Comparative Evaluation of Cell Viability Immediately After Osteotomy for Implants With Drills and Piezosurgery: Immunohistochemistry Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of reusing drills and piezosurgery tips during implant osteotomy on immediate bone cell viability through immunohistochemical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six male rabbits were divided into 2 groups and then divided into 5 subgroups-correspond to drills and tips used 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 times, respectively. All animals received 10 osteotomies in each tibia, by use of the classic drilling procedure in one group (G1) and the piezosurgery device in the other group (G2). For immunohistochemical technique were utilized the osteoprotegerin, RANKL, osteocalcin, and caspase 3. Control procedures were performed by omitting the primary antibodies (negative control). RESULTS: Bone formation and resorption responses presented in more intense way during the piezosurgery. The expression of osteocalcin had become quite intense in piezosurgery groups, but with reduced immunostaining from the 30th osteotomy. The caspase 3 showed the viability of the osteoblast from the 20th osteotomy with piezosurgery and remained constant until the 50th. CONCLUSION: Piezosurgery provides greater osteoblastic cell viability than the system of conventional drilling. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study will provide data so that the authors can recycle the drills and tips for implant placement, thus enabling a better cell viability for osseointegration.

Immunohistochemical response in rats of beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) with or without BMP-2 in the production of collagen matrix critical defects.

This study aimed to assess the biological response of BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein-2) in supplementation with ß-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) as a carrier in the bone healing of surgical defects in rats' calvaria. A critical-size defect (5mm in diameter) was filled with ß-TCP alone or added with that plus 5mg of BMP-2 at 5, 15, and 30 postoperative days. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical (osteocalcin, collagen type I, and metalloproteinase-9) analysis was performed to assess the features of bone healing. Histological behavior and collagen type I labeling showed increased formation of the collagen matrix, leading to a higher percentage of newly formed bone and biomaterial for tissue and more total mineralization of pure TCP when compared to the other groups. The supplementation with BMP-2 promoted faster TCP remodeling; however, there was no statistically significant difference for the bone formed in both groups (P>0.05). Collagen-matrix formation and new bone formation reached maximum levels when the defects were filled with pure TCP, even exceeding the levels from BMP-2 supplementation.

Hypertension modifies OPG, RANK, and RANKL expression during the dental socket bone healing process in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dental socket bone healing process by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κß (RANK), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κß ligand (RANKL) proteins in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under general anesthesia, 25 Wistar rats and 25 SHRs underwent upper right incisor extraction. Rats were euthanized after 7, 14, 21, 28, or 42 days of dental extractions. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses of OPG, RANK, and RANKL proteins were performed. RESULTS: Histomorphometric results showed decreased bone healing and reduced bone trabecular thickness in SHRs. Immunohistochemical reactions showed intense RANKL and RANK immunolabeling at 14 and 28 postoperative days and mild OPG immunolabeling at 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery in SHRs. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that RANK, RANKL, and OPG immunolabeling was altered in SHRs, and these results are associated with bone healing delay and decreased trabecular thickness in SHRs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypertension alters the expression of RANK, RANKL, and OPG and delays the socket bone healing process. These alterations could influence some dental procedures such as orthodontic treatment and implant placement.

Uma estratégia clínica para reabilitar a maxila atrófica com enxertos ósseos da calvária, implantes dentários temporários e definitivos: acompanhamento clínico de cinco anos / A clinical strategy to rehabilitate the atrophic maxilla with calvarial bone grafts, temporary and defi nitive implants: a 5-year follow-up report

O objetivo deste caso clínico foi relatar o tratamento de uma discrepância maxilomandibular de 5 mm através de enxertos da calota craniana para futura colocação de implantes dentários. Uma paciente de 65 anos de idade queixava-se da dificuldade de mastigar e do suporte labial inadequado com sua prótese total superior. Após a anamnese, exames intra e extraoral e por imagem, oito blocos ósseos foram removidos da calota craniana e fixados na região vestibular do rebordo alveolar. Depois, seis implantes (3,5-4,5 mm x 8-11 mm) foram colocados na maxila, porém, com a prótese provisória ficando suportada apenas por dois implantes provisórios (2,5 x 18 mm) para aguardar o tempo de consolidação do enxerto e dos implantes definitivos. Após cinco anos de acompanhamento, esta estratégia clínica se mostrou efetiva na estabilidade da correção do suporte labial e da discrepância maxilomandibular...

