Clinical significance of drug cessation on medication-related

Objectives@#Suspending bisphosphonates (BPs) to reduce the risk and severity of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) remains controversial. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the clinical significance of BP suspension before surgery in osteoporosis patients with MRONJ. @*Materials and Methods@#We analyzed 24 osteoporosis patients with MRONJ who were treated from 2012 to 2020 at Seoul National University Dental Hospital and compared the treatment outcomes of those who suspended BPs with those who did not. The number of surgical interventions, follow-up panoramic radiographs for relative bone density measurement, and laboratory blood tests including white blood cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, absolute neutrophil count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and alkaline phosphatase were analyzed. ANOVA, Student’s t-test, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare results. Fisher’s exact test was used to discover the association between treatment outcome and BP suspension, and Pearson’s correlation test was used to measure the statistical relationship between the changes in serum inflammatory markers. @*Results@#The number of interventions was significantly higher in the non-drug suspension group due to recurrence (P<0.05). The relative bone density in patients who suspended BPs was significantly different over time (P<0.05), with the highest density at one-year follow-up. Fisher’s exact test shows an association between successful treatment outcomes and BP suspension. The alkaline phosphatase and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels decreased significantly in the BP-suspended group, and a positive correlation was found between these elevated markers. @*Conclusion@#A significant increase in bone density throughout follow-up and a lower number of interventions were found in the BP suspension group compared to the non-drug suspension group. Also, BP suspension decreased inflammatory markers in the serum after surgery, resulting in good treatment outcomes. BP suspension is a prognostic factor for MRONJ and should be implemented before surgery.

Guidance and rationale for the immediate implant placement in the maxillary molar

Objectives@#While the reliability of immediate implant placement in the maxillary molar has been discussed, its significance is questionable. There have been no guidelines for case selection and surgical technique for successful treatment outcomes of immediate maxillary molar implants. Therefore, in this study, we classified alveolar bone height and socket morphology of the maxillary molar to establish guidelines for immediate implant placement. @*Materials and Methods@#From 2011 to 2019, we retrospectively analyzed 106 patients with 148 immediate implants at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and patient characteristics and treatment results were evaluated clinically and radiologically. @*Results@#A total of 29 tapered, sand-blasted, large-grit, and acid-etched (SLA) surfaces of implants were placed in 26 patients. The mean patient age was 64.88 years. Two implants failed and were reinstalled, resulting in a 93.10% survival rate. Fluctuating marginal bone level changes indicating bone regeneration and bone loss were observed in the first year following installation and remained stable after one year of prosthesis loading, with an average bone loss of 0.01±0.01 mm on the distal side and 0.03±0.03 mm on the mesial side. @*Conclusion@#This clinical study demonstrated the significance of immediate implant placement in maxillary molars as a reliable treatment with a high survival rate using tapered SLA implants. With an accurate approach to immediate implantation, surgical intervention and treatment time can be reduced, resulting in patient satisfaction and comfort.

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic investigation of a fractured non-submerged dental implant associated with abutment fracture

The biocompatibility and durability of implant fixtures are major concerns for dentists and patients. Mechanical complications of the implant include abutment screw loosening, screw fracture, loss of implant prostheses, and implant fracture. This case report aims to describe management of a case of fixture damage that occurred after screw fracture in a tissue level, internal connection implant and microscopic evaluation of the fractured fixture. A trephine bur was used to remove the fixture, and the socket was grafted using allogeneic bone material. The failed implant was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which revealed a fractured fixture with both normal and irregular bone patterns. The SEM and EDS results give an enlightenment of the failed fixture surface micromorphology with microfracture and contaminated chemical compositions. Noticeably, the significantly high level of gold (Au) on the implant surface and the trace amounts of Au and titanium (Ti) in the bone tissue were recorded, which might have resulted from instability and micro-movement of the implant-abutment connection over an extended period of time. Further study with larger number of patient and different types of implants is needed for further conclusion.

