Comparison of Manual (2D) and Digital (3D) Methods in the Assessment of Simulated Facial Edema

BACKGROUND

An edema assessment following dental surgeries is essential to improving the dental surgeon's technique and, consequentially, patient comfort.

PURPOSE

Two-dimensional (2D) methods are limited in analyzing 3-dimensional (3D) surfaces. Currently, 3D methods are used to investigate postoperative swelling. However, there are no studies that directly compare 2D and 3D methods. The goal of this study is to directly compare 2D and 3D methods used in the assessment of postoperative edema.

STUDY DESIGN AND SAMPLE

The investigators implemented a prospective, cross-sectional study with each subject serving as its own control. The sample was composed of dental student volunteers without facial deformities.

PREDICTOR VARIABLE

The predictor variable is the method used to measure edema. After simulating edema, manual (2D) and digital (3D) techniques were used to measure edema. The manual method used direct facial perimeter measurements. The two digital methods were photogrammetry using a smartphone (iPhone 11, Apple Inc, Cupertino, California), and facial scanning with a smartphone application (Bellus3D FaceApp, Bellus3D Inc, Campbell, California) [3D measurements] MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The coefficient of variation (CV) (CV = standard deviation /mean) was used to assess homogeneity of edema measurements.

ANALYSIS

The Shapiro-Wilk and equal variance tests were applied to assess data homogeneity. Next, one-way analysis of variance was performed, followed by a correlation analysis. Finally, the data were submitted to Tukey's test. The statistical significance threshold was set at 5% (P < .05).

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 20 subjects aged 18-38 years. The CV showed higher values using the manual (2D) method (47%; 4.88% ± 2.99), compared with the photogrammetry method (18%; 8.55 mm ± 1.52) and the smartphone application (21%; 8.97 mm ± 1.93). A statistically significant difference was observed between the manual method values and those of the other two groups (P < .001). There was no difference between the facial scanning and photogrammetry groups (3D methods) (P = .778) CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Both digital measuring methods (3D) demonstrated greater homogeneity than the manual method in analyzing facial distortions caused by the same swelling simulation. Therefore, it can be affirmed that digital methods may be more reliable that manual methods for assessing facial edema.

The Interplay of Raloxifene and Sonochemical Bio-Oss in Early Maxillary Sinus Bone Regeneration: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Analysis in Rabbits

The study aimed to assess the efficacy of using Raloxifene with ultrasonic processing to enhance Bio-Oss®, a bone graft substitute, for maxillary sinus bone height reconstruction. A total of 24 rabbit maxillary sinuses were distributed into three groups, each receiving different treatments: Bio-Oss® only, sonicated Bio-Oss, and sonicated Bio-Oss® with Raloxifene. Surgical procedures and subsequent histomorphometric and immunohistochemistry analyses were conducted to evaluate the bone formation, connective tissue, and remaining biomaterial, as well as the osteoblastic differentiation and maturation of collagen fibers. Results indicated that the sonicated Bio-Oss® and Bio-Oss® groups showed similar histological behavior and bone formation, but the Raloxifene group displayed inflammatory infiltrate, low bone formation, and disorganized connective tissue. The statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between the groups in terms of bone formation, connective tissue, and remaining biomaterial. In conclusion, the study found that while sonicated Bio-Oss® performed comparably to Bio-Oss® alone, the addition of Raloxifene led to an unexpected delay in bone repair. The findings stress the importance of histological evaluation for accurate bone repair assessment and the necessity for further investigation into the local application of Raloxifene. Future research may focus on optimizing bone substitutes with growth factors to improve bone repair.

Accuracy of Manual and Virtual Predictive Tracings in Patients Submitted to Orthognathic Surgery

Cephalometric tracing done manually was considered gold standard for the cephalometric analysis in the last decades. The digital radiographs began to be commonly used in order to make that in a digital way. The objective was to define the accuracy of the predictive and final cephalometric tracings performed manually and virtually. The authors selected 20 patients submitted to bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. The data were collected from lateral cephalometric radiographs, in the preoperative and postoperative periods. The interest were: points, angles (Sella-Nasion to A point angle; Sella-Nasion to B point angle; Frankfurt plane to Mandibular plane angle; Frankfurt plane to occlusal plane angle; Upper and lower central incisors long axes angle; Incisor to Mandibular plane angle; Upper incisor axis to Sella-Nasion plane angle) distances (Co-A; Co-Gn). Data were submitted to the Shapiro-Wilk, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The measurement differences were compared using a t test. Descriptive statistics were performed in Excel 2013 and SPSS software, P <0.05 being considered significant. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean values predictive and postoperative of the angles and distances within the manual and digital groups. When comparing the means of the differences between the predictive values and the final values, only the 1:1 angle presented a statistically significant difference, indicating a greater accuracy of the digital predictive tracing for this measure. In conclusion, both methods for obtaining predictive tracings are accurate, which shows that clinical results can be successfully simulated by the most accessible technique.