The aim of this clinical case was to report the treatment of a 5 mm maxillomandibular discrepancy using calvarial bone grafts for further dental implant placement. A 65-years-old patient had claims of poor mastication and inadequate lip support with her complete denture. After clinical and tomographic exams, 8 bone blocks were harvested from the calvarium region and secured at the buccal aspect of the alveolar maxillary ridge. After, six implants (3.5-4.5 mm x 8-11 mm) were installed; however, the provisional prosthesis was supported only by two provisional implants (2.5 x 18 mm) allowing for proper graft consolidation and implant osseointegration. After fi ve years of follow-up, this clinical strategy proved to be efficient to stabilize the lip support and the maxillomandibular discrepancy...

Healing process of autogenous bone graft in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with losartan: an immunohistochemical and histomorphometric study.

PURPOSE: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which has been related to such changes as gradual bone loss and a decrease in bone mass index. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that involve hypertension and osteoporosis are not fully understood. Many patients have high blood pressure, controlled or uncontrolled, and may use at least 1 antihypertensive drug, and an understanding of the interference of hypertension with bone healing is very important when considering oral rehabilitation with implants and bone grafts. This study investigated the interference of hypertension in bone metabolism during the repair process of autogenous bone grafting and analyzed the influence of losartan, an antihypertensive drug and angiotensin II receptor antagonist, through histometric and immunohistochemical analyses by examining the protein expressions of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The groups studied include 24 normotensive Wistar rats and 24 spontaneously hypertensive rats divided into groups treated and not treated with losartan. Rats were subjected to block bone graft surgery in the mandible and were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 28 days. RESULTS: Histometric analysis was performed to evaluate the amount of bone tissue formed at the interface of the recipient bed and bone graft. The total area of formed bone tissue was outlined and calculated. Immunohistochemical analysis was semi-quantitative and the significance of the differences between groups regarding the percentage of newly formed bone tissue interface and protein expression were determined by ANOVA analysis of variance and Kruskall-Wallis followed by Tukey test or Holm Sidak to detect differences between groups. The results were considered statistically significant when P<.05. CONCLUSION: The untreated hypertensive rats showed a delay in the repair of autogenous bone block grafts compared with untreated Wistar rats. Furthermore, the use of losartan for lowering blood pressure in these animals was shown to improve the healing process, despite not showing important statistical differences.

Piezosurgery applied to implant dentistry: clinical and biological aspects.

Piezosurgery is a new and modern technique of bone surgery in implantology. Selective cutting is possible for different ultrasonic frequencies acting only in hard tissues (mineralized), saving vital anatomical structures. With the piezoelectric osteotomy technique, receptor site preparation for implants, autogenous bone graft acquistition (particles and blocks), osteotomy for alveolar bone crest expansion, maxillary sinus lifting, and dental implant removal can be performed accurately and safely, providing excellent clinical and biological results, especially for osteocyte viability. The aim of this review was, through literature review, to present clinical applications of piezosurgery in implant dentistry and outline their advantages and disadvantages over conventional surgical systems. Moreover, this study addressed the biological aspects related to piezosurgery that differentiate it from those of bone tissue approaches. Overall, piezosurgery enables critical operations in simple and fully executable procedures; and effectively, areas that are difficult to access have less risk of soft tissue and neurovascular tissue damage via piezosurgery.

