The Combined Therapy of Teriparatide and Raloxifene Improves Osseointegration of Dental Implants in the Osteoporotic Rabbit Model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of combined therapy of teriparatide and raloxifene on the osseointegration of titanium dental implants in a rabbit model of osteoporotic bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty female rabbits were randomly divided into six groups. The sham ovariectomy group (control) consisted of animals that received no medication. Animals in the ovariectomy group (OVX) underwent ovariectomy and received no medication. The combined group consisted of ovariectomized animals that received combined teriparatide (10 mg/kg) for 12 weeks and raloxifene (10 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. The sequential group (SEQ) consisted of ovariectomized animals that received teriparatide (10 mg/kg) for the first 6 weeks and raloxifene therapy (10 mg/kg) for the following 6 weeks sequentially. The parathormone (PTH) and raloxifene (RAL) groups consisted of ovariectomized animals that received only teriparatide (10 mg/kg) for 12 weeks or raloxifene (10 mg/kg) for 12 weeks, respectively. Dental implants (Bilimplant) were placed in the proximal metaphysis of both tibias in all rabbits. Histomorphometric and microCT studies were performed on the specimens obtained from the right tibia bone. Removal torque (RTQ) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) tests were performed on the specimens obtained from the left tibia bone. The results were compared and evaluated statistically. RESULTS: RTQ analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the mean values of the combined group (93.01 ± 27.19 Ncm) and the OVX group (49.6 ± 12.5 Ncm) (P = .015). The highest mean T0 (implantation day) value was obtained in the control group (67.1 ± 3.4 Ncm), and the lowest mean value was obtained in the OVX group (61.4 ± 3.8 Ncm). The highest T1 mean (3 months after implantation) was obtained by the combined group (76.6 ± 3.8 Ncm), and the lowest mean was obtained by the OVX group (68.9 ± 6.2 Ncm). Histomorphometric analyses showed that the mean percentage of bone-to-implant contact (BIC%) of the combined group (51.2%) was significantly higher than that of the OVX group (28.6%) (P =.006). In the microCT examinations, it was found that the mean BIC% value of the combined group (41.1%) was significantly higher than that of the OVX group (24.1%) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the current study, combined therapy of teriparatide and raloxifene improves the BIC and osseointegration of titanium dental implants in osteoporotic bone compared with sequential or independent therapy with these agents.

Relationship Between Temporomandibular Ankylosis And Maximum Mouth Opening In Children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric dentists should have information regarding whether mouth opening is limited. In clinical practice, these professionals should collect and record oral area measurements at the pediatric patient's first medical examination. OBJECTIVES: The study's aim developed the standard mouth opening measurement in children by using ordinary least squares regression to develop a clinical prediction model in children with Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis before preoperative surgery. METHODS: All participants completed their age, gender, and calculated height, weight, body mass index, and birth weight. Pediatric dentist performed all mouth-opening measurements. The oral-maxillofacial surgeon marked subnasal and pogonion points for the lower facial length of soft tissue. It was measured using the distance between the subnasal and pogonion with a digital vernier caliper. The widths of the three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) and four fingers (index, middle, ring, and little fingers) were also measured using a digital vernier caliper. RESULTS: Maximum mouth opening showed that three-finger width (R2 = 0.566, F = 185.479) and four-finger width (R2 = 0.462, F = 122.209) had a significant influence on the Maximum mouth opening (MMO) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pediatric dentists should collaborate with the treating maxillofacial surgeon to manage long-term treatment needs for individuals with Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis.

