Biomechanical Comparison of Asymmetric Implant Configurations for All-on-Four Treatment Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of unilaterally more posterior placement of implants (Straumann BLT 4.1 mm in diameter and 12 mm long) applied according to the all-on-four concept on the stress distribution on bone, implants, and other prosthetic components, using the finite element analysis method. Three scenarios were modelled: For Model 1 (M1), anterior implants were placed symmetrically perpendicular to the bone in the right and left lateral incisor region, while the necks of the posterior implants placed symmetrically in the second premolar region were angled at 30 degrees. For Model 2 (M2) the implant in the left second premolar region was placed to the first molar region unilaterally. For Model 3 (M3) the implant in the left lateral incisor region was placed to the canine region unilaterally. Vertical and oblique forces (100 N) were applied in the right first molar region. The von Mises and maximum (Pmax) and minimum (Pmin) principal stresses were obtained. The highest stress concentration on the cortical bone was observed in the second premolar region in all models when oblique forces were applied. M1 was highest (8.992 MPa) followed closely by M3 (8.780 MPa) and M2 was lowest (3.692 MPa). The highest stress concentration on the prosthetic parts was observed in this framework when oblique forces were applied. M2 was highest (621.43 MPa) followed by M3 (409.16 MPa) and the lowest was M1 (309.43 MPa). It is thought that placing the implant further posterior to first molar region may prevent the bone resorption that occurs with high stress around the crestal bone. However, increased stress on the implants and prosthetic parts may lead to failures.

Evaluation of Patient Comfort and Impact of Different Anesthesia Techniques on the Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis Applications by Comparing Gow-Gates Mandibular Block Anesthesia with Auriculotemporal Nerve Block.

Aim: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are clinical situations that are characterized by pain, sound, and irregular movements of the temporomandibular joints. The most common method in the treatment of TMDs is arthrocentesis. This study aims to compare the effect of conventional extraoral auriculotemporal nerve block (ANB) and Gow-Gates (GG) mandibular anesthesia techniques on patient comfort in an arthrocentesis procedure. Materials and Methods: We performed this study on 40 patients who underwent TMJ arthrocentesis with ANB (n = 20) or GG (n = 20) mandibular anesthesia techniques at the Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry between 2016 and 2019. The predictor variable was the type of an anesthesia technique, and the outcome variables included were pain, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and protrusive movement (PM). They were compared at the preoperative period and 3rd and 6th month periods. Statistical analysis included means with standard deviations, a one-way ANOVA for continuous data, and the results were evaluated at the significance level of p < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the VAS values, MMO, and PM averages of preoperative, 3rd and 6th months of ANB and GG (p=0.142, p=0.209, and p=0.148). Conclusion: Both anesthesia techniques have provided effective results in terms of pain and functional jaw movements in the postoperative period in arthrocentesis treatment.

A city-wide survey of dental students' opinions on undergraduate oral surgery teaching.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to carry out a city-wide survey to evaluate undergraduate students' opinions on their oral surgery training by measuring their self-confidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 383 3rd year, 412 4th year and 363 5th year undergraduate dental students from six dental schools in Istanbul with a mean age of 22.73 ± 1.55 was conducted towards the end of the academic year. A web link to the questionnaire was sent to the contact person at the participating dental schools. The questionnaires were anonymously evaluated. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Chi-square tests were performed to examine the data. A P-value of <.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 1158 responses were returned, representing 67% of the overall students in the 2018-2019 academic year. The male respondents were significantly more self-confident than females in the general aspects of surgical skills. More than half of the respondents (53%) felt confident in oral surgery knowledge to undertake independent practice. Although 5th year respondents felt more confident in the general aspect of the questionnaire, their ability of differentiation of odontogenic and non-odontogenic pain was lower than their counterparts. The majority (86%) of the participants disagreed that the only knowledge required for oral surgery was that of tooth and jaw anatomy. CONCLUSION: This survey revealed perceived confidence in tooth and retained root extraction. The male respondents were found to be more self-confident. There is a need for improvement in surgical skills, recognition of malignancies and differentiation of the origin of the pain.

Effects of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin alone and combined with hyaluronic acid on early soft tissue healing after surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars: A prospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study, we evaluated the effects of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) alone and combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) sponge on early healing of soft tissue after mandibular third molar (M3) surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 60 patients aged 18-30 (mean 22.3), 22 male and 38 female, were included in this study. After surgical extraction of the impacted M3, L-PRF was applied to the socket in the L-PRF group (n = 20), and a combination of L-PRF and HA was applied in the L-PRF + HA group (n = 20). Nothing was applied in the control group (n = 20). The primary outcome variable was healing score for the mucosa over the extraction socket on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. Secondary outcome variables were frequencies of postoperative complications: hemorrhagic complications, alveolar osteitis (AO), and postoperative wound infection. RESULTS: Mean healing scores for the mucosa on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days for both the L-PRF group and the L-PRF + HA group were significantly better than those for the control group. The ratio of alveolar osteitis for the control group was 1:20 and the ratio of postoperative wound infection for the control group was 1:20. There were no cases of alveolar osteitis or postoperative wound infection in the L-PRF and L-PRF + HA groups. No hemorrhagic complications were observed in this study. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that L-PRF alone and when combined with HA can be an effective way to improve soft tissue healing, and could be used to prevent postoperative alveolar osteitis and infection after M3 surgery. Further studies with larger study groups are necessary.