Radiographic and clinical evaluations of the zygomatico-maxillary complex fractures treated by 2. 0 miniplates system / Evaluaciones radiográficas y clínicas de fracturas del complejo cigomáticomaxilar tratadas por el sistema de mini placas 2. 0

The zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) is the second highly incidental of facial fractures. According to the anatomical complexity, there are many reports in the literature about this trauma, mainly related to treatment for these fractures. With the purpose of evaluating clinically and radiographically the stability of unilateral zygomatic fractures treated by surgical reduction and fixed in two points by stable internal fixation, this research was proposed. Twenty patients with zygomatic fractures were evaluated and compared with twenty nonfractured patients. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences among the obtained data, perimeter and area, of the treated and contra-lateral sides of the experimental group. When compared to the control group the differences were not statistically significant. We also performed a comparison of the distance between the nasal bone and zygomatic prominence in all groups the results were also satisfactory

Las fracturas del complejo cigomaticomaxilar son las segundas más frecuente del territorio facial. De acuerdo con la complejidad anatómica, existen muchos informes en la literatura sobre este trauma, principalmente relacionadas con el tratamiento de estas fracturas. El propósito de esta investigación fue evaluar clínica y radiográficamente la estabilidad de las fracturas cigomáticas unilaterales tratadas por reducción quirúrgica y fijadas en dos puntos por fijación interna estable. Veinte pacientes con fracturas cigomáticas fueron evaluados y comparados con veinte pacientes sin fracturas. En el grupo experimental, los resultados mostraron que no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los datos obtenidos del perímetro y el área de los lados tratados y contralaterales. Al comparar estos datos con el grupo de control las diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas. También se realizó una comparación de la distancia entre el hueso nasal y la prominencia cigomática en todos los grupos, estos resultados también fueron satisfactorios

Block bone graft fixation (onlay): a modification of the surgical technique.

Several reconstructive methods of the alveolar ridge have been reported to make possible future rehabilitations with implants. Many of these methods come from studies done in animals, mainly rats. With this clinical practice based on scientific evidence, any experimental procedure that can be undertaken in real life is fundamental. Thus, any research that emulates as closely as possible those techniques used in humans are important. This study describes the modification of the technique for block bone graft fixation (onlay) in rats using the "lag screw"-type technique, normally used in clinical procedures for grafts in humans. The conclusion was that the execution of the described procedures minimizes interference of blood flow in the area because of the maintenance of the muscle insertion in the buckle aspect of the most anterior region of the mandible, providing better stability to the graft and better contact interface of the graft and receptor bed.

Osseointegration at implants placed into delayed reimplanted roots: an experimental study in dogs.

AIM: To evaluate peri-implant bone repair of implants placed into the roots of delayed reimplanted teeth, in a process of ankylosis and external replacement resorption. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The third and fourth mandibular premolars of four (4) beagle dogs were used as experimental sites. The study was divided into three stages: stage 1 - endodontic and extraction/reimplantation session, stage 2 - decrowning session and stage 3 - implant placement. Two groups were identified: (I) immediate implants, including implants installed in fresh extraction sockets of the distal roots, and (II) experimental implants, including implants installed into the retained ankylotic mesial roots. In each group, 16 implants were planned to be inserted, but only 9 immediate implants and 12 experimental implants were used for analyses. Implants were intended to heal in a submerged mode. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections were obtained for histomorphometric evaluation. RESULTS: Eleven of the twelve implants in the experimental group were found successful regarding clinical and radiographic aspects. For immediate implants, a lower BIC% was found at the coronal portion (BIC% 1 = 42.2%) compared with the three most coronal threads portion (BIC% 2 = 55.1). Also, experimental implants presented a lower BIC% at the coronal portion (BIC% 1 = 36.9%) compared with the three most coronal threads portion (BIC% 2 = 45.3). CONCLUSION: Comparison between groups showed a higher degree of BIC% and mineralization in immediate group compared with experimental group. The differences, however, did not yield statistical significance.

Comparative study of the healing process when using Vicryl®, Vicryl Rapid®, Vicryl Plus®, and Monocryl® sutures in the rat dermal tissue.

