Do lower third molars increase the risk of complications during mandibular sagittal split osteotomy? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether the presence of third molars (3Ms) during sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible increases the risk of complications. Searches were conducted using MEDLINE via PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Central, Scopus, DOSS, and SIGLE via OpenGrey up to December 2020. Fifteen articles were included for evaluation and 14 in the meta-analysis, with a total of 3909 patients and 7651 sagittal split osteotomies (670 complications). Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) exposure in the proximal segment was the most frequent complication (n = 409), followed by bad splits (n = 151). Meta-analysis revealed no significant increase in the incidence of 3M-related IAN exposure (P = 0.45), post-surgical infections (P = 0.15), osteosynthesis material removal (P = 0.37), or bad splits (P = 0.23). The presence of 3Ms was associated with a reduced risk of nerve disorder (P = 0.05) and favoured bad splits in the lingual plate (P = 0.005). The quality of evidence was very low, mainly due to non-randomized study designs, high risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. This systematic review suggests that the removal of 3Ms before sagittal mandibular osteotomy does not reduce the incidence of complications. Thus, we recommend future better-designed studies with rigorous methodologies and adjustments for confounding factors.

Effect of maxillary advancement on speech and velopharyngeal function of patients with cleft palate: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review (SR) aimed to evaluate speech and velopharyngeal function (VPF) changes of patients with cleft palate (CLP) after maxillary advancement (MA) surgery. A two-phase PROSPERO-registered SR (CRD42019141370) was conducted following the PRISMA statements. Search strategies were developed for main databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, COCHRANE, LILACS, and EBSCOhost) and Grey literature information sources. The GRADE tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. From a total of 908 articles, 10 (205 men and 147 women; mean age ranging from 18.0 to 25.7 years) were selected for meta-analysis. Moderate to high risk of bias (Rob) was observed. The most common methods for outcomes evaluation were the Nasometer (speech) and nasoendoscopy (VPF). Speech changed from normal to hypernasal, and VPF worsening were reported in most studies. Comparing maxillary advancement interventions (osteogenic distraction versus Le Fort I), no statistically significant differences were found regarding benefit on speech and VPF. In summary, the effect of MA on speech and VPF remains controversial in CLP patients. The RoB, inconsistencies, and imprecisions severely affected the overall quality of evidence. Further adequately delineated clinical studies are necessary to investigate the potential effect of MA interventions on speech and VPF in CLP patients.

Evaluation of bone texture imaging parameters on panoramic radiographs of patients with Sheehan's syndrome: a STROBE-compliant case-control study.

Sheehan's syndrome (SHS) is a rare condition related to the risk of osteoporosis and evaluation of bone texture imaging features on panoramic radiographs would be suitable for this condition, which was the aim of the present study. Fractal dimension, lacunarity, and trabecular morphologic aspects were significantly altered in these patients. INTRODUCTION: SHS is an important public health problem particularly in developing countries. It is characterized as postpartum hypopituitarism secondary to obstetric complications-related ischemic pituitary necrosis that shows significant systemic metabolic repercussions. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate bone texture parameters in digital panoramic radiographs of patients with SHS. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 30 SHS patients from an Endocrinology and Diabetology Service of reference in Brazil, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. A custom computer program measured fractal dimension, lacunarity, and some morphologic features in the following mandibular regions of interest (50 × 50 pixels): below the mental foramen (F1), between the first and second molars (M1), and at the center of the mandibular ramus (R1). RESULTS: The fractal analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the studied groups in all regions of interest. The fractal dimension in F1 (p = 0.016), M1 (p = 0.043), and R1 (p = 0.028) was significantly lower in SHS group, as well as lacunarity in R1 (p = 0.008). Additionally, several morphologic features were statistically significant in the SHS group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Therefore, individuals with SHS showed altered imaging texture parameters on panoramic radiographs, which reflect a smaller spatial organization of the bone trabeculae and, possibly, a state of reduced mineral bone density.

Dental status, salivary flow, and sociodemographic aspects in Sheehan Syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND: Sheehan's syndrome (SS) is one of the leading causes of hypopituitarism in developing countries. It occurs after postpartum necrosis of the pituitary gland, and it is considered a significant public health problem. This paper, apparently unpublished, aimed to perform an analysis on oral aspects in patients with SS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 23 women diagnosed with SS at the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes (Walter Cantidio University Hospital, Fortaleza, Brazil). RESULTS: Data on sociodemographic, dental and salivary flow aspects were collected through a clinical approach and a panoramic radiograph request. The mean age was 64 ± 11.5 years old, with the sample consisting mainly of married women (56.5%), socioeconomic class C2 or D / E (78.2%) and years of education up to 8 years (69.5%). The presence of horizontal bone loss (p<0.001) and bilateral pneumatization of the maxillary sinus (p=0.015) were significant data. The mean number of absent teeth considering all subjects was 23.17±9.7, being statistically significant (p<0.001). In relation to age, the mean number of missing teeth was higher in individuals over 65 years old (p=0.048). Reduced salivary flow was observed in 78.3% of the patients. In a bivariate analysis, considering the outcome variables missing teeth and reduced salivary flow, it was observed that economic class (p<0.001), family income (0.037) and maxillary sinus pneumatization (0.032) were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In brief, patients with SS showed severe teeth loss, reduced salivary flow, and low educational status. This study addressed important aspects regarding oral findings in SS and highlighted the importance of researches in oral medicine.

Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications among 2,500 digital panoramic radiographs of an adult Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiological data of digital panoramic radiographs revealing suggestive images of carotid artery calcifications (CAC) from a Northeast Brazilian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 2,500 digital panoramic radiographs obtained from a single imaging reference center in Northeast Brazil. Images from individuals of both sexes and older than 18 years were included and those that did not cover the region of cervical vertebrae or presented low radiographic quality were excluded. Data were analyzed regarding prevalence, location (bilateral, right or left), sex, and age using the Chi-square test at the significance level of 5%. RESULTS: An amount of 96 (4%) patients presented suggestive images of CAC. The female sex (p=0.003) and individuals aged up to 70 years (p=0.002) were statically significant. 40.4% were found bilaterally, 37.6% on the right side (p<0.001) and 22% on the left side. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study showed a low prevalence of suggestive images of CAC in digital panoramic radiographs from a Northeast Brazilian population. It was observed a higher prevalence of CAC associated with female sex, older patients, and right side location.

Occupational group, educational level, marital status and deleterious habits among individuals with maxillofacial fractures: retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the occupational profile, educational level, marital status and deleterious habits to the health of patients with maxillofacial fractures of a population of northeastern Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients records admitted to the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Walter Cantidio University Hospital (Fortaleza, Brazil) who sustained maxillofacial fractures was conducted in the period between 2006 and 2015. RESULTS: A total of 338 patients rendered 355 fractures. Males were the most affected (p <0.001), with prevalence in the third decade of life (p <0.001). There was a predominance of motorcycle accidents (p <0.001), home workers (p <0.001), low educational status (p = 0.032), and no cigarette use (p <0.001) or alcohol (p = 0.023). Fractures of the zygomatic-orbital complex were the most prevalent in the sample (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The sociodemographic profile exerted a significant influence on the epidemiological profile of maxillofacial fractures in a Brazilian population during the study period.

Effect of pre-emptive analgesia on clinical parameters and tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in third molar surgery: a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

This study aimed to evaluate whether pre-emptive analgesia modifies the tissue expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), and whether there is an association with postoperative surgical outcomes. A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of patients undergoing mandibular third molar removal was performed. Volunteers were allocated randomly to receive etoricoxib 120 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg, or placebo 1h before surgery. Twenty-four surgical sites per group were required (95% confidence level and 80% statistical power). Pain scores differed significantly between groups (P<0.001). Etoricoxib and ibuprofen reduced pain scores compared to placebo (P<0.05). Pain scores peaked at 4h postoperative in the experimental groups, but at 2h postoperative in the placebo group (P<0.05). A significant reduction in TNF-α concentration from time 0' to time 30' was seen for ibuprofen (P=0.001) and etoricoxib (P=0.016). The ibuprofen group showed a significant reduction in IL-1ß levels from time 0' to time 30' (P=0.038). In conclusion, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels and the inflammatory events in third molar surgery were inversely associated with the degree of cyclooxygenase 2 selectivity of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used pre-emptively. Patients given pre-emptive analgesia showed significant reductions in the clinical parameters pain, trismus, and oedema when compared to the placebo group.

A split-mouth, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study to analyze the pre-emptive effect of etoricoxib 120 mg on inflammatory events following removal of unerupted mandibular third molars.

Pain after third molar extraction has been considered the most suitable pharmaceutical model to evaluate acute pain. This study aimed to evaluate the pre-emptive analgesic/anti-inflammatory efficacy of etoricoxib 120 mg following mandibular third molar surgery. A split-mouth, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with patients undergoing the surgical removal of mandibular third molars. All volunteers were allocated randomly to receive either etoricoxib 120 mg or placebo 1h preoperatively, and inflammatory events were evaluated. An estimated sample of 18 surgical units per group was required based on a pilot study (95% confidence level and 80% statistical power). Rescue medication was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method through log-rank Mantel-Cox test and Pearson linear correlation (P<0.05). Pre-emptive etoricoxib reduced postoperative pain scores significantly in comparison to placebo (P<0.001), with a pain score peak at 6h after surgery (P<0.001). The mean rescue medication consumption was lower in the etoricoxib group compared to the placebo group over the study period (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups related to swelling and trismus. The pre-emptive administration of etoricoxib 120 mg significantly reduced the postoperative pain intensity and the need for rescue medication, but did not reduce swelling or trismus.

