Bone Scrapers Versus Piezoelectric Surgery in the Lateral Antrostomy for Sinus Floor Elevation

Oroantral Communications: Clinical Efficacy of a Double-layered Technique With/Without the Palatal Connective Tissue Flap: A Superiority, Single-center, University-based Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results of combining a pedicle connective palatal flap coupled with the trapezoid buccal flap against the buccal flap alone in the closure of the oroantral fistula. Individuals with oroantral communication were consecutively included and eventually randomly allocated into 2 groups. In the group test, oroantral fistula was treated with the association of a buccal flap with a pedicle palatal connective tissue flap; in group control, a classic buccal sliding flap was performed. Patients' outcomes were recorded at 48 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month after surgery for assessment of primary (success rate) and secondary endpoints, such as experienced pain, discomfort, and complications. The success rate was 96.6% for the test group and 86.6% for the control group. No significant difference between the 2 groups could be observed regarding discomfort and pain. More pronounced pain was detected in the test group during the early healing period. This surgical procedure was demonstrated to be successful, with a high success rate and low patient discomfort.

A clinical study of the piezosurgery, high-speed contra-angle handpiece, and the combined application of both for extraction of embedded supernumerary teeth

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of three methods: high-speed contra-angle handpiece (HSCAH), piezosurgery, and combined in the extraction of different locations and types of embedded supernumerary teeth.

METHODS

Sixty cases with different locations and different types of embedded supernumerary teeth were randomly divided into three groups for extraction by HSCAH, piezosurgery, and the combination of both, and the intraoperative and postoperative conditions of the three groups were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

In the extraction of embedded supernumerary teeth in the inverted, horizontal, and root tip positions, the piezosurgery group required significantly longer operative time and reduced intraoperative bleeding compared with the HSCAH and the piezosurgery combined with the HSCAH; it could effectively relieve postoperative pain and facial swelling. In the extraction of oblique, orthodontic, middle, and crown segments of embedded supernumerary teeth, the use of a piezosurgery combined with an HSCAH can effectively reduce the operative time, while the factors of bleeding, postoperative pain, and facial swelling not statistically significant when compared with a piezosurgery. Compared with the HSCAH and combined piezosurgery, piezosurgery can significantly reduce the fear of patients.

CONCLUSION

Piezosurgery is effective in extracting embedded supernumerary teeth in inverted, horizontal, and apical positions, effectively reducing intraoperative and postoperative trauma and shortening the time required for healing. The piezosurgery combined with an HSCAH can effectively reduce intraoperative and postoperative trauma when extracting embedded supernumerary teeth in oblique, orthodontic, middle, and crown positions. piezosurgery is a technique suitable for the treatment of patients with fear.

Association between smoking and Schneiderian membrane perforation during maxillary sinus floor augmentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the association between smoking and Schneiderian membrane perforation in sinus floor augmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted by two authors independently. The inclusion criteria were the (1) age of patients >18, (2) the number of participants >10, and (3) smoking and the patients of Schneiderian membrane perforation were accurately recorded. The risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Statistics analyses were conducted using Reman5.4.1 and Stata (15.0). The association of Schneiderian membrane perforation with smoking habits during maxillary sinus floor elevation was expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CIs). And the I2 statistic was used to estimate statistical heterogeneity. The funnel plot and Egger's tests were used to evaluate the reliability and stability of the results.

RESULTS

Of 1463 articles screened, nine studies were included in our systematic review, and eight were synthesized for meta-analysis. Eight were retrospective observational studies and one was a clinical trial, with a total of 1424 patients included. The nine studies were proved as high quality according to the NOS. There was no significant publication bias in the studies (p = 0.827). A random-effects model was used because of differences in the adopted methodologies (p = 0.39, I2  = 5%). During maxillary sinus augmentation, smoking and Schneiderian membrane perforation were associated (odds ratios, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.10-2.25]).

CONCLUSION

Smoking increased the risk of membrane perforation in maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Our evaluation was limited by the poor reporting of the number of cigarettes smoked per day (PROSPERO number was CRD42022306570).

Complications of sinus floor elevation procedure and management strategies: A systematic review

AIM

This systematic review aimed to investigates the types and incidences of complications following sinus floor elevations (SFE) along with their prevention and management strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic database and hand search were conducted to screen the literature published from January 1960 to June 2021. The selected studies had to report well-described SFE techniques, complications during, and post-SFE. Data extraction included types of SFE techniques, complications, and their treatment strategies.

RESULTS

A total of 74 studies with 4411 SFE procedures met the inclusion criteria. Different SFE techniques demonstrated varying patterns for both complications and complication rates. Postoperative pain, swelling, and edema were widely reported. The most common complications that required intervention following Lateral SFE (LSFE) were sinus membrane perforation (SMP), wound dehiscence, graft exposure and failure, and sinusitis. LSFE had more SMPs and sinusitis cases compared with a transcrestal SFE (TSFE). The presence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following TSFE was significant in certain selected studies.

CONCLUSION

Given the inherent limitations, this systematic review showed distinct features of complications in SFE using varying techniques. Treatment planning for these procedures should incorporate strategies to avoid complication occurrence.

Application of Third Molar Maturity Index (I3M) for Assessing Adult Age of 18 Years in a Southern Italian Population Sample

OBJECTIVE

 Age estimation of living or dead individuals has a strategic importance in medicine, anthropology, and forensic science, in the context of mass disasters and in civil or criminal matters such as adoption or asylum. Teeth play a major role in this context in particular, the third molars are useful for determining whether an individual has reached the legal age of 18 years because they are still in development from the age of 14.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 In this study, a sample of 307 panoramic radiographs performed on healthy subjects aged between 13 and 23 was analyzed to consider the correlation between the maturity index of the third molar (I3M) and age to verify the reliability of the cutoff 0.08 indicated by Cameriere et al in a sample of Italian subjects living in the Province of Messina (Sicily, South Italy) to discern the adult subjects from the minors.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

 The analysis of 307 panoramic radiographs resulted in a sensitivity of 89.2% with a confidence interval of 95%, a specificity of 96.5% with a confidence interval of 95%, and a positive predictive value of 96.7%.

RESULTS

 The method proved itself reliable in estimating adulthood in the population of the Messina- Sicily, but the I3M should not be used as the sole indicator to determine whether a person is younger or older than 18 years because age estimation based on dental methods alone has limitations as the third molars suffer from many variations related to their morphology, their location, and their development.

CONCLUSION

 We recommend a combination of several methods that are available to increase accuracy of age estimation, depending on the different legal requirements in civil or criminal cases.