INTRODUCTION: Various types of sutures are available in the market with different constitutions. However, there is a lack of research to assess and quantify the behavior of these materials. RESOURCES AND MATERIALS: This study comes benchmark wires polyglactin 910 (Vicryl®), irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapid®), polyglactin 910 treated with triclosan (Vicryl Plus®), and poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl®). For this, we used 40 rats that were divided into two groups, underwent two skin incisions longitudinal 2-cm long. In Group A, simple interrupted sutures using irradiated polyglactin 910 on the right and left side of polyglactin 910, and in group B, polyglactin 910 with triclosan on the right and the left poliglecaprone 25 were made. At 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery, the ten animals were killed per period, and the samples were processed for histomorphologic and histometric analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the wire poliglecaprone 25 showed better biological response, with less inflammatory infiltrates and rapid organization of connective tissue.

Endaural access to remove the projectile from a firearm.

BACKGROUND: Surgical approaches to temporomandibular region have been the subject of numerous controversies in the literature. Pre-auricular approaches have been used with the observance of high success rate, and during surgery history, various modifications of this approach were conducted in order to reduce irreversible sequelae. Thus, given the relevance of the study, this article proposes to alert the professionals that carry out these surgical approaches in relation to the anatomical structures involved and to describe and emphasise the benefits of endaural approach. CASE REPORT: A Caucasian male patient, victim of a firearm injury, sustained a wound on the right pre-auricular region, and at the time of assessment, he complained of pain, mouth opening difficulty and dysphagia. On physical examination, there was oedema and ecchymosis in the right periorbital region. In the radiological examination, a foreign body compatible with a firearm projectile was observed in the right pre-auricular region, being in accordance with the information collected. The endaural incision and divulsion by plans was then made until the projectile. DISCUSSION: For proper exposure of the region, several studies were designed to evaluate the patterns of branching and anastomosis of the facial nerve. As for the best cosmetic result with the different pre-auricular approaches, the endaural approach was described as an approach that offers great cosmetic results because the incision design guides the surgeon in the wound closure and causes a decrease in the tension of flap, unlike that observed by some authors.

Análise do processo de reparo alveolar em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) não tratados e tratados com Losartan: estudo imunoistoquímico e histomorfométrico / Analysis of alveolar repair process in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) untreated and treated with losartan: histomorphometric and immunohistochemical study

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica é uma condição clínica de etiologia multifatorial, com altos índices de complicações, como doenças cardiovasculares e renais, que tornam essa entidade um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública mundial. Sabe-se que esta patologia altera o padrão de regulação de cálcio induzindo a perda óssea. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar comparativamente o processo de reparo alveolar em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e Wistar e o efeito do losartan, droga inibidora dos receptores AT1 da angiotensina II na dinâmica óssea. Um total de 60 ratos foram divididos em 4 grupos com 3 períodos de avaliação: A. Wistar; B. SHR; C. Wistar tratado com losartan (30 mg/kg/dia); D:SHR tratado. Submetidos a exodontia do incisivo superior direito com eutanásia no 7º, 14º e 28º dia de pós-operatório. A análise dos mecanismos biológicos envolvidos no processo de reparo alveolar foi obtida pela histomorfometria e imunoistoquímica por meio da expressão das proteínas OPG, RANKL, TRAP e PECAM envolvidos na dinâmica do metabolismo ósseo. Os resultados foram submetidos a teste não paramétricos de Kruskal Wallis, seguido de Mann Whitney para comparação das amostras nos diferentes períodos. O grupo SHR apresentou atraso na cronologia do reparo alveolar. O losartan influenciou processo de reparo em Wistar e SHR, acarretando maior formação óssea, assim como maior espessura do trabeculado. Além disso, pode-se constatar que as referidas proteínas marcadas participam ativamente da dinâmica óssea, sofrendo ação do medicamento anti-hipertensivo proposto. Assim, sugere-se que o sistema renina-angiotensina interfere no metabolismo ósseo por meio da ação da angiotensina II

