Sleep apnoea in patients with stable congestive heart failure an intervention study with a mandibular advancement device

In patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), sleep disordered breathing (SDB)--including obstructive and central sleep apnoea as well as periodic breathing--is a common condition and is believed to increase the risk of mortality. Treatment of SDB is considered important in the management of CHF. Improvements in SDB have a positive effect on cardiac output, measured with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); on neurohormonal activity, measured as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP); and on the quality of life. Continuous positive airway pressure has been the traditional method used to treat SDB in patients with CHF, but compliance and tolerability are poor. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a dental device recommended for the treatment of sleep apnoea, but the method has never been evaluated in patients with CHF. The aims of the present studies were to evaluate the practical use of the MAD for the treatment of SDB in patients with CHF and to test the hypothesis that this intervention increases the dimensions of the pharyngeal airway (PAW), reduces SDB and BNP, and improves LVEF and the quality of life. Patients with mild to moderate CHF and SDB were evaluated using a portable polysomnographic device, lateral radiographs, cardiological and odontological examinations, and quality of life measures prior to and following intervention with an custom-made MAD. At the short-term follow-up 4-6 weeks after habituation with the MAD, the severity of SDB according to the apnoea-hypopnoea index had decreased from 25.1 +/- 9.4 (mean +/- SD) to 14.7 +/- 9.7 (p = 0.003). An increase in the inferior region of the PAW (7 +/- 5 mm) was observed on radiographs (p = 0.0001). However, no correlation between the effect of the MAD on the dimensions of the PAW and its effect on SDB was found. At the 6-month follow-up, the sleep apnoea-related symptoms had decreased by 31% (p = 0.003). Quality of life remained stable. BNP were reduced from 195.8 +/- 180.5 pg/ml to 148.1 +/- 139.9 pg/ml (p = 0.035). LVEF, however, remained unchanged. At the 12-month follow-up, 64 % of the patients were still using the MAD. Three patients withdrew from the study because of discomfort with the MAD. In most patients, MAD treatment had no severe side effect on the signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. However, dental complications were observed. In conclusion, in patients with stable CHF who are experiencing problems with SDB, MAD intervention appears to reduce the severity of SDB, sleep apnoea-related symptoms, and neurohormonal activity. A lower tendency for PAW collapse may explain the effect observed on SDB. The reduction in plasma BNP may indicate decreased cardiac strain as a result of treatment of SDB. The 5-year survival rate, measured from the start of MAD intervention, was higher in the group that used a MAD than in the group that did not use a MAD (p = 0.036). No severe side effects on the stomatognathic system were observed during the intervention, and most patients--edentulous included--tolerated the treatment well. Impaired oral health, including reduced dentition and edentulousness, seemed to limit the use of the MAD in this group of elderly patients, both because of technical difficulties and because of the increased risk of dental complications. However, because the treatment of SDB is important in the management of CHF, the MAD intervention seems to be a valuable method in the treatment arsenal of SDB.

TMJ fractures in children and adolescents: treatment guidelines

TMJ fractures must be focused not only as a cause of direct damage to osseous structures, but also of future disturbances of dentofacial development. Treatment is aimed at restoring normal joint function, occlusion and symmetry. Any disturbance of condylar cartilage will result in alteration of mandibular development. The subsequent deformity of jaw and face will depend not only on the type, intensity extent and chronology of the noxious agent, but also on the particular time of occurrence and growth activity. Thus the effect will be more decided if the disturbance occurs early in life, during childhood, when growth activity is greater and mandibular shape and size have not been assumed yet. This report will include basic information on both prevention and first aid in these types of injuries. The correct application of these precautions immediately following the trauma should improve the short and long-term outcome. Information on diagnosis and treatment of lesions of the bone and soft tissues, which may coexist with dental trauma, a critical first step in the overall management of traumatized patients, will be given. Follow-up procedures of these patients will be illustrated. The guidelines described in this paper for the treatment of traumatic TMJ fractures in children and youths are based on our clinical experience. They are intended as an aid to practioners in the management and treatment of these traumas, by professional must always use professional judgement. There are no guarantees of any positive results associated with the use of these guidelines, although it is felt that time and proper treatment will maximize the chances of success.