Incidence, Size and Orientation of Maxillary Sinus Septa—A Retrospective Clinical Study

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze if there is any statistical correlation between the surgery’s complexity (easy to difficult—depending on the anatomical conditions) and the patient’s sex, type of edentulism, and left or right side of the maxilla. Methods: Cone beam computed tomography records of 1192 maxillary sinuses were evaluated, measured, and statistically analyzed with respect to patient sex, type of edentulism, and left or right side, taking into consideration Wen’s proposed sinus septum classification. Results: Our research suggests that most sinus augmentation procedures in patients presenting antral septum fall into the Moderate A category (31.94%) and that there is not a correlation between the surgery’s complexity (easy to difficult) and the patient’s sex, type of edentulism and left or right side of the maxilla. Conclusion: We suggest a minor modification to Wen’s classification in view of the fact that our findings revealed a combination of medio-lateral and antero-posterior septa that we could not classify in one of the existing categories.

The use of monophasic implants as an alternative of implant-prosthetic rehabilitation in the posterior maxilla with no sinus lift

BACKGROUND

Over the years, numerous studies and advanced technologies about dental implants have been evolved from the traditional two-stage procedure to immediate loading. Implants located in the posterior maxillary region allow to achieve an appropriate prosthetic support. The aim of this work was to solve the atrophied posterior maxilla, through monophasic implants with flapless technique and intraoral electro-welding.

METHODS

In this study were enrolled 120 patients between 20 and 68 years old (mean age of 34.2 years), where females predominate with 53.1% compared to 46.9% males. The patients were presented at the Oral Surgery Clinic of the Aldent University (Tirana, Albania), for a period 2009-2019. Briefly, 310 monophasic implants were placed, TRAMONTE type (Milan, Italy), to the posterior maxilla thus avoiding the sinus, with dense and wide threads, of different lengths and widths. The surgical technique was minimally invasive, flapless one. Data were expressed as mean + standard error (SEM) of all the radiographic outcomes obtained; and as statistical analysis was used the Student's t-test. P<0.5 and P<0.05, were considered significant.

RESULTS

A part of the patients were hypertensive and type 2 diabetic, then a negligible part were smokers, also a lack of oral hygiene was observed in 40% of cases. After 5 years of observation, it appeared that 95.9% of the implants were successful. Furthermore, the mesial and distal bone loss during the first three years was 0.1 mm, while after 5 years no continuation of bone loss was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of monophasic implants must be performed according to approved protocols, considering the conditions of the posterior maxillary region, obtaining in this way a safe dental implantation.

Temporal and Permanent Changes Induced by Maxillary Sinus Lifting with Bone Grafts and Maxillary Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in the Voice Characteristics-Systematic Review

Sinus surgery procedures such as sinus lifting with bone grafting or maxillary functional endoscopy surgery (FESS) can present different complications. The aims of this systematic review are to compile the post-operatory complications of sinus elevation with bone grafting and FESS including voice changes, and to elucidate if those changes are either permanent or temporary. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used, and the literature was exhaustively searched without time restrictions for randomized and non-randomized clinical studies, cohort studies (prospective and retrospective), and clinical case reports with ≥4 cases focused on sinus lift procedures with bone grafts and functional endoscopic maxillary sinus surgery. A total of 435 manuscripts were identified. After reading the abstracts, 101 articles were selected to be read in full. Twenty articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Within the limitations of this systematic review, complications are frequent after sinus lifting with bone grafts and after FEES. Voice parameters are scarcely evaluated after sinus lifting with bone grafts and no voice changes are reported. The voice changes that occur after FESS include a decreased fundamental frequency, increased nasality, and nasalance, all of which are transitory.

A cohort study on anticoagulant therapy risks in dental patients after multiple extractions

BACKGROUND

Due to technology and pharmaceutical science and increasing life expectancy, the patient population is continuously aging. Patients requiring dental extractions often have systemic and/or chronic diseases and are undergoing polypharmacologic therapy. Oral surgeons often interface with patients who perform anticoagulant therapy. The main aim of this study was to clarify what the contraindications and short-/long-term complications may be.

METHODS

A sample of 298 patients (mean age 58 years) who required multiple surgical dental extractions has been taken in consideration. Patients were divided into groups and subgroups according to the anticoagulant drug therapy.

RESULTS

Long-term complications represented variable bleeding between groups from 8 hours to 7 days after surgery. The One-Way ANOVA Test was used to compare the results between groups. Patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants showed fewer intraoperative problems, but further studies and further collaboration between doctors, cardiologists and oral dentists/surgeons are certainly needed to manage these patients in a predictable manner.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that using direct oral anticoagulants drugs results in few intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative hemorrhagic complications, and an easier administration of the drugs respect vitamin K antagonists, with mild and manageable complications.

Systematic Review on White Spot Lesions Treatments

The difference in refractive index between the healthy enamel and the demineralized area generates a lesion with a milky white opaque appearance, clearly distinguishable from the surrounding healthy enamel. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate if the infiltration technique is the most efficient treatment to resolve a white spot lesion when compared with remineralization and microabrasion techniques. The Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome question investigated: “in enamel WS lesion, the infiltration treatment compared to remineralization or microabrasion treatments is more or less effective in the camouflage effect?.” The research was performed on electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and web of science. The search was conducted up to April 1, 2020. The scientific search engines produced 324 results. Only 14 were screened after screening. Based on the articles analyzed in this systematic review, the resin infiltration technique seems to be the most effective and predictable treatment for the aesthetic resolution of WSLs.

Molecular features and tissue engineering techniques applied to regenerative surgery: an overview of recent data

INTRODUCTION

Regenerative procedures have become common in the medical and dentistry rehabilitation fields. Often, tissue regeneration maneuvers are necessary to rehabilitate patients in a safe and predictable manner. The aim of this narrative review was to highlight the molecular implications during regenerative surgery.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The analysis of the literature was conducted on the main scientific databases Pubmed, Scopus, MDPI.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

After a screening of 66 results only 8 were included.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowing these molecular features, it is possible to highlight which are the biomaterials that offer greater potential and identify the best protocols according to the surgical needs.

Microsurgical endodontic treatment of the upper molar teeth and their relationship with the maxillary sinus: a retrospective multicentric clinical study

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical and radiographic success rate of microsurgical endodontic treatment of upper molar teeth in relationship with the maxillary sinus, with 12 months follow-up.

METHODS

Patients treated with microsurgical endodontic treatment of upper molar teeth in the period between 2017 and 2019 were recruited from two dental clinics according to specific selection criteria. The outcomes were determined based on clinical and radiographic results taken three, six and 12 months post-operatively, compared with those taken immediately before and after surgery. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded. The distance between the most apical part of the root and of the lesion to the maxillary sinus was measured on CBCT images before the surgery. Patient-related outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Out of 35 patients evaluated, 21 were selected according with the selection criteria for a total of 27 roots and 29 canals treated. After 12 months, 18 patients showed a complete healing whereas three demonstrated incomplete healing. Consequently, the success rate in this study was 85.7% after one year. In 28.5% (6 patients) there was a perforation of the Schneiderian membrane that didn't seem to affect the outcome. All patients kept the molar one year later. The pain level decreased significantly over the time during the first week after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Microsurgical Endodontic treatment of the upper molar teeth should be considered a valid and predictable treatment option even in case of Schneiderian membrane perforation. Future clinical studies with a larger sample size are needed to compare the results obtained.

