Altered sensation following extrusion of an endodontic file treated by intentional replantation: case report and treatment recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: An altered sensation during endodontic treatment can occur due to the extrusion of endodontic materials. This study aims to discuss intentional replantation to address paresthesia resulting from an endodontic file penetrating the inferior alveolar nerve canal (IANC) and provide a protocol for managing nerve injuries in such incidents. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old girl developed paresthesia when an endodontic file separated and was inadvertently pushed through the apical foramen into IANC during root canal treatment of the mandibular left first molar. A CBCT scan revealed the file penetrating the canal towards the inferior border of the mandible. After considering the treatment options, intentional replantation was deemed suitable. The tooth was a-traumatically extracted and preserved in sterile saline. The surgeon then carefully cleaned and irrigated the socket. The radiographic assessment confirmed successful file removal from the socket. The Root ends were resected, and retrograde preparation and obturation were conducted using ultrasonic tips and MTA. The tooth was then replanted into the socket. Successful replantation was confirmed by tooth stability and an audible click. The patient was prescribed antibiotics and steroids. Subsequently, after completing the endodontic treatment. a stainless-steel crown was cemented. The successful intentional replantation procedure resulted in rapid improvement in the patient's condition. The normal sensation had been restored, indicating nerve recovery. At the 15-month follow-up, Periapical bone healing and the eruption of the adjacent second molar were observed, affirming the treatment protocol's overall success. CONCLUSION: Prompt intervention and immediate intentional replantation facilitated direct inspection of the separated file within the socket. Collaboration between an oral maxillofacial surgeon and an endodontist ensures expedited and targeted treatment, leading to favorable outcomes.

Computer-Assisted Evaluation Confirms Spontaneous Healing of Donor Site One Year following Bone Block Harvesting from Mandibular Retromolar Region-A Cohort Study.

Bone augmentation prior to dental implant placement is a common scenario in the dental implantology field. Among the important intraoral harvesting sites to obtain bone blocks is the ramus/retromolar region that has a high success rate and long-lasting alveolar ridge augmentation. Preserving the bone volume and quality at the donor site is crucial for preventing further complications or to serve as a site for re-harvesting. Healing of the intraoral donor sites has been described in the maxillofacial field. This study aimed to evaluate the spontaneous healing of the mandibular retromolar donor site utilizing computer-assisted quantification 6 and 12 months after bone harvesting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on patients who underwent an alveolar ridge augmentation using an intraoral retromolar bone graft. Three CBCT scans were performed-intraoperative, and at six months and one year after the surgical procedure. By using the Materialise Mimics Innovation Suite software 26.0 features segmentation by thresholding, Hounsfield unit averaging, and superimposition of the tomographies, we could precisely quantify the healing process utilizing spatial and characteristic measures. RESULTS: In all cases, the computer-aided quantification showed that six months following surgery, the donor site had recovered up to 64.5% ± 4.24 of its initial volume, and this recovery increased to 89.2% ± 2.6 after one year. Moreover, the Hounsfield unit averaging confirmed dynamic bone quality healing, starting at 690.3 ± 81 HU for the bone block, decreasing to 102 ± 27.8 HU at six months postoperatively, and improving to 453.9 ± 91.4 HU at the donor site after a year. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there is no need for additional replanting at the donor site following retromolar bone block harvesting, whether autogenous or allograft, since spontaneous healing occurs 12 months following the surgery.

Alveolar Bone Box Ostectomy Grafted with Particulate Bone Substitute with Subsequent Dental Implant Placement in a Case of Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia Involving the Posterior Maxilla: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with dysplastic bone diseases, including fibrous dysplasia (FD), represent a particular challenge for placement of dental implants. This is due to structural bony changes that may compromise the bone blood supply and plasticity, thus potentially affecting the process of osseointegration. This case report describes a novel approach for dental-implant-based rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla affected by craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD), with 7 years of treatment follow-up. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old female patient was referred due to a suspected unidentified bone lesion affecting the left side of the maxilla. A clinical and radiographic diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia was confirmed through a wedge bone biopsy. Particulate bone substitute was packed into a box-shaped ostectomy area of the lesion in the affected maxillary alveolar ridge. This was followed by the placement of four implants 6 months post operation. The implants were successfully integrated, as confirmed by clinical examination over 7 years of follow up. CONCLUSION: this treatment approach may be considered as a predictable and efficient treatment modality for dental implant rehabilitation in patients with a variety of fibro-osseous lesions, including fibrous dysplasia, which affect the alveolar bone.

