Facial recognition by cloud-based APIs following surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate whether the facial soft tissue changes of individuals who had undergone surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) would be detected by three different well-known facial biometric recognition applications. METHODS: To calculate similarity scores, the pre- and postsurgical photographs of 22 patients who had undergone SARME treatment were examined using three prominent cloud computing-based facial recognition application programming interfaces (APIs): AWS Rekognition (Amazon Web Services, Seattle, WA, USA), Microsoft Azure Cognitive (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA), and Face++ (Megvii, Beijing, China). The pre- and post-SARME photographs of the patients (relaxed, smiling, profile, and semiprofile) were used to calculate similarity scores using the APIs. Friedman's two-way analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the similarity scores obtained from the photographs of the different aspects of the face before and after surgery using the different programs. The relationship between measurements on lateral and posteroanterior cephalograms and the similarity scores was evaluated using the Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS: The similarity scores were found to be lower with the Face++ program. When looking at the photo types, it was observed that the similarity scores were higher in the smiling photos. A statistically significant difference in the similarity scores (P < 0.05) was found between the relaxed and smiling photographs using the different programs. The correlation between the cephalometric and posteroanterior measurements and the similarity scores was not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SARME treatment caused a significant change in the similarity scores calculated with the help of three different facial recognition programs. The highest similarity scores were found in the smiling photographs, whereas the lowest scores were found in the profile photographs.

Face comparison analysis of patients with orthognathic surgery treatment using cloud computing-based face recognition application programming interfaces.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate whether the postoperative change in patients after orthognathic surgery, whose facial aesthetics was affected, led to detectable differences using Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services Rekognition, and Face++, which were commercially available face recognition systems. METHODS: Photographs of 35 patients after orthognathic surgery were analyzed using 3 well-known cloud computing-based facial recognition application programming interfaces to compute similarity scores between preoperative and postoperative photographs. The preoperative, relaxed, smiling, profile, and semiprofile photographs of the patients were compared separately to validate the relevant application programming interfaces. Patient characteristics and type of surgery were recorded for statistical analysis. Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests were performed to analyze the relationship between patient characteristics and similarity scores. Multiple-comparison Wilcoxon rank sum tests were performed on the statistically significant characteristics. RESULTS: The similarity scores in the Face++ program were lower than those in the Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services Rekognition. In addition, the similarity scores were higher in smiling photographs. A statistically significant difference was found in similarity scores between relaxed and smiling photographs according to different programs (P <0.05). For all 3 facial recognition programs, comparable similarity scores were found in all photographs taken before and after surgery across sex, type of surgery, and type of surgical approach. The type of surgery and surgical approach, sex, and amount of surgical movement did not significantly affect similarity scores in any facial recognition programs (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The similarity scores between the photographs before and after orthognathic surgery were high, suggesting that the software algorithms might value measurements on the basis of upper-face landmarks more than lower-face measurements.

Evaluation of RANK, RANKL and OPG Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid After Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion.

Objectives: Maxillary transverse deficiency is one of the most common skeletal problems. Patients who have completed skeletal maturity, maxillary transverse deficiency can be treated with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Orthodontic forces affect the cells in the periodontium to form biologically active substances responsible for remodeling. These substances can be detected in the content of the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). This study aimed to investigate changes in RANK, RANKL and OPG in the gingival crevicular fluid after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 patients with a maxillary transverse deficiency were included in the study. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from the mesiobuccal regions of the upper left central, lateral incisors, first and second premolar teeth before the operation (T0), after activation period (T1) and at the 4th month (T2) after the retention period. Changes in RANK, RANKL and OPG levels of gingival crevicular fluid samples were investigated. Results: RANK and RANKL amounts were found to be significantly increased in the first and second premolar teeth after expansion, and OPG amounts were significantly decreased in central incisor and first premolar teeth. RANKL was also significantly higher in the first premolar teeth than in the second premolar after retention. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, RANK, RANKL and OPG levels are changed in the gingival crevicular fluid after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Clinical Relevance: Using tooth-borne appliances for SARME operations alters the biological content of the GCF. For avoiding these interactions, bone-borne appliances may be used for SARME procedures.

Comparison of psychosocial and aesthetic features of class III malocclusion after orthognathic surgery: Conventional approach versus surgery-first approach.

