retrospective evaluation of condylar morphology using panoramic radiography in a sample of Turkish population.

BACKGROUND: The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex anatomic structures. It takes a great role in masticatory system and helps to make possible some functions such as speaking, chewing and swallowing. Clinicians should have sufficient anatomical knowledge to assess relationships of the hard and soft tissues, including the mandibular condyle, glenoid fossa, articular eminence of the temporal bone, the articular disc and its attachments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of different types of mandibular condyles and its distribution according to the age and gender. It was also evaluated whether the condyle types were bilaterally symmetrical or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1315 digital panoramic images which obtained from the patients suffering from the dental problems were assessed. Demographic data, condylar morphology were noted. All obtained data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. Morphology of mandibular condyles were classified into four shapes as identified in other studies, namely: type I - oval shape, type II - diamond shape, type III - bird beak shape, type IV - crooked finger shape. Two independent examiners, who have 19 and 7 years of experience in oral and dentomaxillofacial radiology, made a consensus and evaluated all images. RESULTS: A total of 1315 digital panoramic images were assessed. Seven hundred sixty-seven [58.3%] the patients were female and 548 [41.6%] were male. The age range of patients was from 18 to 84 years. Right-left condyle types were found to be symmetrical in the range of 67% of the subpopulation examined in the study. For the consensus, 'oval' condyle was common on both the right and left, while 'crooked finger' condyle was the rarest. CONCLUSIONS: The temporomandibular joint is the most important structure for all jaw functions such as speech, swallowing. In order for all these functions to continue in a healthy way, the anatomical structure should be known very well down to the finest detail. Identification of anatomical structures and their variations can play an important role in implant dentistry. Clinicians commonly prefer conventional radiologic methods to evaluate dentomaxillofacial region. Although the most of the variations are asymptomatic and require no treatment,correct identification of these findings will reduce unnecessary further diagnostic assessments and will provide more appropriate treatment plans.

Effects of nocturnal complete denture usage on cardiorespiratory parameters: A pilot study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Sleeping without conventional complete dentures (CCDs) has been stated by some to induce negative effects on the cardiorespiratory functions of edentulous patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), although others have reported the exact opposite. Therefore, a consensus on nocturnal CCD usage is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the effects of nocturnal denture usage on cardiorespiratory stability by using pulse oximetry (PO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty CCD wearers were enrolled in the study. The first nocturnal pulse oximetry (FNPO) recordings were made on 3 different nights while the participants were sleeping without dentures (WOD). Oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and other PO parameters of the participants, including total respiratory event (TRE), basal SpO2 (BSpO2), time≤88 (T88), average low SpO2 (ALSpO2), total pulse event (TPE), average pulse rate (APR), and heart rate variability index (HRVI), were processed and the obtained data were recorded as WOD condition values. According to the ODI scores, the OSA status of the participants was grouped as normal (ODI<5), mild (530). Complete dentures were fabricated by an experienced prosthodontist and a dental laboratory technician by following conventional procedures. At the end of the first month of the follow-up period, the second nocturnal PO recordings (SNPO) were made on 3 different nights while the participants slept wearing dentures (WID), and the data obtained were recorded as WID condition values. The comparison of mean PO values obtained from WOD and WID were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed- rank test (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found between WOD and WID values in terms of TRE (P=.01), ODI (P=.001), ALSpO2 (P=.006), TPE (P=.001), and HRVI (P=.001) parameters. The significance of the improvements in the WID condition increased with the severity of OSA. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements were observed in substantial cardiorespiratory parameters such as the ODI and HRVI of the participants wearing dentures nocturnally.

Endodontic Working Length Measurement Using Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Images Obtained at Different Voxel Sizes and Field of Views, Periapical Radiography, and Apex Locator: A Comparative Ex Vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of working length determination by using an electronic apex locator, periapical radiography, and cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging obtained at different voxel sizes and field of views (FOVs) in extracted human teeth. METHODS: Thirty extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were used. The electronic working length measurements were performed by using an electronic apex locator (Root ZX; J Morita Corp, Kyoto, Japan). Five different image sets were obtained as follows: (1) CBCT imaging: 40 × 40 mm FOV, 0.080 mm3 (FOV40); (2) CBCT imaging: 60 × 60 mm FOV, 0.125 mm3 (FOV60); (3) CBCT imaging: 80 × 80 mm FOV, 0.160 mm3 (FOV80); (4) CBCT imaging: 100 × 100 mm FOV, 0.250 mm3 (FOV100); and (5) periapical digital radiography. Direct measurements performed with an electronic digital caliper were considered as the gold standard and compared with the electronic apex locator, CBCT, and periapical image measurements. Data were analyzed using a 2-way analysis of variance test. Significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between or within operators in intraoral radiographs (P > .05 and the Gage R&R value was <30%). There were significant differences between and within operators for CBCT images (P < .05 and Gage R&R value was >30%). There were significant differences in the methods in terms of mean differences from the gold standard (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that available CBCT scans with different FOVs can be used for working length measurement.

