Conservative Management of Odontogenic Fibromyxoma of the Maxilla: A Case Report.

Odontogenic fibromyxoma typically presents as painless swelling in the jaw, and clinically, it grows slowly, becoming benign and asymptomatic. It causes the cortical plates to expand gradually, which leads to mobility and drifting of the teeth. Root resorption is also common. The tumor is locally aggressive in nature. It is also known to have a high recurrence rate. We present the case of a 30-year-old female patient who was diagnosed and treated for odontogenic fibromyxoma of the maxilla conservatively with enucleation. The radiograph showed a multilocular lesion, which can be confused with ameloblastoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, or odontogenic keratocyst. Hence, with proper clinical, radiographic, and histopathological examination, a correct diagnosis can be made and adequate treatment can be planned.

Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis Needed for the Extraction of Premolars for Orthodontic Purposes?

Introduction Antibiotic prophylaxis for tooth extractions is a common practice in dentistry to prevent postoperative infections. However, the routine use of antibiotics has been questioned due to concerns about bacterial resistance and potential side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the necessity of postoperative antibiotics in patients undergoing orthodontic tooth extraction. Materials and methods This prospective study involved 100 patients requiring orthodontic tooth extraction, divided into two groups. The patients were recruited from Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India, after obtaining approval from the Institutional Human Ethics Committee, Saveetha Dental College (approval number: IHEC/SDC/OMFS-2103/23/293). Group 1 (n = 50) received antibiotics (amoxicillin 500 mg, three times a day for three days) after extraction, while Group 2 (n = 50) did not receive antibiotics. Postoperative infection was assessed on postoperative days (POD) 3 and 7. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 (released 2019, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, and differences between groups were assessed using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The incidence of postoperative infection was recorded in both groups. In group 1 at POD 3 and POD 7, there were two patients and one patient with infection, respectively. In group 2 at POD 3 and POD 7, there were four patients and two patients with infection, respectively. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that the routine administration of antibiotics for the non-traumatic extraction of teeth in healthy patients might not be necessary. The absence of postoperative infections in patients who did not receive antibiotics indicates that antibiotics may be avoidable in many cases of orthodontic tooth extraction. These results emphasize the importance of reconsidering the widespread use of antibiotics to combat the growing concern of bacterial resistance. Antibiotics should be prescribed judiciously, only for patients with specific medical conditions who are prone to infection. One of the limitations of this study is the limited sample size; hence, studies with larger and heterogeneous groups should be done to validate the same.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Corticosteroids With Enzymatic Agents in the Postoperative Sequelae for Lower Third Molar Surgery: A Prospective Study.

Introduction The presence of impacted third molars is a prevalent problem associated with varying degrees of difficulty in extraction and potential consequences, including pain, swelling, and trismus. According to studies, enzymatic combinations, such as bromelain, rutoside, trypsin, and serratiopeptidase, are known to have a very promising role in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. This study compared natural enzymatic agents with corticosteroids for postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus in the impacted lower third molar surgery. Objectives The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of prednisolone, a combination of trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, rutoside, and papain, and serratiopeptidase in the postoperative sequelae after surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. The primary objective was to assess the difference in swelling between the three groups. The secondary objectives were to assess the difference in postoperative pain and trismus between the three groups. Materials and methods A total of 150 patients who presented to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery for surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar with a moderately difficult score of 5-7 in the Pederson difficulty index were chosen for a prospective study. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the postoperative drug prescribed. In group 1, prednisolone 10 mg was prescribed; in group 2, a combination of trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, rutoside, and papain was prescribed; and in group 3, serratiopeptidase 15 mg was prescribed. All patients were prescribed a combination drug of aceclofenac 100 mg and paracetamol 325 mg twice daily as a standard analgesic. Swelling, pain, and trismus in each patient were recorded preoperatively and at postoperative day one and day seven. The Friedman test was employed to evaluate the variation in pain levels within the groups over time, while the Kruskal-Wallis test was utilized to investigate the disparity in pain levels between the groups. The difference in swelling and trismus within the groups across the timeline was measured by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the difference in swelling and trismus between the groups was measured by one-way ANOVA. A p-value below 0.05 was deemed to be statistically significant. Results Group 1 showed less swelling, pain, and trismus on both postoperative day one and day seven compared to group 2 and group 3, which was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). It was found that swelling, pain, and trismus measurements in postoperative day one and day seven in group 2 were comparatively less than in group 3. Neither group demonstrated any side effects or other complications during the follow-up period. Conclusion It can be concluded that the use of prednisolone postoperatively following surgical removal of the mandibular third molar provided better relief with regard to pain, trismus, and swelling compared to the enzymatic agents. Among enzymatic agents, a combination of trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, rutoside, and papain was better in reducing pain, trismus, and swelling than serratiopeptidase drug.