Does preventive single dose of intravenous dexketoprofen reduce pain and swelling after orthognathic surgery? A prospective, randomized, double blind clinical trial

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single-dose intravenous dexketoprofen administration for preventive analgesia on postoperative pain and reducing swelling in double jaw surgery. Material and methods: The authors designed a prospective, randomized, and double-blind cohort study. Patients who have Class III malocclusion were randomly divided in two groups. 50 mg intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol were administrated 30 minutes before incision in treatment group, while intravenous sterile saline was administrated 30 minutes before incision in placebo group. The primary predictor variable was treatment group. Primary outcomes were pain, swelling and 24-hour opioid intake. Patient- controlled analgesia with tramadol was given for management of postoperative pain. Other variables were demographic and operation related parameters. Visual analogue scale was used to evaluate postoperative pain. 3dMD Face System (3dMD, USA) was used to measure postoperative swelling. Data were analysed using two independent samples t test and Mann Whitney U test. Results: The study sample was composed of 30 patients with a mean age of 20,63 years and 21 were female. Preemptive dexketoprofen administration decreased postoperative tramadol consumption by 25.9% compared to placebo group, and there was a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores (p<0,05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of swelling (p>0,05). Conclusions: Preventive administration of intravenous dexketoprofen provides adequate analgesic effect in the postoperative 24-hour period and reduces opioid consumption in orthognathic surgery. (AU)

Does the Posterior Bending Osteotomy in Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy Affect the Condyle Position in Asymmetric Patients?

PURPOSE: To measure and compare changes in postoperative condylar position following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy in patients with asymmetry treated using a posterior bending osteotomy (PBO) and conventional methods (shaving of premature contacts). METHODS: Participants were randomized to either the PBO or conventional group. The inclusion criteria were the need for bilateral sagittal split osteotomy or bimaxillary asymmetric surgery (menton deviation >4 mm). The primary outcome variable was changes in the condylar position in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes 6 months after surgery, whereas the secondary outcome variable was changes in temporomandibular joint symptoms. Covariates included surgery type, deformity type, age, and sex. Categorical and numerical variables were analyzed using Fisher exact χ2 test and 2-way analysis of covariance. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 42 patients with a mean age of 23.3 years; 57.5% were women. The alteration in the coronal condyle angle was 0.8° ± 0.86° in the PBO and 2.72° ± 0.81° in the conventional group. The differences in the condylar position in the coronal plane were not statistically significant (P = .129). The alteration in the axial condyle angle was 2.31° ± 1.74° in the PBO group and 5.65° ± 1.65° in the conventional group. The alteration in the sagittal plane was 0.44° ± 1.52° in PBO and 0.47° ± 1.44° in the conventional group. Alterations in axial (P = .194) and sagittal (P = .976) condylar positions were insignificant. In the conventional group, statistically significant differences were found in the axial (P = .002) and coronal (P = .002) planes, and the condyle turned inward in both planes. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups or within the groups in the sagittal plane (P > 0,5). In PBO and conventional groups, joint noise examination revealed positive results in 11 and 6 patients preoperatively and 1 and 2 patients postoperatively, respectively. A statistically significant decrease in joint noise was detected in the PBO group (P = 0,04). The maximum mouth opening without pain was 5.95 ± 1.47 in the PBO group and 7.91 ± 1.39 in the conventional group, respectively. The alteration was not statistically significant between the groups but was significant within the groups (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: PBO effectively prevents premature contact between mandibular segments in facial asymmetry.

Evaluation of aggrecan and adipokine levels in temporomandibular joint synovial fluid.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect various mediators in synovial fluid (SF) on the pathogenesis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to evaluate the relationship between clinical and radiological features of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases. Patients who had received SF sample during arthrocentesis because of TMD were included in this study. Clinical and radiological records were evaluated retrospectively. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method was used for analysis of aggrecan, adiponectin, resistin, apelin, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in SFs. 59 joints of 41 patients were included in the study. Anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) was detected in 22 joints, anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) was detected in 29 joints and osteoarthritis (OA) in 8. In OA group, PGE2 level was significantly higher than the other groups (p = 0.029). Aggrecan and PGE2 levels were statistically higher in joints with localized pain (p = 0.030, p = 0.029). The aggrecan level was statistically significant higher in patients who had degenerative changes in radiological examinations (p = 0.044). Resistin was correlated with PGE2 and aggrecan (p = 0.011), and apelin showed positive correlation with VEGF (p˂0.001). The detection of aggrecan and adipokines in SF may be a precursor of degenerative joint disease and it should be taken into account that the presence of localized pain in the joint area may be an early sign of degenerative changes.