Expanding the Surgeon's Armamentarium: Use of the Tubing Technique to Preserve the Inferior Alveolar Nerve During Transposition Procedure.

Severe edentulous posterior mandible atrophy with inadequate bone height superior to the inferior alveolar canal may increase the risk of neurosensory impairment and other complications during inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) transposition (IANT) prior to dental implant insertion. The current report describes the tubing technique as a practical and feasible procedure that ensures IAN preservation during IANT. The technique involves wrapping a standard suction catheter around the exposed nerve to facilitate full coverage. This work presents a retrospective review of 31 patients undergoing IANT procedures followed by immediate placement of dental implants between January 2015 and January 2020. IANT was performed either unilaterally or bilaterally on all patients, followed by IAN tubing before implant placement. A total of 46 IANT procedures involving the tubing technique were performed. Overall, 149 dental implants were inserted during IANT surgeries, with a success rate of 98.6%. Sensory disturbance was documented in 47.8% of the treated sites (left/right mandible) at 1 month (22/46 sites), 21.7% at 3 months (10/46 sites), 6.5% at 6 months (3/46 sites), and 2.2% at 12 months (1/46 sites) postimplantation. In total, except for 1 case, sensory disturbance was fully resolved by the end of the 12-month follow-up period. Taken together, the tubing technique described herein is a practical and reproducible method for protecting the IAN during transposition.

Enhanced socket preparation during autotransplantation: a new treatment protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Tooth autotransplantation (AT) is a viable option for the replacement of unrestorable or missing teeth. Recently, the use of a 3D replica of a donor tooth constructed from CBCT scans was described. The model is made to assess the recipient site's size and minimize the required extraoral time of the donor tooth after extraction. The aim of the paper was to describe a new technique for AT using the 3D replica as a socket preparation tool. CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old boy who presented with hypodontia was referred for consultation and treatment. The treatment plan included combined orthodontic treatment and AT of the mandibular left second premolar into the site of the congenitally missing maxillary right canine. A titanium 3D model of the donor tooth was printed by a direct metal laser 3D printer utilizing the model from the CBCT scan. An intrasulcular flap was elevated, and the edentulous maxillary ridge was prepared using implant trephine burs with increasing diameters. A surgical mallet was utilized to apply vertical forces to the 3D-printed model, which was inserted into the prepared socket to allow a perfect fit for the donor tooth. After atraumatic extraction of the mandibular left second premolar, the donor tooth was inserted into the ready socket and splinted. Follow-up examinations at 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year after surgery demonstrated a successful outcome. CONCLUSION: The titanium replica was successfully used for precise preparation of the recipient site, minimizing the extraoral time of the procedure to 4 minutes, and thereby improving the expected outcome. (Quintessence Int 2023;54:142-148; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b3649031).

3D Printing and Virtual Surgical Planning in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing and 3D printing stand out in their ability to rapidly fabricate complex structures and precise geometries. The growing need for products with different designs, purposes and materials led to the development of 3D printing, serving as a driving force for the 4th industrial revolution and digitization of manufacturing. 3D printing has had a global impact on healthcare, with patient-customized implants now replacing generic implantable medical devices. This revolution has had a particularly significant impact on oral and maxillofacial surgery, where surgeons rely on precision medicine in everyday practice. Trauma, orthognathic surgery and total joint replacement therapy represent several examples of treatments improved by 3D technologies. The widespread and rapid implementation of 3D technologies in clinical settings has led to the development of point-of-care treatment facilities with in-house infrastructure, enabling surgical teams to participate in the 3D design and manufacturing of devices. 3D technologies have had a tremendous impact on clinical outcomes and on the way clinicians approach treatment planning. The current review offers our perspective on the implementation of 3D-based technologies in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, while indicating major clinical applications. Moreover, the current report outlines the 3D printing point-of-care concept in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Comparisons between lysis and lavage, intra-articular steroid injections, and three-point subsynovial steroid injections using operative single-cannula arthroscopy - A retrospective analysis.