The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the changes in psychosocial status, self-esteem, and quality of life in patients treated with conventional and SF approaches. 14 patients (mean age 23.04±3.36; 9 male and 5 female) who met the inclusion criteria were included in the SF group; 18 patients with class III malocclusion (mean age 29.27±3.78; 9 male and 9 female) were included in the COS group. In the research protocol, the first questionnaires were carried out 2 weeks before surgery (T0); second survey approximately 4 weeks after surgery (T1); and the third one was done to patients after the treatment was completed (debonding) (T2). In our study, Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), Pyschosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), surveys were conducted. No statistically significant difference was observed in all of the PIDAQ parameters and most of the OQLQ parameters within the COS and SF groups (P>0.05). When the BDI-II results were examined, different trends in scores were observed between the two groups, and this difference was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). In the SF approach, progressive improvement was detected in the patients in terms of psychosocial and quality of life in the early period of treatment. The greater improvement in psychological and social characteristics in the SF approach compared to conventional orthognathic surgery may also be associated with a shorter treatment time.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of different puncture points for second cannula in double puncture arthrocentesis of temporomandibular joint.

The study at checking if treatment outcomes in double puncture temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis (DPTMJA) changed when the puncture points of the second cannula punctate were changed. Using a retrospective cohort study design, the investigators enrolled a sample of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD, internal derangement) patients receiving DPTMJA. The decision of whether to perform a modified or traditional arthrocentesis was made by the patients: Patients who accepted the close cannula relationship were evaluated as group 1 (modification group), and those who did not agree as group 2 (traditional group). The predictor variable was puncture points of the second cannula (close to vs. far from the first cannula; group 1 and 2, respectively). The main outcome variables included maximum mouth opening (MMO), and pain assessed using a Likert-type (0-10) visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment and at 1st day and 3rd months intervals. Appropriate statistics were computed using P < .05 was considered significant. The study sample comprised 32 patients (93.8% females; 50% in each study arm) with an average age of 36.9 ± 15.3 years (range, 18-78). Although, patient age and gender, and baseline VAS in both groups were not significant different (P > .05), the baseline MMO in group 2 was significant higher than that in group 1 (P = .03). The within-group analyses demonstrated the significant improvement of both MMO and VAS at postoperative month 3 (P < .05). However, the between-group analyses rejected the significant differences between the 2 groups at day 1 and month 3 (P > .05). Within the limitations of the study the choice of one or the other technique should be left to the discretion of the surgeon.

Evaluation of Changes in Nasal Projection After Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion With 3dMD Face System.

The most appropriate treatment option for maxillary expansion in adulthood due to increased cyanosis in sutures is surgically assisted maxillary expansion (SARME). Skeletal and dental changes are observed with SARME. Three-dimensional imaging techniques are gaining importance with the developing technology in evaluating the changes that occur as a result of the treatments applied. The aim of study was to evaluate the soft tissue changes occurring in the nasal projection after SARME in 3-dimensional analyzes during the expansion and post-retention processes. The study sample consisted of 19 patients with a transverse maxillary deficiency of more than 5 mm (11 female and 8 male). 3dMD Vultus software was used for measuring height and width of the philtrum, superior alar, nasal and subnasal width; nasal length, nasal projection, nasal bridge width, nasal tip protrusion and upper face height) before surgery (T0), after the expansion phase (T1), and 6 months postoperatively (T2). A significant difference was found only subnasal width between pre-treatment and post-retention values. Surgically assisted maxillary expansion operations alter the nasal projection and this study certified these results with 3dMD face system. 3dMD face technique is an effective imaging technique for evaluating the soft tissues changes after orthognathic surgeries.

Extraoral approach of the surgical treatment of sublingual epidermoid cyst: A case report.

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts account for <0.01% of all oral cavity lesions with dermoid cyst which is twice as common to epidermoid. Epidermoid cysts are benign lesions that occur rarely in children. They usually present early in life as an asymptomatic mass. The treatment option is surgical and intraoral or extraoral approaches can be performed according to the localization and size of the mass. This report presents an 11 year old child with a sublingual epidermoid cyst treated extraorally.

Rehabilitation of the Work Accident-Related Traumatic Mandible With Iliac Free Flap, Distraction Osteogenesis, and Dental Implants.

Mandibular bone defects due to extensive trauma impair occlusion and affect the aesthetics of facial contouring, making it difficult to obtain a satisfactory outcome. Distraction osteogenesis and free flap is an effective and aesthetic treatment option for rehabilating these defects. In this clinical report, the authors present rehabilitation of a wide mandibular traumatic defect due to a work-related accident with iliac free flap, distraction osteogenesis, and dental implants.

Unilateral Le Fort I Osteotomy for Rehabilitating the Large Alveolar Cleft and Vertical Malocclusion With the Distraction Technique.

Rehabilitation of the large alveolar clefts with autogenous graft or distraction osteogenesis is one of the most common treatment choices. Depending on the clinical situation such as vertical deficiencies, linear transport of the segment does not always ensure a proper closure of the cleft space. In this report, the authors present a patient in whom large unilateral cleft and vertical alveolar deficiency were closed by unilateral Le Fort I osteotomy and distraction technique using the orthodontic elastics.