Vascular Complications in Le Fort I Osteotomy: Incidence, Reasons, and Management of the Intraoperative Hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, types, and reasons for the intraoperative hemorrhage during Le Fort I osteotomy. METHODS: The study sample was composed of the population of the patients who underwent orthognathic surgery from April 2011 to February 2017. The vascular complications of the patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy during the surgery were identified. Type of the bleeding, suspected vessel, amount of the intraoperative blood loss, cause, and management of the bleeding were specified and investigated. Descriptive statistics were computed for each study variable. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients underwent Le Fort I osteotomy. The sample's mean age was 22.4 ± 5.8 and 55.5% of patients were female. The intraoperative vascular complication was seen in only 10 (5%) samples. The suspected source of the hemorrhage was the descending palatine artery (DPA) in 8 (4%) cases, while the pterygoid venous plexus in the other 2 (1%) cases. The cause of the bleeding was suspected down-fracture in 8 cases, while pterygomaxillary junction (PMJ) separation in the other 2 cases. DPA was ligated with ligation clips and cauterized in arterial injury cases. The hemorrhage was taken under control using a hemostatic matrix with thrombin (Surgiflo, Ethicon, USA) in the venous bleeding cases. CONCLUSIONS: The down-fracture of the maxilla was found to be more related to the occurrence of vascular complications. Severe bleeding was managed by the use of the hemostatic matrix with thrombin and this hemostatic agent can be used to control this type bleedings in orthognathic surgery.

Effects of combination TGF-B1 transfection and platelet rich plasma (PRP) on three-dimension chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of standard culture medium and chondrogenic differentiation medium with PRP on chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rabbit DPSCs) that are transfected with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-B1) gene, based on the hypothesis of TGF- B1 and PRP can be effective on the chondrogenesis of stem cells. Materials and Methods: Rabbit DPSCs were characterized by using flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and differentiation tests. For the characterization, CD29, CD44 and CD45 mesenchymal cell markers were used. Rabbit DPSCs were transfected with TGF-B1 gene using electroporation technique in group 1; with PRP 10% in group 2; with chondrogenic medium in group 3; with both chondrogenic medium and PRP in group 4. DPSCs were cultured in medium with 10% inactive PRP in group 5, chondrogenic medium in group 6, chondrogenic medium with PRP 10% in group 7. SOX9, MMP13 and Aggrecan gene expression levels were evaluated in 3, 6, 12. and 24. days by qRT-PCR. Results: The expression levels of SOX9, MMP13 and Aggrecan were higher in group 2, 3 and group 7 in 3th day however in 24th day group 7 and group 2 were found higher. The expression levels changed by time-dependent. The extracellular matrix of the cells in experimental groups were positively stained with safranin O and toluidine blue. Conclusion: The combination in culture medium of TGF-B1 gene transfection and 10% PRP accelerates the chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs.

Evaluation of the Pterygomaxillary Separation Pattern in Le Fort I Osteotomy Using Different Cutting Instruments.

PURPOSE: Pterygomaxillary separation (PMS) is considered the main reason for serious complications associated with Le Fort I osteotomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a piezo surgery, ultrasonic bone scalpel, or conventional bur used in Le Fort I osteotomy has an influence on PMS patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort study design, we enrolled a sample composed of patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. The primary predictor variables were the cutting instruments (ultrasonic bone scalpel, piezo surgery, and Lindeman bur) used to perform Le Fort I osteotomy. Other variables were demographic and anatomic parameters. The outcome variable was the type of PMS pattern, classified as follows: type 1, PMS at the pterygomaxillary junction (ideal PMS); type 2, PMS at the greater palatine foramen; type 3, PMS from the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus; and type 4, PMS with lateral or medial pterygoid fracture. Anatomic parameters, that is, the thickness and width of the pterygomaxillary junction and distance of the greater palatine foramen, were measured on preoperative cone-beam computed tomography images. The pattern of PMS was evaluated on postoperative cone-beam computed tomography. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Pearson χ2 test. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: This study sample was composed of 96 PMSs in 48 patients. The most common type of PMS was type 1 (58), followed by type 4 (21), type 2 (10), and type 3 (7). A statistically significant relation was found between the cutting instrument and the ideal separation (type 1 PMS) pattern (P = .032), and the highest rate of the ideal separation pattern was seen in the ultrasonic bone scalpel group, at 24 of 32, compared with 22 of 38 in the piezo surgery group and 12 of 26 in the conventional bur group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study, the ultrasonic bone scalpel is safer than other cutting instruments in terms of the ideal separation of the pterygomaxillary junction.