A New Approach for Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation

The lateral sinus lift procedure has been extensively investigated and described as a reliable surgical solution aimed at facilitating implant placement and rehabilitation when the posterior upper maxilla is atrophic. The standard technique consists in a lateral antrostomy, the careful raising of the sinus membrane, and following apposition of a bone substitute between the membrane and the sinus floor. The present technical note illustrates a new conservative technique enabling lateral sinus lift without the use of bone substitutes and with predictable outcomes.

An Eventual Sars-CoV-2 Infection Prevention Protocol in the Medical Setting and Dental Office

The current Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the entire world population, and in particular the medical-health field, especially dentistry [...].

Three-Dimensional Evaluation on Cortical Bone During Orthodontic Surgical Treatment

Adult patients' severe malocclusions, especially the skeletal ones, cannot be exclusively solved by the orthodontic treatment and therefore a combined orthodontic-surgical treatment is necessary. Today, numerous software allows to plane and to visualize the final treatment results simulating the best therapeutic option. This is a retrospective experimental study that aims to analyze the changes in the buccal cortical bone in patients undergoing orthodontics surgeries and to evaluate the correlation between the dental movement and the changes in the relative bone cortex. The study sample consists of 32 subjects. By applying the CBCT radiographic examinations, the measurements were made in well-defined points of reference. The 3D study of the dental changes of position and the cortical buccal bone related variation, suggests how the determined orthodontic movement of the dental element does not achieve an easily predictable bone variation. Therefore, it also suggests that there is no direct proportionality relationship between the extent of bone apposition/reabsorption and dental movement.

Gels in Medicine and Surgery: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Gel is a two-phase elastic colloidal material, consisting of a dispersed liquid incorporated in the solid phase [...].

Role of New Hydrophilic Surfaces on Early Success Rate and Implant Stability: 1-Year Post-loading Results of a Multicenter, Split-Mouth, Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

 To compare early implant failure and implant stability of one-stage Hiossen ET III implants with its new hydrophilic (NH) surface, compared with Hiossen ET III implants with the sandblasted and acid-etched (SA) surface at 1-year follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 This study was designed as a split-mouth, multicenter randomized controlled trial aimed to compare SA surface implants (SA group) and NH surface, (NH group). Outcomes were implant and prosthetic survival rates, complications, the insertion torque at implant placement, and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values.

RESULTS

 Twenty-nine patients (mean age 59.9 ± 11.3 years) were treated and followed up to 1 year after loading. No patient dropped out. Fifty-eight implants (29 SA group and 29 NH group) were placed. No implants or prostheses failed and no complications were experienced during follow-up. The mean insertion torque was 40.5 ± 3.23 (38.17-41.83) Ncm in the SA group and 40.48 ± 3.49 (38.02-41.98) Ncm in the NH group (p = 0.981). There was a statistically significant difference at the second week (T2) with higher values in the NH group (p = 0.041). Similar results were found in the maxilla (p = 0.045), but not in the mandible (p = 0.362). A positive correlation was found between initial insertion torque and ISQ with higher value in the NH group (0.73 vs. 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

 NH implants are a viable alternative to SA surface, as they seem to avoid the ISQ drop during the bone remodeling phase.

Axial Triangle of the Maxillary Sinus, and its Surgical Implication With the Position of Maxillary Sinus Septa During Sinus Floor Elevation: A CBCT Analysis

The aim of this study was to measure the convexity of the lateral wall of the maxillary (Mx) sinus and identify the locational distribution of antral septa in relation to the zygomaticomaxillary buttress (ZMB), in order to suggest another anatomical consideration and surgical modification of sinus floor elevation procedures. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study, and a total of 134 patients and 161 sinuses containing edentulous alveolar ridges were analyzed. The angle between the anterior and lateral walls of the Mx sinus (lateral sinus angle [LSA]), and the angle between the midpalatal line and the anterior sinus wall (anterior sinus angle [ASA]) were measured. Mean LSAs and ASAs were 105.9° ± 9.86° and 58.4° ± 6.43°, respectively. No significant difference between left and right sides was found (LSA, P = .420; right = 105.5° ± 9.27°; left = 105.5° ± 9.27° and ASA, P = .564; right = 57.9° ± 6.80°; left = 58.8° ± 6.02°). The prevalence of septa was 37.3%, and it was most frequently noted in the second molar region (32.8%), followed by the first molar (20.9%), retromolar (16.4%), and second premolar regions (14.9%). Septa were most frequently located posterior to the ZMB (49.2%), while ZMB was mostly located in the first molar region (66.4%). Narrow LSAs may complicate the surgical approach to the posterior maxilla, especially when sinus elevation should be used in the second molar region. Considering the occasional presence of antral septa, membrane elevation may be complicated when a septum is encountered during the procedure. These results suggest that 3-dimensional examination of the convexity of the Mx sinus should be performed preoperatively to choose proper surgical techniques and minimize surgical complications.

Distal Displacement of Maxillary Sinus Anterior Wall Versus Conventional Sinus Lift with Lateral Access: A 3-Year Retrospective Computerized Tomography Study

Background: The present study is designed to compare the outcomes of two sinus augmentation procedures: distal displacement of the anterior wall versus standard sinus lifting and grafting with a lateral window approach. Methods: In the displacement group, a localized surgical fracture of the sinus floor achieved through an electromagnetic device results in the distal displacement of the anterior wall. In the filling group, sinus lifting (with lateral access) and grafting with particulate xenogeneic bone substitute was performed. Bone volume beneath the maxillary sinus was investigated with computerized tomography after baseline and postoperative data superimposition. Clinical and radiological outcomes over three years had been evaluated. Results: Forty-three dental implants were selected. The two sinus lift procedures significantly increased the bone volume (p-value ≤ 0.0017) in the displacement group from 1.17 ± 0.34 to 1.53 ± 0.39 cc, with a final bone gain of +0.36 ± 0.17 cc, and in the filling group from 1.24 ± 0.41 to 1.94 ± 0.68 cc, with a bone augmentation of +0.71 ± 0.31 cc. No events of dental implant bulging into the maxillary sinus occurred. Two implants failed early on in the filling group, attesting the 3-year survival rate of 92.6% (CI95%: 82.7–100%). Marginal bone loss at the distal aspect was 1.66 ± 0.72 and 1.25 ± 0.78 mm, respectively, for the displacement and filling groups, with a significant difference (p-value = 0.0497). Conclusion: Results showed a significant and effective bone gain around dental implants at a 3-year survey for both sinus augmented by backward displacement of the anterior wall (+34%) and sinus lifting and grafting with a lateral window approach (+57%).