Clinical Assessment of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate in Granules and Paste Forms in Human Maxillary Sinus Bone Augmentation: A Randomized, Split-Mouth Clinical Trial

The aim of the present study is to compare the biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) using two different forms-(1) granules and (2) paste-in human maxillary sinus bone reconstruction as a split-mouth study using histomorphometric and immunolabeling for osteocalcin. Ten patients with bilateral maxillary posterior partial edentulism were selected in order to reconstruct bone height. They were divided into two groups: BCPG and BCP-P. After six months of bone healing, biopsies were harvested to assess the new bone formation and immunostaining for osteocalcin. The BCP g group had the following results: mean of bone formation in pristine bone 49.4 ± 21.6%, intermediate 49.4 ± 16.2%, and apical 55.3 ± 21.4%. The group BCP-P had a mean of 41.9 ± 17.3% in the pristine bone region, 37.5 ± 7.8% for intermediate, and 39.0 ± 13.5% for apical. The osteocalcin immunolabeling was high for both groups, demonstrating bone calcification. Thus, the two biomaterials present suitable results for the placement of dental implants.

An alternative approach for the surgical correction of unilateral crossbite

This case report aims to describe a modified surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion technique to treat an asymmetrical posterior crossbite with no mandibular shift without causing an interincisal diastema. A clinical patient with an asymmetrical crossbite, large tooth-size-arch length, and Bolton discrepancy is used to illustrate the modified technique. Instead of traditional osteotomies, in this technique, the osteotomy is done between the maxillary right canine and lateral incisor (connecting the piriform aperture to the alveolar process) along with a unilateral LeFort I osteotomy. The expansion forces are produced by the activation of a conventional hyrax appliance. The skeletal unilateral crossbite was corrected without major changes to the opposite side and without causing an anesthetic diastema between the maxillary central incisors. A mandibular incisor extraction produced the space needed to treat the tooth size-arch length and corrected the Bolton discrepancy. This allowed a successful treatment of the problems initially presented by the patient.

The Role of Bone Grafts in Preventing Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Histomorphometric, Immunohistochemical, and Clinical Evaluation in Animal Model

Objective

To evaluate the effects of inorganic bovine bone graft (Lumina Bone, Criteria, Brazil) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) graft (ChronOS, Synthes, Brazil) in rats with the risk of developing post-extraction medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

Methods

Eighteen male Wistar rats weighing 350 to 450 g were induced to develop MRONJ using zoledronic acid for 5 weeks. In the sixth week, the right maxillary first molar was extracted. The animals in Group I (G1) did not receive bone grafts after tooth extraction, while Group II (G2) animals received inorganic bovine bone grafts, and Group III (G3) animals received beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) grafts. Clinical evaluation and histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. ANOVA and Tukey's statistical tests were used and a level of significance was considered to be 5%.

Results

In the clinical evaluation, animals from G2 and G3 did not present clinical manifestations of osteonecrosis, unlike the control group (G1) animals, which presented necrotic bone tissue exposure in all samples. In the histomorphometric evaluation, animals in G3 showed greater formation of bone tissue (66%) and less formation of bone lacuna (18%) than animals in G1 (58%/32%) and in G2 (59%/27%) (P < 0.05). Moderate (++) immunostaining was observed in G2 and G3 for RANKL, TRAP, and OC, while G1 showed moderate (++) labeling for OC and mild (+) immunostaining for TRAP and RANKL.

Conclusions

Greater formation of bone tissue and fewer bone lacunae were found in animals treated with β-TCP. In clinical evaluation, bone graft groups presented with the clinical manifestation of MRONJ and showed higher intensity of immunostaining for TRAP and RANKL. Despite the limitations of experimental animal studies, the results of this work may assist in the development of future clinical research for the prevention of MRONJ.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis followed by brain ischaemia in a type-1 diabetic patient: a persistent endodontic infection report

Central nervous system infections and cavernous sinus thrombosis are associated with high mortality rates and may be a consequence of oral infection propagation. A 24-year-old woman has attended a private dental office with a pain complaint in the upper right central incisor and had the endodontic treatment completed. However, the patient returned to the dental office reporting pain in the same tooth and the presence of swelling. Then, the root canal was retreated. After one week, the patient presented to a Basic Health Unit with a history of vomiting and convulsion crisis followed by loss of consciousness. A computed tomography exam showed cavernous sinus thrombosis and brain ischaemic areas. The present report describes a rare case of cavernous sinus thrombosis followed by brain ischaemia in a type-1 diabetic patient, associated with persistent endodontic infection, with subsequent patient's death.

Evaluation of Two Beta-Tricalcium Phosphates with Different Particle Dimensions in Human Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

This study aimed to compare two beta-tricalcium phosphates with different particle sizes in human maxillary sinuses lifting. The immunolabeling of cells for RUNX2 and VEGF were performed to evaluate the osteoblast precursor cells and the vascular formation after 6 months of bone repair. Ten maxillary sinuses were grafted with autogenous bone graft (Group 1), 10 were grafted with ChronOs^® (Group 2), and 10 were grafted with BETA-TCP^® (Group 3). After 6 months of bone healing, biopsies were obtained to assess the new bone formed by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical evaluation for RUNX2 and VEGF. The mean bone formation for Group 1 was 51.4 ± 17.4%. Group 2 presented 45.5 ± 9.9%, and Group 3 conferred 35.4 ± 8.0% of new bone formation. The RUNX2 offered low for Groups 1 and 2 with high cellular activity for osteoblast in Group 3. The VEGF immunolabeling was moderate for Groups 1 and 2 and intense for Group 3. In conclusion, it was possible to show that the bone substitutes evaluated in the present study presented suitable outcomes for bone regeneration, being an alternative for the autogenous bone graft in maxillary sinus bone height reconstruction.