Risk Factors Influencing Recovery of Neurosensory Disturbances Following Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors influencing the recovery time of neurosensory disturbances (NSD) following sagittal split ramus osteotomy. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven patients (254 operated sites) underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy due to dentofacial deformities between the period of 2011 and 2017. These patients were followed up for at least 1 year, and the data obtained from changes in sensation of inferior alveolar nerve were recorded subjectively. The subjects were categorized according to age, gender, type of deformity, nerve manipulation, side of the jaw, and the amount of the mandibular movement. The relationship between the above-mentioned parameters, and the recovery time of NSD were investigated. Pearson χ analysis was used, and the value of significance was accepted as P < 0.05. RESULTS: The recovery time of NSD is significantly correlated with the age of the patients, the amount of the mandibular movement (>7 mm), and the nerve manipulation (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation found between the recovery time of NSD and gender, type of deformity, side of the jaw (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The recovery time of NSD may prolong in cases of large amounts of mandibular movements more than 7 mm or the nerve manipulation. The older age may increase the risk of permanent NSD.

Is Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel Useful in Le Fort I Osteotomy?

PURPOSE: Safety and precision are 2 main goals in research to improve bone cutting in maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to analyze the outcomes using an ultrasonic bone scalpel versus a piezoelectric surgical device and the conventional technique in a Le Fort I osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a prospective, randomized, single-blind cohort study. The predictor variables were the devices used to perform the Le Fort I osteotomy, divided into 3 groups: 1) ultrasonic bone scalpel (BoneScalpel; Misonix, Farmingdale, NY), 2) piezoelectric surgical device, and 3) conventional technique (Lindeman burr and reciprocal saw). The primary outcome of the study was cutting time, whereas secondary outcomes were length of the procedure, total blood loss, intraoperative complications, and postoperative edema. Other variables of interest were age and gender. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 34 patients with a mean age of 21.5 years, and 63.3% of patients were women. The mean cutting time (P < .001) and length of the procedure (P = .012) were significantly shorter with the bone scalpel than with the other types of surgery. The ultrasonic bone scalpel showed a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss of up to 45% compared with the piezoelectric surgical device and the conventional technique (P = .038). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the ultrasonic bone scalpel is an effective ultrasonic bone-cutting instrument in a Le Fort I osteotomy as evidenced by the significant decrease in the cutting time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative edema compared with the other techniques.

Evaluation of Vestibular Bone Thickness in Class I Malocclusion Treatment With Corticotomy-Assisted Rapid Orthodontics.

BACKGROUND: Corticotomy-assisted rapid orthodontics is a widely used method for speeding up conventional orthodontics. This study (i) evaluates the effects of corticotomy alone, corticotomy combined with bone graft, and corticotomy with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on vestibular alveolar bone thickness in patients with class I malocclusion; (ii) compares the treatment time with a conventional orthodontic therapy group, and (iii) investigates the periodontal health of patients who have undergone corticotomy-assisted rapid orthodontics. METHODS: The patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (n = 10) underwent corticotomy alone; Group 2 (n = 10) underwent corticotomy combined with bone graft, and Group 3 (n = 10) underwent corticotomy combined with PRF. In the following stage, vestibular alveolar bone thicknesses were evaluated using 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images. RESULTS: The findings showed that Group 2 achieved a more significant augmentation of the vestibular alveolar bone than Groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.001, P = 0.003), while corticotomy-assisted rapid orthodontics decreased treatment times. Sufficient alveolar bone thickness and preservation of the periodontal health were achieved when the corticotomy procedure was either combined with a bone graft or with PRF in the Class-I malocclusion patients. CONCLUSION: Bone grafts provided better bone thickness at the buccal surface of the anterior teeth of the mandible and maxilla, whereas the thickness of the keratinized gingiva was better with PRF.