To what extent do deviations from an ideal occlusion constitute a health risk?

Selection of patients for orthodontic treatment should be based on a thorough analysis of the consequences of malocclusions for the individual. The mere presence of deviations from the concept of the ideal occlusion should have no influence on orthodontic treatment decisions. According to available studies, the influence of malocclusion on periodontal health, speech and chewing is fairly minor. Neither can orthodontic treatment be justified as an effective means of preventing TMD but it may be indicated to reduce existing signs and symptoms of TMD in certain carefully selected cases. Interceptive or preventive orthodontic treatment may be indicated to reduce the negative influence on growth and occlusal development of functional malocclusions (anterior or lateral forced bite) or ectopic tooth eruption. Similarly, early correction of large overjet may be valuable in order to reduce the risk of traumatic injuries. Such treatment is usually motivated during the primary or mixed dentition periods. From the teenage period and onwards, psychosocial or aesthetic reasons for orthodontic treatment are dominating. Decisions to start orthodontic treatment in order to improve aesthetics should usually not be taken before the child has reached sufficient maturity for these decisions, normally after the age of 12 years. Special consideration needs to be given to subjects with craniofacial syndromes or handicap in order to develop effective treatment methods to promote as normal growth and occlusal development as possible.

Early interception of skeletal-dental factors predisposing to temporomandibular disorders during child development

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) comprise a heterogoneous group of pathologies or dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joints and their related neuromuscular systems. The multifactoral etiology of these disorders raises serious diagnostic and therapeutic problems. A modern approach demands close collaboration between a number of specialists in order to create the best possible treatment plan. The progressive nature of certain forms of TMD, combined with the major advantages deriving from early treatment, encourage the dental surgeon to carry out early interception of all those dental and/or skeletal anomalies which may determine the dysharmonic function and development of the facial mass, even though such anomalies may not represent the sole causes of the various forms of TMD. The general practitioner, and to an even greater extent the pediatrician, may therefore play a role of primary importance as those medical influences capable of early detection of TMD risk situations.

Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders

BACKGROUND

There has been a long history of using occlusal adjustment in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It is not clear if occlusal adjustment is effective in treating TMD.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of occlusal adjustment for treating TMD in adults and preventing TMD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (April 2002); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2002); MEDLINE (1966 to 8th April 2002); EMBASE (1980 to 8th April 2002) and handsearched journals of particular importance to this review. Additional reports were identified from the reference lists of retrieved reports and from review articles of treating TMD. There were no language restrictions. Unpublished reports or abstracts were considered from the SIGLE database.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing occlusal adjustment to placebo, reassurance or no treatment in adults with TMD. The outcomes were global measures of symptoms, pain, headache and limitation of movement.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were independently extracted, in duplicate, by two reviewers, Holy Koh (HK) and Peter G Robinson (PR). Authors were contacted for details of randomisation and withdrawals and a quality assessment was carried out. The Cochrane Oral Health Group's statistical guidelines were followed and relative risk values calculated using random effects models where significant heterogeneity was detected (P<0.1).

MAIN RESULTS

Over 660 trials were identified by the initial search. Six of these trials, which reported results from a total of 392 patients, were suitable for inclusion in the review. From the data provided in the published reports, symptom-based outcomes were extracted from trials on treatment. Data on incidence of symptoms were extracted from trials on prevention. Neither showed any difference between occlusal adjustment and control group.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There is an absence of evidence, from RCTs, that occlusal adjustment treats or prevents TMD. Occlusal adjustment cannot be recommended for the management or prevention of TMD. Future trials should use standardised diagnostic criteria and outcome measures when evaluating TMD.