Comparison of Pain Perception Between Local Infiltration and Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Injection Techniques in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Lower Premolar Extractions.

Introduction The most frequently used local anesthesia administration techniques for extraction of lower teeth in dentistry are local infiltration and inferior alveolar nerve block. Therapeutic extraction of premolars is the most common procedure done for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Inferior alveolar nerve block has been used most commonly for extraction of mandibular posterior teeth; however, it is a technique-sensitive procedure and has complications such as facial nerve palsy, trismus, and long duration of anesthesia. Local infiltration is a simple and effective technique for anesthetizing teeth prior to extraction. Aim This study aims to compare the efficacy of local anesthesia administered through inferior alveolar nerve block and local infiltration techniques for extraction of lower premolar teeth for orthodontic purposes. Materials and methods A prospective comparative study was conducted for a period of six months in which a total of 100 patients who were referred for extraction of lower premolar teeth for orthodontic purposes were included. Among 100 patients, 60 patients were males, and 40 patients were females with a mean age of 16.5 ± 1.25 years. The patients were equally divided into two groups, in which Group 1 received local infiltration and Group 2 received an inferior alveolar nerve block. The outcome parameters assessed were pain during injection and pain during extraction using the visual analog scale (VAS) score and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale score. Statistical analysis was done using an independent sample t-test with SPSS version 23.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) at p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results The difference in mean pain scores between the two groups during injection as assessed using the Faces Pain Rating Scale (p = 0.001) and VAS (p = 0.001) was statistically significant, with the infiltration group exhibiting less pain than the inferior alveolar nerve block group. The difference in mean pain scores between the two groups during extraction as assessed using the Faces Pain Rating Scale (p = 0.308) and VAS (p = 0.350) was statistically not significant, with the infiltration group not significantly differing from the inferior alveolar nerve block group. Thus, the pain during local infiltration was significantly lesser when compared to the inferior alveolar nerve block during injection, whereas pain perception during extraction was similar in patients with both injection techniques. Conclusion It can be concluded that local infiltration is less painful for the patient during injection and as efficacious as nerve block for extraction, hence local infiltration can be routinely used for lower premolar orthodontic extractions.

Extraoral Versus Intraoral Approach for Removal of Styloid Process in Treatment of Eagle's Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases.

Eagle's syndrome, a condition associated with the elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, is clinically characterized by throat and neck pain radiating into the mastoid region. The diagnosis can be made through a thorough history, correct clinical and pathological correlation and radiographic examination. The elongated styloid process can be treated conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment options include transpharyngeal injections of steroids and lignocaine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diazepam, and the application of heat. The surgical management of Eagle's syndrome consists of two major approaches: the transoral and the transcervical approaches. In this paper, we present a comparative study of two cases of classic bilateral elongated styloid process syndrome, treated with transcervical styloidectomy and transoral styloidectomy, their surgical time, intraoperative difficulties and complications, and recovery time. In conclusion, the management of Eagle's syndrome requires a comprehensive approach that includes a thorough preoperative evaluation of the length of the styloid process via imaging and digital palpation. The choice of surgical approach, whether extraoral or transpharyngeal, should be based on factors such as the surgeon's experience and the patient's comorbidities, as well as the length and palpability of the styloid process. Our comparative study of two cases treated with transcervical and transoral styloidectomy demonstrated that the extraoral method offers a direct and well-controlled approach for excessive styloid processes, while the transpharyngeal approach is preferred for cases where the process can be easily identified by palpation. Therefore, proper patient selection and preoperative planning are essential to achieving successful outcomes with minimal complications.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Four Different Irrigation Solutions on Postoperative Sequelae in Patients Undergoing Lower Third Molar Surgery: A Prospective Study.