Clinical and intra-operative factors affecting the outcome of arthrocentesis in disc displacement without reduction: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of disease which affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and supporting tissues of the musculoskeletal structures. Arthrocentesis is an effective treatment modality for TMD, especially in patients who suffer from pain and limited mouth opening. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-operative and intra-operative variables on the clinical outcome of arthrocentesis therapy. METHODS: The records of 83 patients diagnosed as disc displacement (DD) without reduction according to DC/TMD, and treated with arthrocentesis were selected. Sex, age, bruxism history, pain intensity and maximum mouth opening (MMO) were recorded as pre-operative variables. Extravasation and the amount of irrigation were recorded as intra-operative variables. The success of the arthrocentesis procedure was determined as MMO <35 mm and pain intensity lower than 3, at third-month follow-up. RESULTS: At 3-month follow-up, clinical evaluation showed a significant reduction in TMJ pain and an increase in MMO (P < 0.05). It was found that patients with an unsuccessful outcome are those who had a more restricted MMO and severe pain before the procedure. Extravasation was found to be a significant factor that affects the success of the procedure. CONCLUSION: The success of arthrocentesis in TMJ DD without reduction is adversely affected by the severity of the pre-operative clinical symptoms. Extravasation is also a factor that has a negative effect on the success of the procedure.

Does Single-Dose Preemptive Intravenous Ibuprofen Reduce Postoperative Pain After Third Molar Surgery? A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to identify the preemptive analgesic effect of intravenous (IV) ibuprofen before and after mandibular third molar surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly divided 75 patients into 3 groups. Group 1 received IV ibuprofen 60 minutes before surgery and IV placebo (100 mL of saline) after surgery. Group 2 received IV placebo (100 mL of saline) before surgery and IV ibuprofen 60 minutes after surgery. Finally, group 3 received IV placebo (100 mL of saline) 60 minutes before and after surgery. Postoperative pain was recorded using a visual analog scale at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours within the postoperative period. The total dose of rescue acetaminophen intake was recorded during the first 24 hours of the postoperative period. RESULTS: The efficacy of postoperative analgesia was greater within the preoperative IV ibuprofen group compared with the other groups (P < .001). The placebo group had required more rescue analgesia within the first hour compared with the other groups. The average dose of acetaminophen administered in group 1 was 640 mg compared with 1240 mg in group 2 and 1840 mg in group 3 within the first 24 hours after surgery (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study has shown that the preemptive use of IV ibuprofen resulted in less pain and a decrease in the requirement for rescue analgesia during the first 24 hours after third molar surgery.

The changes of self-esteem, sensitivity to criticism, and social appearance anxiety in orthognathic surgery patients: A controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the changes of psychologic parameters, such as self-esteem, sensitivity to criticism, and social appearance anxiety, in skeletal Class III patients undergoing orthognathic surgery and to compare the psychologic status of skeletal Class III patients with control subjects. METHODS: The first group consisted of 60 patients with a mean age of 22.07 ± 1.30 years who did not need orthognathic surgery. The second group comprised 45 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion (mean age 21.40 ± 2.02 years) who were evaluated in terms of psychologic changes from before to after surgery. A third group consisted of 50 Class III patients (mean age 20.09 ± 2.59 years) who were evaluated before surgery and a different 50 Class III patients (mean age 22.15 ± 2.03 years) who were investigated after surgery. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale were used to evaluate psychologic parameters both before and after surgery. Analysis was carried out with the use of independent- and dependent-sample t tests, 1-way analysis of variance, and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: Self-esteem of the patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion increased, and sensitivity to criticism and social appearance anxiety decreased significantly after the surgery (P <0.001). In the patients with Class III malocclusion, self-esteem was significantly lower and social appearance anxiety significantly higher before orthognathic surgery than in the control group, and at the postoperative evaluation Class III patients had significantly higher self-esteem than the control group (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Through the improvement in facial appearance after surgery, patients' self-esteem increases and their sensitivity to criticism and social appearance anxiety decrease.

