Is the modified double-puncture arthrocentesis technique effective in terms of clinical outcomes?

We aimed to compare the clinical results of the modified double-puncture arthrocentesis technique with the results of the conventional double-puncture and single-puncture techniques. Patients who underwent unilateral arthrocentesis and had stage 2-4 internal irregularities according to Wilkes classification were included in the study. The outcome variables were pain, maximum mouth opening, quality of life, and duration of the procedure. Data were analysed preoperatively and 1st-day, 1st-week, and 1st-month after the procedure. A total of 52 patients (49-females, 3-males) with complete records were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 32.7 ± 15.6 years. There was no significant difference between the three techniques in terms of outcome variables at all times (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the single puncture technique and the other techniques in terms of procedure time (p < 0.05). No superiority of the modified double-puncture arthrocentesis was found in terms of clinical results.

How effective is a thick plate on stabilisation in 10 mm mandibular advancement?

We compared the stability and stress analysis of four different fixation methods after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) in mandibular models. In the first model (1P1B) we adapted a four-hole, 2.0 mm standard miniplate on the osteotomy line with one bicortical screw at the top. In the second (2P) we placed two four-hole 2.0 mm standard miniplates above and below the osteotomy line. In the third (3B), we applied three inverted L-shaped bicortical screws, and in the last (1RP1B) we used a four-hole miniplate with increased thickness on the osteotomy line with one bicortical screw at the top. A static vertical load of 200 Newtons (N) was then applied to each model from the occlusal of the first molar. The maximum and minimum principal stresses on the bone were observed more in the proximal segment close to the osteotomy line in all groups. Maximum von Mises stresses were 2705.21 Megapascals (MPa), 1633.56 MPa, 1121.4 MPa, and 1734.44 MPa for the 1P1B, 2P, 3B, and 1RP1B groups, respectively. Displacement values were 1.92 mm, 1.15 mm, 0.79 mm, and 1.42 mm for the 1P1B, 2P, 3B, and 1RP1B groups, respectively. The reinforced plate contributed to the stabilisation, but it was not as effective as three bicortical screws and a double plate.

Binaural beats or 432 Hz music? which method is more effective for reducing preoperative dental anxiety?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to investigate the effectiveness of binaural beats and music at a frequency of 432 Hz and compare which method is more effective for reducing preoperative dental anxiety in impacted third molar surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety patients were randomly selected to the binaural beats group, music group and control group. Visual analog scale used to evaluate dental anxiety before the local anesthesia in the first measurement. Local anesthesia was applied to the all patients. Patients in the music group listened to 432 Hz tuned music using earphones for 10 minutes. Patients in the binaural beats group listened to binaural beats using earphones (for the right ear, 220 Hz and for the left ear 210 Hz) for 10 minutes. No special treatment was applied to the patients in control group. In the second measurement, dental anxiety was measured again in all three groups. For analysis of differences between three groups was used One way Anova and Kruskal Wallis test. RESULTS: Twenty seven male and 53 female patients included the study. In the first measurement, the same level of anxiety was recorded in all three groups. (p = 0.811) There was a significant decrease in anxiety in both the binaural beats and music group in the second measurement. (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Binaural beats and 432 Hz tuned music are a valid non pharmacological adjuvant to reduce dental anxiety in impacted third molar surgery. They have a positive effect to reduce the dental anxiety

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Comparison of Surgical Drain Placement With Use of Kinesiologic Tape on Postoperative Pain, Swelling, and Trismus in Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effects of a surgical tube drain with kinesiologic tape (KT) application on postoperative complications such as trismus, swelling, and pain after impacted third molar surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-center, randomized study included 90 patients divided into 3 groups. After impacted third molar removal, 30 patients were treated with a tube drain (drain group), 30 patients were treated with KT application (KT group), and 30 patients were treated with a routine surgical operation and no extra procedure (control group). RESULTS: A total of 29 male and 61 female patients were included. Mouth opening was greatest in the drain group over a period of 7 days. Patients in the control group had more pain than those in the drain and KT groups. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of pain and swelling between the drain and KT groups over the 7-day period of the study. The tube drain was found to improve patients' quality-of-life compared with the KT and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although the effects of a tube drain and KT in terms of pain and swelling were similar, the tube drain was more effective in reducing postoperative complications.

A prospective split-mouth clinical study: comparison of piezosurgery and conventional rotary instruments in impacted third molar surgery.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to compare the effects of piezosurgery and conventional rotary instruments on postoperative pain, swelling, trismus, and patients' comfort after mandibular third molar surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients (27 women and 3 men) with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were included in this split-mouth clinical study. Sixty impacted third molars were divided into a control group (n = 30), in which the osteotomies were performed using a conventional rotary handpiece technique and an experimental group (n = 30), in which the osteotomies were done by piezosurgery technique. Duration of the procedure was recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). All the patients were given a form containing verbal rating scale for evaluating the swelling. Trismus was evaluated using a caliper at maximum mouth opening (cm). In postoperative seventh day, patients were asked to fill a global quality of life (QoL) scale as well. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in postoperative pain, trismus, and swelling between control and experimental groups (p > 0.05). However, time of the procedure increased in control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Piezosurgery is a safe way for performing the osteotomies during third molar surgery. However, regarding the postoperative morbidity, it does not have an advantage over conventional rotary instruments. Piezosurgery took longer to complete the osteotomy than the rotary handpiece technique.

Acutely infected teeth: to extract or not to extract?

Not only laymen but also dentists generally believe that extraction of acutely infected teeth should be avoided until the infection subdues by using systemic antibiotics. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative complications in routine extractions of acutely infected teeth with extractions of asymptomatic teeth. This prospective study was performed with 82 patients. Severe pain on percussion of the relevant tooth was considered as basic criteria for acute infection. The acutely infected teeth were labeled as the study group (n = 35) and the asymptomatic teeth as the control group (n = 47). The extractions were done using standard procedures. The amount of anesthetic solution used and duration of extractions were recorded. Postoperative severe pain and exposed bone with no granulation tissue in the extraction socket were indications of alveolar osteitis (AO). The level of statistical significance was accepted as 0.05. Symptoms that could indicate systemic response, including fever, fatigue, and shivering were not found. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of AO, amount of anesthetic solution used, and duration of extraction. The presence of an acute infection characterized by severe percussion pain is not a contraindication for tooth extraction. Infected teeth should be extracted as soon as possible and the procedure should not be postponed by giving antibiotics.

Acutely infected teeth: to extract or not to extract?

Abstract: Not only laymen but also dentists generally believe that extraction of acutely infected teeth should be avoided until the infection subdues by using systemic antibiotics. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative complications in routine extractions of acutely infected teeth with extractions of asymptomatic teeth. This prospective study was performed with 82 patients. Severe pain on percussion of the relevant tooth was considered as basic criteria for acute infection. The acutely infected teeth were labeled as the study group (n = 35) and the asymptomatic teeth as the control group (n = 47). The extractions were done using standard procedures. The amount of anesthetic solution used and duration of extractions were recorded. Postoperative severe pain and exposed bone with no granulation tissue in the extraction socket were indications of alveolar osteitis (AO). The level of statistical significance was accepted as 0.05. Symptoms that could indicate systemic response, including fever, fatigue, and shivering were not found. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of AO, amount of anesthetic solution used, and duration of extraction. The presence of an acute infection characterized by severe percussion pain is not a contraindication for tooth extraction. Infected teeth should be extracted as soon as possible and the procedure should not be postponed by giving antibiotics.