Endoscopic Removal of Huge Cholesterol Granuloma in the Maxillary Sinus Confused With Odontogenic Keratocyst

Cholesterol granuloma is a foreign body reaction to the deposition of cholesterol crystals, usually found in association to chronic middle ear diseases, being highly uncommon in the paranasal sinuses. Furthermore, a huge and aggressive cholesterol granuloma involving the maxillary sinus, hard palate, buccal space, and maxillary alveolus is extremely rare and has not been reported previously. This article reports a case of huge cholesterol granuloma in the maxillary sinus confused with an expansile odontogenic keratocyst, which was treated successfully via transnasal endoscopic approach.

Modified Orthodontic Bone Stretching for Ankylosed Tooth Repositioning: A Case Report

Background:

Different approaches were proposed in the literature for the treatment of malpositioned ankylosed teeth. The present case report describes a modification of Orthodontic Bone Stretching Technique (OBS) for the repositioning of ankylosed teeth, consisting of dentoalveolar segmental osteotomies performed with piezoelectric instruments followed by orthodontic and orthopedic traction.

Case Report:

A 22-year-old female in good general health was referred by her orthodontist due to an infraoccluded and ankylosed maxillary upper left canine. Attempts of conventional and corticotomy-assisted orthodontic alignment of the tooth were previously performed with no success. After elevating a full-thickness flap, three osteotomies were performed by using piezoelectric inserts (Piezotome Cube, Acteon, Merignac, France). Mesial and distal cuts were full-thickness osteotomies, parallel to the long axis of the tooth, through the buccal and palatal cortical plates. The apical osseous incision was a horizontal corticotomy, involving only the buccal plate, and connecting the vertical osteotomies two millimetres over the apex of the tooth. Heavy orthodontic forces were immediately applied by using both dental and skeletal anchorage. The initial movement of the dentoalveolar segment was observed three weeks after surgery and case finishing has been completed in two months. At a one-year follow-up, the repositioned canine showed good periodontal conditions, no discoloration and positive pulp response to the electric test.

Conclusion:

Modified OBS technique was effective in repositioning an infraoccluded and ankylosed maxillary canine, providing satisfactory function and esthetics with short treatment time.

Transcortical bone capillary vessels network: implication on the maxillofacial district

INTRODUCTION

The field of medicine takes steps forward every day. Although some aspects of our organism seem clear, scientific discoveries also affect fields such as anatomy. Recently, transcortical vessels (TCVs) have been debated, although it was thought that cortical bones were not interested by these structures. This would upset some concepts of oral surgery, maxillofacial surgery, periodontics and implantology.

EVIDENCE ACQUSITION

In this study an analysis of the literature on this topic was carried out, and it is proposed to understand the possible implications of TCVs to the oral health.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Being a current topic, the aim of the study is to promote research in this field, leading to the evidence of these anatomical structures in the maxillofacial district. This study is of a prospective type, there are no other results that speak of these vessels in the maxillofacial district, waiting for a histological study.

CONCLUSIONS

The purpose of the study, therefore, is to shed light on this topic, so that the research could move in this direction.

A split-mouth study comparing piezo electric surgery and traditional rotary burs on impacted third molars in young patients: an intraoperative and postoperative evaluation

BACKGROUND

Piezoelectric surgery has been used in many different medical fields, for instance it is used in the field of oral surgery, as a valuable alternative to traditional rotary burs. Its first use dates to 1975 by Horton even if the first effective device for use in dentistry, has been developed by Vercellotti after the year 2000. The hypothesis of this study is that piezosurgery technology is more suitable in terms of specific intra-operative and postoperative evaluations compared to the rotary technology in ostectomy for the avulsion of the third molar germ. The null hypothesis presented is the lack of significant differences between the two technologies after and during surgery.

METHODS

Intraoperative and postoperative aspects are evaluated for a comparison between traditional rotary instruments and piezosurgery during germectomies in young patients through a blind randomized study (split-mouth). The surgical technique to employ for each hemi-arch was randomly selected from a computer algorithm. Different criteria were considered during the surgical procedure, in order to compare the two techniques.

RESULTS

The piezoelectric technique demanded more time than traditional rotary method, and the difference was statistically significant both for the time of the entire procedure and the time only required for the ostectomy itself. Postoperative evaluations such as maximum mouth opening, facial swelling and postoperative pain showed no statistical difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if the adopted clinical trial did not highlight any statistical difference the following review of literature showed an encouraging reduction in postoperative discomfort given by the piezosurgery as opposed to the traditional rotary bur surgery. The time taken to complete the operation, however, was longer with piezosurgery compared to traditional burs.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Edentulous Maxillae with Overdenture Fully Supported by a Cad/Cam Titanium Bar with a Low-Profile Attachment Screwed on Four or Six Implants: A Case Series

Rehabilitation of atrophic maxilla still remains a challenge. Fixed implant-supported restorations have become more predictable in the last years; nevertheless, technical and biological complications still occur. Removable overdenture fully supported by a CAD/CAM titanium bar seems to be a viable treatment option for the rehabilitation of completely edentulous patients with a high degree of bone resorption. In these clinical cases, the soft tissues of the lower third of the face need to be respected, and a fixed-removable solution is the only option to have good hygiene control. Nevertheless, there is no consensus about the optimal number and position of the implants. A total of six adult patients were recruited and treated with an overdenture fully supported by a CAD/CAM titanium bar and low-profile attachment, screwed on four or six implants. A detailed step-by-step description of the procedures was presented. Overall, all the patients were successful treated with no relevant complications. With the limitations of this case series, maxillary implant overdenture fully supported by four or six implants seems to be a safer treatment option for the minimally invasive rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae, regardless of the number of implants.

Surgical management of compound odontomas: piezoelectric surgery or rotary instruments? A clinical study

BACKGROUND

Odontomas are odontogenic tumors with a clinicopathological heterogeneity and a variable biological behavior. They usually are asymptomatic and can be discovered by routine radiographic investigations. This study aims to examine and compare intra- and postoperative consequences associated with use of piezosurgery and conventional rotary instruments for the removal of these oral lesions.