Is Repeated Arthrocentesis Beneficial in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: Arthrocentesis is an effective, simple, and minimally invasive treatment in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) closed lock (CL). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 1- versus 2-session arthrocentesis procedures in the management of TMJ CL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the files of patients with TMJ CL according to diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders. Patients who underwent 1- or 2-session arthrocentesis were included in the study. The decision of whether to undergo 1- or 2-session arthrocentesis was made by the patients: Those who accepted a second arthrocentesis procedure were assigned to group 1 (repeated arthrocentesis group), and those who did not accept, to group 2 (arthrocentesis group). The primary predictor variable was treatment method. TMJ pain (scored on a visual analog scale) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) were selected as the outcome variables. To evaluate the clinical outcomes of 1- or 2-session arthrocentesis, MMO and pain score (on a visual analog scale) before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months' follow-up were analyzed. Descriptive, comparative, correlation, and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (25 female and 5 male patients) with TMJ disc displacement without reduction were enrolled in the study. Each group consisted of 15 patients. Statistically significant decreases in pain scores and increases in MMO values were observed in both treatment groups at 3 and 6 months (P < .05). At 6 months, MMO values were significantly higher and pain levels were significantly lower in patients who received 2 arthrocentesis procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated arthrocentesis is more successful at reducing pain and improving MMO than a single intervention in the treatment of TMJ CL.

Effects of boric acid on bone formation after maxillary sinus floor augmentation in rabbits.

PURPOSE: Augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor with bone grafting is commonly used for successful treatment of edentulous posterior maxilla with dental implants, and it is essential to maintain good bone volume and quality for long-term success of dental implants. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the local and systemic effects of boric acid on new bone formation after maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male, New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups with eight rabbits each, and bilateral MSFA was performed in each animal. An autogenous bone/xenograft mixture was used to augment the maxillary sinuses in each group. Group 1 was determined as control with no additional materials, whereas 3 mg/kg boric acid (BA) was added to the mixture in group 2, and 3 mg/kg boric acid solution added to drinking water daily in group 3. RESULTS: The animals were sacrificed and also histologic, histomorphometric, and immunnohistochemical analyses were performed at weeks 4 and 8. At week 4, bone regeneration was better in the local BA group than in the control and systemic BA groups (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found among the groups in terms of bone regeneration at the end of week 8 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant higher new bone formation was revealed by BA at early healing especially with local application. BA may be a therapeutic option for improving the bone regeneration.

The Effect of Exercise on Range of Movement and Pain After Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis.

PURPOSE: Arthrocentesis is an effective treatment modality for temporomandibular disorders, especially in patients who have pain and limited mouth opening. Surgeons generally suggest physical exercises after arthrocentesis and arthroscopy procedures; however, there has been no study in the literature evaluating the effects of exercise on clinical outcomes. This study investigated whether physical exercises after arthrocentesis would result in early improvements in clinical symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction (TMJ DDw/oR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group was composed of 27 patients with TMJ DDw/oR. Patients who needed arthrocentesis after failed conservative nonsurgical treatment were enrolled in the study. Group 1 was composed of 14 patients who were not started on a physiotherapy program after the arthrocentesis procedure. Group 2 was composed of 13 patients who were started on a self-administered physiotherapy program immediately after the arthrocentesis procedure. Physiotherapy included a 6-week exercise program. Patients were followed for 3 months. Range of maximal mouth opening (MMO) and joint pain as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) were examined to determine clinical efficacy before and after treatment. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2, mouth opening increased and pain scores decreased at 1-week and 1- and 3-month follow-ups (P < .05). No relevant relation was found between the 2 groups according to MMO for all time points and VAS scores at 1 week. A relevant relation was found between the 2 groups according to VAS scores at 1 and 3 months. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise after arthrocentesis has no effect on range of mouth opening but does decrease pain.

