The Effects of Maxillary Expansion on Late Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to answer the research question of whether maxillary expansion provides enough postgraft stimulation to decrease the volume loss of alveolar bone grafts in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) who missed the appropriate treatment time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective controlled clinical trial. Thirty patients in the permanent-dentition stage with unilateral CLP were divided into 2 groups: In group I (mean age, 19.33 ± 5.16 years), slow maxillary expansion was performed before secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG); in group II (mean age, 19.93 ± 3.99 years), slow maxillary expansion was performed 6 weeks after SABG. The iliac crest was preferred as a donor site for autogenous bone graft harvesting. Cone beam computed tomography images were taken 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The volume and density of the alveolar bone graft were calculated using Mimics software (version 13.1; Materialise, Ann Arbor, MI), and SPSS software (version 19.0; IBM, Armonk, NY) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The bone graft volume loss was significantly higher in group I than in group II after 6 months of healing (P = .003). The increase in bone density was significantly higher in group II than in group I after 6 months of healing (P = .017). Although the mean loss of volume was lower and the mean density of the bone graft was higher in group II, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of mean graft volume and mean bone density 12 months after the operation. For groups I and II, the mean bone graft volume loss was 46.3% and 34.6%, respectively, and the mean increase in bone density was 16% and 49%, respectively, after 12 months of healing. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary expansion after late SABG may be taken into consideration as a treatment choice in selected unilateral CLP patients to provide bone graft stimulation.

Short Implants Versus Standard Implants: Midterm Outcomes of a Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the midterm survival rate, marginal bone resorption (MBR), and stability of short implants and to compare the results with standard length implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 patients were included. In total, 147 implants (Nucleoss Implants, Izmir, Turkey) were placed (86 short implants and 61 standard implants). Cement-retained metal-ceramic prostheses were fabricated. MBR was evaluated on periapical radiographs taken at implant placement, at the time of crown insertion and annually thereafter. The stability of the implants was evaluated by resonance frequency analysis. RESULTS: The 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates for standard implants was 98.4% and for short implants was 96.5% (P = 0.644). The MBR of the short implants was significantly lower than that of the standard implants after 1, 2, and 3 years of loading (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between 2 groups after 6 and 12 months of loading in terms of implant stability (implant stability quotient values) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it is concluded that short implants achieved similar results as standard implants after 3 to 5 years of loading.

Leonard buttons: a reliable method of intraoperative intermaxillary fixation in bilateral mandibular fractures.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively audit outcomes of using Leonard buttons (LBs) as intraoperative intermaxillary fixation in conjunction with open reduction-internal fixation of bilateral mandibular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients were included in this study. The fracture reduction score was obtained from postoperative radiographs by use of 3-tiered scoring system. Medical case notes were obtained for clinicodemographic data, including operation length, postoperative occlusion scores, periodontal status, and complications. RESULTS: The cohort predominantly comprised male patients (87%), with a mean age of 26 years. The major cause of injury was interpersonal violence (87%). The fracture pattern most treated was angle-parasymphysis fracture (70.1%). The mean length of follow-up was 83.81 ± 79.33 days. The mean overall reduction score was 6.95 ± 1.03 in the LB group and 6.40 ± 1.68 in the arch bar (AB) group (P = .275). When the occlusion scores were evaluated, the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P = .027). The mean operation length was shorter in the LB group compared with the AB group (142.05 ± 32.31 minutes vs 161.00 ± 24.04 minutes, P = .013). Oral hygiene was poor in 7 patients in the LB group (11.3%) and in 5 patients in the AB group (33.3%) (P = .05). No significant correlation was observed between number of LBs placed with overall reduction and occlusion scores. No significant relation was observed for number of LBs and periodontal status, infection, and nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that LBs are able to achieve equally good reduction as ABs but have better occlusion scores, with a shorter operating time, and show better gingival health. LBs are a viable alternative to ABs in providing intraoperative intermaxillary fixation for bilateral mandibular fractures. However, further prospective, randomized studies should be undertaken to obtain conclusive evidence.

Comparison of bovine-derived hydroxyapatite and autogenous bone for secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with alveolar clefts.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the long-term outcomes of secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) using bovine-derived hydroxyapatite versus autogenous bone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects in this study were 23 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (13 male, 10 female) who underwent SABG from 2004 through 2009. The patients were recalled and examined to evaluate the success of the long-term outcomes of SABG. In group 1, there were 12 patients (7 male, 5 female) who underwent grafting with anterior iliac crest bone; in group 2, 11 patients (6 male, 5 female) underwent grafting with bovine-derived hydroxyapatite. RESULTS: The mean ages at grafting were 13 ± 3.76 years in group 1 and 10.82 ± 2.6 years in group 2 (P = .134). The mean lengths of follow-up were 47.33 ± 13.79 months in group 1 and 67.82 ± 10.36 months in group 2 (P = .002). Pocket depth, periodontal index, and gingival index scores were similar and indicated acceptable periodontal status in the 2 groups. The results for patient satisfaction were not statistically different (P > .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups when results of the Chelsea scale were analyzed (P > .05). The radiologic results showed an 83.4% success rate in group 1 and a 100% success rate in group 2 (P = .478). When the densitometric values for cleft sites were analyzed, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (P = .190). CONCLUSIONS: Bovine-derived hydroxyapatite is as successful as the iliac graft for the SABG procedure.

Anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite vs ß-tricalcium phosphate in sinus augmentation: a comparative histomorphometric study.

The choice of augmentation material is a crucial factor in sinus augmentation surgery. Bovine-derived hydroxyapatite (BHA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) have been used successfully in sinus augmentation procedures. Choosing one of these materials for sinus augmentation is still controversial. The aim of this clinical study was to compare the biological performance of the new BHA graft material and the well-known synthetic ß-TCP material in the sinus augmentation procedure. The study consisted of 23 patients (12 male and 11 female) who were either edentulous or partially edentulous in the posterior maxilla and required implant placement. A total of 23 two-step sinus-grafting procedures were performed. BHA was used in 13 patients, and ß-TCP was used in 10 patients. After an average of 6.5 months of healing, bone biopsies were taken from the grafted areas. Undecalcified sections were prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The mean new bone formation was 30.13% ± 3.45% in the BHA group and 21.09% ± 2.86% in the ß-TCP group (P = .001). The mean percentage of residual graft particle area was 31.88% ± 6.05% and 34.05% ± 3.01% for the BHA group and ß-TCP group, respectively (P = .047). The mean percentage of soft-tissue area was 37.99% ± 5.92% in the BHA group and 44.86% ± 4.28% in the ß-TCP group (P = .011). Both graft materials demonstrated successful biocompatibility and osteoconductivity in the sinus augmentation procedure. However, BHA appears to be more efficient in osteoconduction when compared with ß-TCP.

Comparative study of the osseointegration of dental implants after different bone augmentation techniques: vascularized femur flap, non-vascularized femur graft and mandibular bone graft.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the osseointegration of the dental implants placed into the mandible augmented with different techniques in pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four adult domestic pigs were used. Horizontal augmentation of the mandible was performed in animals by using vascularized femur flap (VFF), non-vascularized femur graft (NVFG) and monocortical mandibular block graft (MG). After 5 months of healing 10 dental implants were placed into each augmented site. The pigs were sacrificed after 3 months of healing. Undecalcified sections were prepared for histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Mean bone-implant contact (BIC) values for implants placed into MG, NVFG and VFF were 57.38 ± 11.97%, 76.5 ± 7.88%, 76.53 ± 8.15%, respectively. The BIC values of NVFG and VFF group were significantly greater than MG group (P<0.001). On the other hand, there was not statistically significant difference between NVFG group and VFF group (P=0.999). CONCLUSION: NVFG as well as VFF can be considered as a promising method for augmentation of alveolar defects and the placement of the implants. The selection of non-vascularized graft or vascularized flap depends on the condition of the recipient site.

Effects of vitamin K(1) on fluoride-induced bone changes in growing rats: a histomorphometric and radiodensitometric study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of Vitamin K(1) supplementation on skeletal changes related to fluoride in growing rats. Forty male Wistar rats aged 4 weeks were assigned at random into three groups: high-dose fluoride (125 ppm) group; high-dose fluoride+Vitamin K(1) (0.2mg/(g day)) group; and a control group. The experimental period was 12 weeks. The L(3) vertebrae and the right tibiae were removed, and specimens were analysed by histologic and histomorphometric methods. Quantitative radiodensitometry was also employed to assess the differences in bone mineral density (BMD) between the groups. In the tibia, total tissue area was higher in the study groups than the control group (P<0.05). Cortical bone area was slightly higher in the fluoride+K(1) group than the fluoride group, and marrow cavity area was lower in the fluoride+K(1) group (P<0.05). In the L3 vertebral cancellous bone, bone volume, trabecular number and trabecular thickness were higher in the study groups than the control group (P<0.05). Trabecular separation was reduced in the study groups (P<0.05), and was lower in the fluoride+K(1) group than the fluoride group (P<0.05). The fluoride+K(1) group had a significantly higher BMD than the other groups (P<0.05), and the fluoride group had a significantly higher BMD than the control group (P<0.05). The present study found that fluoride administration increased bone mass in both vertebrae and tibiae in growing rats. Simultaneous administration of Vitamin K(1) and fluoride resulted in an additional increase in vertebral bone mass.

An uncommon disorder with multiple skeletal anomalies: Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an uncommon disorder transmitted through autosomal dominant inheritance. This syndrome is characterized by multiple odontogenic keratocysts, along with congenital skeletal anomalies and basal cell carcinomas. A 16-year-old girl was admitted with a complaint of swelling on the lower jaw. She had multiple basal cell nevi on both hands. Multiple lytic bone lesions on radiographs were defined as odontogenic keratocysts following the biopsy. The patient was referred to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for detailed musculoskeletal evaluation. Adam's forward bend test revealed a hump on the right side representing right thoracic scoliosis. Cervical kyphosis, thoracic lordosis and scoliosis, bifid rib and sacral and lumbar spina bifida on plain radiographs led to the diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. Since early diagnosis may provide optimum surveillance for related neoplasms, it is of paramount importance for pediatricians as well as physicians dealing with the musculoskeletal system to be aware of this rare condition.