Three-dimensional volumetric changes of 5 different bone grafts in human maxillary sinuses reconstruction: a randomized clinical study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the three-dimensional volumetric changes of human maxillary sinuses after reconstruction using 5 different bone grafts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients underwent unilateral maxillary sinus bone height reconstruction using 5 bone substitutes allocated in different groups as follows: group 1 was grafted with autogenous bone graft alone; group 2 with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP); group 3 with β-TCP + autogenous bone graft 1:1; group 4 with bioactive glass; and group 5 with bioactive glass + autogenous bone graft 1:1. The patients were submitted to cone beam computed tomography in two periods: 15 days after the surgical procedure (T1) and after 6 months (T2). The results were evaluated as the formula T2-T1 expressing the three-volumetric changes of the biomaterials in elapsed time.

RESULTS

The resorption rate of autogenous bone graft was -630.699 ± 300.9 mm³; in the β-TCP group, it was -315.772 ± 125.6 mm³; in the group with β-TCP + autogenous bone graft 1:1, it was -336.205 ± 195.7 mm³; and in groups with bioactive glass and with the addition of autogenous bone graft 1:1, it was -428.878 ± 311.6 mm³ and -576.917 ± 471.6 mm³, respectively, without statistical difference (p = 0.167). Pearson's correlated test revealed a strong correlation as well as a progressive resorption of the grafts during bone healing.

CONCLUSION

The similar outcomes for the three-dimensional volumetric changes using the bone substitutes evaluated after 6 months of bone healing suggest that all these grafts can be performed to maxillary sinus reconstruction.

The new bone formation in human maxillary sinuses using two bone substitutes with different resorption types associated or not with autogenous bone graft: a comparative histomorphometric, immunohistochemical and randomized clinical study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the new bone and connective tissue formation and the biomaterial remaining after maxillary sinus bone augmentation using 5 different bone substitutes. The osteocalcin immunolabeling was performed to demonstrate their calcification and the possibility of receiving dental implants.

METHODOLOGY

40 patients underwent maxillary sinus bone augmentation and were divided in 5 groups: Group 1 with 8 maxillary sinuses were grafted with autogenous bone graft (AB); Group 2 with 8 maxillary sinuses grafted with bioactive glass (BG); Group 3 with 8 maxillary sinuses grafted with bioactive glass added to autogenous bone graft (BG + AB) 1:1; Group 4 with 8 maxillary sinuses grafted with Bio-Oss (BO) and Group 5 with 8 maxillary sinuses grafted with Bio-Oss added to autogenous bone graft (BO + AB) 1:1.

RESULTS

In group AB, 37.8% of bone was formed in the pristine bone region, 38.1% in the intermediate and 44.5% in the apical region. In group BG, 43.6% was formed in the pristine bone, 37% in the intermediate and 49.3% in the apical region. In group BG + AB 1:1, 39.0% was formed in the pristine bone region, 34.8% in the intermediate and 36.8% in apical region. In group BO, 33.4% was formed in the pristine bone, 32.5% in the intermediate and 34.3% in the apical region. In group BO + AB 1:1, 32.8% was formed in the pristine bone, 36.1% in intermediate and 27.8% in the apical regions. The immunolabeling for osteocalcin showed an intensive staining for all groups, which could demonstrate the calcification of the bone formed.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the groups evaluated formed a suitable lamellar bone in the maxillary sinus reconstruction after six months of bone healing, thus being indicated to receive dental implants.

Ti-15Mo Alloy Decreases the Stress Concentration in Mandibular Angle Fracture Internal Fixation Hardware

Objectives

Comparison of the mechanical stability of 2.0 plates made of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and a titanium-molybdenum (Ti-15Mo) alloy and two methods of internal fixation employed mandibular angle fractures, using 3D finite element analysis.

Materials and Methods

Four groups were evaluated. For the cpTi: group Eng 1P, one 4-hole plate and 4 screws 6 mm long, in the tension zone of the mandible; group Eng 2P, two 4-hole plates, one in the tension zone of the mandible and the other in the compression zone, both were fixed with 8 screws 6 mm long. The same groups were created for the Ti-15Mo alloy. A 100 N compressive load was applied to the occlusal surface of the mandibular first molar on the plated side.

Results

When considering the von Mises equivalent stress (σ _vM) values for the comparison between both groups with one plate, a decrease of 10.5% in the plate and a decrease of 29.0% in the screws for the Ti-15Mo group was observed. Comparing the same groups with two plates, a decrease of 28.5% in the screws was shown for the Ti-15Mo alloy group. No significant differences were observed when considering maximum and minimum principal stresses (σ _max, σ _min), and maximum principal strain (ε _max) to the mandibular bone. The Ti-15Mo alloy plates substantially decreased the stress concentration in the screws for both internal fixation techniques and in the plate for the Ti-15Mo 1 plate group.

Conclusion

From a clinical standpoint, the use of Ti-Mo alloy with reduced stiffness will decrease the stress shielding between the hardware and bone, influencing the outcome of the treatment.

