BRAF p.V600E Mutational Status Does Not Correlate with Biological Behavior in Conventional Ameloblastomas: A Disease-Free Survival Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the MAPK pathway appears to exert a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ameloblastomas, since BRAF p.V600E has been reported in over 65% of the tumors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the BRAF p.V600E is related to biological behavior and disease-free survival in patients with conventional ameloblastomas. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study based on the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) recommendations. The study population consisted of individuals treated for conventional ameloblastomas. Clinical, imaging, histomorphological, immunohistochemical (Ki67 and CD138/syndecan-1), and molecular BRAF p.V600E mutation analyses were performed. Bivariate statistical analysis was performed through chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to identify predictors of disease-free survival, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Forty-one individuals were included, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.15:1. BRAF p.V600E mutation was identified in 75.6% of the tumors. No association between the BRAF mutational status and other clinical, imaging, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical variables was observed. Only the initial treatment modality was significantly associated with a better prognosis in univariate (p = 0.008) and multivariate (p = 0.030) analyses, with a hazard ratio of 9.60 (95%IC = 1.24-73.89), favoring radical treatment. CONCLUSION: BRAF p.V600E mutation emerges as a prevalent molecular aberration in ameloblastomas. Nevertheless, it does not seem to significantly affect the tumor proliferative activity, CD138/syndecan-1-mediated cell adhesion, or disease-free survival outcomes.

It was not possible to detect BRAF V600E mutation in circulating cell-free DNA from patients with ameloblastoma: A diagnostic accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of plasma-based liquid biopsy for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in circulating cell-free DNA from patients with ameloblastoma. METHODS: This is a prospective diagnostic accuracy study conducted based on the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy recommendations. The index test was the plasma-based liquid biopsy, whereas the reference standard was the conventional tissue biopsy. The target condition was the detection of BRAF V600E mutation. The study population consisted of individuals with ameloblastoma recruited from three tertiary hospitals from Brazil. A negative control group composed of three individuals with confirmed wild-type BRAF lesions were included. The participants underwent plasma circulating cell-free DNA and tumor tissue DNA isolation, and both were submitted to using competitive allele-specific TaqMan™ real-time polymerase chain reaction technology mutation detection assays. Sensitivity and specificity measures and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Twelve patients with conventional ameloblastoma were included. BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 11/12 (91.66%) ameloblastoma tissue samples. However, the mutation was not detected in any of the plasma-based liquid biopsy circulating cell-free DNA samples in both ameloblastomas and negative control group. The sensitivity and specificity of plasma-based liquid biopsy for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in circulating cell-free DNA was 0.0 and 1.0, respectively. The agreement between index test and reference standard results was 26.66%. CONCLUSION: Plasma-based liquid biopsy does not seem to be an accurate method for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in circulating circulating cell-free DNA from patients with ameloblastoma, regardless of tumor size, anatomic location, recurrence status, and other clinicopathological features.

Temporomandibular joint disorders in skeletal class II patients referred to orthognathic surgery: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in subjects with skeletal class II dentofacial deformity referred for orthognathic surgery, as well as to elucidate its association with sociodemographic and psychosocial features. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. The sample comprised class II skeletal patients referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery center in the Brazilian Northeast. RESULTS: Seventy-three subjects were enrolled and completed the data collection, which consisted of a physical examination according to Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and facial analysis. Women represented 82.2% of the sample. Among the assessed subjects, 68.5% were already undergoing orthodontic treatment, and the mean overjet of patients was 6.97 mm. The prevalence of TMD in this sample was 46.6%, with muscular disorders being the most common. Patients with an anteroposterior discrepancy greater than 7 mm showed a higher occurrence of TMD (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of TMD in skeletal class II patients referred for orthognathic surgery, especially in those with a pronounced overjet, being Group I (muscular disorders) and Group III (degenerative disorders) the most prevalent.