Reasonable necessity of preoperative laboratory tests in office-based oral and maxillofacial surgery

Objectives@#As medical history before surgery is often based on patient reporting, there is the possibility that patients intentionally hide underlying diseases or that dentists cannot recognize abnormal health states. Therefore, more professional and reliable treatment processes are needed under the Korean dental specialist system. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the necessity of a preoperative blood testing routine prior to office-based surgery under local anesthesia. @*Patients and Methods@#Preoperative blood lab data for 5,022 patients from January 2018 to December 2019 were assembled. Study participants were those who underwent extraction or implant surgery under local anesthesia at Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Preoperative blood tests included complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, serum electrolyte, serology, and blood coagulation data. Values outside of the normal range were considered an “abnormality,” and the percentage of abnormalities among the total number of patients was calculated. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of underlying disease. The rates of abnormalities in the blood tests were compared between groups. Chi-square tests were performed to compare data from the two groups, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. @*Results@#The percentages of males and females in the study were 48.0% and 52.0%, respectively. Of all patients, 17.0% (Group B) reported known systemic disease, while 83.0% (Group A) reported no specific medical history. There were significant differences between Groups A and B in CBC, coagulation panel, electrolytes, and chemistry panel (P<0.05). In Group A, the results of blood tests that required a change in procedure were identified even though the proportion was very small. @*Conclusion@#Preoperative blood tests for office-based surgery can detect underlying medical conditions that are difficult to identify from patient history alone and can prevent unexpected sequelae. In addition, such tests can result in a more professional treatment process and build patient confidence in the dentist.

Radiographic evaluation before surgical extraction of impacted third molar to reduce the maxillary sinus related complication

Objectives@#Surgical extraction of maxillary third molars is routine in departments devoted to oral and maxillofacial surgery. Because maxillary third molars are anatomically adjacent to the maxillary sinus, complications such as oroantral fistula and maxillary sinusitis can occur. Here we explore the factors that can cause radiographic postoperative swelling of the maxillary sinus mucosa after surgical extraction. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study reviewed the clinical records and radiographs of patients who underwent maxillary third-molar extraction. Preoperative panoramas, Waters views, and cone-beam computed tomography were performed for all patients. The patients were divided into two groups; those with and those without swelling of the sinus mucosa swelling or air-fluid level in a postoperative Waters view. We analyzed the age and sex of patients, vertical position, angulation, number of roots, and relation to the maxillary sinus between groups. Statistical analysis used logistic regression and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. @*Results@#A total of 91 patients with 153 maxillary third molars were enrolled in the study. Variables significantly related to swelling of the maxillary sinus mucosa after surgical extraction were the age and the distance between the palatal cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the maxillary sinus floor (P<0.05). Results of the analysis show that the relationship between the CEJ and sinus floor was likely to affect postoperative swelling of the maxillary sinus mucosa. @*Conclusion@#Maxillary third molars are anatomically adjacent to the maxillary sinus and require careful handling when the maxillary sinus is pneumatized to the CEJ of teeth.

Analysis of acute sinusitis-related early failed implant surface: a combined histological, electron microscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy approach / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#Even though dental implants are a reliable choice for dental rehabilitation, implant failures due to various etiologies have been reported. Early implant failures account for 2 to 6% of installed implants and are reported to have a higher rate than late failures, regardless of loading time. We herein report three cases of acute sinusitis and early implant failure with implants that failed within 1 month after installation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface properties of early failed implants and peri-implant tissue to determine the early osseointegration pattern in acute sinusitis-related failed implants as well as the possible role of surface contamination in the failure of osseointegration. @*Results@#A combined histological, electron microscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy approach was used to characterize the surface of non-osseointegrated titanium implants and the surrounding biological tissues. Morphologic scanning electron microscopy revealed a heterogeneous surface and irregular osseointegration. The implant surface was covered mostly by carbon- and oxygen-rich organic matter. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy surface analysis of three implants showed the incorporation of some contaminants in both the upper and apical regions. Carbon, nitrogen, sodium, silicon, chlorine, sulfur, gold, and zirconium were detected on the surface of one or more failed implants. Fibrosis, lymphocytic, and macrophage infiltrates and a high activation of osteoclasts surrounding the bone graft particles were detected in the surrounding tissues. @*Conclusions@#The etiology and mechanism of early implant failure, especially in sinus-related cases, as well as the proper management interventions to minimize the rate of early implant failures, are of great concern. No matter how confident and accurate the surgeon’s operation, there may be unknown errors in the whole procedure that no one knows about. Rather than errors related to the implant surface, it is expected that there were invisible problems during the evaluation of the patient’s own unique sinus mucosal inflammation or the operator’s own procedure. Furthermore, well-designed researches are necessary to reveal the effect of material-related factors on acute sinus complication and early implant failure.