Evaluation of Changes in Lip Closing Force After Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion.

OBJECTIVE: Morphological changes in patients subjected to surgical treatment to correct occlusal discrepancies may lead to various functional changes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in lip closing force after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion in skeletally mature patients. METHODS: The study involved 7 female and 7 male patients treated with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Maximum and minimum lip pressures of patients were measured with Lip De CumLDC-110R. The intercanine distance and incisors angulations were measured preoperatively (T0), at the end of the expansion (T1), at the end of the third month of retention (T2), and at the end of the sixth month of retention (T3). RESULTS: The greatest values of maximum and the minimum lip closing force were observed at the end of the expansion period significantly. The intercanine distance and inclinations of incisors measured at the third and sixth months showed a significant decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that, following surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion, both the maximum and the minimum lip closing force increases had a tendency to revert to their initial values 6 months after surgery.

Huge lipoma of the right parotid gland: Case report and review of 42 cases.

Lipomas are rarely found in the parotid gland region. Because of their rarity at this site, they are not often considered in the differential diagnosis of parotid tumors. The parotid lipoma is a slowly growing, asymptomatic, freely movable, soft mass. Preoperative diagnosis is generally difficult. We present a case of a slowly enlarging mass of the parotid region in a 44-year-old man that proved to be a lipomatous tumor of the parotid gland. We also review 42 other cases from the literature. Our patient's huge tumor was located in the superficial lobe of the gland, and a parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve was performed. There was no complication or recurrence of the tumor after a follow-up of 1 year.

The use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and PRF-mixed particulated autogenous bone graft in the treatment of bone defects: An experimental and histomorphometrical study.

BACKGROUND: Various materials and techniques have been developed to facilitate bone healing process and reduce its healing period. In recent studies, it is pointed out that, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) which is derived autogenously from the own blood of the individuals, increase regeneration and accelerate the healing of the wound, due to the consisting various growing factors. The aim of the experimental study is to evaluate the efficiency of PRF and PRF/autogenous graft combination on bone healing in different time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 skeletally mature New Zealand rabbits were used. Animals were divided randomly into two groups. Two bone defects with a diameter 3, 3 mm were created on the right and left tibia in all group animals. Only particulate autogeneous bone graft, only PRF, combination of PRF and autogeneous bone graft and empty bone cavity, were performed to all animals. The animals in the first experimental group were sacrificed after 30 days. The animals in the second experimental group were sacrificed after 60 days from the operation. Histomorphometrical and statistical analysis was performed. The data were analyzed using Tukey test (P < 0.05 for osteoblast number, P < 0.01 for osteoclast and new bone area values). RESULTS: Histomorphometrical analyzes showed that either PRF used alone or used in conjuction with autogenous bone graft, PRF accelerated the healing of the bone defects. There were statistically significant differences in osteoblast, osteoblast and new bone area values in PRF alone and autogenous graft with PRF than the other groups. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary result demonstrated that PRF increase new bone formation and has a positive effect on early bone healing.

Ectopic third molar in the mandibular sigmoid notch: Report of a case and literature review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the etiopathogenesis, clinical features and surgical approaches for removal of ectopic third molars in the mandible. METHODS: We report a case of an impacted mandibular third molar dislocated on mandibular sigmoid notch. 20 cases of ectopic mandibular third molars reported in the English-language literature, identified from Pubmed and Medline databases are also reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 20 article reported in the presented study, ectopic third molars were generally located in the condylar region. The common symptoms of the clinical examination were pain, trismus, swelling, temporomandibular joint syndroms or no symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Ectopic third molar may be asymptomatic initially with clinical manifestations, later on as adjacent structures are affected. The surgical approach must be carefully planned for the aim of choosing the more conservative technique that produces the minimum trauma to patients. Key words:Ectopic third molar, sigmoid notch, cyst.

Does smoking affect the Ki67 and p53 expressions in asymptomatic fully impacted lower third molar follicles?

PURPOSE: Ki67 and p53 protein expressions are the most widely used markers to show the pathologic proliferation and early-stage tumoral alterations in vital tissues. The aim of this study was to compare Ki67 and p53 protein expressions in smokers' and nonsmokers' pericoronal follicles of asymptomatic impacted lower third molars (ILTMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was planned. The study sample was derived from a population of patients who presented for evaluation and operative treatment of asymptomatic ILTMs. The predictor variable was smoking status, defined as smoker or nonsmoker. Outcome variables were Ki67 and p53 protein expressions in ILTM follicles. Other study variables were age, gender, tooth position, cigarette pack-year, epithelial layer staining, and inflammation. Independent-samples t test analyses were conducted with SPSS 10.0 (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL), with statistical significance set at a P value equal to .05. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 70 patients (35 in the smoker group) who contributed 60 follicles. There were statistical differences between the 2 groups for variables Ki67 and p53. Mean expression levels of Ki67 were 3.93 ± 2.17 and 2.48 ± 2.09, respectively, for smokers and nonsmokers (P = .011). Mean expression levels of p53 were 5.32 ± 1.98 and 3.06 ± 2.34, respectively, for smokers and nonsmokers (P = .000). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that dental follicles of smokers have higher Ki67 and p53 protein expressions than nonsmokers' follicles.

