, and implant prosthesis was high (Cohen's kappa coefficient κ ≥ 0.6). Conclusions: A high agreement was observed between patient-dentist responses and a strong association with mouthguard fabrication for items pertaining to ceramic prosthesis, masticatory pain, and dental implants. Patients with a "yes" response to these items are recommended to undergo a dental evaluation and use a dental protective device while under general anesthesia.

Identifying the course of the greater palatine artery using intraoral ultrasonography: cohort study.

AIMS: The greater palatine artery (GPA) is one of the most important anatomical structure for free gingival grafts or connective-tissue grafts during soft tissue surgery for dental implants. Several studies have identified the approximate location of the GPA, but it is impossible to detect its exact location during surgery due to large variability between individuals. The authors, therefore, investigated the course of the GPA using intraoral ultrasonography to determine the feasibility of using real-time nonionizing ultrasonography for implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 40 healthy young participants. The courses of the GPA were identified using intraoral ultrasound probes from the first premolar to the second molar. The distance from the gingival margin to the GPA (GM-GPA) and the depth of the palatal gingiva from the GPA (PG-GPA) were measured by two independent examiners. Measurements were analyzed statistically, and interexaminer reliability was determined. RESULTS: The distance of the GM-GPA and the mean depth of the PG-GPA were 14.8 ± 1.6 mm and 4.10 ± 0.51 mm (mean ± SD), respectively. GM-GPA decreased when the GPA ran from the second molar to the first molar, and GM-GPA was significantly shorter in females (P < 0.05). PG-GPA increased when the GPA ran to the posterior teeth. Interexaminer measurement agreements were excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.983 and 0.918 for GM-GPA and PG-GPA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using an intraoral ultrasound probe, real-time GPA tracking is possible, which is expected to help reduce the possibility of bleeding during surgery.

Factors affecting root migration after coronectomy of the mandibular third molar.

ABSTRACT: Nerve injury especially inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is the one of the complications that occur when the mandibular third molar (M3) is extracted and in case of high risk patients, coronectomy might be an alternative to tooth extraction. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze root migration and its influencing factors at 6 months after coronectomy in both 2- and 3-dimensions using periapical view and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). We analyzed 33 cases of root remnant after coronectomy and measured the amount of migration in CBCT. The following factors that could possibly affect root migration were also analyzed: age, gender, number of M3 roots, shape of M3s, Pell, and Gregory classification, mesiodistal (MD) angulation, buccolingual (BL) angulation, contact point with the second molar, root curvature, and complete removal of the coronal portion. Migration of greater than 2 mm was found in 64% of the roots in the 2-dimensional (2D) analysis, and the average root migration was 4.11 mm in the 3-dimensional (3D) analysis. The factors affecting migration were the root morphology, complete removal of the coronal portion, impaction depth, and MD angulation in the 2D analysis, and MD and BL angulation in the 3D analysis. Ensuring sufficient space for root migration especially considering angulation, depth and complete removal of the coronal portion might be important factors after coronectomy of the M3. Root remnant after coronectomy of M3 may migrate in young patients who has sufficient empty coronal space and this may reduce the nerve damage by the separation of IAN and M3.

Fracture strength analysis of titanium insert-reinforced zirconia abutments according to the axial height of the titanium insert with an internal connection.

This study aimed to analyze fracture strength in vitro by varying the axial height of the titanium insert and the labial height of the zirconia abutment in an internal connection implant to identify the titanium insert axial height with optimal mechanical stability. Sixty implants with an internal connection system were used. Two-piece zirconia abutments were used with the titanium inserts. Combinations of different titanium insert axial heights (mm) and zirconia abutment labial heights (mm) constituted five groups: Gr1 (1-3), Gr2 (3-3), Gr3 (3-5), Gr4 (5-3), and Gr5 (5-5). After thermocycling, a fracture load test was performed with a universal testing machine. The initial deformation load and the fracture load were measured and analyzed. The fractured surface and cross-section of the specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The groups of titanium inserts with axial heights of 3 mm and 5 mm showed significantly greater initial deformation load and fracture load than the group with an axial height of 1 mm (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups with axial heights of 3 mm and 5 mm. The labial height of the zirconia abutment had no significant influence on the initial deformation load and fracture load. In some specimens in Gr4 and Gr5, cracking or bending of the titanium insert and abutment screw was observed on SEM. The axial height of the titanium insert should be designed to not be less than 3 mm to increase the fracture strength and promote the long-term stability of implants.

