Risk factors associated with short dental implant success: a long-term retrospective evaluation of patients followed up for up to 9 years.

This multicenter study aimed to identify the different implant- and patient-related risk factors for long-term short dental implant success. Through a retrospective chart review of three centers, patient information regarding demographic variables, smoking habits, history of periodontitis, systemic diseases, and medications in addition to the parameters for short implant placement including implant manufacturer, design, anatomical location, diameter and length, and type of placement was collected. For statistical analysis, univariate regression models were used at the implant and patient levels. A total of 460 short implants placed in 199 patients followed up for up to 9 years were reviewed. Survival rates of the short implants were 95.86% and 92.96% and success rates were 90% and 83.41% for implant- and patient-based analysis, respectively. Peri-implantitis was reported as the primary cause of short dental implant failure (34/46, 73.91%). Univariate regression models revealed that female sex was strongly related to short implant success. In addition, smoking and history of periodontitis were found to have a significant negative influence on short implant success at the implant and patient levels. Taken together, these results support the use of short implants as a predictable longterm treatment option; however, smoking and history of periodontitis are suggested to be the potential risk factors for short implant success. Therefore, clinicians need to assess these potential risk factors and make treatment decisions accordingly.

Systemic effects of H2S inhalation at human equivalent dose of pathologic halitosis on rats.

OBJECTIVES: Halitosis is composed by hundreds of toxic gases. It is still not clear whether halitosis gases self-inhaled by halitosis patients cause side effects. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of H2S inhalation at a low concentration (human equivalent dose of pathologic halitosis) on rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The threshold level of pathologic halitosis perceived by humans at 250 ppb of H2S was converted to rat equivalent concentration (4.15 ppm). In the experimental group, 8 rats were exposed to H2S via continuous inhalation but not the control rats. After 50 days, blood parameters were measured and tissue samples were obtained from the brain, kidney and liver and examined histopathologically to determine any systemic effect. RESULTS: While aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase levels were found to be significantly elevated, carbondioxide and alkaline phosphatase were decreased in experimental rats. Other blood parameters were not changed significantly. Experimental rats lost weight and became anxious. Histopathological examination showed mononuclear inflammatory cell invasion in the portal areas, nuclear glycogen vacuoles in the parenchymal area, single-cell necrosis in a few foci, clear expansion in the central hepatic vein and sinusoids, hyperplasia in Kupffer cells and potential fibrous tissue expansion in the portal areas in the experimental rats. However, no considerable histologic damage was observed in the brain and kidney specimens. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that H2S inhalation equivalent to pathologic halitosis producing level in humans may lead to systemic effects, particularly heart or liver damage in rats.

Reduction of isolated zygomatic arch fractures using dental instrument: Report of 2 cases and review of the literature.

To assess the effectiveness of a dental instrument for reduction of isolated zygomatic arch fractures. Two patients were admitted to our clinic representing isolated unilateral zygomatic arch fracture. The common presenting complaints were pain, swelling and difficulty in mouth opening. Fractures were confirmed with plain radiography and computerized tomography. The fractures were reduced with upper buccal sulcus approach by dental instrument. Patients achieved satisfactory maximum mouth opening within 10 days. At follow up after 6 months, there was complete healing without any complication. This procedure is cost effective, time saving, safe and effective to manage isolated zygomatic arch fractures under local anaesthesia with satisfactory outcomes.

Prevalence of tongue lesions among Turkish schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVES: To collect data on the prevalence of tongue lesions of Turkish schoolchildren in 3 different population samples in Ankara, and to analyze the relationship between tongue lesions and gender, oral hygiene, and income levels. METHODS: Nine hundred and six schoolchildren aged 6-12 participated in this study between March 2004 and July 2004 in Ankara, Turkey. Of the 906 schoolchildren, 442 were girls and 464 were boys from 3 primary schools. We examined all the children for the presence of the following tongue lesions: 1) ankyloglossia, 2) bifid tongue, 3) fissured tongue, 4) geographic tongue, 5) median rhomboid glossitis, 6) lingual thyroid nodule, 7) atrophic tongue, 8) hairy tongue, 9) crenation tongue, 10) furred tongue, 11) macroglossia, 12) microglossia, and 13) lingual or sublingual varicosities. RESULTS: Of the 906 subjects, we detected 45 subjects with tongue lesions with a prevalence of 4.95%. We found lesions more frequently in boys (6%) than in girls (4.5%). However, these results were statistically insignificant. Oral lesions commonly found were geographic tongue (1.8%), ankyloglossia (1.3%), fissured tongue (0.9%), bifid tongue (0.4%), hairy tongue (0.2%) and macroglossia (0.2%), lingual thyroid nodule (0.1%). We did not find any of the following lesions: median rhomboid glossitis, atrophic tongue, crenation tongue, furred tongue, microglossia, lingual, or sublingual varicosities. CONCLUSION: The tongue has a special importance due to its localization. It can readily affect a patient's social life because of lesions and various symptoms. The localization of tongue may also play important role in diagnosis for systematic, hormonal, and allergic disorders.