A 6- and 12-month follow-up of appliance therapy in TMD patients: a follow-up of a controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study compared the long-term effects of treatment with a stabilization appliance and treatment with a control appliance in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a controlled trial, 60 TMD patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain were evaluated after 10 weeks of treatment with either a stabilization appliance or a control appliance. At the 10-week follow-up, the 60 patients were assigned to one of three groups according to their demand for treatment. Group T, the treatment group, comprised 30 patients treated with a stabilization appliance; group C, the control group, comprised nine patients treated with a control appliance; and group M, the mixed treatment group, comprised 21 patients treated with first a control appliance and then a stabilization appliance. Signs and symptoms were evaluated in all three groups at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

At the 6- and 12-month follow-ups, a significant reduction in TMJ pain as measured on a visual analogue scale was found in all three groups, and a significant decrease in signs and symptoms was found in groups T and M.

CONCLUSION

After 6 and 12 months of use, the stabilization appliance was found to still be effective in the alleviation of signs and symptoms in patients with TMD. Many patients in group C changed to a stabilization appliance at the 1 0-week follow-up, which significantly reduced the number of patients in this group. Most patients reported positive change in overall subjective symptoms in this trial. The stabilization appliance can therefore be recommended for patients with TMD.

Intraoperative diagnosis of condylar sag after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate a method to identify condylar sag intraoperatively by clinical examination after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO).

METHODS

We prospectively studied 184 patients (121 female, 63 male) who had BSSO. The same surgeon operated all patients over a period of 15 months using the same technique. All patients had mandibular advancements. A standard condylar seating technique was used. The occlusion was evaluated at operation and 1 week later.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients had an incorrect occlusion diagnosed during the operation after removal of the IMF. Peripheral condylar sag (type II) had developed in three of these patients. In 15 patients central sag was diagnosed. One-week postoperatively, three patients had a malocclusion as a result of condylar sag.

CONCLUSION

Meticulous examination of the occlusion and an understanding of the occlusal changes secondary to condylar sag can reliably identify condylar sag intraoperatively. The use of suitable corrective measures during the primary operation can substantially reduce the postoperative complication rate of condylar sag.

Penetration of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa: report of a case in a 6-year-old girl

Reported cases of dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa are rare. Treatment of this injury should be individualized and should take in account the age of the patient, growth potential, the degree of glenoid fossa destruction, the risk of ankylosis and the risk of further cranial injury. In children, functional therapy is aimed at helping the restoration of posterior facial height, good occlusal relations and function. Long-term follow-up is mandatory. Surgery may be required later to correct asymmetrical growth or developing ankylosis. This article describes a case of condylar penetration into the middle cranial fossa in a six-year-old child and the treatment performed to minimize consequences on occlusion and facial development.

Postoperative mandibular stability after orthognathic surgery in patients with mandibular protrusion and mandibular deviation

Skeletal stability and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) signs and symptoms were analyzed in 23 patients in whom mandibular protrusion and mandibular deviation had been corrected using bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO group, n = 10) and unilateral SSRO and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (USSRO+IVRO group, n = 13). Miniplate fixation was used in SSRO but no fixation was used in IVRO. The ratio of condylar bony change was 30.4% (7/23) and all condylar bony changes were seen on the deviated side. All preoperative signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders (4/13 patients in the USSRO+IVRO group and 2/10 patients in the BSSRO group) disappeared after surgery. Comparing the USSRO+IVRO group and the BSSRO group, in patients without condylar bony change, the mandible in both groups was stable anteriorly and horizontally after surgery, even though there was a larger horizontal mandibular movement in the USSRO+IVRO group during surgery. Comparing patients with condylar bony change versus no condylar bony change in the USSRO+IVRO group, postoperative horizontal mandibular displacement was significantly larger in the condylar bony change group than in the no condylar bony change group. These results support the idea that USSRO+IVRO can be useful in correcting mandibular deviation as well as improving signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders. However, it also seems important to be aware of the possibility of horizontal mandibular relapse in patients with condylar bony change.