Importance of Photography Education to Improve Image Quality for Accurate Remote Diagnoses in Dental Trauma Patients: Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: High-quality photos are critical for the remote diagnosis of dental trauma and thus are beneficial to the prognosis. The quality of the images obtained using a cell phone depends on the level of dental and photography knowledge of the person who is taking the photos. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of photography education in improving images used for the remote diagnosis of dental trauma. METHODS: The subjects comprised 30 laypeople and 30 dentists who were randomly assigned to 15 subgroups with 2 subjects in each. Each subject was asked to take photos of their own anterior teeth and those of their partner on the assumption that an accident occurred using both an iPhone 4s and iPhone 6. Education about how to take an appropriate photo of the anterior teeth for teleconsultation purposes was then provided, after which photos were taken again. Photos were assessed by a dentist for their usefulness in diagnosis. RESULTS: This study analyzed 965 photos: 441 taken by laypeople and 524 taken by dentists. Photos taken after providing education had significantly higher scores for all assessment items than those taken before education (P<.05). The scores were also significantly higher for photos taken using the rear camera than those taken using the front camera (P<.02). The iPhone 6 did not have overwhelming advantages. The photos taken by dentists had significantly higher scores than those taken by laypeople for most of the evaluated items. CONCLUSIONS: Both laypeople and dentists might find photography education useful for when they are taking photos to be used in teleconsultations. The type of cell phone does not significantly affect the usefulness of such photos.

Effect of teriparatide on early sinus graft healing in the ovariectomized rabbit.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of administering intermittent parathyroid hormone 1-34 [teriparatide, (PTH)] on the maxillary sinus lift and bone grafting in osteoporotic rabbits induced by ovariectomy and glucocorticoid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ovariectomies were performed on 20 female New Zealand white rabbits that were randomly divided into two groups: (a) the PTH group (n = 10), in which 10 µg kg-1  day-1 PTH was injected subcutaneously 5 days a week for 5 weeks (from 1 week before until 4 weeks after sinus surgery), and (b) the saline group (n = 10), in which saline substituted PTH at the same dose, mode of administration, and duration. Bone grafting with bovine bone mineral was augmented into 13 sinuses, and bone grafts and implants were simultaneously performed in seven sinuses, in both groups. Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks after surgery. To determine whether PTH was an effective treatment for osteoporosis, we measured the bone mineral density (BMD) of the right femur using micro-computed tomography and performed radiographic and histometric analyses of the maxillary sinus surgery site. The Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: It was found that BMD increased in the femur, whereas none of the radiographic and histometric parameters differed significantly between the groups in the sinus, while there were large interindividual variations within groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that intermittent PTH does not promote new bone formation in the augmented maxillary sinus of ovariectomized rabbits.

Bone Regeneration Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Duration on Calvarial Defects in Irradiated Rats.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated changes in bone remodeling in an irradiated rat calvarial defect model according to duration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 28 rats were divided into four groups. Radiation of 12 Gy was applied to the skull, and 5-mm critical size defects were formed on both sides of the skull. Bone grafts were applied to one side of formed defects. From the day after surgery, HBO was applied for 0, 1, and 3 weeks. At 6 weeks after bone graft, experimental sites were removed and analyzed for radiography, histology, and histomorphometry. RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis showed a significant increase in new bone volume in the HBO-3 group, with or without bone graft. When bone grafting was performed, BV, BS, and BS/TV all significantly increased. Histomorphometric analysis showed significant increases in %NBA and %BVN in the HBO-1 and HBO-3 groups, regardless of bone graft. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was effective for bone regeneration with only 1 week of treatment.