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of intra-articular and three-point sub-synovial steroid injections. In this retrospective Cohort study an OSCA lysis and lavage, intra-articular and threepoint sub-synovial steroid injections were performed and the maximal interincisinal opening (MIO), pain using 10- point visual analog scale (VAS) and quality of life (QOL) were measured one week before the procedure and 1, 3, 6, 12 months, and 2 and 3years after surgery. Sixty-five patients suffering from internal derangement refractory to conservative treatment charts were reviewed. successfully lowered pain (p value = 0.0012), and improved mouth opening (p value = 0.023), and quality of life (QoL) (p value = 0.003) for up to 6 months after surgery. OSCA with intra-articular CS injections effectively lowered pain (p value = 0.0025), and improved mouth opening (p value = 0.03) and QoL (p value = 0.004) for 12 months. In comparison, OSCA with sub-synovial steroid injections was significantly effective in lowering pain (p value = 0.000002), improving mouth opening (p value = 0.000004), and QoL (p value p = 0.000006) for the duration of the 36-month follow-up period within the limitations of the study it seems that the OSCA technique with site-specific, sub-synovial CS injections should be the preferred treatment approach when the priority is long-term success concerning pain relief, increased mouth opening and improved quality of life in Wilkes II-IV patients.

COVID-19 knowledge and adherence of dental practitioners to health authority safety guidelines during a pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the degree of dental practitioner adherence to recommendations made during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD AND MATERIALS: An online questionnaire was distributed via social media among dental practitioners in Israel who worked during the COVID-19 outbreak. RESULTS: In total, 144 dental practitioners completed the survey; it was found that dental practitioner adherence to all the official PPE use recommendations was 69.8%, whereas 36.8% of dental practitioners reported the use of N95 when needed. Knowledge of self-protection against COVID-19 was rated as "very good" by 37.5% of responders. However, only 25.7% felt "highly protected" by personal protective equipment. Interestingly, many dental practitioners (46.8%) reported adherence to extra protection in addition to the required PPE communicated by the Ministry of Health guidelines. CONCLUSION: Stricter regimens should be applied for dealing with the current challenging pandemic, especially in clinical work with a higher risk for viral transmission. Specific strategies should be followed to ensure good practice to improve dental practitioners' and patients' safety.

Decline in Maxillofacial Injuries during the Pandemic: The Hidden Face of COVID-19.

Maxillofacial injuries result from a variety of daily activities. Traffic accidents, interpersonal violence, and falls represent some of the most common etiological factors behind maxillofacial fractures. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the social distancing measures imposed by healthcare authorities aimed at abolishing the spread of the viral infection. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of social distancing measures on the incidence of maxillofacial injuries. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the medical file registry at the Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel. Incidence, gender, age, etiology, and cost of hospitalization during the COVID-19 lockdown and the previous periods were retrieved. RESULTS: A decrease in maxillofacial fractures was registered during the 2020 lockdown; younger patients had the largest share of maxillofacial traumas during this period. The midface was the most involved facial region in both periods, and a reduction of 62.3% in the cost of OMF fracture treatment was observed during the COVID-19 era. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence, etiology, and cost of treatment of maxillofacial injuries during the COVID-19 period were different from those in the corresponding period in the pre-COVID-19 era. These results can provide a guide to help design programs for the prevention of OMF trauma.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among Dental Professionals Based on Employment Status During the Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly across the globe, leading governments to impose prolonged lockdowns on both movement and commerce. Although lockdowns decrease the rates of novel infections, they can have devastating consequences on the economy and employment levels. One of the most severely affected sectors during this crisis has been dental medicine. Dental professionals are uniquely exposed to environments with high levels of occupational hazards, conferring additional risks of viral exposure and transmission. We analyzed 506 anonymous questionnaires completed by dentists and residents regarding acceptance of a future potential SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Our results demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between the individual's unemployment rate and their willingness to inoculate with a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine when it becomes available. This information can be used to predict trends of vaccine acceptance or rejection based on economic burden during the COVID-19 pandemic by different sectors as part of the preparedness toward global vaccination programs.

