Neurosensory issues after lateralisation of the inferior alveolar nerve and simultaneous placement of osseointegrated implants.

Our aim was to evaluate neurosensory symptoms after lateralisation of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). We studied a retrospective case series with one-year follow up that included 139 procedures in 123 patients. After the IAN had been located it was deflected from the mandibular body and the implant placed. Sensitivity was mapped 24hours, one month, six months, and one year after the intervention by gently pressing the skin and lips with the tip of a probe. A total of 337 implants were placed in 123 patients aged between 44 and 68 years. There were 33 men and 90 women and they all recovered. The IAN was mobilised by one of two procedures, one that involves the nerve directly (transposition) and one that does not (lateralisation). During lateralisation the nerve is deflected laterally through a mandibular osteotomy, while the mental nerve and mental foramen are not manipulated. The resulting hypoaesthetic area was drawn on a graph to assess its extension. Although different techniques are available for placing implants in atrophic jaws, mobilisation of the IAN is indicated in certain cases in which other techniques are not feasible or have a high risk of complications.

Sclerotherapy of face and oral cavity low flow vascular malformations: our experience.

We have reviewed our experience (15 patients during the period 2008-2012) in the treatment of low flow vascular malformations (LFVMs) of the face and oral cavity with polidocanol foam sclerotherapy. They were diagnosed clinically and with the help of Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The maximum dose recommended for each session was 20mg/day and the minimum interval between sessions was 4 weeks. Embolisation was repeated as many times as needed until the size of the lesions and the symptoms had been reduced sufficiently. Patients were followed up 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment had finished, and the size of the lesions was assessed objectively. The 8 men and 7 women were aged between 18 and 71 (mean 44) years. The lesions had reduced and symptoms had improved in all cases. During the follow-up period, one patient relapsed and developed further symptoms. The pain and postoperative inflammation were successfully controlled with an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory drug. There was only one complication (superficial necrosis), which healed completely by second intention. Direct puncture and sclerosis with polidocanol foam are an effective treatment for LFVM of the face and oral cavity.

Use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Platelet-rich plasma is a concentrate of growth factors and osteoconductive proteins, which can play a major role in bone biology by accelerating and enhancing bone repair and regeneration. This paper describes the results of using platelet-rich plasma in the management of bisphosphonate-associated necrosis of the jaw. Eight patients with a diagnosis of bisphosphonate-associated necrosis of the jaw were surgically treated for debridement and removal of necrotic bone, followed by application of autologous platelet concentrate enriched with growth factors and primary suture of the wound. Patients underwent periodic clinical and radiological follow-up examinations. All patients showed clinical improvement and oral lesions resolved 2-4 weeks after treatment. After an average 14-month follow up period, patients remained asymptomatic. Although not conclusive, the combination of necrotic-bone curettage and platelet-rich-plasma to treat refractory osteonecrosis of the jaw yielded promising results.