Manifestações bucais e diagnóstico precoce do pênfigo vulgar: relato de caso / Oral manifestations and early diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris: a case report / Manifestaciones orales y diagnóstico precoz del pénfigo vulgar: informe de un caso

O pênfigo vulgar (PV) é uma doença autoimune que acomete o tecido epitelial dos indivíduos afetados. As manifestações orais são frequentemente os primeiros sinais observados da doença. Objetivou-se apresentar um caso clínico de pênfigo vulgar em uma paciente de 39 anos de idade, atendida em um serviço hospitalar de referência do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. A paciente queixava-se de lesões dolorosas na cavidade bucal há aproximadamente 1 mês, de progressão rápida. Ao exame clínico intrabucal, realizou-se o teste de Nikolsky, com resultado positivo. Em seguida, realizou-se biópsia incisional, confirmando a hipótese diagnóstica clínica de PV. A paciente recebeu o tratamento multiprofissional e foi medicada para o controle da doença, com melhora significativa do quadro clínico. O diagnóstico precoce da doença pelo profissional é importante, seguida de uma abordagem multiprofissional para um correto diagnóstico da patologia, possibilitando remissão da sintomatologia e melhora da qualidade de vida dos pacientes... (AU)

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease that affects the epithelial tissue of affected individuals. Oral manifestations are often the first signs observed of the disease. We aimed to present a clinical case of pemphigus vulgaris in a 39-year-old patient seen at a reference hospital service in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The patient complained of painful lesions in the oral cavity for about 1 month, with rapid progression. Upon intraoral clinical examination, the Nikolsky test was performed, with a positive result. An incisional biopsy was then performed, confirming the clinical diagnosis of PV. The patient received multiprofessional treatment and was medicated to control the disease, with significant improvement in the clinical picture. The early diagnosis of the disease by the professional is important, followed by a multiprofessional approach for a correct diagnosis of the pathology, enabling remission of the symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients... (AU)

El pénfigo vulgar (PV) es una enfermedad autoinmune que afecta al tejido epitelial de los individuos afectados. Las manifestaciones orales suelen ser los primeros síntomas observados de la enfermedad. El objetivo es presentar un caso clínico de pénfigo vulgar en una paciente de 39 años de edad, atendida en un servicio hospitalario de referencia del estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. El paciente se quejaba de lesiones dolorosas en la cavidad oral desde hacía aproximadamente un mes, con una rápida progresión. Tras el examen clínico intraoral, se realizó la prueba de Nikolsky, con resultados positivos. Posteriormente, se realizó una biopsia incisional que confirmó el diagnóstico clínico de PV. El paciente recibió tratamiento multiprofesional y fue medicado para controlar la enfermedad, con una mejora significativa del cuadro clínico. Es importante el diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad por parte del profesional, seguido de un abordaje multiprofesional para un correcto diagnóstico de la patología, que permita la remisión de los síntomas y la mejora de la calidad de vida de los pacientes... (AU)

Does BRAF V600E mutation affect recurrence rate of ameloblastomas? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to critically evaluate the available data on the association of the BRAF V600E mutation and recurrence rate of ameloblastomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was registered in Prospero (CRD42020183645) and performed based on the PRISMA statement. A comprehensive search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases was performed in order to answer the question "Does BRAF V600E mutation affect recurrence rate of ameloblastomas?" Methodological quality and risk of bias of the selected studies were assessed with JBI Critical Appraise Tool. Meta-analysis of quantitative data was conducted with RevMan 5.3 and Jamovi 2.3. RESULTS: The initial search identified 302 articles, and 21 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 855 subjects with ameloblastoma were included in the analysis. The pooled measures for frequency of BRAF V600E mutation was 65.30% (95% CI: 0.56-0.75; p < .001; I2 = 90.85%; τ = 0.205; p < .001), and the pooled recurrence rate was 25.30% (95% CI: 0.19-0.31; p < .001; I2 = 79.44%; τ = 0.118; p < .001). No differences in recurrence rate were observed between the BRAF V600E and wild type BRAF ameloblastomas, with a pooled Odds Ratio of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.56-1.54; p = .78; I2 = 31%; p = .09). CONCLUSIONS: BRAF V600E mutation is a frequent event in ameloblastomas, but does not increase nor reduce its recurrence rate, and thus have a limited value in predicting its prognosis.