The impact of delayed surgical intervention following high velocity maxillofacial injuries.

Our study compares the number of postoperative complications of Syrian patients admitted to the Galilee Medical Center (GMC) over a 5-year period (May 2013-May 2018) for treatment after initial high-velocity maxillofacial injuries sustained during the Syrian civil war. Specifically, we evaluated complication rates of patients arriving "early," within 24 h, to the GMC versus those who arrived "late," or 14-28 days following high-velocity maxillofacial injuries. Both groups of patients received definitive surgical treatment within 48 h of admission to our hospital with a total of 60 patients included in this study. The mean age was 26 ± 8 years (range: 9-50) and all except one were male. Postoperative complications in the early group were found to be significantly higher compared to the delayed arrival group (p = 0.006). We found that unintentionally delayed treatment may have contributed to a critical revascularization period resulting in improved healing and decreased postoperative morbidity and complications. We discuss potential mechanisms for complication rate variations, including critical vascularization periods. Our study may add to a growing body of work demonstrating the potential benefit of delayed surgical treatment for high-velocity maxillofacial injuries.

Superioralization of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve and Roofing for Extreme Atrophic Posterior Mandibular Ridges with Dental Implants.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior mandibular ridges with extreme atrophy are usually combined with superficial location of the mental nerve and inferior alveolar nerves (IAN) and with a short residual mandibular ridge. As a result, dental implants cannot be placed in conjunction with IAN transposition alone. The aim of this paper is to introduce a new treatment approach to treat those patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with 18 extreme atrophic posterior mandibular ridges characterized by superficial location of the IAN and short residual ridge had been treated during a 4-year period. The treatment approach included superior transposition of the IAN (IAN superioralization), 18 onlay bone block grafts harvested from the calvarial bone, implants placement through the block, and repositioning of the nerve under the onlay graft (IAN roofing). Patients were examined every 2-3 weeks; they received panoramic radiograph immediately after the surgery, at 4 months, at 6 months, and then once a year. Fixed prosthesis was performed after 4-5 months. RESULTS: The donor sites of the bone blocks healed very well. The increase of bone height ranged between 4 and 6 mm at the recipient sites, and 63 long implants were placed (10-13 mm). All the patients were hospitalized 1-3 days. The healing process was uneventful, and the nerve recovery lasted a maximal period of 6 months. The implant success and survival rates were 100%. All patients received fixed prosthesis. The functional outcomes were satisfactory with marked improvement in the quality of life of the patients. The follow-up period was 12-58 months. CONCLUSIONS: Superioralization of the IAN and roofing is a fast and predictable option to treat extremely atrophic posterior mandibular ridges with fixed prosthesis supported by dental implants.

Spontaneous mandibular fracture as a complication of inferior alveolar nerve transposition and placement of endosseous dental implants in the atrophic mandible: a review of the literature and a report of two cases and their nonsurgical conservative management.

OBJECTIVES: Severe atrophied edentulous posterior mandible with inadequate bone height superior to the inferior alveolar canal may require transposition of the inferior alveolar nerve in order to insert dental implants. Mandibular fractures are considered a rare complication of this procedure. Implant-related spontaneous fractures of the mandible represent 0.2% of patients with inserted implants in an edentulous mandible. This report presents two cases of mandibular fractures that occurred 3 to 4 weeks after inferior alveolar nerve transposition, and were managed successfully by conservative nonsurgical treatments. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Overall, 132 procedures of inferior alveolar nerve transposition in 98 patients were performed over a period of 10 years with 379 dental implants inserted in one stage with the procedure. Patients were examined every 2 weeks. The inferior alveolar nerve function was evaluated with various sensory tests. Panoramic radiographs were obtained immediately, at 3 months, and at 1 year after the surgery. The patients received implant-supported fixed prostheses after 3 to 5 months. RESULTS: The healing process was uneventful in 96 patients; however, in two patients (1.5%) spontaneous fracture of the treated site was observed 3 and 4 weeks postoperatively. The fractures lines occurred at a failed implant site. Both cases were treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous fractures following inferior alveolar nerve transposition are an important but rare complication. Conservative treatment modalities might be useful and indicated in some of those cases.