Introduction Oral and maxillofacial surgeons frequently perform the removal of impacted mandibular third molars. The success of this surgical intervention depends on meticulous surgical technique and the use of appropriate irrigants to minimize complications in the postoperative period.  Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of four different irrigation solutions (povidone-iodine, metronidazole, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), and normal saline) on postoperative sequelae like pain, trismus, swelling, and alveolar osteitis following surgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and methods The current research was a randomized study carried out at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital in Chennai, India, from December 2022 to March 2023. The study population consisted of 112 participants who were referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. The population was divided into four groups, with 28 in each group. They were categorized as A, B, C, and D based on the final irrigation solution used after surgical removal of the impacted teeth. In group A, patients received 0.5% povidone-iodine as the final irrigation solution; group B received 1% metronidazole; group C received 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX); and group D received 0.9% normal saline. Patients were examined on the first and seventh postoperative days to assess pain, swelling, trismus, and alveolar osteitis. The results were analyzed with SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) software for Windows (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.  Results Group B experienced significantly less pain than groups A, C, and D on the first and seventh postoperative days (p<0.05). The facial swelling was significantly less on the first and seventh postoperative day in group B compared to groups A, B, and D (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant variation observed in trismus (mouth opening) across the groups on both the first postoperative and seventh postoperative days. The presence of alveolar osteitis was seen in groups A, C, and D, but no instances were reported in group B. Conclusion It can be concluded that among the four irrigation solutions used in the lower third molar surgery, metronidazole irrigation solution yielded the best results in terms of less pain, swelling, and alveolar osteitis followed by chlorhexidine. There was no difference between povidone-iodine irrigation and normal saline irrigation on the postoperative sequelae. Postoperative trismus does not depend on the irrigation solution used in the third molar surgery.

Modified Retromandibular Approach for the Management of Condylar Fractures of the Mandible.

Condylar fractures of the mandible have been of particular interest to surgeons for decades, as there is a big debate regarding the management option: conservative versus surgical modality. Conservative treatment is the preferred treatment modality for condylar head (diacapitular) fractures. Currently, surgical modality is favored and surgeons are opting for open reduction and internal fixation for diacapitular fractures as it reestablishes the anatomical position of the fragments and disc, and permits immediate functional mobility of the jaw, thereby reducing the chances of occurrence of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. This case series enumerates the pros and cons of open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures of the mandible occurring at various levels using a modified retromandibular approach and highlights that this can be considered as one of the treatment options for condylar fractures.

A Rare Case of Benign Osteoblastoma of the Mandible.

Benign osteoblastoma is an uncommon, solitary, osteoid, bone-producing tumor containing a rich vascularized delicate fibrous stroma and active osteoblasts. Benign osteoblastoma is a unique benign bone neoplasm that mostly affects the vertebrae and long tubular bones and rarely affects the maxillofacial skeleton. Many bone-producing lesions have clinical, radiological, and histological features that are similar to osteoblastoma. Benign osteoblastoma manifests clinically as localized swelling of the jaw, presenting as an asymptomatic or a symptomatic lesion, and proper investigations are necessary for accurate diagnosis. It usually manifests in the second and third decades of life predominantly in males. In this report, we present a case of benign osteoblastoma of the mandible in a 39-year-old male patient. The lesion was treated by complete surgical excision, and uneventful wound healing was observed during the one-year postoperative follow-up period.

An Uncommon Presentation of Ossifying Fibroma in the Maxilla.

Ossifying fibromas are rare, benign, nonaggressive fibro-osseous lesions that manifest in the craniofacial region. Ossifying fibromas are benign tumors of bone, commonly involving the posterior dentate mandible in middle-aged individuals with a female predilection. Clinical manifestations are an asymptomatic expansion of the dentate mandible, with infrequent maxillary lesions. Benign fibro-osseous lesions of the maxilla exhibit similar histopathological findings. Cone-beam computed tomography scan plays an important role in diagnosing and understanding the invasiveness of this lesion. This case report describes an uncommon presentation of ossifying fibroma in the posterior maxilla in an adult male patient. Treatment consisted of surgical excision, and wound healing was uneventful during the one-year postoperative follow-up period.

Atypical Presentation of Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma in the Mandible.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a localized reactive enlargement of the gingiva often associated with the papilla and originate from underneath the periodontium. POF occurs predominantly in females, especially in the anterior maxillary region of young adults. The histopathological examination provides a confirmatory diagnosis of such lesions due to their heterogeneous clinical and radiographic characteristics. This case report describes an atypical presentation of POF in the anterior mandible in an adult male patient. Treatment consisted of complete surgical excision and gingival curettage resulting in uneventful healing during the postoperative follow-up period.