Soft Tissue Retraction Maneuver in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Prior to Crown-Lengthening Procedure-A Technical Note.

Background: An accurate determination of the biological width and the relationship of the cemento-enamel junction with the border of the alveolar bone is crucial during a clinical crown-lengthening (CCL) procedure. The aim of this study was to present a technical note about the retraction techniques in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) prior to CCL, highlighting the significant enhancement in procedural accuracy and predictability that these techniques offer. Methods: Clinical and radiological examinations should be performed before a CCL procedure. It is necessary to determine the length of the tooth crowns, the periodontal pockets' depth, and the phenotype of the gingiva. The ideal CBCT examination should be performed with soft tissue retraction. This can be achieved using retractors or cotton rolls. Results: Retraction of the lips, cheeks, and tongue allows one to assess the marginal gingiva, the cemento-enamel junction, and the alveolar bone. A detailed plan of the CCL procedure, which involves retraction, ensures both the aesthetic appeal and the achievement of a newly defined gingival zenith, enhancing the overall visual harmony. Conclusions: Compared with conventional radiographic imaging, the soft tissue retraction maneuver in CBCT prior to CCL surgery offers an effective approach to the evaluation and diagnosis of soft and hard tissue. This is because of the detailed planning of the aesthetic CCL procedure. Such an approach leads to superior aesthetic outcomes in dentistry, contributing to the advancement of aesthetic dentistry through a harmonious blend of art and science.

Tooth Autotransplantation, Autogenous Dentin Graft, and Growth Factors Application: A Method for Preserving the Alveolar Ridge in Cases of Severe Infraocclusion-A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Tooth infraocclusion is a process in which a completely or partially erupted tooth gradually moves away from the occlusal plane. Submerged teeth can lead to serious complications. Treating teeth with infraocclusion is very challenging. One of the procedures allowing for the replacement of a missing tooth is autotransplantation. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on teeth autotransplantation, supported by a case report involving the autotransplantation of a third mandibular molar into the site of an extracted infraoccluded first mandibular molar, as well as the utilization of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) alongside autogenous dentin grafts for bone tissue regeneration. Methods: A severely infraoccluded first permanent right mandibular molar was extracted and then ground to obtain the dentin graft. A-PRF clots (collected from the patient's peripheral blood) were added to the autogenous dentin graft, to create the A-PRF membrane. An atraumatic extraction of the lower left third molar was performed and then it was transplanted into the socket of tooth no. 46. Immediately after transplantation, tooth no. 38 was stabilized with orthodontic bracket splints for 3 months. The patient attended regular follow-up visits within 12 months. Results: After one year, the patient did not report any pain. In the clinical examination, the tooth and surrounding tissues did not show any signs of infection. However, radiographically, cervical inflammatory resorption, unchanged pulp canal dimensions, absent root growth, periapical radiolucency, and lack of apical and marginal healing were observed. Reconstruction of the bone defect was obtained and the alveolar ridge of the mandible was preserved. Due to poor stability of the tooth and severe resorption, the tooth needed to be extracted. Conclusions: This study is designed to critically evaluate the efficacy of autotransplantation, the application of growth factors, and the integration of autogenous dentin grafts in remedying dental deficiencies resulting from reinclusion. We aim to point out the possible causes of treatment failure.

Treatment of Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis with the Use of Growth Factors in Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Immediate Closure of Oro-Antral Communication: A Case Report.

Chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (COMS), a prolonged inflammation of the maxillary sinus lasting over 12 weeks, is often a result of periapical lesions, marginal periodontitis, and complications like oro-antral communication (OAC) and fistula (OAF). OAC, commonly emerging post-teeth extraction in the lateral maxilla, lacks documented treatments using advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF). This study evaluates A-PRF's efficacy in treating COMS and immediately sealing extensive OAC. A case of a 28-year-old male with COMS linked to a periapical lesion and supernumerary molars is presented. Treatment involved extracting specific teeth while preserving adjacent ones and using A-PRF for immediate OAC closure. A-PRF, enriched with growth factors, was pivotal in healing, showcasing enhanced tissue regeneration, pain reduction, and faster recovery. The findings suggest A-PRF as an effective adjunct in treating extensive OAC and COMS, proposing its inclusion in standard treatment protocols. This study underscores A-PRF's potential in improving outcomes for patients with COMS and related complications.

Infraocclusion in the Primary and Permanent Dentition-A Narrative Review.

The gradual movement of a tooth away from the occlusal plane is called infraocclusion or reinclusion. Reincluded teeth are most often deciduous molars, and permanent teeth are less frequently affected. Depending on the level of the infraocclusion, the severity of the disorder is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The etiology of the phenomenon is not fully known. Tooth submerging can lead to serious complications, such as abnormal position of adjacent teeth, displacement of the bud of the permanent successor, shortening of the dental arch, or developmental disturbances of alveolar process. Early diagnosis of the tooth infraocclusion and regular monitoring of its progression help to avoid serious permanent sequelae. The treatment of reinclusion often involves only observation. However, in some cases, the therapeutic procedure requires interdisciplinary treatment by specialists from various fields of dentistry. This study presents current methods of diagnosis and treatment of patients with submerged teeth.

Psychological Functioning of Patients Undergoing Oral Surgery Procedures during the Regime Related with SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has become a huge global challenge medically, economically and psychologically. The COVID-19 pandemic shows that the population can experience general psychological distress. The sanitary regime in dental offices and lack of vaccine for coronavirus may have an impact on the level of dental anxiety among patients undergoing oral surgery procedures. A clinical study was conducted between November 2019 and September 2020. A total of 175 patients (n = 175) were enrolled in the research. The aim of the study was to assess the attitude of patients towards the new situation related to the reduced availability of dental offices providing oral surgery procedures. The level of anxiety associated with surgical intervention was measured using a self-made COVID-19 questionnaire and the MDAS scale. The ED-5Q questionnaire and EQ-VAS scale were also used in this research. The study showed that 21.9% of respondents presented with increased anxiety about a dental visit compared with the time before the pandemic. This epidemiological situation has led to an overwhelming increase in moderate dental anxiety (M: 11.4) among patients undergoing oral surgery procedures. The quality of patients' health (EQ-VAS) related to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the quarantine decreased by 10 percentage points. Oral surgeons should be prepared for more anxious patients in dental offices during the pandemic.