Effects of vitamin K1 on fluoride-induced bone changes in growing rats: a histomorphometric and radiodensitometric study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of vitamin K1 supplementation on skeletal changes related to fluoride in growing rats. Forty male Wistar rats aged 4 weeks were assigned at random into three groups: high-dose fluoride (125 ppm) group; high-dose fluoride + vitamin K1 (0.2 mg/(g day)) group; and a control group. The experimental period was 12 weeks. The L3 vertebrae and the right tibiae were removed, and specimens were analysed by histologic and histomorphometric methods. Quantitative radiodensitometry was also employed to assess the differences in bone mineral density (BMD) between the groups. In the tibia, total tissue area was higher in the study groups than the control group (P < 0.05). Cortical bone area was slightly higher in the fluoride + K1 group than the fluoride group, and marrow cavity area was lower in the fluoride + K1 group (P < 0.05). In the L3 vertebral cancellous bone, bone volume, trabecular number and trabecular thickness were higher in the study groups than the control group (P < 0.05). Trabecular separation was reduced in the study groups (P < 0.05), and was lower in the fluoride + K1 group than the fluoride group (P < 0.05). The fluoride + K1 group had a significantly higher BMD than the other groups (P < 0.05), and the fluoride group had a significantly higher BMD than the control group (P < 0.05). The present study found that fluoride administration increased bone mass in both vertebrae and tibiae in growing rats. Simultaneous administration of vitamin K1 and fluoride resulted in an additional increase in vertebral bone mass.

Dexmedetomidine versus midazolam in outpatient third molar surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the use of dexmedetomidine with the use of midazolam during intravenous conscious sedation in third molar surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy patients with symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars were included in this double-blind, crossover, randomized study. Either dexmedetomidine (group D) (4 microg.kg(-1).h(-1)) or midazolam (group M) (0.4 mg.kg(-1).h(-1)) was administered intravenously for 15 minutes before the first operation. At the second operation, the other agent was applied. Cardiorespiratory data were collected. The intraoperative sedation level, patient cooperation, and postoperative performance were scored and any pain reaction during the local anesthetic injection was recorded. Visual analog scales were additionally used for the subjective assessment of pain and patient satisfaction. Amnesia was evaluated by the patients' ability to recall the objects shown during the operations and the local anesthetic injection. Patients' preferences were recorded during the interview at the end of the second operations. RESULTS: The mean heart rate and blood pressure measurements were significantly lower in group D. There was no significant difference in the respiratory findings. A significantly higher number of patients showed pain reactions in group M. Sedation level, postoperative performance, and VAS pain scores were not statistically significant, whereas the differences in cooperation score and VAS for patient satisfaction were significant. Adequate amnesia was obtained in group M, however, no amnesia was demonstrated in group D. Sixty-five percent of the patients indicated a preference for dexmedetomidine sedation. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine may be a remarkable alternative to midazolam for intravenous sedation because it seems to be a reliable and safe method, with additional analgesic effect providing a satisfactory sedation level without any serious side effects during impacted third molar surgery.

Microbial analysis of the autogenous bone collected by bone filter during oral surgery: a clinical study.

PURPOSE: The purposes of the study presented are to identify the microbial content of the collected bone debris and to determine the antibacterial efficiency of chlorhexidine mouth rinse in reducing the microbial content of the collected bone debris. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients who had asymptomatic fully impacted mandibular third molars bilaterally underwent surgical removal for prophylactic and orthodontic considerations. Immediately before surgery all patients rinsed with 10 mL of their assigned solution (chlorhexidine or sterile saline) for 2 minutes. Before surgical removal of the teeth, bone debris was collected with a stringent aspiration protocol from the ramus by bone filter. The microbial content of the bone debris was assessed and the bacterial levels between the 2 groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: All samples from both groups (chlorhexidine or sterile saline) yielded viable microorganisms. There was no significant difference between the mean/median colony-forming units (CFU)/g values of both group samples, for aerobes (Streptococcus salivarius) and anaerobes (Bacteroides, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, and Veillonella species). With regard to total microorganisms, the mean CFU/g derived from the chlorhexidine group samples were 1.5 x 10(8) CFU/g per bone sample compared with 1.5 x 10(9) CFU/g for the sterile saline control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Although chlorhexidine rinsing immediately before surgery reduced the levels of total microorganisms when compared with stringent aspiration protocol alone, it has not been found effective on aerobic Streptococcus salivarius and, importantly, on anaerobes. The reduced bacterial levels may still carry high infectious risk and may lead to failure in autogenous grafting procedures in oral surgery.