Prospective evaluation of morbidity in patients who underwent autogenous bone-graft harvesting from the mandibular symphysis and retromolar regions

BACKGROUND

Autogenous bone grafts are the most favorable and predictable types of bone graft due to their osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. The advantages of harvesting from mandibular bone are that it requires only local anesthesia, is less invasive, has less morbidity, and avoids harvesting from distant sites, thus making it the best choice for maxillary bone reconstruction.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) neurosensory disturbances after autogenous bone graft harvesting from the mandibular symphysis and retromolar region to reconstruct maxillary sinus height for posterior dental implant placement and the effect of these disturbances on patient satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four patients were invited to participate in this study. Autogenous bone graft was harvested from the mandibular symphysis and retromolar regions. After the procedure, the patients were evaluated by means of an adapted questionnaire to determine if they had complaints of neurosensory disturbances at the following time intervals: immediately, 1, 2-5, 6, 7-11, and 12 months postsurgery.

RESULTS

Immediately after surgery, 28 patients described sensory changes and 25 reported paresthesia of inferior lip. Only three patients reported pain, and one patient experienced dental hypersensitivity after the surgical procedure. During the evaluation period, the patients reported a decrease in paresthesia and a return of sensation to areas innervated by the IAN. After 12 months, five patients still reported paresthesia of areas innervated by the IAN. Beside this, patients reported significant clinical improvement from the beginning of the evaluation, as 49 patients were satisfied with their treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Harvesting bone grafts from the mandibular symphysis results in greater postoperative morbidity upon immediate evaluation compared with bone graft harvesting from the retromolar region. Nevertheless, during clinical follow-up, the results of both treatments showed that sensation was eventually recovered, depending on the healing period.

Bioactive glass added to autogenous bone graft in maxillary sinus augmentation: a prospective histomorphometric, immunohistochemical, and bone graft resorption assessment

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the bone resorption rate, histomorphometry and immunohistochemical findings of bioactive glass (Biogran; Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA) mixed with autogenous bone grafts (1:1) and autogenous bone graft isolate in maxillary sinus elevation surgery.

Material and Methods

A total of 9 maxillary sinuses were grafted with Biogran with autogenous bone graft (group 1) and 12 were mixed with autogenous bone graft (group 2). Postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to measure the initial graft volume after 15 days (T1), and 6 months later, another CBCT scan was performed to evaluate the final graft volume (T2) and determine the graft resorption rate. The resorption outcomes were 37.9%±18.9% in group 1 and 45.7%±18.5% in group 2 (P=0.82). After 6 months, biopsies were obtained concurrent with the placement of dental implants; these implants were subjected to histomorphometric analysis and immunohistochemical analysis for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP).

Results

The average bone formation in group 1 was 36.6%±12.9 in the pristine bone region, 33.2%±13.3 in the intermediate region, and 45.8%±13.8 in the apical region; in group 2, the values were 34.4%±14.4, 35.0%±13.9, and 42.0%±16.6 of new bone formation in the pristine bone, intermediate, and apical regions, respectively. Immunostaining for TRAP showed poor clastic activity in both groups, which can indicate that those were in the remodeling phase.

Conclusions

The similarity between the groups in the formation and maintenance of the graft volume after 6 months suggests that the bioactive glass mixed with autogenous bone (1:1) can be used safely as a bone substitute for the maxillary sinus lift.

Lower third molar displaced to lateral pharyngeal space after mandibular angle fracture: a case report

The removal of displaced dental elements from deep anatomical spaces is a condition that requires the knowledge of the region and skills to perform the procedure. The lateral pharyngeal space contains important structures such as the internal carotid artery and close proximity with the cranium basis. The aim of this paper is to report a clinical case of a lower third molar displaced to the lateral pharyngeal space after a mandibular angle fracture and its treatment by surgical intervention. The tooth was removed under general anesthesia by direct approach and the fracture was reduced and fixed with a plate and screws. This case report illustrates the importance of an immediate procedure to avoiding severe complications and further damage to important anatomical structures.

Maxillary Sinus Elevation Surgery with ChronOS and Autogenous Bone Graft: Analysis of Histometric and Volumetric Changes

The aim of this study was to compare the bone resorption rate and histometry of ChronOS, a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), mixed with autogenous bone grafts (1:1) with that of autogenous bone grafts alone in maxillary sinus elevation surgery. A total of 12 maxillary sinuses were grafted with an autogenous bone graft (control group) and 9 with ChronOS mixed with an autogenous bone graft (test group). Postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to measure the initial graft volume after 15 days (T₁), and 6 months later another CBCT scan was performed to evaluate the final graft volume (T₂) and determine the graft resorption rate. The resorption outcomes were 45.7% ± 18.6% in the control group and 38.3% ± 16.6% in the test group (P = .17); the bone formation rate was 38.6% ± 10.5% in the control group and 25.4% ± 6.4% in the test group (P = .001). ChronOS mixed with autogenous bone graft demonstrated a resorption rate similar to that of the autogenous bone graft but with a difference in bone formation after 6 months.

Prospective and Randomized Evaluation of ChronOS and Bio-Oss in Human Maxillary Sinuses: Histomorphometric and Immunohistochemical Assignment for Runx 2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and Osteocalcin

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare ChronOS (β-tricalcium phosphate), Bio-Oss, and their addition to an autogenous bone graft in a 1:1 ratio in human maxillary sinus bone augmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty maxillary sinuses were divided in 5 groups: group 1 included 6 maxillary sinuses grafted with autogenous bone graft alone; group 2 included 6 maxillary sinuses grafted with ChronOS; group 3 included 6 maxillary sinuses grafted with ChronOS and autogenous bone graft in a 1:1 ratio; group 4 included 6 maxillary sinuses grafted with Bio-Oss; and group 5 included 6 maxillary sinuses grafted with Bio-Oss and autogenous bone graft in a 1:1 ratio. The number of samples for each group was determined by the statistical power test.