Effects of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Alone and Combined With Hyaluronic Acid on Pain, Edema, and Trismus After Surgical Extraction of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars.

PURPOSE: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study, we evaluated the effects of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) alone and combined with a hyaluronic acid (HA) sponge on pain, edema, and trismus after mandibular third molar surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 60 patients were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: L-PRF group (L-PRF was applied to the socket), L-PRF-plus-HA group (L-PRF combined with HA was applied to the socket), and control group (nothing was applied). The primary outcome variables were edema (tragus to pogonion, tragus to labial commissure, and angulus mandibulae to lateral canthus), trismus on postoperative days 2 and 7, and postoperative pain scores on a visual analog scale from hour 6 to day 7. RESULTS: After extraction, the tragus-to-pogonion values were significantly higher in the control group both on day 2 (higher than L-PRF-plus-HA group) and on day 7 (higher than both groups). The mean increase in tragus-to-labial commissure values on day 2 was significantly higher in the control group than in the L-PRF-plus-HA group. The mean increase in angulus mandibulae-to-lateral canthus values on days 2 and 7 was significantly higher in the control group than in the L-PRF and L-PRF-plus-HA groups. There was no significant difference among groups in trismus and visual analog scale pain scores. Analgesic intake on the day of surgery in the L-PRF-plus-HA group was significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply that L-PRF, particularly when combined with HA, can be used to minimize postoperative edema after mandibular third molar surgery. However, further studies with larger samples are required.

Effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper on Skin Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Activities in Warfarin-Treated Rats.

AIM: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a new promising local hemostatic agent, and its mechanism on hemostasis has been shown by many studies. However, the effects of ABS on skin superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities have not been investigated before. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this new generation local hemostatic agent on warfarin-treated rats focusing on its the antioxidant potential in short-term soft tissue healing. METHODS: Twelve systemically warfarin treated (warfarin group) and 12 none treated Wistar Albino rats (control group) were selected for the trial. Rats in the warfarin group were treated intraperitonally with 0.1 mg/kg warfarin, and rats in the control group were given 1 mL/kg saline 3 days earlier to surgical procedure and continued until killing. All rats had incisions on dorsal dermal tissue, which was applied ABS or no hemostatic agent before suturing. Six of each group were killed on day 4, and the other 6 were killed on day 8. Blood and skin samples were taken. Prothrombin time (PT) in blood samples, CAT, and SOD activities in skin samples were determined. RESULTS: Warfarin treatment dose was found to be convenient and warfarin treatment increased the PT levels as expected. Warfarin treatment decreased CAT activity significantly compared to the control group. The ABS treatment significantly increased SOD activities in the warfarin group at the end of the eighth day. CONCLUSION: Ankaferd Blood Stopper acted positively in short-term tissue healing by increasing SOD activity in warfarin-treated rats. Therefore, ABS may be suggeted as a promoting factor in tissue healing.

Hyaluronic Acid Versus Ultrasonic Resorbable Pin Fixation for Space Maintenance in Non-Grafted Sinus Lifting.

PURPOSE: An ultrasonic resorbable pin (SonicWeld, KLS Martin, Mühlheim, Germany) was compared with hyaluronic acid (Hyaloss Matrix, Anika Therapeutics, Bedford, MA) for their ability to maintain space in non-grafted sinus lifting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative split-mouth study was designed and implemented. Six women and 4 men were included (mean age, 56.7 yr). The primary predictors hyaluronic acid (HA) application and ultrasonic resorbable pin fixation (URPF) were coded as binary variables. The primary outcome variables were height of alveolar bone (HAB) and reduction in sinus volume (RSV). Secondary outcomes were bone density and implant survival. RESULTS: The postoperative mean HAB was significantly higher than the preoperative mean HAB on the 2 sides (P < .05). Mean increases in HAB and RSV on the URPF side were significantly greater than those on the HA side (P < .05). In total, patients were treated with 40 implants. No type I bone quality was identified; 14 (35%) implants were inserted in type II bone, 22 (50%) in type III bone, and 6 (15%) in type IV bone. There was no statistically meaningful difference between the 2 sides for implant survival or bone quality. At 6 months, all implants were clinically stable and the definitive prostheses were functional, resulting in a survival rate of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: There was sufficient bone height to eventually place implants on the 2 sides in all patients. The 2 techniques yielded predictable outcomes in implant survival and bone quality. However, HAB and RSV were considerably greater on the URPF side.