Tratamento cirúrgico de luxação recidivante da mandíbula: relato de caso / Surgical treatment of recurrent mandible luxation: case report

Introdução: A articulação temporomandibular (ATM) é uma estrutura especializada e excepcional, relacionada com funções estomatognáticas e propensa à disfunções associadas ao sistema maxilo-mandibular. Dentre essas alterações, a luxação é uma entidade patológica importante. Possui patogênese multifatorial e pode se manifestar de modo recidivante. Diversos tratamentos são propostos, dentre eles, a criação de anteparos aloplásticos. Paciente do sexo feminino, 22 anos com história de luxação mandibular recidivante com sintomatologia congruente ao quadro. Realizou-se tratamento cirúrgico com instalação de miniplacas de titânio do sistema 2.0 mm em forma de duplo T com curvatura de aproximadamente 90°, na região de eminencia articular. Após 1 ano e 6 meses, a paciente segue assintomática, sem lesões nervosas e sem luxações. A luxação da ATM é um quadro clínico angustiante, sendo a segunda luxação mais frequente e incidente em mulheres. Caracteriza-se por: incapacidade de fechar a boca, depressão cutânea pré-auricular, ptialismo e musculatura mastigatória tensa. A paciente apresentava severas luxações recidivantes, juntamente com ansiedade e angústia social. A utilização de placas evitou a hiperexcussão e remissão do quadro. É um procedimento menos agressivo e reversível. A técnica utilizada demonstrou bom prognóstico e, dentre as opções cirúrgicas, é uma técnica mais conservadora... (AU)

Introduction: TMJ dislocation is a multifactorial joint pathology that occurs when the mandibular condyle exceeds the articular eminence and cannot return to its original anatomical position, making it impossible for the patient to close the mouth. A 22-year-old female patient complaining of succes sive episodes of mandibular dislocation, characterizing the condition of dislocation redicivant TMJ. Surgical treatment was performed with the installation of 2.0 mm double T-shaped titanium miniplates with approximately 90° curvature in the region of articular eminence. After 8 months, the patient has no complaints, no signs of facial nerve damage and no episodes of dislocation. TMJ dislocation is a socially and psychologically distressing clinical condition, being the second most frequent dislocation in the body and with higher incidence in female patients. Key features are inability to close the mouth, pre auricular cutaneous depression, excessive salivation, and tense and spasmodic masticatory muscles. In this case, the patient presented severe relapsing dislocations, along with anxiety and social anguish. The use of plates acts as a mechanical barrier for condylar movements, avoiding hyperexcussion, being a less aggressive and reversible procedure, having only the disadvantage of the possibility of plate frac ture. The technique used with the objective of limiting condyle movement, among the surgical options, is a more conservative technique... (AU)

Bola de Bichat para tratamento de fístula buco-sinusal: relato de caso / Bichat ball for the treatment of buco-sinusal fistula: case report

Introdução: O seio maxilar possui íntima relação com os molares e, por esse motivo, após a extração desses elementos, pode ocorrer comunicação entre as cavidades bucais e sinusais. Quando o canal que possibilita a comunicação entre as cavidades é revestido por epitélio, chamamos de fístula buço-sinusal. O diagnóstico se dá por meio dos aspectos clínicos e radiográficos. O tratamento deve ser imediato, para que ocorra fechamento espontâneo. O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir um fechamento de Fístula Buco-Sinusal com tratamento expectante do seio maxilar e manejo cirúrgico associado à sinusite. Relato de caso: Homem, 33 anos, compareceu à FOP-UPE relatando incômodo ao ingerir alimentos e história de exodontia traumática do elemento 17 há 1 ano. Ao exame intra-oral, observou-se a presença da fístula na região da exodontia e, ao exame tomográfico, foi observada radiopacidade em seio maxilar, sugerindo fenestração óssea e sinusite, respectivamente. Iniciou-se antibioticoterapia e descongestionante nasal para sinusite e posterior cirurgia de fechamento da fístula buco-sinusal com uso da bola de Bichat. O manejo adequado é essencial no sucesso terapêutico da fístula. Além disso, a avaliação clínica e a radiográfica auxiliam na sua prevenção. Considerações Finais: Nosso caso concordou com a literatura, demonstrando que o uso da bola de Bichat é um método simples, conveniente e confiável para a reconstrução de defeitos intraorais de pequeno a médio porte... (AU)