RESULTS

The median areas of new bone formation in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 121,917.0, 83,787.0, 99,295.0, 65,717.0, and 56,230.0 μm², respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between groups 3 and 5, groups 1 and 4, and groups 1 and 5 (P < .05). The median areas of remaining biomaterial were 2,900.5, 5,291.0, 2,662.0, 56,258.5, and 64,753.5 μm² in groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Statistically significant differences occurred between groups 1 and 5, groups 3 and 5, and groups 2 and 5 (P < .05). Areas of connective tissue were 67,829.0 ± 22,984.6 μm² in group 1, 97,445.9 ± 18,983.3 μm² in group 2, 88,256.0 ± 21,820.5 μm² in group 3, 65,501.8 ± 6,297.6 in group 4, and 70,203.2 ± 13,421.3 μm² in group 5.

CONCLUSIONS

ChronOS combined with autogenous bone graft presented a behavior similar to that of autogenous bone graft alone. However, the groups treated with Bio-Oss showed immuno-labeling results indicating maturation of grafted bone.

Three-dimensional strut plate for the treatment of mandibular fractures: a systematic review

The treatment of mandibular fractures by open reduction and internal fixation is very variable. Thus, there are many controversies about the best fixation system in terms of stability, functional recovery, and postoperative complications. This systematic review sought scientific evidence regarding the best indication for the use of three-dimensional (3D) plates in the treatment of mandibular fractures. A systematic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Elsevier/Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to include articles published up until November 2016. Following the application of the inclusion criteria, 25 scientific articles were selected for detailed analysis. These studies included a total of 1036 patients (mean age 29 years), with a higher prevalence of males. The anatomical location most involved was the mandibular angle. The success rate of 3D plates was high at this location compared to other methods of fixation. In conclusion, the use of 3D plates for the treatment of mandibular fractures is recommended, since they result in little or no displacement between bone fragments.

Maxillary Sinus Elevation Surgery with ChronOS and Autogenous Bone Graft: Immunohistochemical Assessment of RUNX2, VEGF, TRAP, and Osteocalcin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a composite graft of ChronOS, a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), mixed 1:1 with an autogenous bone graft in human maxillary sinus augmentation. A total of 12 maxillary sinuses were grafted with an autogenous bone graft (control group), and 9 maxillary sinuses were grafted with ChronOS mixed 1:1 with an autogenous bone graft (test group). After 6 months, biopsy samples were obtained concurrent to the placement of dental implants and were subjected to histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses for Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and osteocalcin. Histologic analysis of samples obtained from the test group revealed the presence of immature bone, while samples from the control group indicated lamellar bone formation. However, both types of bone grafts were well vascularized. The new bone formation averaged 25.4% ± 6.4% in the test group and 38.6% ± 10.5% in the control group (P = .001). Immunostaining of samples in the test group showed high cellular turnover. The outcomes of this study demonstrate a delay in bone formation but intense cellular differentiation after 6 months of bone graft healing in the test group. The amount of immature bone and the immunostaining for RUNX2 and VEGF provide evidence of an osteogenic pathway that can improve the bone formation rate.

Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical assessment of RUNX2 and VEGF of Biogran™ and autogenous bone graft in human maxillary sinus bone augmentation: A prospective and randomized study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have been conducted to assess new bone formation using Biogran, a bioactive glass, in maxillary sinus bone augmentation through a prospective and randomized evaluation. Moreover, there are no studies that evaluate cellular behavior by immunohistochemical assessment for osteoblastic and vascular activity during bone repair.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to compare new bone formation and cellular behavior with Biogran alone, a 1:1 combination of Biogran and autogenous bone graft, and autogenous bone graft alone in human maxillary sinuses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten maxillary sinuses were grafted with Biogran (Group 1), 10 grafted with Biogran added to autogenous bone graft in a 1:1 ratio (Group 2), and 10 grafted with autogenous bone graft alone (Group 3). After 6 months of bone healing, samples were obtained concurrent to the dental implants' placement to be evaluated by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical assessment for RUNX2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

RESULTS

The amount of new bone formation in Group 1 was 42.0 ± 7.3% in the pristine bone region, 40.7 ± 14.0% in the intermediate region, and 45.6 ± 13.5% in apical region. In Group 2, for pristine bone, intermediate, and apical regions, new bone formation was 36.6 ± 12.9%, 33.2 ± 13.3%, and 45.8 ± 13.9%, respectively. Group 3 showed new bone formation of 37.3 ± 11.6%, 35.3 ± 14.7%, and 39.9 ± 15.8% in pristine bone, intermediate, and apical regions, respectively. The immunolabeling for RUNX2 showed low cellular activity in osteoblasts for all groups, and the VEGF assessment demonstrated moderate cellular activity in Groups 1 and 2; however, Group 3 presented with low activity in the pristine bone region, followed by moderate activity in the intermediate and apical region.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that Biogran and its combination with autogenous bone graft 1:1 are good bone substitutes due to their similarity to autogenous bone graft.

