Osteomielites dos maxilares: estudo clinicopatológico / Jaw osteomyelitis: clinicopathological study

A osteomielite é definida como um estado inflamatório do osso e sua etiopatogenia é multifatorial, incluindo traumas, doenças sistêmicas e infecções odontogênicas. Diante disso, essa pesquisa consistiu em um estudo de análise descritiva, retrospectiva e comparativa dos tipos de osteomielite, em que se propôs avaliar as características clínicopatológicas dessa lesão nos maxilares, diagnosticadas na Disciplina de Estomatologia e Patologia Oral, Departamento de Odontologia da UFRN, no período de janeiro de 1970 a dezembro de 2021. A amostra consistiu de 75 casos de osteomielite, sendo 9 casos de osteomielite aguda, 3 casos de osteomielite crônica primaria e 63 casos de osteomielite crônica secundária. Foi realizada a coleta dos dados clínicos, a partir do qual foram avaliados os dados demográficos, hábitos de etilismo e tabagismo, características das lesões e tratamentos utilizados. A análise radiográfica foi avaliada considerando a perda óssea, dimensão, reabsorção, fratura patológica, sequestro ósseo, osso reacional, localização e tamanho. O estudo morfológico avaliou os osteoblastos, osteoclastos, colônias bacterianas, osso necrótico e tecido de granulação. Para análise estatística foram utilizados os testes Exato de Fisher e o Qui-quadrado. Os resultados encontrados revelaram que o sexo feminino foi predominante com (n=67; 89,3%). A idade média foi de 42,68 anos com variação de 3 a 85 anos. A respeito da cor de pele, os pacientes autodeclarados brancos foram predominantes (n=37; 49,3%). Quanto aos tipos de osteomielite, a osteomielite crônica secundária foi predominante (n = 63, 84%), seguida pela osteomielite aguda (n = 9, 12%) e a osteomielite crônica primária (n = 3, 4%). Acerca da localização anatômica, a mandíbula foi predominante (n=70, 93,3%). Quanto às causas, a infeção odontogênica foi mais prevalente (n=41; 54,7%). O processo inflamatório esteve presente em todos os casos (n=75; 100%). Em relação aos neutrófilos, estiveram ausentes na maioria dos casos (n=51; 68%) e presentes discretamente em 24% (n=18). Diante dos resultados obtidos concluímos que a osteomielite é mais comum no sexo feminino com idade média de 42,68 anos, sendo o tipo mais comum a osteomielite crônica secundária, proveniente de infecção odontogênica e localizada em mandíbula. A associação entre o tipo de osteomielite e a presença ou ausência de colônias bacterianas mostrou associação estatisticamente significativa. O mesmo não aconteceu com as outras associações estatísticas realizadas nesta pesquisa (AU).

Osteomyelitis is defined as an inflammatory state of the bone and its etiopathogenesis is multifactorial, including trauma, systemic diseases and odontogenic infections. Therefore, this research aimed to realize retrospective and comparative analyses of the types of osteomyelitis and their evaluations. Clinical and pathological characteristics of jaws' osteomyelitis cases diagnosed in the Oral Pathology, Department of Dentistry of the UFRN, from January 1970 to December 2021, were retrieved. The sample consisted of 75 cases, with 9 cases of acute osteomyelitis, 3 of primary chronic osteomyelitis and 63 cases of secondary chronic osteomyelitis. A collection of clinical data was carried out, from which information about demographic data, drinking and smoking habits, disability resources and treatments used were collected. Radiographic analysis of location considered bone loss, dimension, pat fracture, bone sequencing, reactional, and size. The morphological study evaluated osteoblasts, osteoclasts, bacterial colonies, necrotic bone and granulation tissue. For statistical analysis, Fisher Exact Test and Chi-square teste were performed. In this study, osteomyelitis had a predilection for females (n=67; 89.3%). The average age was 42,68 years, with an amplitude between 3 and 85 years old and most patients self-reported as white (n=37; 49.3%). As for the types of osteomyelitis, secondary chronic osteomyelitis was predominant (n = 63; 84%), followed by acute osteomyelitis (n = 9, 12%) and primary chronic osteomyelitis (n = 3; 4%). Regarding the anatomical location, the mandible was predominant (n=70, 93.3%). As for the causes, odontogenic infection was more prevalent (n=41; 54.7%). The inflammatory process was present in all cases (n=75; 100%). Regarding neutrophils, absent in most cases (n=51;68%) and discreetly present in 24% (n=18). In view of the results obtained, we conclude that osteomyelitis is more common in females with a mean age of 42.68 years, with the most common type being secondary chronic osteomyelitis, originating from a common dental infection in the mandible. The association between the type of osteomyelitis and the presence or absence of bacterial colonies was significantly significant. The same did not happen with other associations disclosed in this research (AU).