METHODS

Clinical and histological data of 120 consecutive patients with a mean age of 22 years and 1 month (age range from 19 years and 1 month to 25 years and 3 months) with compound odontomas, diagnosed by biopsy, were assembled. Of a total of 120, 100 oral lesions were placed in the anterior region of the maxilla; of these, 50 were extracted through traditional rotary instruments (GROUP 1) and 50 with piezoelectric surgery (GROUP 2). The remaining 20 oral masses took place in the posterior area of the same bone; of these, 10 were extracted through traditional rotary instruments (GROUP 1a) and 10 with piezosurgery. (GROUP 2b). The piezoelectric cutting device was (Mectron Medical Technology) with MT1-10 insert, pump level 4, vibration level 7. Finally, pain, swelling, and surgical time evaluation were measured 24-48-72 hours after the intervention.

RESULTS

As regards the mean time of surgery, in Group (1 and 1a) were 12 minutes, while in Group (2 and 2a) were 18 minutes. Regarding surgery, the osteotomy of the cortical bone was performed in all cases. As regards the measure of bone saved, calculated through a surgery gauge, it was greater of 3.2 mm in Group (2 and 2a) than in Group (1and 1a). The main of facial swelling in both Groups (1 and 1a) was 5.82 mm and 2.23 mm for the Groups (2 and 2a) immediately after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Piezosurgery produced less postoperative discomfort about the swelling. It is an effective technique in daily surgical practice, especially as regards the safety of soft tissues, bone, and nerves.

Algae-derived hydroxyapatite behavior as bone biomaterial in comparison with anorganic bovine bone: A split-mouth clinical, radiological, and histologic randomized study in humans

OBJECTIVES

To analyze a modified biphasic phycogenic biomaterial in comparison with anorganic bovine bone in maxillary sinus floor elevation in humans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight male patients in need of bilateral two-stage sinus floor elevation were consecutively recruited for this randomized split-mouth study. A combination of autogenous cortical bone (ACB, 20%) and anorganic bovine bone (ABB, 80%) (ACB + ABB group) or ACB (20%) and modified biphasic phycogenic material (BP, 80%) (ACB + BP group) were randomly assigned to graft each sinus. Patients were followed up for 6 months post-surgery when bone samples were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Radiographically, bone height gain was statistically higher in the ACB + ABB versus the ACB + BP group. While the analysis of the biological compartments showed differences in non-mineralized tissue (39.15 ± 20.97% vs. 65.87 ± 28.59%, ACB + ABB vs. ACB + BP respectively; p = .018) and remnant biomaterial particles (22.62 ± 17.01% vs. 7.96 ± 8.57%, respectively; p = .028), the percentage of mineralized tissue (38.23 ± 17.55% vs. 24.14 ± 24.66%, respectively; p = .398) showed no statistically significant difference. In contrast, ACB + ABB biopsies showed higher Musashi-1-positive cells per mm² compared to ACB + BP biopsies (811.49 ± 875.30 vs. 236.90 ± 280.81; p < .018), where the fusiform cells corresponded mainly with fibroblasts, as demonstrated by ultrastructural analysis.

CONCLUSION

Both combinations of materials exhibited bone formation after 6 months of healing in the maxillary sinus cavity. However, the combination with biphasic phycogenic biomaterial induced a higher radiographical vertical resorption and graft collapse in comparison with the combination with anorganic bovine bone, possibly due to a higher remodeling of the graft.

Oral Health and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systemic Review

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome currently considered idiopathic and multifactorial rheumatic that causes an increase in muscle tension and is characterized by muscle pain and chronic fibrous tissues-widespread, fluctuating and migrating-associated with stiffness, asthenia, cognitive disorders, insomnia or sleep disorders, alterations in sensitivity to stimuli. In affected patients, there may be anxiety or depressive disorder development. The aim of this study is, with the help of an interdisciplinary team, to evaluate the correlations between this syndrome and oral health. A literature review was conducted, analyzing the most common scientific databases, more than 200 studies were obtained. Subsequently to the application of filters and revision by the authors, only 18 articles were considered eligible for this review. From the results, it is clear that the correlations between fibromyalgia and oral health mainly concern pain in the oro-maxillofacial district, especially in the temporomandibular joint. This certainly could help for faster diagnosis of the syndrome, which is currently difficult to identify.

A retrospective computed tomography analysis of maxillary fractures and the clinical outcomes of their unreduced parts

BACKGROUND

Some parts of a maxillary fracture-for example, the medial and posterior walls-may remain unreduced because they are unapproachable or hard to deal with. This study aimed to investigate the self-healing process of unreduced maxillary membranous parts of fractures through a longitudinal computed tomography (CT) analysis of cases of unilateral facial bone injuries involving the maxillary sinus walls.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients who had undergone unilateral facial bone reduction surgery involving the maxillary sinus walls without reduction of the medial and posterior walls were analyzed in this retrospective chart review. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 3-month postoperative CT scans were analyzed. The maxillary sinus volume was calculated and improvements in bone continuity and alignment were evaluated.

RESULTS

The volume of the traumatized maxillary sinuses increased after surgery, and expanded significantly by 3 months postoperatively (p< 0.05). The significant preoperative volume difference between the normal and traumatized sides (p= 0.024) resolved after surgery (p> 0.05), and this resolution was maintained at 3 months postoperatively (p > 0.05). The unreduced parts of the maxillary bone showed improved alignment and continuity (in 75.0% and 90.6% of cases, respectively), and improvements in bone alignment and bone continuity were found to be correlated using the Pearson chi-square test (p= 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Maxillary wall remodeling through self-healing occurred concomitantly with an increase in sinus volume and simultaneous improvements in bone alignment and continuity. Midfacial surgeons should be aware of the natural course of unreduced fractured medial and posterior maxillary walls in complex maxillary fractures.

Piezoelectric implant surgery and immediate loading in the aesthetic zone

BACKGROUND

Replacement of missing teeth in the anterior aesthetic zone has challenged clinicians with fixed, removable or implant prosthodontics. Problems have been encountered could void aesthetic and functional results. The aim of this study was to present a clinical case report in which clinician challenged a very strong aesthetic case with an innovative surgical and prosthetic approach.

METHODS

A patient who presented to the authors with a maxillary central incisor that had a hopeless prognosis secondary to acute localized severe periodontitis. The patient was treated by extracting the tooth and replacing it immediately with a platform switched implant using piezoelectric surgery. The implant was then restored with an immediate, non-occlusal loading provisional restoration.

RESULTS

The implant became osseointegrated and was ultimately restored with a definitive abutment and crown restoration.

CONCLUSIONS

Innovative approaches could represent a valid alternative to restore patients functionally and aesthetically.

Comparative Analysis of the Healing Effects of the Transplanted Cell Sheets to the Experimentally Injured Maxillary Sinuses

BACKGROUND

In our study, the authors aimed to obtain a live and functional sinus epithelium with mesenchymal stem cells and nasal mucosa epithelial cells from rabbits which are cultured in temperature-responsive culture plates to get a single-layer.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL

Twenty-two female New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. Two of them were used to obtain mesenchymal stem cells. A total of 40 maxillary sinuses were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) control group which is used to investigate normal rabbit maxillary mucosa, 2) secondary healing group, 3) mesenchymal stem cell graft group, 4) differentiated mesenchymal stem cell group, and 5) nasal mucosal graft group. The animals were sacrificed at the 28th day after the surgery.Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical investigations were performed.