Maxillary Sinus Mucocele as a Late Complication in Zygomatic-Orbital Complex Fracture

This article presents an unusual case of maxillary sinus mucocele as a late complication of zygomatic-orbital complex fracture, 23 years after the initial treatment. The patient was referring diplopia and decreased visual acuity with signs of dystopia, proptosis, and epiphora. Computed tomographic scan revealed an expansive lesion in the maxillary sinus with surrounding bone erosion and displacement of the eyeball. Treatment option was excisional biopsy and orbital floor reconstruction with titanium mesh restoring the appropriate orbital position. We propose that in the case of postoperative ophthalmological sequelae of facial fractures involving paranasal sinuses, mucocele should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Bone Ceramic® at Implants Installed Immediately into Extraction Sockets in the Molar Region: An Experimental Study in Dogs

PURPOSE

The aim of this paper was to study the healing of 1-1.4 mm wide buccal defects at implants placed immediately into extraction sockets (IPIES) filled with a mixture of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) 60% and beta-tricalciumphosphate (TCP) 40% or left with the clot alone and both covered with collagen membranes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight Labrador dogs were used and implants were placed immediately into the extraction sockets of the first molar bilaterally. A mixture of synthetic HA 60% and beta-TCP 40% at the test or the clot alone at the control sites were used to fill the defects. All surgical sites were subsequently covered by a resorbable collagen membrane and a non-submerged healing was allowed. After 4 months, the animals were euthanized, biopsies harvested and processed for histomorphometric analysis.

RESULTS

At the time of installation, residual buccal defects occurred that were 1.1 mm and 1.4 mm wide and 3 mm and 4 mm deep at the control and test sites, respectively. After 4 months of healing, the top of the bony crest and the coronal level of osseointegration were located respectively at 0.1 ± 1.8 mm and 1.5 ± 1.8 mm at the test, and 0.6 ± 1.6 mm and 1.2 ± 0.7 mm at the control sites apically to the implant shoulder. Bone-to-implant contact at the buccal aspect was 34.9 ± 25.9% and 36.4 ± 17.3% at the test and control sites, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between test and control sites for any of the variables analyzed at the buccal aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a mixture of synthetic HA 60% and beta-TCP 40% to fill residual buccal defects 1-1.4 mm wide at IPIES did not improve significantly the results of healing.

Use of autogenous bone and beta-tricalcium phosphate in maxillary sinus lifting: a prospective, randomized, volumetric computed tomography study

The correction of bone defects can be performed using autogenous or alloplastic materials, such as beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). This study compared the changes in bone volume (CBV) after maxillary sinus lifting using autogenous bone (n = 12), autogenous bone associated with β-TCP 1:1 (ChronOS; DePuy Synthes, Paoli, CA, USA) (n = 9), and β-TCP alone (n = 11) as grafting material, by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBV was evaluated by comparing CBCT scans obtained in the immediate postoperative period (5-7 days) and at 6 months postoperative in each group using OsiriX software (OsiriX Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland). The results showed an average resorption of 45.7 ± 18.6% for the autogenous bone group, 43.8 ± 18.4% for the autogenous bone+β-TCP group, and 38.3 ± 16.6% for the β-TCP group. All bone substitute materials tested in this study presented satisfactory results for maxillary sinus lifting procedures regarding the maintenance of graft volume during the healing phase before the insertion of implants, as assessed by means of CBCT.

Treatment of atrophic mandibular fractures with the pencilboneplate: report of 2 cases

The incidence of fractures of the atrophic edentulous mandible is still low, even with the increasing life expectancy. The reduced blood supply of the sclerotic bone, the diminished contact area between bone fragments and the patient's systemic condition makes the treatment of those fractures a challenge for any professional. Treatment of atrophic mandibular fractures by means of miniplate osteosynthesis has not been the preferred method of fixation by many authors. Yet, many surgeons have applied this type of fixation for the atrophied jaw sections. This paper reports 2 cases of fractured atrophic mandibles treated with the pencilboneplate, a monocortical 2.0 mm titanium, 8 or 10-hole hardware with reinforcement on its middle portion, highlighting important considerations of its use. The pencilboneplate appears to be a valuable option for the treatment of atrophic mandibular fractures, especially by an intra-oral approach, and warrants further biomechanical and clinical studies.

Frontal sinus obliteration with iliac crest bone grafts. Review of 8 cases

This study evaluated postoperative results of 8 cases of frontal sinus fractures treated by frontal sinus obliteration with autogenous bone from the anterior iliac crest.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The medical charts of patients sequentially treated for frontal sinus fractures by obliteration with autogenous cancellous iliac crest bone in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division of this institution were reviewed. From those, eight had complete records and adequately described long-term follow-up. All were operated by the same surgical team. Those patients were recalled and independently evaluated by 2 examiners. Radiographs and/or CT scans were available for this evaluation. Associated fractures and complications were noted. The average postoperative follow-up was 7 years, ranging from 3 to 16 years. The main complication was infection. Four patients (50%) had uneventful long-term follow-ups and four (50%) experienced complications requiring reoperation. Based on the studied sample studied the authors conclude that the obliteration with autogenous bone presented a high percentage of complications in this series.