Oral Manifestation of Unknown Hematopoietic Malignancy

Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive type of hematopoietic malignancy that is comparatively common in children and young people. It is important that Burkitt lymphoma be diagnosed as early as possible for prompt intervention due to its rapidly progressive, high-grade malignant nature. Dentists, especially maxillofacial surgeons, can play a life-saving role in patients with such unknown malignancy as the first clinical or radiological manifestation might occur in the oral region.

Next generation sequencing-based salivary biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Selection of potential disease-specific biomarkers from saliva or epithelial tissues through next generation sequencing (NGS)-based protein studies has recently become possible. The early diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been difficult, if not impossible, until now due to the lack of an effective OSCC biomarker and efficient molecular validation method. The aim of this study was to summarize the advances in the application of NGS in cancer research and to propose potential proteomic and genomic saliva biomarkers for NGS-based study in OSCC screening and diagnosis programs. We have reviewed four categories including definitions and use of NGS, salivary biomarkers and OSCC, current biomarkers using the NGSbased technique, and potential salivary biomarker candidates in OSCC using NGS

Histopathology and ultrastructural findings of pediatric sialolithiasis:a brief communication

Sialolithiasis is a condition in which the salivary gland excretory duct is obstructed due to the formation of calcareous deposits and is uncommon in children compared to adults. The treatment modalities range from a conservative approach involving hydration to a surgical approach. Though several studies have analyzed the sialolith micromorphology structures, studies on pediatric sialoliths remain scarce. This brief communication aims to describe the sialolith micromorphology to understand the mechanism of mineralization and growth of pediatric sialoliths. A 6-year-old Korean female presented with swelling under her tongue. The intraoral examination revealed a painless yellowish hard mass beneath the tongue near the Wharton’s duct which was suspected as a sialolith. After receiving the informed consent, the sialolithotomy was performed under local anesthesia. The obtained stone was analyzed through histopathology and transmission electron microscope examinations to understand the mechanism of mineralization and growth of pediatric sialolith. The micromorphology and growth processes of pediatric sialolith remain undescribed. More comprehensive microscopic studies are needed regarding their distinctive characteristics. By expanding knowledge about sialoliths micromorphology, development of new preventive, diagnostic and patient-tailored treatment methods of pediatric sialolithiasis will be enhanced.

Acquired synechia of the tongue to the mouth floor

Sodium hydroxide or caustic soda is a corrosive agent that can cause extensive damage to the oral mucosa, lips, and tongue when ingested either accidentally or intentionally. These injuries include microstomia, shallow vestibule, ankyloglossia, speech impairment, loss of teeth and impairment in facial expression. In the present article, we report a unique case of tongue adhesion to the mouth floor and its surgical management in a 66-year-old female patient, who had a history of caustic soda ingestion.

Solitary plasmacytoma in the maxillary sinus: 10-year follow-up

Solitary plasmacytoma (SP) is an uncommon form of plasma cell neoplasm occurring intraosseously or in soft tissue and presents as a single mass of monoclonal plasma cells. SP in the maxillary sinus is rare and can be misdiagnosed as other maxillary sinus tumors. The essential examinations in patients with the initial diagnosis of plasmacytoma are bone marrow biopsy, serum and urine electrophoresis, and kappa/lambda ratio (κ:λ ratio) to rule out multiple myeloma (MM). Herein, a rare case of SP in the maxillary sinus treated by surgery and localized radiation is reported. At the 10-year follow-up examination, local recurrence or disseminated development of MM were not evident.