Hypertension is a multifactorial clinical condition, with high rates of complications, such as cardiovascular and renal disease, that make this organization one of the greatest public health problems worldwide. It is known that this disease alters the pattern of calcium regulation by inducing bone loss. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the process of alveolar repair in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar and the effect of losartan (30 mg / kg / day), a drug inhibiting the angiotensin II AT1 receptors in bone dynamics. A total of 60 rats were divided into 4 groups with 3 evaluation periods: A. Wistar; B. SHR; C. Wistar treated; D: SHR treated. The rats underwent dental extraction of the upper right incisor, was proceeded euthanasia on the 7th, 14th and 28th day after surgery. The analysis of the biological mechanisms involved in alveolar repair was obtained by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry through the expression of OPG protein, RANKL, TRAP and PECAM dynamics involved in bone metabolism. Results were submitted to nonparametric test of Kruskal Wallis followed by Mann Whitney test for comparison of samples in different periods. The SHR was late in the chronology of alveolar repair. Losartan influenced repair process in Wistar and SHR, resulting in increased bone formation, as well as greater trabecular thickness. Moreover, it can be seen that these tagged proteins actively participate in the dynamic bone, suffering the action of the antihypertensive drug proposed. Thus, it is suggested that losartan and the renin-angiotensin interfere with bone metabolism through the action of angiotensin II

Análise do processo de reparo alveolar em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) não tratados e tratados com Losartan: estudo imunoistoquímico e histomorfométrico / Analysis of alveolar repair process in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) untreated and treated with losartan: histomorphometric and immunohistochemical study

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica é uma condição clínica de etiologia multifatorial, com altos índices de complicações, como doenças cardiovasculares e renais, que tornam essa entidade um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública mundial. Sabe-se que esta patologia altera o padrão de regulação de cálcio induzindo a perda óssea. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar comparativamente o processo de reparo alveolar em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e Wistar e o efeito do losartan, droga inibidora dos receptores AT1 da angiotensina II na dinâmica óssea. Um total de 60 ratos foram divididos em 4 grupos com 3 períodos de avaliação: A. Wistar; B. SHR; C. Wistar tratado com losartan (30 mg/kg/dia); D:SHR tratado. Submetidos a exodontia do incisivo superior direito com eutanásia no 7º, 14º e 28º dia de pós-operatório. A análise dos mecanismos biológicos envolvidos no processo de reparo alveolar foi obtida pela histomorfometria e imunoistoquímica por meio da expressão das proteínas OPG, RANKL, TRAP e PECAM envolvidos na dinâmica do metabolismo ósseo. Os resultados foram submetidos a teste não paramétricos de Kruskal Wallis, seguido de Mann Whitney para comparação das amostras nos diferentes períodos. O grupo SHR apresentou atraso na cronologia do reparo alveolar. O losartan influenciou processo de reparo em Wistar e SHR, acarretando maior formação óssea, assim como maior espessura do trabeculado. Além disso, pode-se constatar que as referidas proteínas marcadas participam ativamente da dinâmica óssea, sofrendo ação do medicamento anti-hipertensivo proposto. Assim, sugere-se que o sistema renina-angiotensina interfere no metabolismo ósseo por meio da ação da angiotensina II