Can nocturnal use of implant-retained overdenture improve cardiorespiratory stability of a patient with obstructive sleep apnea? A clinical report.

Few studies have evaluated the interaction between conventional complete dentures (CCD) and the respiratory system and the authors are unaware of any that evaluated the interaction between implant-retained overdentures (IROs) and the respiratory system. This clinical report documented the effects of wearing an IRO on the cardiorespiratory stability of an edentulous patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A 64-year-old woman was referred to the department of otolaryngology because of daytime sleepiness and morning headaches. The patient refused polysomnographic evaluation because of claustrophobia. Overnight pulse oximetry (PO) was performed to detect cardiorespiratory stability during sleep, and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) of the patient was found to be 20.9. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) was fabricated; however, the patient did not comply with the treatment and stopped using the MAD because of intraoral discomfort. Therefore, the patient started to wear the conventional complete dentures (CCDs) nocturnally to prevent upper airway collapses. Despite the significant drop in ODI score to 12.6, because of displacement, the mandibular denture was converted to an IRO. The PO tests performed after another 6 months revealed an ODI score of 7.8. Wearing CCDs might improve respiratory stability of patients with edentulism during sleep; however, more favorable results could be obtained with IROs.

Selective 5-HT7 receptor agonists LP 44 and LP 211 elicit an analgesic effect on formalin-induced orofacial pain in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antinociceptive effects of pharmacological activation of 5-HT7 receptors on orofacial pain in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nociception was evaluated by using an orofacial formalin test in male Balb-C mice. Selective 5-HT7 receptor agonists, LP 44 and LP 211 (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg), were given intraperitoneally 30 min prior to a formalin injection. A bolus of 10 µl of 4% subcutaneous formalin was injected into the upper lip of mice and facial grooming behaviors were monitored. The behavioral responses consisted of two distinct periods, the early phase corresponding to acute pain (Phase I: 0-12 min) and the late phase (Phase II: 12-30 min). RESULTS: LP 44 and LP 211 (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) produced an analgesic effect with reductions in face rubbing time in both Phase I and Phase II of the formalin test. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that 5-HT7 receptor agonists may be promising analgesic drugs in the treatment of orofacial pain.

Comparison of effects of unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin on skin wound healing of rats.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of unfractionated heparin (UH) and a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on skin wound healing of rats. METHODS: Forty eight male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 8mm full thickness dorsal skin wounds and were randomly assigned to three equal groups. In experimental group A, heparin sodium was injected at a concentration of 1000U/kg. In experimental group B, enoxaparin was injected at a concentration of 1mg/kg. Physiologic saline (0.5ml) was administered to the control group. Injections were made subcutaneously, once daily, for seven days. At 7th and 10th days tissue samples were taken from all rats. Histologic examination of these tissues was made under light microscope and scored. RESULTS: Histological examination showed a significant difference between the 7th and 10th day groups in wound healing. It was observed that wound healing of LMWH injected group is better. This difference is statistically significant at 10th day. CONCLUSIONS: Daily administration of single doses of unfractionated heparin and a low molecular weight heparin improves wound healing positively. Low molecular weight heparin induces wound healing more than unfractionated heparin.

Comparison of effects of unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin on skin wound healing of rats / Comparação dos efeitos da heparina não fracionada e heparina de baixo peso molecular na cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of unfractionated heparin (UH) and a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on skin wound healing of rats. METHODS: Forty eight male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 8mm full thickness dorsal skin wounds and were randomly assigned to three equal groups. In experimental group A, heparin sodium was injected at a concentration of 1000U/kg. In experimental group B, enoxaparin was injected at a concentration of 1mg/kg. Physiologic saline (0.5ml) was administered to the control group. Injections were made subcutaneously, once daily, for seven days. At 7th and 10th days tissue samples were taken from all rats. Histologic examination of these tissues was made under light microscope and scored. RESULTS: Histological examination showed a significant difference between the 7th and 10th day groups in wound healing. It was observed that wound healing of LMWH injected group is better. This difference is statistically significant at 10th day. CONCLUSIONS: Daily administration of single doses of unfractionated heparin and a low molecular weight heparin improves wound healing positively. Low molecular weight heparin induces wound healing more than unfractionated heparin.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos da heparina não fracionada (HNF) e da heparina de baixo peso molecular (HBPM) na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas de ratos. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e oito ratos machos Sprague-Dawley foram submetidos à ferida na pele dorsal com espessura total de 8mm e foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos iguais. No grupo experimental A, a heparina sódica foi injetada a uma concentração de 1000U/kg. No grupo experimental B, a enoxaparina foi injetada a uma concentração de 1mg/kg. Solução salina fisiológica (0,5ml) foi administrada para o grupo controle. As injeções foram feitas por via subcutânea, uma vez por dia, durante sete dias. Nos dias 7º e 10º amostras de tecido foram obtidas de todos os ratos. O exame histológico destes tecidos foi realizado em microscópio de luz. RESULTADOS: O exame histológico mostrou uma diferença significativa entre os grupos no 7º e 10º dias na cicatrização das feridas. Observou-se que a cicatrização de feridas do grupo com heparina de baixo peso molecular foi melhor. Esta diferença foi estatisticamente significante no 10º dia. CONCLUSÕES: A administração diária de doses únicas de heparina não fracionada e de heparina de baixo peso molecular melhora a cicatrização de feridas. A heparina de baixo peso molecular induz melhor a cicatrização de feridas do que a heparina não fracionada.