The Mitek mini anchor for TMJ disc repositioning: surgical technique and results

This study evaluated our treatment outcomes in 105 patients (188 discs) using the Mitek mini anchor for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc repositioning surgery, with 88 patients having simultaneous orthognathic surgery. Criteria for inclusion into the study were: (1) Presurgical TMJ disc displacement with salvageable disc; (2) No prior TMJ surgery; (3) TMJ disc repositioning with the Mitek mini anchor; (4) Absence of connective tissue/autoimmune disease; (5) Absence of postsurgical trauma; and (6) Minimum of 12 months postsurgery follow up. Presurgery (T1), immediately postsurgery (T2), and longest follow up (LFU) clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed. The mean age of the patients was 32.6 years (range 14-57 years), and mean follow-up time was 46.2 months (range 14-84 months). Radiographic evaluation at LFU demonstrated no significant condylar resorption or positional changes of the anchors. At LFU, there was a statistically significant reduction in: TMJ pain, facial pain, headaches, TMJ noises and disability, and improvement in jaw function and diet. Maximum incisal opening improved slightly and lateral excursive movements decreased slightly. The Mitek mini anchor provides a predictable method for stabilizing the TMJ articular disc to the condyle and a high success rate in decreasing TMJ dysfunction and pain in patients with no previous TMJ surgery.

Patient satisfaction following orthognathic surgical correction of skeletal Class III malocclusion

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationship between preoperative psychologic status and attitude and postsurgical adjustment and experience of the surgical treatment. Questionnaires were sent to 140 consecutive Chinese patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion who had been treated with a combined orthodontic-surgical approach. The results showed the following: (1) immediately after the surgery 44% of patients had more pain, 57% had more numbness, and 73% had more swelling than expected; (2) most patients underwent noted marked changes in facial appearance (96%) and dental appearance (91%); (3) chewing ability improved in 71% of patients; (4) half of those with temporomandibular joint problems preoperatively experienced improvement; (5) personality and lifestyle were affected positively in about 50% of patients; (6) satisfaction with the treatment increased with time: 87% at 6 months and 92% at 24 months; and (7) a few patients (8%) regretted having undergone surgery, mainly because facial changes were not apparent. The vast majority of the present Chinese skeletal Class III patients were satisfied with the overall outcome of the continued orthodontic-surgical treatment.

Temporomandibular dysfunction in 1,516 patients before and after orthognathic surgery

Functional disturbances, together with esthetic considerations, are important reasons for patients to seek orthognathic surgical treatment. Functional disorders may include signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), such as joint pain, chewing problems, joint noises, headaches, etc. This paper reports on TMD before and after orthognathic surgery in 1,516 patients. It is based upon the patients' own evaluations as recorded 2 years after surgery. Preoperatively 43% and postoperatively 28% of the patients reported subjective symptoms of TMD. This difference indicates an overall beneficial effect of orthognathic surgery on TMD signs and symptoms. Patients with mandibular retrognathia did not improve as much as patients with mandibular prognathia. Sagittal ramus osteotomy was less effective than vertical ramus osteotomy in relieving TMD symptoms when performed on similar diagnoses.

Attitude of Chinese orthodontists towards the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVE

To determine the attitude of some Chinese orthodontists towards the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

25 orthodontists, in six public hospitals (Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, China), were asked to complete a 10-item questionnaire concerning orthodontics/TMD.

RESULTS

84% of orthodontists often asked their patients about the signs and symptoms of TMD before orthodontic treatment and 92% reported examining the TMJ region. 76% of orthodontists thought orthodontic treatment may possibly lead to a greater incidence of TMD, while 84 per cent claimed that orthodontic treatment might prevent TMD. Methods of orthodontic treatment, patient's age, and occlusal interference were regarded as risk factors leading to increased incidence of TMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Some Chinese orthodontists realise the importance of the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD. Most thought that unsuitable orthodontic treatment might increase the development of TMD and that orthodontic treatment could prevent TMD.