Large myxomatous odontogenic tumor in the jaw: a case series

Objectives@#Myxomatous odontogenic tumors (MOTs) are the third most common odontogenic tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region. Due to its slow-growing, but locally invasive nature, the tumor is usually detected by accident or only when it becomes a large mass, which causes facial deformity. @*Materials and Methods@#Current study reports three unusual cases of MOT including huge myxoma involve the mandible in middle-aged man, MOT with ossifying fibroma pattern in mandible, and MOT in maxilla of young female patient. The diagnosis and treatment strategy of MOTs was also summarized and updated. @*Results@#In reported three cases of patients with large MOTs, surgical treatment was indicated with fibular free flap reconstruction in the mandible and plate reconstruction in the maxilla. The tumors were successfully treated with radical resection and did not show signs of recurrence during the followup period. @*Conclusion@#Surgical treatment indication depends on size, the position of the lesion, patient systemic condition and surgeon individual experience.In the case of a large tumor, radical resection and reconstruction is the standard surgical strategy. The conservative surgical treatment including enucleation with wide curettage is still under controversy. The recurrence rate for MOTs is significantly high, up to 30%, therefore long-term follow-up is essential.

Large myxomatous odontogenic tumor in the jaw: a case series

Objectives@#Myxomatous odontogenic tumors (MOTs) are the third most common odontogenic tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region. Due to its slow-growing, but locally invasive nature, the tumor is usually detected by accident or only when it becomes a large mass, which causes facial deformity. @*Materials and Methods@#Current study reports three unusual cases of MOT including huge myxoma involve the mandible in middle-aged man, MOT with ossifying fibroma pattern in mandible, and MOT in maxilla of young female patient. The diagnosis and treatment strategy of MOTs was also summarized and updated. @*Results@#In reported three cases of patients with large MOTs, surgical treatment was indicated with fibular free flap reconstruction in the mandible and plate reconstruction in the maxilla. The tumors were successfully treated with radical resection and did not show signs of recurrence during the followup period. @*Conclusion@#Surgical treatment indication depends on size, the position of the lesion, patient systemic condition and surgeon individual experience.In the case of a large tumor, radical resection and reconstruction is the standard surgical strategy. The conservative surgical treatment including enucleation with wide curettage is still under controversy. The recurrence rate for MOTs is significantly high, up to 30%, therefore long-term follow-up is essential.

An accurate diagnosis of odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract by different computed tomography unit setting

Due to their rarity and the lack of associated dental symptoms, odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts (OCSTs) are often misdiagnosed and confused with cutaneous lesions or non-odontogenic infections. It has been estimated that 50% of individuals affected by OCSTs are subjected to inappropriate treatments before the correct diagnosis is established. We describe the diagnosis and treatment of two cases of OCSTs. By using a computed tomography (CT) with soft tissue window setting, the extent of cortical bone destruction and the path of the sinus tract in the soft tissue was easily identified. Thus, we recommend the use of imaging techniques such as CT, which can confirm the odontogenic origin and the exact location of the OCST.

Development of a standardized mucositis and osteoradionecrosis animal model using external radiation

Objectives@#Although the side effects of radiation therapy vary from mucositis to osteomyelitis depending on the dose of radiation therapy, to date, an experimental animal model has not yet been proposed. The aim of this study was to develop an animal model for assessing complications of irradiated bone, especially to quantify the dose of radiation needed to develop a rat model. @*Materials and Methods@#Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats aged seven weeks with a mean weight of 267.59 g were used. Atraumatic extraction of a right mandibular first molar was performed. At one week after the extraction, the rats were randomized into four groups and received a single dose of external radiation administered to the right lower jaw at a level of 14, 16, 18, or 20 Gy, respectively. Clinical alopecia with body weight changes were compared and bony volumetric analysis with micro-computed tomography (CT), histologic analysis with H&E were performed. @*Results@#The progression of the skin alopecia was different depending on the irradiation dose. Micro-CT parameters including bone volume, bone volume/tissue volume, bone mineral density, and trabecular spaces, showed no significant differences. The progression of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) along with that of inflammation, fibrosis, and bone resorption, was found with increased osteoclast or fibrosis in the radiated group. As the radiation dose increases, osteoclast numbers begin to decrease and osteoclast tends to increase. Osteoclasts respond more sensitively to the radiation dose, and osteoblasts are degraded at doses above 18 Gy. @*Conclusion@#A standardized animal model clinically comparable to ORN of the jaw is a valuable tool that can be used to examine the pathophysiology of the disease and trial any potential treatment modalities. We present a methodology for the use of an experimental rat model that incorporates a guideline regarding radiation dose.

