Efficacy of different low-level laser therapy sessions in the management of masseter muscle trigger points.

BACKGROUND: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the recent treatment modalities for myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome with trigger points. The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of varying LLLT sessions on the treatment of masseter muscle trigger points. METHODS: 90 patients diagnosed with orofacial pain and trigger points in the masseter muscle for at least 6 months were selected and divided into 3 groups (n = 30) based on the number of LLLT sessions provided to patients. Patients in Group I received one session/per week, group II received two sessions/per week, and Group III received three sessions/per week. The sessions continued for 4 weeks, evaluations of pain levels, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and quality of life were conducted before and after the procedure at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks. RESULTS: The pain scores exhibited a highly statistically significant difference among the three groups (p < 0.001) over the 8-week study period. MMO was statistically significantly different between groups at week 4 and week 8. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score was statistically significant difference between groups at week 8. The time showed a highly significant effect on the study outcomes within each group. CONCLUSION: Increased the number of LLLT sessions reduced the pain improved the MMO, and subsequently improved the quality of life. GOV ID: NCT06327204 - retrospectively registered.

Vertical ridge augmentation of atrophic posterior mandible with corticocancellous onlay symphysis graft versus sandwich technique: clinical and radiographic analysis.

Alveolar ridge augmentation of atrophic posterior mandibular ridge represents a challenge in oral and maxillofacial surgery to restore aesthetic and function. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of bone formation in atrophic posterior mandibles augmented using onlay symphysis cortico-cancellous bone block with that augmented using sandwich bone augmentation technique (Inlay). Twelve patients were selected with missing mandibular posterior teeth. CBCT were done for all patients preoperatively to assess the residual bone height, ranged between 5 and 7 mm from the inferior alveolar nerve with adequate sufficient alveolar ridge width more than 4 mm. Patients required bone augmentation procedure with autologous onlay chin graft (group I) versus those used as inlay sandwich technique (group II). Clinical and radiographic analysis were done to analyses the newly formed bone and bone height. Percent of change in bone height was also calculated and revealed that group I was higher than group II, however, statistically insignificant differences between the two groups were found regarding the percentage of newly formed bone. Vertical ridge augmentation procedures using onlay chin graft took lesser time than the interpositional grafting with fixation technique, however, both techniques are promising for vertical ridge augmentation.

Cervico-facial pain associated with Eagle's syndrome misdiagnosed as cranio-mandibular disorders. A retrospective study.

AIM OF STUDY: a retrospective study was done to assess symptoms correlated with and responsible for the misdiagnosis of Eagle's syndrome with Cranio-Mandibular Disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study comprised patients suffering from vague craniofacial pain resulting from elongated styloid processes, presented to the outpatient clinic of the oral and maxillofacial surgery department, October 6 University Hospital. The length of styloid processes was measured on 3D-CT X-rays. All our patients were operated by surgical treatment in the form of shortening of the styloid process (styloidectomy) under general anaesthesia and followed up clinically as well as radiographically for 12 months. RESULTS: Patients were assessed preoperatively as well as postoperatively throughout the following scheduled regular follow up intervals at 1 week and at 1,3,6 and 12 months postoperatively for the following parameters. VAS pain score gradually decreased from a median of 9, with a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 10 pre-operatively to a median of 1.5, with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 3 at twelve months. Freidman test revealed a statistically significant difference by time. Maximum unassisted mouth opening was assessed. Mouth opening significantly decreased from 30.23 ± 3.28 pre-operatively to 26.08 ± 2.83 after one week, then gradually increased to reach its highest level (43.56 ± 0.72) at twelve months. CONCLUSION: When dealing with cases of vague craniofacial pain, possibility of Eagle syndrome should be considered.