Effect of submucosal application of tramadol on postoperative pain after third molar surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of submucosal application of tramadol, for acute postoperative facial pain, following the extraction of impacted third molar teeth. This prospective, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled study included 60 ASA I-II patients undergoing impacted third molar surgery under local anaesthesia. Following the surgical procedure, patients were randomly divided into two groups; group T (1 mg/kg tramadol) and group S (2-mL saline). Treatments were applied submucosally after surgery. Pain after extraction was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. The time at which the first analgesic drug was taken, the total analgesic dose used, and adverse tissue reactions were also evaluated. In group T, postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower compared to that in group S (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that post-operative submucosal application of tramadol is an effective method for reducing acute post-operative facial pain after impacted third molar surgery.

A Rare Case of a Lost Suture Needle during Third Molar Surgery.

The authors report a case that is started with a simple upper third molar's surgical extraction and a broken 3.0 suture needle tip incident occurred. Broken fragment's localization has been detected with 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Needle tip has been reached with the help of CBCT vision. CBCT's benefits have been discussed on these types of cases and further migration of the needle tip during surgical procedure is reported.

Comparison of the Effects of Topical Ketamine and Tramadol on Postoperative Pain After Mandibular Molar Extraction.

PURPOSE: This study compared the analgesic efficacy of postoperative tramadol versus ketamine for preventing pain after mandibular molar extraction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety patients who had undergone molar extraction were randomly divided into 3 groups: group T (tramadol 1 mg/kg), group K (ketamine 0.5 mg/kg), and group P (saline 2 mL). The treatment was applied to the extraction sockets using resorbable gelatin sponges. Pain after extraction was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The VAS scores after extraction were statistically higher in group P than in either treatment group. Group K had the lowest pain intensity. CONCLUSION: This study shows that topical tramadol and ketamine are effective alternatives for decreasing pain after molar extractions.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficiency of hyaluronic acid after third molar extraction.

PURPOSE: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has a number of clinical applications in current practice. Therefore, correlation of HA with free radicals and inflammatory cells is clinically important. The purpose of this study is to measure the efficacy of high molecular weight HA on the oxidative stress of oral wounds (glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels), the inflammatory reaction (leucocytes, collagen and angiogenesis content), pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) records) and trismus (maximum interincisal opening (MIO) records) after third molar (M3) extraction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 40 patients were included in this study. 0.2 ml 0.8% HA was applied immediately after surgery within the HA group (n = 20). Nothing was applied to the control group (n = 20). The primary outcome variables were the changes in the inflammatory reaction (leucocyte, angiogenesis and collagen content), oxidative stress (GSH, LPO) and clinical parameters (VAS, MIO). Results were compared immediately after extraction (T0) and 1 week after surgery (T1). Bivariate analyses were used to assess the differences between the HA and control groups for each study variable. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference of leucocyte infiltration and angiogenesis between the groups at T1. The HA group showed less leucocyte infiltration and more angiogenesis than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in oxidative stress, VAS or MIO levels between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the hypothesis that HA has an anti-inflammatory effect following M3 extraction. However, the oxidative stress levels and clinical outcomes were similar after one week. Further studies examining these parameters at different times are necessary.

Effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and Celox on the tissue factor activities of warfarin-treated rats.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of these new generation hemostatic agents on early-stage soft tissue healing of warfarin-treated rats by measuring the tissue factor (TF) activities. Rats in the warfarin group were treated intraperitonally with 0.1 mg/kg warfarin, and rats in the control group were treated with 1 mL/kg saline. All rats had 3 incisions on dorsal dermal tissue applied Celox, Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), or no hemostatic agent. Six rats from each group were killed on day 4, and the other 6 were killed on day 8. Prothrombin time (PT) and TF activities were evaluated, respectively. Both the hemostatic agents positively affected the hemostasis. Warfarin treatment increased the PT levels as expected. Celox-treated dermal tissues had higher TF activity when compared to ABS-treated ones. The ABS affected the early-stage healing positively in clinical aspect, whereas Celox was more effective on hemostasis by means of increasing TF activities.

A comparison of the effects of midazolam/fentanyl and midazolam/tramadol for conscious intravenous sedation during third molar extraction.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of fentanyl and tramadol, used in combination, as sedation for third molar surgical extraction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 60 patients undergoing extraction of a horizontal third molar with an Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale score above 10 points. All of the patients were first given a 0.03-mg/kg bolus of midazolam, and then they were randomized into 3 groups: group A, midazolam only; group B, midazolam and 1-µg/kg fentanyl; and group C, midazolam and 1-mg/kg tramadol. The vital signs were recorded. Patients were assessed for postoperative pain and adverse effects, and patient and surgeon satisfaction was assessed. RESULTS: No differences were found in the heart rate among groups (P > .05). The mean blood pressure was also similar until the 40th minute, after which the mean blood pressure in the patients in group A was lower than that in the other 2 groups (P < .01). In the postoperative pain assessment, the visual analog scale scores of the patients in group C were lower than those in the other 2 groups in the first postoperative hour (P < .05). The time at which the first rescue analgesic was taken in groups A, B, and C was 3, 3.5, and 5 hours postoperatively, respectively, and was significantly later in group C (P < .01). No difference was found in patient/surgeon satisfaction among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol has a better analgesic effect in third molar surgery than fentanyl and placebo.