Mucormycotic osteomyelitis of maxilla post-COVID patient: a case report.

Fungal osteomyelitis is a life-threatening and seldom seen opportunistic infection. It is commonly an affectation of the nose and paranasal sinuses within the orofacial region. It is an aggressive infection that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent fatal consequences. The mode of infection is via the inhalation route and infection begins initially in the nose and paranasal sinuses with subsequent invasion into the vascular tissue, eventually leading to thrombosis and necrosis of nearby hard and soft tissues. Here, we report a case of a 31-year-old male who presented with pain over the upper jaw that was sudden in onset, continuous, dull aching, radiating towards forehead and neck of the left side, aggravates on mastication and relives on its own. He had a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. On further investigation, using diagnostic and Interventional aids, a final diagnosis of mucormycotic osteomyelitis of the maxilla was made.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Liraglutide Ameliorates the Development of Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is one of the diabetic complications due to its high morbidity and severity in patients with diabetes. The prevention of periodontitis is especially important in diabetic patients because the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis is bidirectional. Here, we evaluated the impacts of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist liraglutide on the amelioration of periodontitis. Five-wk-old Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 30) were divided into 3 groups: normal, periodontitis, and periodontitis with liraglutide treatment groups. Periodontitis was induced by ligature around the maxillary second molar in SD rats. Half of the rats were administered liraglutide for 2 weeks. Periodontitis was evaluated by histological staining, gene expressions of inflammatory cytokines in gingiva, and microcomputed tomography. Periodontitis increased inflammatory cell infiltration, macrophage accumulation, and gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the gingiva, all of which were ameliorated by liraglutide. Liraglutide decreased M1 macrophages but did not affect M2 macrophages in periodontitis. Moreover, ligature-induced alveolar bone resorption was ameliorated by liraglutide. Liraglutide treatment also reduced osteoclasts on the alveolar bone surface. These results highlight the beyond glucose-lowering effects of liraglutide on the treatment of periodontitis.

Quality of Life and Maxillary Defects: A Cross-Sectional Study / Calidad de Vida y Defectos Maxilares: Un Estudio Transversal

ABSTRACT: There has been little discussion about the quality of life of patients with maxillary defects. This article evaluates the issues related to the condition. We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with maxillary defects from referral centers in Brazil. To avoid subject burden, a questionnaire was developed, based on questions from seven instruments, which dealt with domains and conclusions that were similar to those from other studies. The predictor variable was the patients' score for each question. The outcome measure was the presence of the best-ranked items on the questionnaire as the impact factor. Six experts assessed these items and suggested which questions to include or exclude. Patients scored each item according to its occurrence and importance. Descriptive statistics and the items' rank according to the impact factor were computed to determine whether there is a comprehensive instrument available. Thirteen patients and six professionals were included in this study. The patients' age ranged from 24 to 72 years (mean (standard deviation, SD), 50.41 (14.46) years). We obtained a 60-item instrument from the selected questionnaires and subject interviews. Only 12 (37.5 %) out of the 32 best-rated items were verified by the existing instruments, two (6.25 %) were suggested by professionals and 18 (56.25 %) were conclusions from other studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide many features related to the quality of life in patients with maxillary defects.