RESULTS

With these investigations, it was shown that; all graft groups were histologically better than secondary healing group and when the authors compared the graft groups, differentiated mesenchymal stem cell group were the best.

CONCLUSION

Our study results showed that endoscopic sinus surgery and treatment with cell sheets, which were generated in temperature-responsive culture dishes, had more functional respiratory epithelium.

The Influence of Thrust Force on the Vitality of Bone Chips Harvested for Autologous Augmentation during Dental Implantation

Bone drill chips that are collected during implant site preparation can be reused as autologous bone-grafting material for alveolar ridge augmentation. This study characterized five market-leading implant drill sets regarding their geometric properties and ability to produce vital bone chips. The drill geometry of each tool of five commercial implant drill sets was characterized while using optical profile projector devices and SEM. Bone chips were collected during the in vitro preparation of porcine jaw bone with the various drill sets. Produced bone chip masses were measured. The bone chips were cultured in vitro and the number of outgrown cells was determined and measurand for vitality. Furthermore, the thrust force and cutting torque were recorded to examine the mechanical loads of the manual drilling process. The tool geometry and set configuration of one out of five implant drill sets appears to be superior regarding chip mass, vitality, and thrust force. It could be proven that there is a correlation between vitality and thrust force. The thrust force is influenced by the cutting behavior of the tool, which in turn depends on the geometry of the tool. The tool geometry has an influence on the vitality of the augmentation material due to this relationship.

Piezoelectric Drilling Hole Technique in Septal Fixation

OBJECTIVES

The act of securing the septum to the midline is very important for the success of the operation during septoplasty and septorhinoplasty operations. The authors' aim in this study is to open a hole in the anterior nasal spine with the Piezoelectric drilling hole technique so as to fix the septum to the midline with a suture passing through that hole.

METHODS

Patients with anterior segmental deviation on whom we performed septoplasty or closed technique septorhinoplasty were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups, as the Classic and Piezo Groups. A total of 63 patients were included in the study; in the Classic Group, we performed septum fixation with suture of the nasal spine to the mucoperiosteum in 27 patients; whereas in the Piezo Group, fixation was performed on 36 patients using the piezo-surgical suture through a nasal spinal opening. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by VAS and NOSE scores, and also by postoperative examinations.

RESULTS

Preoperative and postoperative VAS-NOSE scores were found to be statistically significantly different in both groups (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001). Redeviation with no need for revision surgery was reported to develop in 1 patient of the classical group (3.7%).

CONCLUSION

Piezoelectric drilling hole technique provides stronger fixation in the midline and prevents postoperative redeviation. Its most important superiority over the other methods used in fixing the septum to the nasal spine is its ability to provide adequate stabilization without damaging soft tissue.

Early Diagnosis on Oral and Potentially Oral Malignant Lesions: A Systematic Review on the VELscope® Fluorescence Method

The fluorescence method is an innovative technique used by pathologists for examining body mucosa, and for the abnormalities tissue screening, potentially leading to the earlier discovery of pre-cancer, cancer or other disease processes. The early detection is one of the best mechanisms for enabling treatment success, increasing survival rates and maintaining a high quality of life. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the clinical efficiency of this diagnostic tool applied to the oral cavity (VELscope^®). A literature systematic review has been performed. The initial research provided 53 results after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and after a manual screening of the abstracts by the authors, only 25 results were eligible for review. The results and data contained in all the researches, no older than 10 years, were manually evaluated, and provided useful information on this diagnostic method. The VELscope^® mean value about sensitivity and specificity resulted of 70.19% and 65.95%, respectively, by results analysis, but despite this some studies disagree about its clinical effectiveness, and this diagnostic method is still much debated in scientific and clinical medical literature. Surely being able to have efficient and effective tools from this point of view could help the clinician in the diagnosis, and also make timelier the pharmacological or surgical therapy, improving the quality of life of the patient, and in some cases guaranteeing a longer survival term.

Transversal Maxillary Distraction in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe the importance of osteodistraction with transpalatal distractors for treating transversal maxillary hypoplasia in patients with cleft and lip palate.

METHODS

The participants were 17 patients (9 females and 8 males) with cleft lip and palate. Among these, 10 presented unilateral cleft lip and palate, 4 bilateral cleft lip and palate, and 3 cleft palate only.

RESULTS

All patients experienced a satisfactory palatal expansion and crossbite correction. The mean lengthening was 12.7 mm. The average increase of intercanine distance, intermolar distance, maxillary transverse dimension (MTD), facial transverse dimension (FTD) was 12.16, 8.45, 1.77, and 1.67 mm, respectively. The clinical follow-up was 29.7 months (range: 6-61 months).

CONCLUSION

Palatal distraction is a safe and successful alternative for treating maxillary transversal alterations in patients with cleft lip and palate. This technique facilitates the establishment of an adequate transverse dimension of maxillary, and consequently a proper dental occlusion.

Aspergillus fumigatus biofilm formation on different bone substitutes used in maxillary sinus augmentation: an in vitro analysis

Background

Fungus ball (FB) typically affects healthy adults, and Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent etiologic agent: iatrogenic factors represent an important issue in FB pathogenesis. Moreover, a recent study suggested a significant association between the use of anorganic bovine bone as sinus grafting material and subsequent development of FB. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate in vitro eventual differences in the ability of Aspergillus fumigatus to colonize different bone grafting materials and grow on them as biofilm.

Findings

Five different bone substitutes (demineralized bone matrix, anorganic bovine bone, ß-tricalcium phosphate, synthetic nano-hydroxyapatite, and synthetic hydroxyapatite), commonly used in sinus floor augmentation procedures, were inoculated with conidia suspensions of A. fumigatus and incubated at 37 °C for 4 and 8 h, in standardized conditions. Biofilm bound to the different materials underwent quantitative and qualitative analysis by confocal and scanning electron microscopy. A. fumigatus proved to be able to adhere and form biofilm on all the tested bone substitutes. The surface plot representation of the samples displayed some differences in the density of the superficial layer, due to the physical characteristics of the biomaterials. Nevertheless, Kruskal–Wallis test showed no significant differences in biomass amount among the five bone substitutes (p = 0.236 and p = 0.55 after 4 and 8 h adhesion, respectively).

Conclusions

All the bone substitutes normally used in sinus floor augmentation represent a favorable substrate for fungal growth, due to their physical and chemical characteristics. During sinus floor elevation procedures, Schneiderian membrane integrity should be maintained in order to avoid the exposure of the grafting material at the respiratory environment, with potential risks of fungal colonization.