The Reliability of Free Buccal Fat Graft for Treatment of Severe Gingival Recessions at Mandibular and Maxillary Exposed Roots.

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of gingival recessions (GRs) is multifactorial, mainly due to trauma induced by traumatic toothbrushing, orthodontic tooth movement, as well as anatomical factors such as bone dehiscence, teeth malposition, and muscle pull. Fat tissue in the oral cavity is widely available and easily accessed. The use of pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) graft is well known in maxillofacial surgery and has been shown promising results, becoming safe and effective graft for several clinical applications. However the use of fat tissue harvested from the buccal fat pad as a free graft (BFFP) is less common, but recently, it has been described by the author for different intraoral clinical applications. The aim of this study is to present additional application using the BFFG for coverage of severe muco-GRs and to discuss the promising outcomes of this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A technique for harvesting intraoral BFFG for the use in mucogingival surgery is presented. A total of 10 patients (age: 38.3 ± 6.8 years) with 17 teeth presenting severe GRs (4.8 ± 1.8 mm) were included in the study. Recessions treated using BFFGs were recorded at baseline and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 17 GRs were treated using BFFG. At 12 months, significant reduction of recession occurred. Initial recession was reduced from 4.8 ± 1.8 mm to 1.7 ± 0.9 mm. A mean of 3.1-mm reduction in GR was achieved compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The new, simple, technique for treatment of severe GRs using BFFG resulted in significant reduction of GRs.

The use of buccal fat pad free graft in closure of soft-tissue defects and dehiscence in the hard palate.

INTRODUCTION: The integrity of the palatal mucosa can be lost due to congenital, pathological, and iatrogenic conditions. Various surgical techniques have been suggested for the closure of palatal defects. The aim of the current study is to present the free buccal fat pad graft as a novel technique to repair the soft-tissue defects at the palate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 2-year period, the free fat tissue graft harvested from the buccal fat pad (BFP) (FBFG) and used to reconstruct five soft-tissue defects of the palate in five patients (2 women, 3 men; mean age, 34 years; range, 22-58 years). In two patients, the palatal defect size was 2-3 cm and resulted from the resection of pleomorphic adenoma. In two other patients, the defect was due to odontogenic lesion, and in the last patient, the etiology was an iatrogenic dehiscence during maxillary segmentation surgery. Patients were examined every 2 weeks in the first 3 months and thereafter every 3 months. RESULTS: Five patients were treated with FBFG to reconstruct palatal defects and were followed up for 6-24 months. The healing process of the BFP and the recipient sites were uneventful, with minimal morbidity. At 3 months after the surgery, there was complete epithelialization of the graft at the recipient sites. CONCLUSIONS: Harvesting of FBFG is a simple procedure with minor complications; manipulation and handling the graft are easy. The use of FBFG in reconstruction of small and medium palatal defects is encouraging with excellent clinical outcomes.

The use of Buccal fat pad free graft in regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis: A new and predictable technique.

INTRODUCTION: Peri-implantitis is a common condition, but no particular treatment protocol has shown to be definitively effective. Fat tissue in the oral cavity is widely available and easily accessed. The aim of the current study is to present a novel technique in the treatment of peri-implant lesions, utilizing a free fat tissue graft from the buccal fat pad (BFP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Free fat graft (FFG) was harvested from the BFP in eight patients and used with bone substitutes to regenerate 22 peri-implant lesions. Mechanical debridement of the implants surface and the granulation tissue were made with curettes or with Er: YAG laser. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, gingival recession, and the clinical attachment level were recorded as a baseline during the follow-up period. In addition, radiological evaluation was made preoperative during the follow-up period. RESULTS: The donor site of the free fat graft was healed without cosmetic defect in all patients. Twenty-two peri-implant lesions were followed up for 12 months. Bleeding on probing and the pocket depth were significantly improved, and the clinical attachment level was achieved and maintained during the follow-up period due to the fibrous healing of the free fat graft. Satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes of the treated implants were achieved and maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Free buccal fat graft heals by fibrosis. The fibrotic tissue adheres strongly to the implant surface and with stand the recurrence of the peri-implant lesion and provides stable and predictable outcome.