Hypertension is a multifactorial clinical condition, with high rates of complications, such as cardiovascular and renal disease, that make this organization one of the greatest public health problems worldwide. It is known that this disease alters the pattern of calcium regulation by inducing bone loss. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the process of alveolar repair in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar and the effect of losartan (30 mg / kg / day), a drug inhibiting the angiotensin II AT1 receptors in bone dynamics. A total of 60 rats were divided into 4 groups with 3 evaluation periods: A. Wistar; B. SHR; C. Wistar treated; D: SHR treated. The rats underwent dental extraction of the upper right incisor, was proceeded euthanasia on the 7th, 14th and 28th day after surgery. The analysis of the biological mechanisms involved in alveolar repair was obtained by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry through the expression of OPG protein, RANKL, TRAP and PECAM dynamics involved in bone metabolism. Results were submitted to nonparametric test of Kruskal Wallis followed by Mann Whitney test for comparison of samples in different periods. The SHR was late in the chronology of alveolar repair. Losartan influenced repair process in Wistar and SHR, resulting in increased bone formation, as well as greater trabecular thickness. Moreover, it can be seen that these tagged proteins actively participate in the dynamic bone, suffering the action of the antihypertensive drug proposed. Thus, it is suggested that losartan and the renin-angiotensin interfere with bone metabolism through the action of angiotensin II

Submental endotracheal intubation: a valuable resource for the management of panfacial fractures.

Modern techniques for surgical treatment of midfacial and panfacial fractures in maxillofacial trauma lead to special problems for airway management. Usually, in perioperative management of panfacial fractures, the surgeon needs to control the dental occlusion and nasal pyramid assessment. For these reasons, oral and nasal endotracheal intubations are contraindicated for the management of panfacial fractures. Tracheotomy is considered by many as the preferred route for airway management in patients with severe maxillofacial fractures, but there are often perioperative and postoperative complications concerning this technique. The submental route for endotracheal intubation has been proposed as an alternative to tracheotomy in the surgical management of patients with panfacial fractures, besides it is accompanied by low morbidity. Thus, this paper aimed to describe the submental endotracheal intubation technique in a patient experiencing panfacial fracture. The subject was well treated using the submental endotracheal intubation to get good reconstruction of the fractures because the authors obtained free access of all facial fractures.

Alveolar bone healing process in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). A radiographic densitometry study.

UNLABELLED: Hypertension is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. If undiagnosed or untreated, this pathology represents a systemic risk factor and offers unfavorable conditions for dental treatments, especially those requiring bone healing. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate, by analysis of bone mineral density (BMD), that the alveolar bone healing process is altered in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats and SHRs were submitted to extraction of the upper right incisor and were euthanized 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after surgery. Right maxillae were collected, radiographed and analyzed using Digora software. BMD was expressed as minimum (min), middle (med) and maximum (max) in the medium (MT) and apical (AT) thirds of the dental alveolus. RESULTS: The results were compared across days and groups. Wistar showed difference in med and max BMD in the MT between 7 and 28 and also between 14 and 28 days. The AT exhibited significant difference in med and min BMD between 7 and 28 days, as well as difference in min BMD between 28 and 42 days. SHRs showed lower med BMD in the MT at 28 days when compared to 21 and 42 days. Differences were observed across groups in med and min BMD at day 28 in the MT and AT; and in max BMD at 14, 21 and 42 days in the MT. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the alveolar bone healing process is delayed in SHRs comparing with Wistar rats.

Tracionamento ortodôntico-cirúrgico para caninos superiores impactados: revisão crítica e sugestão de protocolo / Surgical-orthodontic traction for impacted maxillary canines: a critical review and suggested protocolc

Maxillary canine impaction is a common occurrence, especially in the palate, despite sufficient space in the arch for tooth alignment. A proper approach requires knowledge of different specialties of dentistry, such as orthodontics, surgery, radiology, and periodontology, which are generally not centered on a single professional. The causes for canine impaction may be either generalized or localized, and the diagnosis should be made through specific clinical and radiographic examination. The prognosis of surgical–orthodontic treatment depends on the position of the canine in relation to the neighboring teeth and height of the alveolar process, in addition to careful surgical technique, considering that there are risks involved, such as ankylosis, loss of tooth vitality, root resorption of the involved tooth and adjacent teeth, and damage to supporting tissues. Given the important role played by impacted maxillary canines, their traction is the treatment of choice in orthodontically treated patients. The present study reviews the literature on important factors to be considered when approaching impacted canines, such as therapeutic possibilities, their advantages and disadvantages.