Characteristics of patients who visit the dental emergency room in a dental college hospital.

BACKGROUND: Emergencies in dentistry can be classified as medical and dental. Medical emergencies occur mainly during dental treatment in patients with a systemic disease. Dental emergency departments are largely divided into dental emergency rooms located in dental college hospitals and medical emergency rooms located in medical institutions. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of and provide help to dental emergency patients in a dental hospital. METHODS: Overall, 1806 patients admitted to a dental emergency room at Yonsei University Dental Hospital for 1 year were included. The data collection period was from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015. An investigator reviewed medical records from the electronic medical record (EMR) system and radiographs. RESULTS: The patients were 1,070 men and 736 women. The sex ratio was 1.45:1. The commonest age group was of 0-9 years, including 451 (25.0%) patients, followed by 20-29 years, including 353 (19.5%) patients, and 30-39 years, including 277 (15.3%) patients. Of the 108 patients transferred to the Severance emergency department, 81 had trauma, 19 were in pain, 4 were bleeding, and 4 had other complaints. Among chief complaints, 1,079 patients (60.3%) had trauma, 564 (31.5%) had pain, and 75 (4.2%) had bleeding. Twenty-three cases (1.3%) were caused by temporomandibular disorder (TMD). CONCLUSION: Dentists should be able to adequately assess patients in a dental emergency room and treat trauma, pain, and bleeding.

Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy for irradiated rat calvarial defects.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to conduct a histologic evaluation of irradiated calvarial defects in rats 4 weeks after applying fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) with hyaluronan or biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) block in the presence or absence of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. METHODS: Twenty rats were divided into HBO and non-HBO (NHBO) groups, each of which was divided into FGF-2 and BCP-block subgroups according to the grafted material. Localized radiation with a single 12-Gy dose was applied to the calvaria of rats to simulate radiotherapy. Four weeks after applying this radiation, 2 symmetrical circular defects with a diameter of 6 mm were created in the parietal bones of each animal. The right-side defect was filled with the materials mentioned above and the left-side defect was not filled (as a control). All defects were covered with a resorbable barrier membrane. During 4 weeks of healing, 1 hour of HBO therapy was applied to the rats in the HBO groups 5 times a week. The rats were then killed, and the calvarial specimens were harvested for radiographic and histologic analyses. RESULTS: New bone formation was greatest in the FGF-2 subgroup, and improvement was not found in the BCP subgroup. HBO seemed to have a minimal effect on new bone formation. There was tendency for more angiogenesis in the HBO groups than the NHBO groups, but the group with HBO and FGF-2 did not show significantly better outcomes than the HBO-only group or the NHBO group with FGF-2. CONCLUSIONS: HBO exerted beneficial effects on angiogenesis in calvarial defects of irradiated rats over a 4-week healing period, but it appeared to have minimal effects on bone regeneration. FGF-2 seemed to enhance new bone formation and angiogenesis, but its efficacy appeared to be reduced when HBO was applied.

Synergistic effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with PTH [1-34] on calvarial bone graft in irradiated rat.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the synergistic effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) [1-34] in combination with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on bone graft in a rat calvarial bone defect model under impaired osteogenic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups. Localized radiation with a single 12 Gy dose was administered to the calvaria. Four weeks after radiation, calvarial circular defects were created in the parietal bones. All defects were filled with biphasic calcium phosphate. After the bone graft, PTH [1-34] was injected subcutaneously, and HBO was administered. At 6 weeks after the bone graft, the rats were sacrificed, and specimens were harvested. RESULTS: Histomorphometric evaluation showed that the percentage of new bone area was higher in the PTH and PTH/HBO groups than in the control group. The percent residual material area was decreased in the PTH/HBO group compared with the control group. The percentage blood vessel number was highest in the PTH group. Micro-CT evaluation showed that the new bone volume was highest in the PTH/HBO group. The residual material volume was lowest in the PTH/HBO group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, our data indicate that PTH combined with HBO may reverse radiation-induced impairment of bone healing.