RESUMEN: Existe escasa discusión en la literatura sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes con defectos maxilares. Este artículo evalúa los problemas relacionados con esta condición. Realizamos un estudio transversal de pacientes con defectos maxilares de centros de referencia en Brasil. Se desarrolló un cuestionario basado en preguntas de siete instrumentos, que trataba sobre dominios y conclusiones similares a las de otros estudios. La variable de estimación fue la puntuación de los pacientes para cada pregunta. La medida de resultado fue la presencia de los elementos mejor clasificados en el cuestionario como factor de impacto. Seis expertos evaluaron estos ítems y sugirieron qué preguntas incluir o excluir. Los pacientes puntuaron cada ítem según su ocurrencia e importancia. Se calcularon las estadísticas descriptivas y la clasificación de los ítems según el factor de impacto, para determinar si existe un instrumento completo. Trece pacientes y seis profesionales fueron incluidos en este estudio. La edad de los pacientes osciló entre 24 y 72 años [media (desviación estándar), 50,41 (14,46) años]. Obtuvimos un instrumento de 60 ítems de los cuestionarios y entrevistas de temas seleccionados. Solo 12 (37,5 %) de los 32 ítems mejor calificados se verificaron de acuerdo a los instrumentos existentes, dos (6,25 %) fueron sugeridos por profesionales y 18 (56,25 %) fueron conclusiones de otros estudios. De acuerdo a nuestro conocimiento, este es el primer estudio que proporciona características relacionadas con la calidad de vida en pacientes con defectos maxilares.

Central Giant Cell Granuloma Treated with Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections and Bisphosphonates: A Long-Term Follow-Up Case Study.

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign intraosseous lesion of the head and neck with potential for aggressive and locally destructive behaviour. Lesions of the maxilla tend to expand more than those of the mandible due to the thinner cortices and spongy tissue of this location. Surgical removal is the most common treatment; however, it may be disfiguring in aggressive cases, especially for lesions located in the maxilla. Alternative treatments, such as intralesional corticosteroid injections, have been performed with satisfactory results. We report a case of a 12-year-old female patient with a CGCG of the left maxilla that was treated with 40 doses of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide infiltrations combined with alendronate sodium and calcium carbonate. Clinical and imaging follow-up over 12 years demonstrates improvement in the patient's condition.

Multiple Orthokeratinized Odontogenic Cysts: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature.

Orthokeratinized odontogenic cysts (OOC) are developmental odontogenic cysts characterised by an orthokeratinized stratified squamous epithelial lining. They were originally believed to be part of the spectrum of Odontogenic Keratocyst, but are now considered to be a distinct entity. They are rare, making up approximately 1% of all odontogenic cysts and they usually occur singly. In this paper we present two new cases of multiple OOCs, and compare them to previous case reports of multiple lesions. The clinical and pathological features are discussed, along with possible diagnostic pitfalls.

Enucleation of Odontogenic Cyst with Bone Graft / Enucleación de Quiste Odontogénico con Injerto Óseo

ABSTRACT: Periapical cyst originates from an inflammatory reaction in the body that occurs due to a long-term endodontic aggression. It is more prevalent in caucasian male, during the third decade of life, in the anterior portion of the maxilla. They are commonly radiographic findings, due to their asymptomatic aspect. This study reports a Periapical Cyst in the portion corresponding to teeth 21, 22 and 23, which was treated by enucleation of the cyst, apicoectomy and retrograde root filling with Mineral trioxide aggregate (M.T.A) of teeth 21 and 22, filling of the cyst cavity with xenogeneic bone graft GenOx and a collagen membrane Gen-Derm. Observations after three months show good and rapid bone regeneration, periodontal and periapical health of the teeth involved.

RESUMEN: El quiste periapical se origina de una reacción inflamatoria que ocurre debido a una agresión endodóntica a largo plazo. Es más frecuente en el varón caucásico, durante la tercera década de la vida, en la porción anterior del maxilar. Son comúnmente hallazgos radiográficos, debido a su aspecto asintomático. En este estudio informamos acerca de un quiste periapical, en la porción correspondiente a los dientes 21, 22 y 23, que se trató mediante enucleación, apicectomía y relleno de raíz retrógrada con agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) de los dientes 21 y 22, relleno de la cavidad del quiste con injerto óseo xenogénico Gen-Ox y una membrana de colágeno GenDerm. Las observaciones después de tres meses mostraron una buena y rápida regeneración ósea, con conservación de la salud periodontal y periapical de los dientes involucrados.

[Differential diagnosis of cemento-osseous dysplasia of the maxilla. A case report]. / Displasia cemento-ósea del maxilar: problemas de diagnóstico diferencial a propósito de un caso.

Cemento-osseous dysplasia is a benign lesion which affects the jaw bones. It is a frequent incidental finding but no aggressive therapy is necessary. However, it may be confused with more aggressive entities, such as ossifying and cementifying fibroma, which do require treatment. There are no clear-cut histopathological criteria to differentiate between these entities. We present a case of a 13-year old boy who underwent a biopsy of a clinically undiagnosed maxillary lesion. Histopathological analysis revealed moderately cellular fibrous tissue with bone trabeculae with no osteoblastic rimming and clusters of intensely basophilic material corresponding to cementum. The final diagnosis was cemento-osseus dysplasia. The main histopathological features important in the distinction of these entities are discussed.