Effectiveness of a Piezoelectric-Assisted Distraction Osteogenesis Procedure for the Treatment of Ankylosed Permanent Front Teeth

A common complication of tooth replantation after traumatic avulsion is tooth ankylosis causing dental malpositioning, partial loss of function, tipping of adjacent teeth and worsening of aesthetics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a repositioning procedure of such ankylosed permanent front teeth by a distraction osteogenesis procedure. Five patients (mean age 13.4 years), with an ankylosed permanent front tooth in the anterior area, were enrolled in the present study. After the pre-operatory orthodontic preparation, each selected site was treated with single-tooth dento-alveolar block osteotomy surgery performed with a piezoelectric surgery device with ultrasonic cuts on the buccal side. Subsequently, a custom distraction device, made by a resin splint and a sector expansion screw, was set in such a way it delivered a force with direction and sense towards the planned position of the tooth as well as the osteotomy's incision. After a latency period of 14 days, the distraction of the dento-alveolar block was started with a rate of distraction of 0.8 mm per day. The average shift obtained by the ankylosed teeth was 7.8 ± 0.75 mm (±SD), and the ankylosed tooth was regularly positioned into the occlusion in 20.4 ± 1.85 days (±SD), with a slight relapse (±0.5 mm) observed after 1 year. This study indicates that a therapeutic approach combining piezoelectric surgery and orthodontic therapy may be useful for the treatment of ankylosed permanent teeth in the frontal area with a long-term follow-up over 5 years.

The radiological evaluation of posterior superior alveolar artery topography by using computed tomography

BACKGROUND

Posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) is the most important limiting anatomic structure while lateral approach sinus surgeries. PSAA should be taken into consideration to avoid bleeding during preparation of bony window.

PURPOSE

The aim of this article was to inform topography of PSAA and to evaluate measurements of this vital structure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and fifty-four cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of PSAA from 177 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Localization of PSAA, diameter of PSAA, classification of PSAA diameter, distance between PSAA and crest, buccal bone thickness, palatal bone thickness, crest height, and crest width were recorded for each posterior tooth separately.

RESULTS

The mean age of 177 patients was 54.05 ± 18.33 years. Although the most frequent localization of PSAA was intraosseous in premolar region, they were below Schneiderian membrane in molars. PSAA diameter was measured frequently less than 1 mm for all posterior teeth. Although palatal bone thickness was higher in premolar region than molars, no statistical relationship was found between tooth region and buccal bone thickness (P > 0.05). The width of residual ridge was measured both wider apically and posteriorly. Positive correlation was observed between buccal bone thickness and PSAA diameter in first molar and premolar regions (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed evaluation of patients by CBCT provided us the opportunity to draw topography of PSAA and inform about overall measurements of PSAA in all posterior teeth region.

Advances in Antiplatelet Therapy for Dentofacial Surgery Patients: Focus on Past and Present Strategies

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, patients involved in antiplatelet therapy required special attention during oral surgery procedures, due to the antiplatelet drugs assumption. The motivations of the assumption may be different and related to the patient's different systemic condition. For this reason, accordingly to the current international guidelines, different protocols can be followed. The aim of this work is to analyze how the dentist's approach to these patients has changed from the past to the present, evaluating the risk exposure for the patients.

METHODS

This review paper considered different published papers in literature through quoted scientific channels, going in search of "ancient" works in such a way as to highlight the differences in the protocols undertaken. The analyzed manuscripts are in the English language, taking into consideration reviews, case reports, and case series in such a way as to extrapolate a sufficient amount of data and for evaluating the past therapeutic approaches compared to those of today.

RESULTS

Colleagues in the past preferred to subject patients to substitution therapy with low molecular weight anticoagulants, by suspending antiplatelet agents to treatment patients, often for an arbitrary number of days. The new guidelines clarify everything, without highlighting an increased risk of bleeding during simple oral surgery in patients undergoing antiplatelet therapy.

CONCLUSION

Either patients take these medications for different reasons, because of cardiovascular pathologies, recent cardiovascular events, or even for simple prevention, although the latest research shows that there is no decrease of cardiovascular accidents in patients who carry out preventive therapy. Surely, it will be at the expense of the doctor to assess the patient's situation and risk according to the guidelines. For simple oral surgery, it is not necessary to stop therapy with antiplatelet agents because the risk of bleeding has not increased, and is localized to a post-extraction alveolus or to an implant preparation, compared to patients who do not carry out this therapy. From an analysis of the results it emerges that the substitutive therapy should no longer be performed and that it is possible to perform oral surgery safely in patients who take antiplatelet drugs, after a thorough medical history. Furthermore, by suspending therapy, we expose our patients to more serious risks, concerning their main pathology, where present.

Fresh Frozen Allogeneic Bone Block in Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation: Histomorphometric Analysis of a Bone Specimen Retrieved 15 Years after Grafting Procedure

Nowadays implant-prosthetic rehabilitations are one of the best solutions for rehabilitating our patients. These allow obtaining rehabilitations with optimal functional and aesthetic performances. Often patients, who undergo implant-prosthetic therapy, have the conditions of edentulias, single or multiple, that have been going on for some time. This, according to the literature, produces resorption of the alveolar bone, a process that is complicated in the posterior area of the upper arch by a pneumatization of the maxillary sinuses. The loss of vertical height, so that the implant fixtures can be inserted, requires a maneuver called maxillary sinus floor elevation. This procedure, now safely performed with piezoelectric instruments, allows increasing bone height through bone grafting. In this study, the tissue obtained from a patient, after 15 years from the intervention, was evaluated by histological and SEM analyses. The bone healing in the patient has led to a perfect integration between the patient’s bone and the fresh frozen allograft used, however still present and detectable after 15 years.

Does Piezosurgery Influence the Severity of Neurosensory Disturbance Following Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy?

The present paper aims to evaluate the long-term incidence and severity of the neurosensory disturbance (NSD) of the inferior alveolar nerve following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) of the mandibular ramus performed with piezosurgery. A retrospective study on patients referred to the Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry Clinic of the University of Verona for orthognathic surgery between March 2013 and October 2015 was performed. Inclusion criteria were having undergone BSSO with piezosurgery and follow-up lasting at least 24 months. Exclusion criteria were history of surgical infection, osteosynthesis failure or re-do surgery. The extent of mandibular repositioning movements was retrieved and patients underwent 4 clinical neurosensory tests. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. 52 patients met the inclusion criteria. Average follow-up was 40 months (range 24-75). 83% of the nerves examined have no or slightly altered sensitivity. Seventy-one percent of patients perceive a moderate to none discomfort and none describes the discomfort as serious (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] >7). The extent of mandibular repositioning did not have significant influence on the development and severity of the NSD. Resulting data led the Authors to infer that using piezosurgery in BSSO, the severity of the NSD of inferior alveolar nerve is reduced, but the incidence of permanent nerve lesions remains unchanged, compared to historical controls.

Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing Cutting Guides in Eminoplasty for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation

OBJECTIVE

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation means the condyle moves out of the normal position. There are several treatments for TMJ dislocation, including conservative treatment, injection treatment, minimally invasive treatment, and open surgical treatment. In this study, we tried to review the literature related to the augmentation of the articular eminence and proposed a modified eminoplasty technique of TMJ dislocation by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) cutting guides.

METHODS

The literature on eminoplasty for TMJ was reviewed with 3 charts. Besides, 2 (67 and 69 years old) patients with chronic recurrent dislocation were treated by the CAD/CAM-guided surgical technique in our study, and postoperative measures were recorded to verify the safety and effectiveness regarding this technique.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies (including 268 patients) of the augmentation of the articular eminence have been reported since 1967, including the 2 present patients. According to the analysis of the recurrence and complications in the review, we found the modified technique had an obvious advantage. The technique with cutting guides was also found having higher accuracy.

CONCLUSION

The modified technique was a reliable method when treating the TMJ dislocation, and the combination of CAD/CAM cutting guides was useful for more accuracy, even reduced the operation difficulty.

Parotid Gland Edema After Chlorhexidine Mouthrinse: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction:

Parotid gland swelling, caused by many pathological conditions, has also been reported to be a possible side effect of the use of chlorhexidine mouthwash. This adverse reaction to chlorhexidine mouthwash is, however, extremely rare and very few cases of parotid gland swelling due to chlorhexidine mouthwash have been reported in the literature.

Case Description:

This report describes the clinical management of unilateral parotid swelling caused by chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Methods:

A patient presented with left parotid gland swelling after using chlorhexidine mouthwash for three days following sinus augmentation on the contralateral side of the maxilla. Diagnosis of parotid gland swelling due to rinsing with chlorhexidine was formulated after anamnesis, clinical examination, radiographs and ultrasound of the gland excluded other pathological conditions. The patient was subsequently advised to stop rinsing. However, on the evening of the same day, swelling increased and the patient presented to an emergency department where a single intravenous dose of methylprednisolone was administered.

Results:

After seven days, parotid swelling decreased significantly and after three weeks had completely disappeared.

Conclusion:

Although unilateral or bilateral parotid gland swelling related to the use of chlorhexidine mouthwash is an uncommon adverse event, it must be suspected after other organic or infective conditions have been excluded. The precise pathogenic mechanism has not yet been determined and further studies should be carried out to better understand the pathophysiology of this uncommon phenomenon.

Safety and Stability of Postponed Maxillomandibular Fixation After Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative safety and long-term stability of bimaxillary orthognathic patients with postponed maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy.A total of 61 patients (21 male and 40 female patients; average age [SD], 21.7 [4.7]) were enrolled. All patients underwent maxillary LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy for mandibular prognathism. During the hospital stay, postoperative airway compromise was observed and patients underwent MMF with wire at the second postoperative day. Stability was evaluated by measuring the position at each period: preoperative (T0), 2-day postoperative (T1), and 1-year postoperative.Postoperative dyspnea and respiratory distress were absent in all patients. The mean number of refixations in physiotherapy was 0.62 (0.86) and the mean duration of physiotherapy was 11.6 (5.5) days. The mean amount of mandibular setback was 12.56 (5.76) mm and menton movement 0.98 (2.36) mm superiorly (T1). The mean mandibular relapse at Pog was 0.87 (1.96) mm anteriorly. Menton showed 1.11 (1.41) mm superiorly movement 1-year postoperatively (T2).Despite its many advantages, intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy requires a period of MMF which can lead to early discomfort and airway-related emergency. In this study, the physiotherapy procedure and postoperative long-term stability in the postponed MMF group were not different from those of an immediate MMF group studied previously. It therefore constitutes a viable option for oral breathers and other compromised patients.

Immediate Loading of Implant-Supported Single Crowns after Conventional and Ultrasonic Implant Site Preparation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Aim

To compare implant survival rate and marginal bone loss (MBL) of immediately loaded single implants inserted by using ultrasonic implant site preparation (UISP) (test) and conventional rotary instrumentation (control).

Methods

Two single implants were inserted for each patient: after randomization, test site was prepared by using an ultrasonic device (Piezosurgery Touch, Mectron, Italy) and control site was prepared by using the drills of the selected implant system (Premium AZT, Sweden & Martina, Italy), until reaching a final diameter of 3 mm in both groups. Identical implants (3.8x11.5 mm) were inserted in all sites at crestal level. Impressions were taken and screwed resin single crowns with platform-switched provisional abutments were delivered with 48 hours. Periapical radiographs were taken at provisional crown insertion (T0), 6 months (T1) and one year (T2) after prosthetic loading to measure MBL. All data were tested for normality and subsequently analyzed by paired samples t-test and forward multiple linear regression.

Results

Forty-eight patients were treated in six centers with the insertion of ninety-six implants (48 test; 48 control). Four implants in four patients failed within the first six months of healing (two in test group; two in control group; no difference between groups). Forty patients (age 60.1±10.7 years; 22 female, 18 male) were included in the final analysis. Mean MBL after six months of loading was 1.39±1.03 mm in the test group and 1.42±1.16 mm in the control group (p>0.05) and after one year was 1.92±1.14 mm and 2.14±1.55 mm in test and control, respectively (p>0.05).

Conclusions

No differences in survival rate and MBL were demonstrated between UISP and conventional site preparation with rotary instruments in immediately loaded dental implants: UISP, with its characteristics of enhanced surgical control and safety in proximity of delicate structures, may be used as a reliable alternative to the traditional drilling systems.

Conventional Drilling Versus Piezosurgery for Implant Site Preparation: A Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the stability of dental implants varies between dental implants placed by piezosurgery compared with those placed by conventional drilling. An electronic search in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library was undertaken until August 2016 and was supplemented by manual searches and by unpublished studies at OpenGray. Only randomized controlled clinical trials that reported implant site preparation with piezosurgery and with conventional drilling were considered eligible for inclusion in this review. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of piezosurgery on implant stability. Of 456 references electronically retrieved, 3 were included in the qualitative analysis and quantitative synthesis. The pooled estimates suggest that there is no significant difference between piezosurgery and conventional drilling at baseline (weighted mean differences [WMD]: 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.09, 9.49; P = .55). At 90 days, the pooled estimates revealed a statistically significant difference (WMD: 3.63; 95% CI: 0.58, 6.67, P = .02) favoring piezosurgery. Implant stability may be slightly improved when osteotomy is performed by a piezoelectric device. More randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.