Bleeding related to dental treatment in patients taking novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs): a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Several novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are currently prescribed for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, pulmonary thromboembolism, and venous thrombosis. However, there is no clinical guideline for dental treatment in patients taking NOACs. This study investigated bleeding events related to various dental treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 120 patients (153 cases) who were prescribed NOACs and received dental procedures in the Department of Advanced General Dentistry at Yonsei University Dental Hospital from January 2014 to June 2017. The indication for NOACs, initiation of NOACs, duration of discontinuance, creatinine clearance, and type of dental treatment were investigated. Bleeding events were assessed at a follow-up visit to the clinic. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding occurred in only 9 of the 153 included cases; they comprised 2 cases of scaling, 3 cases of simple extraction, 3 cases of the first stage of implant surgery, and 1 case of resin filling. The creatinine clearance (P = .111) and duration of discontinuance (P = .222) did not differ significantly between the groups with and without bleeding events. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that most dental treatments may be performed in patients taking NOACs without an increased likelihood of bleeding events regardless of the discontinuance duration. Moreover, any postoperative bleeding can be stopped by applying compressive pressure or local hemostatic agents. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study suggests that patients taking NOACs who need dental treatments may have a bleeding tendency based on our retrospective data. Preoperative history taking and treatment modification should therefore be considered before performing dental surgery.

The relationship between masseter muscle thickness measured by ultrasonography and facial profile in young Korean adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between masseter muscle thickness, facial morphology, and mandibular morphology in Korean adults using ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasonography was used to measure the masseter muscle thickness bilaterally of 40 adults (20 males, 20 females) and was performed in the relaxed and contracted states. Facial photos and panoramic radiography were used for morphological analyses and evaluated for correlations with masseter muscle thickness. We also evaluated the correlations of age, body weight, stature, and body constitution with masseter muscle thickness. RESULTS: In the relaxing, the masseter was 9.8±1.3 mm in females and 11.3±1.2 mm in males. In the contracted state, it was 12.4±1.4 mm in females and 14.7±1.4 mm in males. Facial photography showed that bizygomatic facial width over facial height was correlated with masseter muscle thickness in both sexes in the relaxed state, and was statistically significantly correlated with masseter muscle thickness in males in the contracted state. In panoramic radiography, correlations were found between anterior angle length and posterior angle length and masseter muscle thickness in females, and between body length and posterior angle length, between anterior angle length and body length, between ramal length and body length, and between body length and condyle length in males. CONCLUSION: Masseter muscle thickness was associated with facial and mandibular morphology in both sexes, and with age in males. Ultrasonography can be used effectively to measure masseter muscle thickness.

Delayed bone healing by collagen membrane in early phase of 4 weeks.

OBJECTIVE: Barrier membranes are important in maintaining space in guided bone regeneration process by preventing downgrowth of epithelial or connective tissue. In this study, the effects of resorbable membranes during the early stages of bone regeneration in rats with impaired bone healing capacity were investigated. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-eight rats were selected for this study. Half of the animals were selected for radiation therapy before surgical procedure (G3, G4). Animals were assigned into 4 groups (G1-G4). A circular defect was created in the central parietal bone. It was covered with resorbable membrane in G2 and G4. After 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: At week 4, the new bone formation was observed around the margin of old bone in G1, G2 and G4 groups. Osteoclast was most abundant in the G1 group (18.3 ± 7.7) and least abundant in the G4 group (7.9 ± 4.7). The mean of osteocalcin levels in blood was the highest in the G2 group and lowest in the G3 group. Only G4 group showed significant difference in Runx2 levels between before-treatment and after- treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Bone healing is adversely affected after radiation therapy. In addition, resorbable membranes can delay healing in the early stages of bone regeneration.