The effects of pentoxifylline and tocopherol in jaw osteomyelitis

OBJECTIVES@#Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a methylxanthine derivative that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of peripheral vessel disease and intermittent lameness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PTX and tocopherol in patients diagnosed with osteoradionecrosis (ORN), bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), and chronic osteomyelitis using digital panoramic radiographs.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#This study was performed in 25 patients who were prescribed PTX and tocopherol for treatment of ORN, BRONJ, and chronic osteomyelitis between January 2014 and May 2018 in Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Radiographic densities of the dental panorama were compared prior to starting PTX and tocopherol, at 3 months, and at 6 months after prescription. Radiographic densities were measured using Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Adobe System Inc., USA). Blood sample tests showing the degree of inflammation at the initial visit were considered the baseline and compared with results after 3 to 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney test and repeated measurement ANOVA using IBM SPSS 23.0 (IBM Corp., USA).@*RESULTS@#Eight patients were diagnosed with ORN, nine patients with BRONJ, and the other 8 patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Ten of the 25 patients were men, average age was 66.32±14.39 years, and average duration of medication was 151.8±80.65 days (range, 56–315 days). Statistically significant increases were observed in the changes between 3 and 6 months after prescription (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between ORN, BRONJ, and chronic osteomyelitis. Only erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was statistically significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05) among the white blood cell (WBC), ESR, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC).@*CONCLUSION@#Long-term use of PTX and tocopherol can be an auxiliary method in the treatment of ORN, BRONJ, or chronic osteomyelitis in jaw.

The effects of pentoxifylline and tocopherol in jaw osteomyelitis

OBJECTIVES: Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a methylxanthine derivative that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of peripheral vessel disease and intermittent lameness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PTX and tocopherol in patients diagnosed with osteoradionecrosis (ORN), bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), and chronic osteomyelitis using digital panoramic radiographs.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed in 25 patients who were prescribed PTX and tocopherol for treatment of ORN, BRONJ, and chronic osteomyelitis between January 2014 and May 2018 in Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Radiographic densities of the dental panorama were compared prior to starting PTX and tocopherol, at 3 months, and at 6 months after prescription. Radiographic densities were measured using Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Adobe System Inc., USA). Blood sample tests showing the degree of inflammation at the initial visit were considered the baseline and compared with results after 3 to 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney test and repeated measurement ANOVA using IBM SPSS 23.0 (IBM Corp., USA).RESULTS: Eight patients were diagnosed with ORN, nine patients with BRONJ, and the other 8 patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Ten of the 25 patients were men, average age was 66.32±14.39 years, and average duration of medication was 151.8±80.65 days (range, 56–315 days). Statistically significant increases were observed in the changes between 3 and 6 months after prescription (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between ORN, BRONJ, and chronic osteomyelitis. Only erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was statistically significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05) among the white blood cell (WBC), ESR, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC).CONCLUSION: Long-term use of PTX and tocopherol can be an auxiliary method in the treatment of ORN, BRONJ, or chronic osteomyelitis in jaw.