Comparative efficacy of nimesulide and ketoprofen on inflammatory events in third molar surgery: a split-mouth, prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

This study aimed to compare the effect of nimesulide and ketoprofen on inflammatory parameters related to the surgical removal of third molars. A split-mouth, prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in patients undergoing removal of four third molars. Eighteen eligible patients were allocated to one of two groups to receive treatment two times a day with either ketoprofen 100 mg or nimesulide 100 mg for a period of 3 days. The rescue medication intake (number) and pain intensity were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, and at 7 days postoperatively. Swelling and maximum mouth opening were evaluated at 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days postoperatively. The peak pain score occurred at 6h after surgery in the nimesulide group and at 12h in the ketoprofen group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups, although pain relief was observed after 48 h in the nimesulide group and after 7 days in the ketoprofen group. For each group, there was a statically significant difference in pain scores among the studied periods (P<0.0001). None of the patients required rescue medication. There was a statistically significant difference in maximum mouth opening between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P<0.0001). Ketoprofen and nimesulide were effective at controlling pain, swelling, and trismus after the surgical removal of third molars.

Enamel and dentin mineralization in familial hypophosphatemic rickets: a micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to analyse the mineralization pattern of enamel and dentin in patients affected by X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR) using micro-CT (µCT), and to associate enamel and dentin mineralization in primary and permanent teeth with tooth position, gender and the presence/absence of this disease. METHODS: 19 teeth were collected from 5 individuals from the same family, 1 non-affected by XLHR and 4 affected by XLHR. Gender, age, tooth position (anterior/posterior) and tooth type (deciduous/permanent) were recorded for each patient. Following collection, teeth were placed in 0.1% thymol solution until µCT scan. Projection images were reconstructed and analysed. A plot profile describing the greyscale distance relationship in µCT images was achieved through a line bisecting each tooth in a region with the presence of enamel and dentin. The enamel and dentin mineralization densities were measured and compared. Univariate ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests were used for all comparisons. RESULTS: Teeth of all affected patients presented dentin with a different mineralization pattern compared with the teeth of healthy patients with dentin defects observed next to the pulp chambers. Highly significant differences were found for gray values between anterior and posterior teeth (p < 0.05), affected and non-affected (p < 0.05), as well as when position and disease status were considered (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the mineralization patterns of dentin differed when comparing teeth from patients with and without FHR, mainly next to pulp chambers where areas with porosity and consequently lower mineral density and dentin defects were found.

Do erupted third molars weaken the mandibular angle after trauma to the chin region? A 3D finite element study.

It has been suggested that third molars increase mandibular fragility because they do not contribute to its strength. For ethical reasons, a human study design that would permit the elucidation of this interference is not possible. This study evaluated the impact of the presence of erupted third molars on the mandibular angle of resistance when submitted to trauma. A three-dimensional (3D) mandibular model was obtained through finite element methodology using computed tomography (CT) with the geometry and mechanical properties to reproduce a normal mandibular structure. Human mandibles with no, one or two erupted third molars were evaluated. Whenever the third molar was present there was a greater concentration of tensions around the cervical part of its alveolus. Approximated Von Mises equivalent stress of the third molar region was 107.035 MPa in the mandible with teeth and 64.6948 MPa in the mandible without teeth. In the condylar region it was 151.65 MPa when the third molar was present and 184.496 MPa when it was absent. The digital models created proved that the mandibular angle becomes more fragile in the presence of third molars. When they are absent the energy concentrates on the lateral e posterior aspect of the condylar neck.

Do third molars weaken the mandibular angle?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to estimate how is the magnitude of the impact of a mandibular third molar on the mandibular angle stiffness. STUDY DESIGN: It was performed a literature search on whole MEDLINE and LILACS data base to find articles that match the following inclusion criteria: cohort studies presenting data on patients with mandibular fractures and third molars; that had a similar angle fracture definition; and that present data available to be cross-classified in a statistic analysis. RESULTS: The sample was composed by 4 studies, involving 2533 patients from USA, Nigeria, Germany and Jordan, evaluated between 1976 and 2001. The analysis of the sample shows a relative risk for a mandibula to fracture, comparing patients with and without third molars, ranging from 1,18 to 2,25. The data of the sample was grouped because of the homogeneity of the articles methods. The estimated relative risk across the 4 studies was 1,94 (95% CI 1,6 - 2,35). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a third molar may double the risk of an angle fracture of the mandible to occur. Even with this data, the present study cannot support conditions related to the third molar that may affect this impact. Further studies are necessary to discuss the true indication of removal of these teeth as a prophylactic measure in population groups more predisposed to fracture.