Unusual unilateral fracture of the condylar and coronoid processes of the mandible.

The incidence of condylar fracture is very high and most are not caused by direct trauma. On the other hand, fracture of the coronoid process is reported less often than fracture of other parts of the mandible. We report a case of right subcondylar and coronoid fractures without any evidence of direct trauma to the zygomatic area or an indirect trauma to the mandibular corpus or sypmheseal region. The possible cause was identified as acute reflex contraction of the temporalis muscles leading to coronoid and condylar stress fractures.

Surgical rehabilitation of free fibula graft fracture under local anesthesia with posteriorly directed vertical alveolar distractor.

Reconstruction of the mandible with a free fibular graft is one of the most common treatment choices following tumor resection. But as the graft is often vertically deficient, pathological fracture may occur because of occlusal forces after prosthetic rehabilitation. Distraction osteogenesis can be a good choice for the repair of the fibular flap. In this report, a case of fractured fibula flap after 7 years, rehabilitated with a posteriorly directed vertical distractor, will be presented.

Three-dimensional anatomic analysis of the lingula and mandibular foramen: a cone beam computed tomography study.

PURPOSE: The authors analyzed the anatomic location differences of the mandibular foramen (MF) and lingula in a cone beam computed tomography study, aiming to obtain information that could be used when performing mandibular osteotomies and the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). METHODS: Three-dimensional mandibular computed tomography images were reconstructed from data for 139 patients (278 sides) aged between 9 and 18 years (growth group, 27 patients) and aged 19 to 71 years (adult group, 112 patients). RESULTS: In the adult group, positive correlations were seen between right and left measurements. In the growth group, there are significant differences in lingula-anterior and MF-posterior ramus measurements. In the adult group, there are significant differences between man and woman MF-gonion distance measurements. Differences were seen in edentulous and asymmetry patients. CONCLUSIONS: The MF is an important anatomic landmark for ramus surgery and IANB. When applied to ramus operations and IANB, the anatomic data provided by this study may help surgeons gain more understanding of nerve position during surgery.

Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on autogenous bone graft healing.

OBJECTIVE: Pulsed ultrasonic waves have been shown to accelerate bone healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on bone healing. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-two femurs from 16 skeletally mature male Wistar albino rats were used. Two defects were produced in each femur with a 3-mm-diameter trephine bur and then autogenous cortical grafts were placed in 1 defect. The animals in the experiment group received a daily 20-minute ultrasound treatment for 15 days. All animals were killed on the 18th postoperative day. RESULTS: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry values and biochemical markers in the experimental side were significantly higher than those in the control side at the early period of bone healing. CONCLUSIONS: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment accelerates bone healing both in bone defects and in bone defects filled with cortical autogenous block graft.

Maxillary sinus perforation with presence of an antral pseudocyst, repaired with platelet rich fibrin.

The maxillary sinus lifting procedure is an important preprosthetic surgical procedure for the creation of adequate bone volume in the edentulous posterior maxilla for the placement of dental implants. The presence of a maxillary sinus cyst has been considered a contraindication for this operation. Perforation of the membrane and hence the elongation of the healing time for implant placement is the most common complication in this type of procedure. The purpose of the case is to show the safely repair of the large sinus perforation during the sinus lifting with presence of the antral pseudocyst. In this case, we present a patient who had a maxillary sinus lifting procedure in the presence of antral pseudocysts. No complications were seen during follow-up periods and all implants are functioning successfully. Platelet-rich fibrin may be used safely when large perforation occurs during the sinus lifting with the presence of an antral pseudocyst.

Secondary closure of alveolar clefts with mandibular symphyseal bone grafts and with platelet-rich fibrin under local anesthesia: three case reports.

Secondary alveolar bone grafting is a method that enables an excellent oral rehabilitation of the patients having cleft palate. Many types of bone grafts have been used for reconstruction of the cleft, including autogenous bone and bone substitutes. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been shown to be effective in grafting the defect. The aim of this presentation is to report the closure of an alveolar cleft with the use of symphyseal bone grafts harvested with platelet rich fibrin under local anesthesia. PRF may be a good treatment choice depending on the early radiographical view of the defect and uneventfull healing.