Introduction: The maxillary sinus has a relation with the molars, for this reason, after extraction of these teeth can occur communication between buccal and sinus cavities. When the channel that allows the communication between the cavities is coated epithelium, we diagnose oroantral fistula. The diagnosis is made through clinical and radiographic aspects. Treatment should be immediate so that spontaneous closure occurs. The objective of this study is to discuss a closure of Buco-Sinus Fistula with expectant treatment of the maxillary sinus and surgical management associated with sinusitis. Case report: Man, 33 years old, attended FOP-UPE reporting discomfort when eating food and history of traumatic exodontia of element 17, 1 year ago. The intra-oral examination revealed the presence of the fistula in the region of the exodontia and at the tomographic examination radiopacity was observed in the maxillary sinus, suggesting bone fenestration and sinusitis, respectively. Antibiotic therapy and nasal decongestant for sinusitis and subsequent closure of the bucosinus fistula with Buccal Fat were started. Adequate management is essential for the therapeutic success of the fistula. In addition, clinical and radiographic evaluation helps to prevent. Final considerations: Our case corroborates the literature, showing that the use of the bichat ball is a simple, convenient and reliable method for the reconstruction of small to medium sized intraoral defects... (AU)

Tratamento conservador de ameloblastoma sólido recidivante em paciente jovem: relato de caso / Conservative treatment for recurrent solid ameloblastoma in young patient: case report

Introdução: O ameloblastoma é um tumor odontogênico benigno, embora seja localmente agressivo. As modalidades de tratamento para o ameloblastoma podem ser classificadas em radicais ou conservadoras, contudo a determinação da técnica de eleição permanece um tema controverso. Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar e discutir um caso de ameloblastoma recorrente, tratado de forma conservadora, com enucleação e curetagem em um indivíduo adolescente. Relato do Caso: Paciente, sexo masculino, de 12 anos, foi encaminhado ao serviço de CTBMF do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz com aumento de volume assintomático em região de parassínfise mandibular direita. Foi realizada biópsia incisional e obtido o diagnóstico de ameloblastoma. Após dois anos de descompressão, foi realizada enucleação com curetagem da lesão. Cinco anos após a intervenção, o paciente apresentou recidiva do tumor, sendo realizada nova abordagem conservadora. Em acompanhamento de sete meses, ele evoluiu assintomático e sem sinais de recidiva. Considerações Finais: A abordagem conservadora é uma alternativa viável no tratamento de ameloblastomas, em especial quando se trata de indivíduos jovens, entretanto esta deve ser seguida de um rigoroso protocolo de acompanhamento clínico e radiográfico pós-operatório... (AU)

Introduction: The ameloblastoma is a benign but localy agressive odontogenic tumour. The modalities of treatment for ameloblastoma can be classified as radical or conservative, although the determination of the preferred technique remains a controversial field. The objective of this study is to report and discuss a case of recurrent ameloblastoma treated with a conservative approach with enucleation and curettage in a young patient. Case Report: 12-years old man, referred to the service of oral and maxillofacial surgery of Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital with an asymptomatic swelling in the right mandibular parasymphysis. Incisional biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of ameloblastoma was obtained. After two years of decompression, enucleation and curettage of the lesion were performed. Five years after the intervention, the patient presented with recurrence of the tumour and a new conservative approach was performed. In a seven month follow-up, the patient presents asymptomatic and without signs of recurrence. Final Considerations: The conservative approach is a viable option in the treatment of ameloblastomas, especially in young individuals. However, it should be followed by a strict protocol of clinical and radiographic postoperative follow-up... (AU)

Intraoral Approach for Surgical Treatment of Psammomatoid Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma.

Psammomatoid juvenile ossifying fibroma (PJOF) is a rare benign tumor that usually affects the paranasal sinuses, orbit, and skull. In most cases, extensive incisions are necessary for full access to the tumor site. The aim of this paper is to report a case of extensive PJOF in which an intraoral surgical approach was performed with complete excision of the tumor. A female patient, 18-year old had a deforming volume increase in the region of the left facial middle third with an approximate evolution time of 2 years. She complained of headache, epiphora in the left eye, and total obstruction of the left nostril. Extraoral examination showed facial asymmetry with dystopia, ocular proptosis, and considerable sclera exposition of the left eye. Tomography examination showed a mixed aspect lesion on the left side of the face, well delimited. The intraoral surgical approach was chosen for the excision of the lesion. Under general anesthesia and nasotracheal intubation, total resection was performed, followed by exodontia of the directly involved teeth. In the definitive histopathological examination, the diagnosis was confirmed. The patient is currently with 2 years and 6 months of postoperative follow-up and has good healing of intraoral surgical wounds and stable occlusion. Extraoral examination showed harmonic projection of the facial middle third, but still with excessive exposure of the sclera of the left eye due to the defect in the orbital floor. The surgical treatment of PJOF was possible by intraoral approach, even taking into account the limitations of the access and the complexity of the anatomy of the facial bones involved.