Central giant cell granuloma - A case report.

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaws is a benign, intraosseous, osteolytic lesion of debatable etiology. CGCG lacks in clinical and radiographical pathognomonic features to distinguish from common lesions occurring in this region. Histopathology still remains the predominant diagnostic modality to identify the disorder. Clinically aggressive lesions and atypical lesions can lead to early damage and may necessitate aggressive therapy to prevent recurrences. A case of an aggressive type of CGCG of the maxilla in a young adult male patient with diagnostic and treatment challenge is presented.

Effects of maxillary expansion on the upper airways: Evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Constricted maxilla is frequently associated with reduced nasal airway dimensions. Wheatear skeletal maxillary expansion (ME) is effective on the dimension of the upper airways is still a debated issue. OBJECTIVES: This overview aimed to report the evidence provided by systematic reviews (SRs) on the effect of ME on the upper airways and to assess the methodological quality of the included SRs. METHODS: Six electronic databases have been explored up to November 2017. After title and abstract screening, SRs addressing the effects of fixed palatal expanders on the dimension and function of the nasal airways were included. The methodological quality of the included SRs was assessed using the updated version of A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Review (AMSTAR-2). RESULTS: Eight SRs were included. The methodological quality of most of the included SRs ranged between low and critically low. One SR was rated of high quality. A significant increase in nasal linear dimensions was reported both in the short and long term, but supported by low-/critically low-quality SRs. The significant increase in nasal cavity volume was the only outcome supported by a high-quality SR Controversial results were found with regards to nasal function. CONCLUSION: Whenever a constricted maxilla is present general dentists, paediatricians and ENTs should be familiar with the potential improvement provided by ME. However, due to the low/critically low quality of SRs supporting these results, ME cannot be indicated only for upper airways enhancement, but should be supported by an orthodontic indication.

Histological and clinical outcomes of lateral sinus floor elevation with simultaneous removal of a maxillary sinus pseudocyst.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary sinus pathologies are a potential risk for failure of implant and bone augmentation. Management of lateral sinus floor elevation in the presence of a pseudocyst remains controversial, and reports on histological outcomes of endo-sinus bone augmentation with maxillary cysts are scarce. PURPOSE: To present a modified surgical technique for removal of maxillary pseudocyst with simultaneous sinus floor elevation, and to evaluate clinical and histological outcomes of the bone grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a radiographic dome-shaped opacity in the posterior maxillary sinus were included to receive lateral sinus floor elevation with simultaneous pseudocyst removal. Bone core specimens harvested from the lateral aspect of the augmentation sites were histomorphometrically analyzed. Data were recorded and evaluated in terms of survival rates and complications. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were included who underwent 17 maxillary sinus augmentation surgeries. Implant survival rate was 97.0%. Bone biopsy specimens were obtained at 6 months after surgery. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that mean percentages of mineralized bone, bone substitute, and nonmineralized tissue were 24.9% ± 18.1%, 14.4% ± 12.5%, and 60.1% ± 12.44%, respectively. No recurrence of the pseudocyst was detected on radiographic examination. CONCLUSIONS: The described technique could be successfully applied in clinical practice to perform sinus augmentation in the presence of pseudocysts.

Recurrence of nonsyndromic odontogenic keratocyst after marsupialization and delayed enucleation vs. enucleation alone: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted in order to determine whether marsupialization before definitive enucleation of nonsyndromic odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) is capable of decreasing the recurrence rate more effectively than just enucleation. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, until August 5th of 2017 for original studies reporting on the treatment of OKCs with and without previous marsupialization and the related recurrence rate. All records and data were independently assessed, meta-analysis was performed, and the odds ratio of recurrence was the effect measure; P value for the summary effect of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The 748 records retrieved were reduced to 6 studies to be qualitatively assessed and 5 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall odds ratio of 0.57 [0.25-1.28] of the pooled values pointed that marsupialization reduced the recurrence rate in comparison to just enucleation; however, the P value showed that there is no strong evidence to support this statement. CONCLUSIONS: Marsupialization followed by enucleation after 12 to 18 months reduces the recurrence rate, but more studies are necessary to support this statement.