A impactação de caninos superiores é uma ocorrência freqüente, especialmente na região palatina, ainda que na presença de espaço suficiente para seu alinhamento na arcada. A abordagem exige conhecimentos de diferentes especialidades da odontologia, tais como a ortodontia, cirurgia, radiologia e periodontia e que, em geral, não se centram em um único profissional. Pode ser causada por fatores de ordem geral ou local, sendo que seu diagnóstico deve ser realizado por meio de exames clínico e radiográfico específicos. O prognóstico do tratamento ortodôntico–cirúrgico ira depender da posição do canino em relação aos dentes vizinhos e da sua altura no processo alveolar, além de técnica cirúrgica cuidadosa, haja vista que envolve riscos, como: anquilose, desvitalização, reabsorção radicular do dente envolvido e dos dentes adjacentes e dano aos tecidos de suporte. Em virtude das importantes funções desempenhadas pelos caninos inclusos superiores, o seu aproveitamento através do tracionamento é o tratamento de eleição nos pacientes assistidos ortodonticamente. O presente trabalho traz uma revisão bibliográfica acerca de importantes fatores a serem considerados na abordagem dos caninos impactados, tais como as possibilidades terapêuticas, suas vantagens e desvantagens.

Alveolar bone healing process in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR): A radiographic densitometry study

Hypertension is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. If undiagnosed or untreated, this pathology represents a systemic risk factor and offers unfavorable conditions for dental treatments, especially those requiring bone healing. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate, by analysis of bone mineral density (BMD), that the alveolar bone healing process is altered in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Material and Methods: Wistar rats and SHRs were submitted to extraction of the upper right incisor and were euthanized 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after surgery. Right maxillae were collected, radiographed and analyzed using Digora software. BMD was expressed as minimum (min), middle (med) and maximum (max) in the medium (MT) and apical (AT) thirds of the dental alveolus. Results: The results were compared across days and groups. Wistar showed difference in med and max BMD in the MT between 7 and 28 and also between 14 and 28 days. The AT exhibited significant difference in med and min BMD between 7 and 28 days, as well as difference in min BMD between 28 and 42 days. SHRs showed lower med BMD in the MT at 28 days when compared to 21 and 42 days. Differences were observed across groups in med and min BMD at day 28 in the MT and AT; and in max BMD at 14, 21 and 42 days in the MT. Conclusions: These results suggest that the alveolar bone healing process is delayed in SHRs comparing with Wistar rats.

Intraoral approach to zygomatic fracture: modified technique for infraorbital rim fixation.

The intraoral approach to zygomatic fracture treatment was introduced by Keen in 1909. This technique allows both an adequate visualization of the zygomaticomaxillary buttress and intraoral reduction of zygomatic arch fractures. Similar techniques have been published over the last 30 years. The aim of this study was to describe a modification of the Keen technique that promotes adequate visualization of the infraorbital rim and permits reduction and fixation of this region in cases of zygomatic fractures. The present technique has several advantages such as that (a) only 1 incision is necessary to approach the zygomaticomaxillary buttress and infraorbital rim, (b) it optimizes surgical time, and (c) it avoids periorbital scars.

The Use of 2.4-mm Locking Plate System in Treating Comminuted Mandibular Fracture by Firearm.

Maxillofacial trauma caused by firearms has considerably increased, in which the mandibular body is the site of highest incidence of firearm projectiles. In these cases, the use of titanium plates and screws allows the early restoration of form and function of the mandible with stable and predictable results. Recently, conventional plates have been extensively used to treat comminuted mandibular fractures. Nevertheless, the conventional system presents several limitations such as screw compression against the bone interface and the necessity of precise fit of plate to the bone. To overcome such drawbacks, the locking plates have emerged. The present clinical case reported the operative treatment of mandibular fracture caused by firearm projectiles with the use of locking plate. The indications, advantages, and disadvantages of this system are presented.