Skeletal unit construction of rat mandible based on the masticatory muscle anatomy and double microcomputed tomography.

This study aimed to divide the mandible into skeletal units based on three-dimensional (3D) muscular anatomy with microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) of Sprague-Dawley rat. Five normal rats were micro-CT scanned at 12 weeks of age before and after contrast enhancements for the masticatory muscles. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the mandible was performed from the initial micro-CT images, followed by segmentation of the masticatory muscles using the second enhanced micro-CT data. Bone and muscle models were superimposed based on the teeth and bony structures to evaluate muscular orientation and attachment. The mandible was divided into skeletal units using the bony structures and muscle attachments. The mandibular foramen and mental foramen were adopted as the reference points based on their anatomical and developmental significance. The skeletal units consisted of the condylar, coronoid, angular, body and symphyseal units. Further evaluation of these units in relation to development, growth, and other biology and medicine will be helpful in elucidating their biological identities.

Three-dimensional growth pattern of the rat mandible revealed by periodic live micro-computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) mandibular growth of Sprague-Dawley rats from 4th to 16th postnatal weeks with periodic and live micro-computed tomographic scanning. DESIGN: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were used for micro-CT scanning from 4th to 16th postnatal weeks. After 3D reconstruction of rat mandible, we performed the linear and angular measurements and the superimposition of the 3D models to evaluate the mandibular growth of rat. RESULTS: The results showed that the growth direction of the condylar and coronoid regions was superior primarily and posterior secondarily, while the condyle had minimal lateral growth. Moreover, the angular region was growing mainly toward the posterior and lateral direction, while the body and symphysis maintained small, incremental anterior-posterior growth. CONCLUSIONS: We could evaluate the amount, rate, and direction of growth using the mandibular skeletal unit. Some reference points and measurements were more relevant in properly characterizing 3D growth of the mandible. Their growth rates were the greatest between 4th and 8th postnatal weeks, a period which seems most appropriate for studies of rat mandible growth.

Creating protective appliances for preventing dental injury during endotracheal intubation using intraoral scanning and 3D printing: a technical note.

Digital dentistry has influenced many dental procedures, such as three-dimensional (3D) diagnosis and treatment planning, surgical splints, and prosthetic treatments. Patient-specific protective appliances (PSPAs) prevent dental injury during endotracheal intubation. However, the required laboratory work takes time, and there is the possibility of tooth extraction while obtaining the dental impression. In this technical report, we utilized new digital technology for creating PSPAs, using direct intraoral scanners and 3D printers for dental cast fabrication.

Distribution of medical status and medications in elderly patients treated with dental implant surgery covered by national healthcare insurance in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of systemic diseases and medications in patients older than 65 years of age who visited the hospital for implant treatment, as well as to investigate basic information about surgical complications that may occur after insured implant treatment. METHODS: A total of 126 patients over 65 years of age were treated for implant surgery from October 1, 2013 to October 30, 2016. Electronic chart review was conducted to obtain medical records, which included sex, age, systemic diseases, medication(s) being taken, and control of the medications. Five patients were excluded due to lack of medical records giving information about systemic disease. RESULTS: Of the 126 patients, 112 (88.9%) were taking medication due to systemic disease and 9 patients (7.1%) were not. The sex distribution was 71 women and 55 men and the highest proportion of patients were between 65 and 69 years old. The most common diseases were, from most to least frequent, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. The drug groups that can cause major complications after dental treatment were classified as hemorrhagic, osteoporotic, and immunosuppressive agents, and were taken by 45 (35.7%), 22 (17.5%) and 4 (3.2%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Given that 88.9% of the elderly patients who were eligible for insurance implant treatment had systemic disease, it is necessary to carefully evaluate patients' medical histories and their general conditions in order to prevent emergencies during implant surgery.