Histopathologic Features of Chronic Sinusitis Precipitated by Odontogenic Infection.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous disease process that can arise in the context of odontogenic disease from the maxillary teeth. The histopathologic features of odontogenic CRS (CRSo) have yet to be determined and may have important implications on disease management and need for escalation of therapy. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to characterize the histopathologic features of CRSo and determine whether the inflammatory profile of CRSo contributes to its recalcitrance to medical therapy and need for surgery in a subset of patients with this disease. METHODS: A structured histopathology report was used to analyze sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Histopathology variables, Lund-Mackay scores (LMS), and Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 scores were compared among CRSo patients, CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) patients, and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients. RESULTS: Twenty-three CRSo, 38 CRSwNP, and 53 CRSsNP patients who underwent FESS were analyzed. Compared to CRSsNP, CRSo exhibited increased moderate-severe inflammation (73.9% vs 41.5%, P < .009). Compared to CRSwNP, CRSo had decreased squamous metaplasia (0.0% vs 18.4%, P < .03) and decreased fibrosis (26.1% vs 63.2%, P < .005). Eosinophilia was prevalent in CRSo but to a lesser extent than in CRSwNP (39.1% vs 63.2%, P < .05). CRSo cases had significantly lower mean LMS compared to CRSwNP (7.83 ± 2.77 vs12.18 ± 6.77, P < .005). CONCLUSION: CRSo exhibits histopathologic features similar to those of CRSsNP with more severe inflammation. Moreover, eosinophilia, which is not typically considered to coexist with CRSo, was present in a large portion of CRSo patients. These findings may help explain at the inflammatory level why select cases of CRSo may be recalcitrant to medical and dental therapy.

Effect of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Condyle-fossa Relationship in Growing Patients.

AIM: This study tests whether rapid maxillary expansion (RME) exerts long term effects on interglenoid fossa distance and condyle fossa relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive growing patients aged 8 to 13 years were allocated either to the RME group or control group. Cone-beam computed tomography was performed at baseline and at 6 months. Specific software was used to determine fixed landmarks. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) models were used, with time by group interaction, using age as a covariate. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with a mean age of 11.4 ± 1.5 years were included. There was an overall significant group by time interaction (p = 0.012, effect size 0.59). Change in the lateral position of the glenoid fossa, the primary outcome, was reached (p = 0.008, effect size 0.258). Change in the laterolateral position of the center of the condyle, and the co-primary outcome was also significant (p = 0.011, effect size = 0.24). Nasal cavity width increased (p = 0.065, effect size = 0.14). There was an initial asymmetry in the horizontal position of the condyles that was carried on with no effect of RME. CONCLUSION: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) produces a significant increase in the interglenoid fossa distance and displacement of the mandibular condyles at 6 months in growing patients compared to a control group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The current study shows that RME is effective during growth, widening the interglenoid fossa distance and the lateral positions of the condyles and eventually enlarging the nasal cavity, without causing asymmetry.

Maxillary sinus floor pneumatization and alveolar ridge resorption after tooth loss: a cross-sectional study.

This is a cross-sectional study that aimed to estimate maxillary sinus floor (MSF) pneumatization in single missing tooth of posterior maxilla, by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images were analyzed bilaterally and divided into 2 groups: edentulous site (EdS) - edentulous single region of upper second premolar, first or second molars; Tooth site (TS) - contralateral region homologous to the EdS region, with tooth present. Variables evaluated were: sinus height (SH), estimated sinus pneumatization (eSP: ∆ EdS - TS), healed ridge height (HR) and presence of localized sinus pneumatization (LSP) in molars teeth at TS. HR were categorized according to therapeutic option for posterior maxilla. 183 CBCT scans were included and it was observed that EdS presented a higher SH than the TS (p < 0.001) showing an eSP of 0.9 ± 2.93 mm. First molars presented the highest SH for both sides, although significant differences were detected when compared to second molars. First molars were mostly affected by LSP at TS (36 out of 43). Individuals with LSP at TS presented lower HR than the ones without LSP (p < 0.05). 54% of the cases presenting LSP obtained HR < 5 mm, which indicates sinus lift surgery. The present study showed that tooth loss in posterior maxilla favors sinus pneumatization and the identification of LSP at molar roots seems to indicate a greater necessity for sinus lift surgeries.