Comparison of compressive strength between three different plates for mandibular angle fractures fixation

The present study aims to compare three types of internal fixation for fractures of the mandibular angle. Mechanical testing was performed on replicas of polyurethane hemimandibles sectioned at the angle region to simulate a fracture and fixed with three different hardwares. Fixation devices enrolled on this survey included the grid plates with and without an intermediate bar and the method described by Champy and colleagues in 1978 and the sample consisted of 10 hemimandibles for each group. Vertical loadings were applied on each hemimandible and recorded after a vertical displacement of 3 and 5 mm. Statistical analysis was made by means of the variance analysis (ANOVA) and the Duncan test with a significance level of 5%. The Champy technique showed a statistically significant increased resistance when compared to the grid plates after vertical displacements of 3 and 5 mm. The results of this survey suggest that the Champy technique, when compared to the grid plate positioned at the middle of the mandibular bone (placement site selected for this study), is more resistant than the grid plate and that the inclusion or not of an intermediate bar to the grid plates does not improve its resistance after linear vertical loadings.

Cisto dentígero: modalidades de tratamento

INTRODUÇÃO: O cisto dentígero é o segundo cisto odontogênico mais frequente nos maxilares. É uma lesão benigna, derivada do epitélio odontogênico da coroa de um dente não erupcionado, porém de etiopatogenia incerta. São geralmente radiotransparentes e, mais comumente, uniloculares. Estas lesões são observadas em exames de rotina ou quando não ocorre o irrompimento de um dente permanente. Os terceiros molares inferiores e os caninos superiores são os dentes mais acometidos, sendo também alta a ocorrência desta lesão em dentes supranumerários e associados a odontomas. O cisto dentígero ocorre principalmente nas três primeiras décadas de vida, tendo um crescimento lento e assintomático; pode atingir dimensões consideráveis, causando deformidade facial, impactação e deslocamento de dentes e/ou estruturas adjacentes. OBJETIVO: Definição das técnicas de marsupialização e enucleação, bem como consideração de critérios objetivos importantes para o plano de tratamento, como tamanho do cisto, idade, proximidade com estruturas anatômicas e importância clínica do dente envolvido. Apesar das peculiaridades clínicas de cada caso e do método de tratamento escolhido, o prognóstico destas lesões é favorável, quando se emprega apropriada terapêutica. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: O presente estudo apresentará um relato de caso tratado através da manobra de descompressão seguida de enucleação, bem como uma discussão acerca das modalidades de tratamento. RESULTADO: O paciente encontra-se em pós-operatório de dois anos sem sinais de recidiva da lesão e ausência de parestesias em face. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica empregada preservou a função neurossensorial e mostrou-se eficiente para a cura da lesão.

Health-related quality of life and depression in patients with dentofacial deformity

INTRODUCTION

Patients with dentofacial deformities present difficulties at work and in social adaptation. At the same time, they often appear depressed, and as a consequence, the psychosocial aspects of surgery play an important role. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects that depression causes in the quality of life of patients with dentofacial deformity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Filthy patients were recruited 1 year before undergoing orthognathic surgery and correlated oral and general health with the presence and absence of depression. In order to accomplish this, these patients received an adapted questionnaires of quality of life and Beck Depression Inventory to fill out. Fisher's test was applied, with a significance level of 5 %. Intercooled Stata version 9.0 was used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Among the eight domains of quality of life, there were three associated with depression status: vitality (p < 0.001), social aspects (p = 0.011), and mental health (p = 0.008).

DISCUSSION

There is growing interest in the impact of dentofacial deformity conditions on patients' quality of life. The scientific literature has discussed the social aspects of these deformities and showed that untreated patients had low self-esteem and suffered social restrictions before making the orthodontic and surgical treatments. This study concluded that the depression interferes significantly in vitality, social aspects of the individual, and mental health and, at the same time, emphasizes that the orthognathic surgery aims to not only restore esthetics and function to the patient but also improve the quality of life.

Paranasal sinus infection causing orbital subperiosteal abscess: surgical management of this devastating entity

BACKGROUND

Orbital infection is an uncommon devastating infection and is usually a complication of paranasal sinus infection. Without appropriate treatment, orbital infection may lead to serious complications, even death. Prompt treatment is mandatory to avoid visual loss or intracranial complications. The literature shows that initially, intravenous antibiotics should be administered, and after 48 h, if no improvement appears, the affected orbit and the sinuses must be surgically drained. The authors describe two cases of orbital cellulitis with a brief literature review.

CASE REPORT

The authors describe two cases of orbital abscess caused by paranasal sinus infection. In case 1, the patient presented a decreased visual acuity associated with ophthalmoplegia of the right eye. In case 2, the patient presented a decreased visual acuity. Thus, administration of intravenous antibiotic combined with surgical drainage was performed. After surgical procedure, eye movements were normalized in case 1, and in both patients, the visual acuity returned to normal parameters.

DISCUSSION

The authors recommend early surgical drainage with parenteral antibiotic administration and careful postoperative observations by monitoring the signs and symptoms of the orbital complaint.

Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in oral and maxillofacial surgery: a Brazilian survey

BACKGROUND

Deep venous thrombosis (DVP) is a frequent disease. Prophylaxis is the best means to reduce its incidence, for lowering morbidity and mortality rates and treatment costs caused by its complications.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the knowledge and use of any kind of DVT prophylaxis by Brazilian Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to all Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons associated to the Brazilian College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons that have a valid e-mail address. The data retrieved was evaluated and tabulated.