Development of a new three-directional distractor system for the correction of maxillary transverse and sagittal deficiency.

PURPOSE: Class 3 malocclusions with maxillary deficiency, which are treated surgically and/or ordonotically, are common among adult patients. The aim of this study was to develop a three-directional bone-borne distractor that would allow the transverse expansion and sagittal advancement of the maxilla simultaneously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography images of a patient with maxillary deficiency were transmitted to a software program, and a distractor was designed with different sizes (D1, D2, D3) and manufactured from titanium alloy. Y-shape segmental osteotomies were performed on the model, and vertical bite forces were applied. The biomechanical properties were evaluated by using the finite element method. RESULTS: The highest von Mises stress value on the body of the distractor was seen in D2 (D2>D3>D1), with 234 N bite forces. D2 had maximum stress distribution on maxillary bone under 234 N and 93 N (D2>D1>D3). No difference was found among the plastic deformation rates according to biomechanical test results. CONCLUSION: A three-directional bone-borne palatal distractor was produced, and this distractor system can be used for the treatment of skeletal class 3 patients with maxillary hypoplasia for its advantages of shortening the overall treatment time and reducing the scar formation. However, further animal and clinical studies are essential to determine the biological response of soft and hard tissues.

Comparison of Bovine Bone-Autogenic Bone Mixture Versus Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Maxillary Sinus Grafting: Histologic and Histomorphologic Study.

Numerous grafting materials have been used to augment the maxillary sinus floor for long-term stability and success for implant-supported prosthesis. To enhance bone formation, adjunctive blood-born growth factor sources have gained popularity during the recent years. The present study compared the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and bovine-autogenous bone mixture for maxillary sinus floor elevation. A split-face model was used to apply 2 different filling materials for maxillary sinus floor elevation in 22 healthy adult sheep. In group 1, bovine and autogenous bone mixture; and in group 2, PRF was used. The animals were killed at 3, 6, and 9 months. Histologic and histomorphologic examinations revealed new bone formation in group 1 at the third and sixth months. In group 2, new bone formation was observed only at the sixth month, and residual PRF remnants were identified. At the ninth month, host bone and new bone could not be distinguished from each other in group 1, and bone formation was found to be proceeding in group 2. PRF remnants still existed at the ninth month. In conclusion, bovine bone and autogenous bone mixture is superior to PRF as a grafting material in sinus-lifting procedures.

Dental health dispositions of pregnant women: A survey from a hospital clinic in Istanbul.

Dental hygienic habits should be maintained in pregnancy despite challenges. We aimed to study the dental attitudes and habits of pregnant women. The patients attending our hospital clinic were invited to fill out a structured questionnaire categorised into three major domains: (1) general oral hygiene status, (2) dental habits, and (3) dental attandence both during pregnancy and prior to pregnancy. Four hundred and seventy four women agreed to participate. Mean age of participants was 28 (18-43). While 184 (38%) women reported brushing twice a day, only 98 (20%) women claimed using floss and or mouth rinse. Fifty-nine (12.4%) women had a dental visit in their current pregnancy and 24 (5.1%) received professional treatment. Obstetric care givers should convey the importance of dental care to their patients. We suggest that dental health should be improved antenatally, and be assessed in detail by dental health care providers. Impact Statement Poor oral health conditions have shown to be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially in low-income countries and regions. There is escalating evidence to support the lack of awareness among pregnant women about health consequences and long term risks associated with poor oral hygiene. Our results showed that dental hygienic practices of pregnant women are disconcerting in Turkey. The need for inter-professional collaboration among obstetric healthcare providers and dental specialistis is crucial for conveying to women the importance of dental care in pregnancy and beyond.