Maxillomandibular giant osteosclerotic lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Giant Osteosclerotic Lesions (GOLs) are a group of rarely reported intraosseous lesions. Their precise diagnosis is important since they can be confused with malignant neoplasms. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to record and analyze the clinical and radiographic Giant Osteosclerotic Lesions (GOLs) detected in the maxillomandibular area of patients attending to our institution. Materials and Methods: Informed consent from the patients was obtained and those cases of 2.5 cm or larger lesions with radiopaque or mixed (radiolucid-radiopaque) appearance located in the maxillofacial bones were selected. Assessed parameters were: age, gender, radiographic aspect, shape, borders, size, location and relations to roots. Lesions were classified as radicular, apical, interradicular, interradicular-apical, radicular-apical or located in a previous teeth extraction area. Additionally, several osseous and dental developmental alterations (DDAs) were assessed. RESULTS: Seventeen radiopacities in 14 patients were found and were located almost exclusively in mandible and were two types: idiopathic osteosclerosis and condensing osteitis. GOLs were more frequent in females, and in the anterior and premolar zones. 94.2% of GOLs were qualified as idiopathic osteosclerosis and one case was condensing osteitis. All studied cases showed different osseous and dental developmental alterations (DDAs). The most common were: Microdontia, hypodontia, pulp stones, macrodontia and variations in the mental foramina. CONCLUSIONS: GOLs must be differentiated from other radiopaque benign and malignant tumors. Condensing osteitis, was considered an anomalous osseous response induced by a chronic low-grade inflammatory stimulus. For development of idiopathic osteosclerosis, two possible mechanisms could be related. The first is modification of the normal turnover with excessive osseous deposition. The second mechanism will prevent the normal bone resorption, arresting the osseous breakdown process.

The use of platelet-rich fibrin as a hemostatic material in oral soft tissues.

The control of postoperative bleeding represents one of the main intercurrent events associated with soft tissue surgical procedures in the oral cavity. In this context, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes are materials with great potential for optimizing soft tissue healing and induction of hemostasis. This interventional case series describes the treatment of 10 patients with excisional biopsy of benign oral cavity lesions, following a screening sequence at the surgery clinic of a Brazilian dental school between the years of 2015 and 2017. After treatment with PRF, patients presented mean time for postoperative hemostasis of 10.3 ± 2.5 s, requiring the average use of three membranes to cover the surgical area. The results suggest that the use of platelet-rich fibrin membranes may represent a feasible alternative hemostatic material for the treatment of oral lesions.

Incisor malalignment and the risk of periodontal disease progression.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between incisor crowding, irregularity, and periodontal disease progression in the anterior teeth. METHODS: Data collected over 35 years from men enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study included information concerning pocket depth and alveolar bone loss. Plaster casts of the maxillary (n = 400) and mandibular (n = 408) arches were available for baseline measurements. Periodontal disease in the anterior teeth was defined as per arch sum of pathologic pocket depth and sum of teeth with any alveolar bone loss in the anterior sextants. Incisor malalignment status was defined by the anterior tooth size-arch length discrepancy index and Little's Irregularity Index. Adjusted mixed effects linear models computed the beta (ß) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of the amounts of change in periodontal disease outcomes by the level of malalignment. RESULTS: In the anterior maxillary arch, crowding and spacing were significantly associated with an increased per-arch sum of pathologic pocket depth (ß, 0.70 mm; 95% CI, 0.20-1.21, and ß, 0.49 mm; 95% CI, 0.06-0.91, respectively). In the anterior mandibular arch, incisor crowding and irregularity were significantly associated with an increased per-arch sum of pathologic pocket depth (mild crowding: ß, 0.47 mm; 95% CI, 0.01-0.93; severe irregularity: ß, 0.94 mm; 95% CI, 0.50-1.38), and the sum number of teeth with alveolar bone loss (mild and moderate-to-severe crowding: ß, 0.45 teeth; 95% CI, 0.08-0.82; and ß, 0.45 teeth; 95% CI, 0.13-0.83, respectively; moderate irregularity: ß, 0.34 teeth; 95% CI, 0.06-0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Certain incisor malalignment traits (ie, maxillary incisor crowding, maxillary incisor spacing, mandibular incisor mild crowding, mandibular incisor moderate-to-severe crowding, mandibular incisor moderate irregularity, and mandibular incisor severe irregularity) are associated with significant periodontal disease progression.