RESULTS

Of the 1100 questionnaires sent, only 4% were retrieved. The 42 retrieved were included in the study. Twenty six of the surgeons do not use any kind of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, 11 use mechanical means as elastic compressive stockings or pneumatic compressive devices for prophylaxis, and 5 uses low-molecular weight heparins (LMWH) as the choice for prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

The data collected, despite the low rate of participation (4%) by the surgeons, shows that this subject still does not receive proper attention. Whereas other medical specialties make routine use of prophylactic means maybe the maxillofacial surgeons lack concern on that matter.

Orbital wall reconstruction with titanium mesh: retrospective study of 24 patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traumatic orbital defect reconstruction with titanium mesh. A retrospective study was made. Evaluations were made after a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months, looking for the main complications. Twenty-four patients were included in this evaluation; 19 were male (79.1%) and 5 (20.8%) were female. The main injury etiology was vehicle accidents (50%) followed by other causes. Fourteen patients (58.3%) presented orbital floor fractures, and 10 had more than one wall fractured (41.6%). Permanent infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia was observed in two patients (8.3%), enophthalmos occurred in five patients (20.8%), and exophthalmos was found in two patients (8.3%). Four patients (16.6%) still presented evidence of residual prolapsed intraorbital content, and one of those needed further surgical correction; sinusitis occurred in one patient (4.1%). Titanium mesh is a reliable option for orbital reconstruction, despite some complications found in this sample.

Commercially pure titanium implants with surfaces modified by laser beam with and without chemical deposition of apatite. Biomechanical and topographical analysis in rabbits

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surfaces of commercially pure titanium (cp Ti) implants modified by laser beam (LS), without and with hydroxyapatite deposition by the biomimetic method (HAB), without (HAB) and with thermal treatment (HABT), and compare them with implants with surfaces modified by acid treatment (AS) and with machined surfaces (MS), employing topographical and biomechanics analysis.

METHODS

Forty-five rabbits received 75 implants. After 30, 60, and 90 days, the implants were removed by reverse torque and the surfaces were topographically analyzed.

RESULTS

At 30 days, statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed among all the surfaces and the MS, between HAB/HABT and AS and between HAB and LS. At 60 days, the reverse torque of LS, HAB, HABT, and AS differed significantly from MS. At 90 days, difference was observed between HAB and MS. The microtopographic analysis revealed statistical difference between the roughness of LS, HAB, and HABT when compared with AS and MS.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that the implants LS, HAB, and HABT presented physicochemical and topographical properties superior to those of AS and MS and favored the osseointegration process in the shorter periods. In addition, HAB showed the best results when compared with other surfaces.

Biomedical Ti-Mo alloys with surface machined and modified by laser beam: biomechanical, histological, and histometric analysis in rabbits

PURPOSE

In vivo bone response was assessed by removal torque, hystological and histometrical analysis on a recently developed biomedical Ti-15Mo alloy, after surface modification by laser beam irradiation, installed in the tibia of rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 32 wide cylindrical Ti-15Mo dental implants were obtained (10mm × 3.75mm). The implants were divided into two groups: 1) control samples (Machined surface - MS) and 2) implants with their surface modified by Laser beam-irradiation (Test samples - LS). Six implants of each surface were used for removal torque test and 10 of each surface for histological and histometrical analysis. The implants were placed in the tibial metaphyses of rabbits.

RESULTS

Average removal torque was 51.5Ncm to MS and >90Ncm to LS. Bone-to-implant-contact percentage was significantly higher for LS implants both in the cortical and marrow regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that laser treated Ti-15Mo alloys are promising materials for biomedical application.

Lip cavernous hemangioma in a young child

Hemangiomas are benign tumors of infancy and childhood, characterized by a phase of fast growth with endothelial cell proliferation, occurring in 10-12% of children at 1 year of age. It is known that hemangiomas of infancy are most commonly located on the head and neck region (around 60% of cases) and occur more frequently in the lips, tongue, and palate. Approximately 50% of hemangiomas have complete resolution, and 90% of them are resolved up to the age of 9. Complications occur in only 20% of the cases, the most common problem being ulceration with or without infection. The treatment depends on lesion location, size and evolution stage, and the patient's age. Surgery is usually indicated when there is no response to systemic treatments, or even for esthetic reasons, being performed as a simple excision in combination or not with plastic surgery. This paper reports a case of lip cavernous hemangioma in a 4-year-old child, who was submitted to 3 sessions of vascular sclerosis due to the size of the lesion, before undergoing simple excision of the hemangioma. Two years of postoperative clinical follow-up shows treatment success with no recurrence of the lesion.

Clinical evaluation of the bicoronal flap in the treatment of facial fractures. Retrospective study of 132 patients

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the postoperative complications of bicoronal flaps used to treat facial fractures. One hundred and thirty two patients that received bicoronal flaps for the treatment of upper and middle third facial fractures were called for clinical and radiographic examination. Minimum follow-up was 1 year and all patients had charts with adequate information about their perioperative care pertinent to the study. Results showed as complications hypoesthesia (17%), partial unilateral frontal motor deficit (11%), infection (3%), hypertrophic scars (3%), varying degrees of alopecia (18%), seroma or hematoma in the immediate postoperative period (5%). The flap provided wide surgical access to the upper and middle facial thirds with very few serious complications, most frequently allowing good aesthetic results.