The use of free fat tissue transfer from the buccal fat pad to obtain and maintain primary closure and to improve soft tissue thickness at bone-augmented sites: technique presentation and report of case series.

PURPOSE: Atrophic ridges usually have both hard and soft tissue shortages, and bone augmentation can make soft tissue closure difficult. The aim of this case series is to present a new method utilizing transfer of free fat tissue grafts (FFG) from the buccal fat bad (BFP) during bone augmentation to enhance immediate primary soft tissue closure and improve long-term soft tissue thickness and quality at the recipient site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with moderate to severe ridge atrophy in different regions of the jaws were treated over a 4-year period with bone augmentation and FFG. The BFP was the donor site for the FFG. Patients were examined clinically and radiographically (periapical) every 2 weeks. At 4 months, computed tomography was performed to evaluate the bone gain. Reentry was performed after 4 to 5 months to evaluate the soft tissue, obtain specimens for histologic examination, and insert implants. RESULTS: Twenty patients (18 women, 2 men; mean age 43 years) were followed for 4 to 42 months and received 92 implants in the augmented sites. The healing process was uneventful, with minimal morbidity. Bone volume increased by 4 to 8 mm horizontally and 3 to 6 mm vertically. Thick soft tissue was obtained at the recipient sites and around the dental implants, and histologic specimens showed that the FFG was replaced by fibrous tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Harvesting of the FFG from the BFP is a simple procedure with minor complications, and manipulation and handling of the graft are easy. The FFG enhances primary soft tissue closure of augmented bone, prevents dehiscences, improves long-term soft tissue thickness, and mimics the attached gingiva in its fibrous healing.

Biomechanics and peri-implantitis: The effect of a subcrestal wing-thread to decrease alveolar crestal bone strain. theory, finite element analysis, and clinical application.

PURPOSE: This study used finite element analysis and a clinical case example to test the hypothesis that a wing-thread placed 4 mm below the top of an implant would decrease crestal bone loss in function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Finite element analysis was used to compare standard and wing-thread implants subjected to axial and off-axis forces based on the hypothesis that decreasing bone strain at the alveolar crestal margin improves peri-implant bone stability. A clinical case example of the wing-thread implant was followed for 30 months. RESULTS: Stress concentration was diminished at the crest when a wing-thread was used compared to a standard implant body. Ninety-degree lateral forces were diminished by a factor of 10 in the wing-thread implant. A patient followed for 30 months showed stable bone levels around the wing-thread implants. CONCLUSION: The wing-thread hypothesis appears to have some support for increasing bone stability based on finite element analysis and early clinical results.

Oropharyngeal cancer pathogenesis: ubiquitin proteolytic, apoptotic and epidermal growth factor related pathways act in concert--first report.

The current study was carried out to examine the clinical characteristics and survival-probability rates of 51 patients treated for oral (tongue) cancer and to correlate it with various tumor markers. The clinical data and survival probability rates were correlated with the immunohistological analysis of p27, Skp2, p53, Bcl-2, TUNEL (apoptotic rate) and c-erbB-2 markers. The 5-year survival-probability correlated with staging, grading and base of tongue location. An inverse relation between the expression of p27 and Skp2, p27 and grading, and a direct relation between Skp2 and grading were demonstrated. Concomitantly, significant correlations between low p27, high Skp2 and high TUNEL (apoptotic rate) expressions and between low p27 and high c-erbB-2 (Her2) expressions in the cancer lesions were demonstrated. The accumulated data may be employed in the future for a better understanding of the biology behind oral cancer and for developing better means of detection and treatment.