Evaluation of alveolar crest bone loss via premolar bitewing radiographs: presentation of a new method

Influence of a novel suturing technique on periodontal health of mandibular second molar following impacted third molar surgery: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Surgical extraction of the third molar is the most common surgical procedure in the oral surgery field and is associated with several complications. This study aimed to compare the effects of a newly presented suturing technique with the routine suture after surgical removal of the third molar on the postoperative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was designed as a split-mouth double-blinded investigation. Twenty patients were involved in the current study. After the surgical removal of the third molar, the new suturing technique was used to close the wound on one side of the patient randomly (case side), and the other side was sutured by the routine simple interrupted stitches (control side). Pain, edema, trismus, pocket depth, and the attachment loss of the distal of the second molar were assessed following the surgery. The data were statistically analyzed and compared between the sides.

RESULTS

Pain and edema following the surgery in the control side were significantly less than in the case side. The pocket depth and the gingival attachment loss of the distal aspect of the second molar in the case side were significantly less than in the control side. No case of dry socket was observed in the case side.

CONCLUSION

It seems that the newly presented suturing technique is able to keep the wound margins close to each other and may be helpful in reducing the periodontal complication of the second molar following the surgical removal of the impacted third molars.

Utility of a Newly Designed Film Holder for Premolar Bitewing Radiography

INTRODUCTION

Bitewing radiography is a valuable technique for assessment of proximal caries, alveolar crest and periodontal status. Technical errors during radiography result in erroneous radiographic interpretation, misdiagnosis, possible mistreatment or unnecessary exposure of patient for taking a repeat radiograph.

AIM

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a film holder modified from the conventional one and compared it with that of conventional film holder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study population comprised of 70 patients who were referred to the Radiology Department for bilateral premolar bitewing radiographs as requested by their attending clinician. Bitewing radiographs in each patient were taken using the newly designed holder in one side and the conventional holder in the other side. The acceptability of the two holders from the perspectives of the technician and patients was determined using a 0-20 point scale. The frequency of overlap and film positioning errors was calculated for each method.

RESULTS

The conventional holder had greater acceptability among patients compared to the newly designed holder (mean score of 16.59 versus 13.37). From the technicians' point of view, the newly designed holder was superior to the conventional holder (mean score of 17.33 versus 16.44). The frequency of overlap was lower using the newly designed holder (p<0.001) and it allowed more accurate film positioning (p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

The newly designed holder may facilitate the process of radiography for technicians and may be associated with less frequency of radiographic errors compared to the conventional holder.