Cervical-thoracic necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin in a diabetic patient: a case report.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe bacterial infection with rapid and aggressive progression. The infection generally affects individuals with comorbid conditions that lead to immunologic and microvascular deficiencies. It is characterized by necrosis of tissues, mainly in the extremities, trunk, and perineum, and is rarely found in the head and neck. This case report describes the course of NF in a 55-year-old man, highlighting diagnosis, surgical treatment, drug therapy, and supportive measures. The patient, who had chronic alcoholism, systemic arterial hypertension, a smoking habit, and decompensated diabetes (glucose level of 490 mg/dL), was admitted to the hospital with a volume increase in the cervical and thoracic areas with a duration of about 7 days. He presented with fever, dyspnea, and inflammatory signs bilaterally in the submandibular, submental, and superior thoracic regions as well as severe trismus. The patient underwent a surgical procedure to drain the infectious process and to place drains. The patient developed cutaneous necrosis in the cervical and superior thoracic regions, diagnosed as NF. Surgical debridement of all affected tissue was performed. After resolution of the infection, the patient underwent skin grafting with a satisfactory outcome.

Evaluation of inorganic bovine bone graft in periodontal defects after third molar surgery.

AIM: This study evaluated the e cacy of inorganic bovine bone graft (IBB) in periodontal defect after mandibular third molar (3M) surgery. METHODS: The authors conducted a split-mouth, prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 20 participants with a mean age of 21.60 ± 6.5 years who had symmetrical bilateral lower 3M randomly assigned to receive IBB or left empty (blooding clot). The clinical variables studied were probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL) at preoperative and postoperative periods of 10, 30, and 60 days. Radiographic measures included the distance from the alveolar bone crest to the cementoenamel junction and the bone density at 30 and 60 days postsurgical procedure. For statistical analysis, we used the paired t-test at a level of signi cance of 5%. RESULTS: It was observed a reduction in pocket depth and CAL in both groups, but IBB did not provide better results than blooding clot (P > 0.05). On the other hand, IBB group showed an increased in the bone density, and a decrease in the periodontal defect on the distal surface of second molar (2M) after 30 and 60 days of surgery compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of inorganic bone graft (GenOx) did not enhance the probing depth after 3M removal. Although the radiographic ndings have showed an increase in bone density and a decrease in the periodontal defect on the distal surface of the 2M, we cannot recommend the use of IBB as a treatment for periodontal defect prevention after 3M removal.

Evaluation of life quality of patients submitted to orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare changes related to self-esteem and appearance satisfaction between pre and postsurgical phases in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery and to assess the quality of life and psychosocial changes of these patients six months after surgery. METHODS: A longitudinal observational qualitative study was performed. The sample comprised 15 patients with dentofacial deformities who underwent orthognathic surgery. One questionnaire and two forms were answered during pre and postoperative phases. RESULTS: The results showed that 13.3% of patients demonstrated self-esteem improvement, especially in relation to appearance satisfaction. Improvements were also noted in social, occupational and family relationships. With regard to the assessment of quality of life, according to the World Health Organization questionnaire, the lowest improvement averages corresponded to environmental control. CONCLUSION: Orthognathic surgery brings along many emotional changes that should be considered before and after surgery, since the patients' psychological state may be favorable and/or unfavorable during recovery, influencing their quality of life, self-esteem and appearance satisfaction.

Destructive aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an uncommon osteolytic lesion of the bones, usually affecting the long bones and spine. The lesion is rare in the jaws and is found most commonly in the body and ramus of the mandible. In some cases, ABCs may be present as rdestructive lesions simulating malignancies. In these cases, a careful diagnosis should be done, including in the differential diagnosis malignant tumors such as telangiectasic osteosarcoma and intraosseous fibrosarcoma. Removing the lesion is usually easy if it is confined within the bone, but it may prove difficult if the lesions are multilocular, expansive, divided by multiple bony septa, or destructive or when the cortical is perforated. Therefore, the surgical treatment of the destructive ABCs should be more radical.

Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor radiographically mimicking a sinus mucocele.

The calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor or Gorlin cyst is an uncommon lesion with a variable clinical behavior and considerable histopathologic diversity. The authors report a case of calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor that was being treated as a maxillary sinus mucocele. The possibility of mimicking numerous odontogenic and nonodontogenic lesions makes the calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor difficult for a clinical diagnosis. The present case demonstrates that a specific knowledge in oral pathology is required to differentiate odontogenic lesions.

Prediction of postoperative facial swelling, pain and trismus following third molar surgery based on preoperative variables

Objective: This paper investigates the relationship between preoperative findings and short-term outcome in third molar surgery. Study design: A prospective study was carried out involving 80 patients who required 160 surgical extractions of impacted mandibular third molars between January 2009 and December 2010. All extractions were performed under local anesthesia by the same dental surgeon. Swelling and maximal inter-incisor distance were measured at 48 h and on the 7th day postoperatively. Mean visual analogue pain scores were determined at four different time periods. Results: One-hundred eight (67.5%) of the 160 extractions were performed on male subjects and 52 (32.5%) were performed on female subjects. Median age was 22.46 years. The amount of facial swelling varied depending on gender and operating time. Trismus varied depending on gender, operating time and tooth sectioning. The influence of age, gender and operating time varied depending on the pain evaluation period (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Short-term outcomes of third molar operations (swelling, trismus and pain) differ depending on the patients' characteristics (age, gender and body mass index). Moreover, surgery characteristics such as operating time and tooth sectioning were also associated with postoperative variables (AU)

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Prediction of postoperative facial swelling, pain and trismus following third molar surgery based on preoperative variables.

OBJECTIVE: This paper investigates the relationship between preoperative findings and short-term outcome in third molar surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was carried out involving 80 patients who required 160 surgical extractions of impacted mandibular third molars between January 2009 and December 2010. All extractions were performed under local anesthesia by the same dental surgeon. Swelling and maximal inter-incisor distance were measured at 48 h and on the 7th day postoperatively. Mean visual analogue pain scores were determined at four different time periods. RESULTS: One-hundred eight (67.5%) of the 160 extractions were performed on male subjects and 52 (32.5%) were performed on female subjects. Median age was 22.46 years. The amount of facial swelling varied depending on gender and operating time. Trismus varied depending on gender, operating time and tooth sectioning. The influence of age, gender and operating time varied depending on the pain evaluation period (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term outcomes of third molar operations (swelling, trismus and pain) differ depending on the patients' characteristics (age, gender and body mass index). Moreover, surgery characteristics such as operating time and tooth sectioning were also associated with postoperative variables.

Intraoral approach for removal of large sialolith in submandibular gland.

Sialolithiasis is a benign pathology that occurs most frequently in the submandibular salivary gland due to its anatomic features. Depending on the size and degree of calcification, a sialolith can be visible in radiographic examinations. Patients commonly experience pain and/or edema when the ducts are obstructed. The authors report two cases of sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland after searching for the source of swelling in the submandibular region. The diagnosis was confirmed by clinical and tomographic examinations. Despite the considerable size of the sialoliths, treatment consisted of the removal of the calcified mass using an intraoral surgical approach. The prognosis is often good and there is generally no recurrence of the condition.

One-stage treatment of hemimandibular hyperplasia.

Hemimandibular hyperplasia (HH) is a rare, self-limiting process manifesting between the first and third decades of life. HH causes facial asymmetry and derangement of the occlusion. Management involves resection of the condylar head and orthognathic surgery. This paper describes the case of a 38-year-old woman with spontaneous onset HH over a span of approximately 30 years. The condition was managed with resection of the condyle with simultaneous orthognathic surgery. The patient is currently satisfied with her appearance and function, and there are no signs of recurrence after 2 years.

Influence of helmet use in facial trauma and moderate traumatic brain injury victims of motorcycle accidents.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to study the influence of the use of helmet in facial trauma victims of motorcycle accidents with moderate traumatic brain injury. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of facial injuries in helmeted and nonhelmeted victims with moderate traumatic brain injury at a referral trauma hospital. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 272 patients predominantly men (94.5%) and between 21 and 40 years old (62.9%). The majority of patients were using helmet (80.1%). The occurrence of facial fractures was most frequent for zygomatic bone (51.8%), followed by mandible (18.8%) and nasal bones (9.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals in the most productive age group are most affected, which causes a great loss to financial and labor systems. It is important to take measures to alert the public regarding the severity of injuries likely to occur in motorcycle-related accidents and ways to prevent them.