Improved Mandible Function After Hemimandibulectomy, Condylar Head Preservation, and Vascularized Fibular Reconstruction

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction after tumor extirpation of the hemimandible is a frequent sequela after condylar head reconstruction. Condylar head resection is often performed because of oncological and vascular considerations. Recent studies have demonstrated that malignancies of the mandibular ramus and body rarely involve the condylar head, and that the vascularity and supportive structures of the condylar head are sufficient to maintain viability and function. This study demonstrates that temporomandibular joint function is preserved after hemimandibulectomy without resection of the condylar head. Fixation of a vascularized fibular flap to the condylar head is performed in situ. Condylar viability and growth is maintained with painless incisal opening. The condylar head is a growth center for the mandible in the pediatric population. Its preservation in these patients will avoid the long-term problems associated with growth center loss such as malocclusion and concomitant maxillary deformity.

Local anesthesia does not block mustard-oil-induced temporomandibular inflammation

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and rheumatoid arthritis are two conditions in which neurogenic mechanisms may play a critical role. We investigated the neurogenic contribution underlying acute TMJ inflammation by evaluating effects of local anesthetic blockade of afferent innervation on the development of mustard oil (MO)-induced edema in the rat TMJ area. Groups of eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal alpha-chloralose and urethane. A saline injection into the right TMJ followed by MO (1% to 60%) 6 min later elicited dose-dependent edema development (P < 0.05, repeated measures analysis of variance). Lidocaine (5%) or bupivacaine (0.5%) followed by MO (1% or 40%) did not produce edema development different from saline controls (P > 0.05, repeated measures analysis of variance). The failure of local anesthetic blockade to prevent MO-induced edema is not consistent with MO acting through a neurogenic mechanism, as traditionally perceived.

IMPLICATIONS

Inflammation found in temporomandibular disorders and rheumatoid arthritis may result from mediators released by pain-sensing neurons. Local anesthesia failed to block simulated neurogenic temporomandibular inflammation in a rat model, suggesting that functional neuronal input may not be necessary for the promotion of inflammation.

Orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders: is there a relationship? Part 1: Clinical studies

The relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has long been of interest to the practicing orthodontist, but only during the last decade or so have a significant number of methodologically-sound clinical studies been conducted that have investigated this association. The aim of this paper is to critically review particularly those studies that have been published since 1989 and to answer the following questions: 1. Does orthodontic treatment with fixed or removable appliances lead to a greater incidence of TMD? 2. Does the extraction of premolars as part of an orthodontic treatment plan result in a greater incidence of TMD? 3. Does orthodontic treatment prevent or cure TMD? For this purpose, we conducted a MEDLINE search, complemented by a hand search in selected journals. We found 21 publications of studies related to the orthodontic-TMD interface. Based on these studies, the following statements can be made: 1. Orthodontic treatment performed during adolescence does not increase or decrease the chances of developing TMD later in life. There is no evidence of an elevated risk for TMD associated with any particular type of orthodontic mechanics. 2. The extraction of teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan does not increase the risk of TMD. 3. Thus far, there is no compelling evidence that orthodontic treatment prevents TMD, although the role of unilateral posterior crossbite correction in children may warrant further investigation. Likewise, there is no convincing evidence that TMD can be cured by orthodontic treatment.

Preparing a hemimandibulectomy patient for delayed reconstructive surgery

A rehabilitation device was designed and used before a reconstructive orthognathic procedure in an adult patient with a severe facial asymmetry. The asymmetry developed as a result of a left hemimandibulectomy in childhood. With this prototype device, the remaining hemimandible was gradually brought into its natural position and dynamics in order to accommodate a graft. The goals were to improve esthetics and function, reduce the chance of the remaining hemimandible not adapting to the graft, and reduce the risk of secondary TMJ pathosis after the mandibular reconstruction.

Diver's mouth syndrome: a field study

Reports of clinical presentations of diver's mouth syndrome and prevalence of at least one of its symptoms in many successive Joint Service (JS) diving expeditions prompted the author (who is an advanced diving instructor and an Armed Forces dental surgeon and has been present on, or organized, at least six JS diving expeditions in regions from cold temperate to tropical) to construct customized diving mouthpieces and investigate their effectiveness during intensive use in the field.