Management of keratocystic odontogenic tumour with marsupialisation, enucleation and Carnoy's solution application: a case report.

The keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is a relatively common oral and maxillofacial lesion that derives from remnants of the dental lamina. It is aggressive, grows rapidly and invades the surrounding tissues. Various treatment modalities and differing recurrence rates have been reported for KCOT. In order to treat a 24-year-old male patient with KCOT the first stage was marsupialisation. This was followed six months later by enucleation with the application of Carnoy's solution. The defect was filled completely with newly formed bone tissue after two years. This case shows that a large KCOT can be treated with a combination of conservative and aggressive methods.

Evaluation of articular eminence morphology and inclination in TMJ internal derangement patients with MRI / Evaluación de la morfología e inclinación de la eminencia articular en pacientes con trastorno interno de ATM con MRI

Articular eminence morphology and inclination are reported to be two predisposing factors for the internal derangement (ID). The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the inclination and morphology of the articular eminence and ID. The study included 70 temporomandibular joints with ID in 35 patients: 51 joints had disc displacements with reduction (DDWR) and 19 joints had disc displacements without reduction (DDWOR). All subjects underwent bilateral high resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans which were performed in the sagittal and coronal planes with mouths closed and opened. Articular eminence morphology was characterized as box, sigmoid, flattened, or deformed. Articular eminence inclination was measured at three positions: steep (from 60° to 90°), moderate (from 30° to 60°) and shallow (from 15° to 30°). The images were divided into two; DDWR and DDWOR, and these two criteria were compared. The images of the two groups were compared; while flattened form was occurred with the highest incidence in the DDWOR group, sigmoid form was the most frequent in the DDWR group and articular eminence inclination was found steeper than it was for the DDWOR group. The steepness of the articular eminence may not have a predisposing effect on the development of disc displacements.

La morfología e inclinación de la eminencia articular son reportados como dos factores predisponentes para el trastorno interno (TI). El propósito de este estudio fue investigar la relación entre la inclinación y la morfología de la eminencia articular y el TI. El estudio incluyó a 70 articulaciones temporomandibulares, con TI en 35 pacientes: 51 articulaciones con desplazamiento discal con reducción (DDCR) y 19 de las articulaciones tuvieron desplazamiento discal sin reducción (DDSR). Todos los sujetos fueron sometidos a imágenes de resonancia magnética bilaterales de alta resolución que se realizaron en los planos sagital y coronal con la boca cerrada y abierta. La morfología articular la eminencia se caracterizó como una caja, sigmoide, aplanada, o deforme. La inclinación de la eminencia articular se midió en tres posiciones: empinada (de 60 ° a 90 °), moderada (entre 30 ° a 60 °) y poco profunda (entre 15 ° y 30 °). Las imágenes fueron divididos en dos; DDCR y DDSOR, y estos criterios fueron comparados. Al comparar las imágenes de ambos grupos, la forma aplanada se observó con mayor incidencia en el grupo de DDSR, la forma sigmoide fue la más frecuente en el grupo de DDCR y la inclinación de la eminencia articular se encontró más pronunciada que en el grupo DDSR. La inclinación de la eminencia articular puede no tener un efecto predisponente en el desarrollo de los desplazamientos de disco.

Use of dental implants to retain finger prostheses: a case report.

Fingers as organs of manipulation have an important role in function and aesthetics. Moreover, for the majority of patients, the loss of the finger can lead to psychological problems. This case report presents the use of osseointegrated dental implants for the retention of finger prostheses. The possibility of using osseointegrated implant-retained prostheses offers a real alternative for the reconstruction of fingers in cases where other techniques are not applicable.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: a case report.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) has been described as a condition that characteristically affects the jaws of middle-aged black women. It usually exhibits as multiple radiopaque cemetum-like masses distributed throughout the jaws. Radiographically, FCOD appears as dense, lobulated masses, often symmetrically located in various regions of the jaws. Computed tomography, because of its ability to give axial, sagittal, and frontal views, is useful in the evaluation of these lesions. This paper presents the case of a patient who was diagnosed with FCOD on the basis of clinical and radiographic findings.