The effects of pentoxifylline and tocopherol in jaw osteomyelitis

OBJECTIVES@#Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a methylxanthine derivative that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of peripheral vessel disease and intermittent lameness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PTX and tocopherol in patients diagnosed with osteoradionecrosis (ORN), bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), and chronic osteomyelitis using digital panoramic radiographs.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#This study was performed in 25 patients who were prescribed PTX and tocopherol for treatment of ORN, BRONJ, and chronic osteomyelitis between January 2014 and May 2018 in Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Radiographic densities of the dental panorama were compared prior to starting PTX and tocopherol, at 3 months, and at 6 months after prescription. Radiographic densities were measured using Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Adobe System Inc., USA). Blood sample tests showing the degree of inflammation at the initial visit were considered the baseline and compared with results after 3 to 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney test and repeated measurement ANOVA using IBM SPSS 23.0 (IBM Corp., USA).@*RESULTS@#Eight patients were diagnosed with ORN, nine patients with BRONJ, and the other 8 patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Ten of the 25 patients were men, average age was 66.32±14.39 years, and average duration of medication was 151.8±80.65 days (range, 56–315 days). Statistically significant increases were observed in the changes between 3 and 6 months after prescription (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between ORN, BRONJ, and chronic osteomyelitis. Only erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was statistically significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05) among the white blood cell (WBC), ESR, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC).@*CONCLUSION@#Long-term use of PTX and tocopherol can be an auxiliary method in the treatment of ORN, BRONJ, or chronic osteomyelitis in jaw.

7-mm-long dental implants: retrospective clinical outcomes in medically compromised patients

OBJECTIVES: Dental implants shorter than 8 mm, called short dental implants (SDIs), have been considered to have a lower success rate than standard length implants. But recent studies have shown that SDIs have a comparable success rate, and implant diameter was more important for implant survival than implant length. Also, SDIs have many advantages, such as no need for sinus lifting or vertical bone grafting, which may limit use in medically compromised patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 33 patients with 47 implants 7-mm long were examined over the last four years. All patients had special medical history and were categorized into 3 groups: systemic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus (controlled or uncontrolled), mental disability, and uncontrolled hypertension; oral cancer ablation with reconstruction, with or without radiotherapy; diverse osteomyelitis, such as osteoradionecrosis and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Most of these patients have insufficient residual bone quality due to mandible atrophy or sinus pneumatization. RESULTS: The implant diameters were 4.0 (n=38), 4.5 (n=8), and 5.0 mm (n=1). Among the 47 implants placed, 2 implants failed before the last follow-up. The survival rate of 7-mm SDIs was 95.74% from stage I surgery to the last follow-up. Survival rates did not differ according to implant diameter. The mean marginal bone loss (MBL) at 3 months, 1 and 2 years was significantly higher than at implant installation, and the MBL at 1 year was also significantly higher than at 3 months. MBL at 1 and 2 years did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, the results indicate that SDIs provide a reliable treatment, especially for medically compromised patients, to avoid sinus lifting or vertical bone grafting. Further, long-term follow-up is needed.

Spontaneous bone regeneration after surgical extraction of a horizontally impacted mandibular third molar: a retrospective panoramic radiograph analysis / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The mandibular third molar (M3) is typically the last permanent tooth to erupt because of insufficient space and thick soft tissues covering its surface. Problems such as alveolar bone loss, development of a periodontal pocket, exposure of cementum, gingival recession, and dental caries can be found in the adjacent second molars (M2) following M3 extraction. The specific aims of the study were to assess the amount and rate of bone regeneration on the distal surface of M2 and to evaluate the aspects of bone regeneration in terms of varying degree of impaction. METHODS: Four series of panoramic radiographic images were obtained from the selected cases, including images from the first visit, immediately after extraction, 6 weeks, and 6 months after extraction. ImageJ software® (NIH, USA) was used to measure linear distance from the region of interest to the distal root of the adjacent M2. Radiographic infrabony defect (RID) values were calculated from the measured radiographic bone height and cementoenamel junction with distortion compensation. Repeated measures of analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance were conducted to analyze the statistical significant difference between RID and time, and a Spearman correlation test was conducted to assess the relationship between Pederson’s difficulty index (DI) and RID. RESULTS: A large RID (> 6 mm) can be reduced gradually and consistently over time. More than half of the samples recovered nearly to their normal healthy condition (RID ≤ 3 mm) by the 6-month follow-up. DI affected the first 6 weeks of post-extraction period and only showed a significant positive correlation with respect to the difference between baseline and final RID. CONCLUSIONS: Additional treatments on M2 for a minimum of 6 months after an M3 extraction could be recommended. Although DI may affect bone regeneration during the early healing period, further study is required to elucidate any possible factors associated with the healing process. The DI does not cause any long-term adverse effects on bone regeneration after surgical extraction.