Neuropathic Pain After Dental Implant Surgery: Literature Review and Proposed Algorithm for Medicosurgical Treatment.

The objective of this study is to establish an algorithm for the medicosurgical treatment of dental implant-induced neuropathic pain. The methodology was based on the good practice guidelines from the French National Authority for Health: the data were searched on the Medline database. A working group has drawn up a first draft of professional recommendations corresponding to a set of qualitative summaries. Consecutive drafts were amended by the members of an interdisciplinary reading committee. A total of 91 publications were screened, of which 26 were selected to establish the recommendations: 1 randomized clinical trial, 3 controlled cohort studies, 13 case series, and 9 case reports. In the event of the occurrence of post-implant neuropathic pain, a thorough radiological assessment by at least a panoramic radiograph (orthopantomogram) or especially a cone-beam computerized tomography scan is recommended to ensure that the tip of the implant is placed more than 4 mm from the anterior loop of the mental nerve for an anterior implant and 2 mm from the inferior alveolar nerve for a posterior implant. Very early administration of high-dose steroids, possibly associated with partial unscrewing or full removal of the implant preferably within the first 36-48 hours after placement, is recommended. A combined pharmacological therapy (anticonvulsants, antidepressants) could minimize the risk of pain chronicization. If a nerve lesion occurs in the context of dental implant surgery, treatment should be initiated within the first 36-48 hours after implant placement, including partial or full removal of the implant and early pharmacological treatment.

Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of topical 2 % lidocaine for the prevention and treatment of oral mucosal pain in children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy in pain reduction of topical 2 % lidocaine compared to a placebo cream in children with oral mucosal lesions due to trauma or aphthous ulcers or in the prevention of clamp placement pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, four-center trial on 64 patients. Pain intensity and relief were measured using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). One-tailed Student's t test and ANOVA were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Independent of the pain origin, application of 2 % lidocaine cream led to a mean reduction in VAS pain intensity of 19.7 mm ± 18.3, which was significantly greater than that obtained with the placebo cream (p = .025). Analyses showed a statistically significant efficacy of the 2 % lidocaine cream (p < .0001). Its efficacy was not associated to any local or systemic adverse drug reaction, as reported by the patients. As the most important population represented in our patients was children whom a rubber dam clamp was placed, we also specifically analysed this population, and we were able to demonstrate a significantly greater efficacy of the 2 % lidocaine cream on the pain caused by the rubber dam clamp placement in comparison to the placebo cream (p < .005). CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in pain intensity occurred after application of 2 % lidocaine cream, and the effect was significantly greater than that obtained with the placebo cream. Considering the study's limitations, this product appears safe for use in children. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For painful benign lesions of the oral mucosa (trauma or aphthous ulcers) or for preventing painful iatrogenic procedures such as rubber dam clamp placement, it is essential to treat or prevent pain onset, especially in the pediatric population for whom a painful experience could end in refusal of dental care. Application of a topical anesthetic in this specific situation is of particular interest, as is defining its efficacy and safety.

Recommendations for the care of oral involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature and collect expert advice for proposing preventive and curative treatments of mouth and dental involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). METHODS: The literature pertaining to mouth and/or dental involvement related to SSc was reviewed, and recommendations were developed according to the suggestions of a French multidisciplinary working group of experts and validated by a lecture committee. RESULTS: Dentists face 3 main issues in caring for SSc patients: oral mucosa involvement, manducatory apparatus and mouth involvement responsible for limitations in mouth opening, and treatment-related adverse events. An increased risk of tongue carcinoma has been noted. In patients with severe limitation in mouth opening (<30 mm), recommended treatments are a specific mouth-opening rehabilitation program, flexible sectional dentures, and splint therapy. Indications for dental implants depend on the severity of SSc, comorbidities, and/or ongoing bisphosphonate treatment. Prevention of mouth infections and caries implies patient education and teaching about mouth and dental hygiene, periodontal maintenance, and treatment of sicca syndrome. Cessation of tobacco use is mandatory. Patient-tailored rehabilitation may improve limitations in mouth opening. Systematic dental panoramic radiography allows for the early detection of dental caries. CONCLUSION: Prevention of oral and dental complications is a major issue in patients with SSc. Dental treatment should be tailored to limitations in mouth opening, disease severity, and ongoing treatments.

Malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the jaws: a review of 16 cases.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is rarely found in the jaw. We present 16 cases and the purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical signs and symptoms. The treatment and the progression evolution are also mentioned. The diagnosis was usually difficult and was often misleading and so delays before the first bone biopsy were frequent. The therapy of this rare, diffuse, large cell lymphoma was very variable from one case to another but the majority of the patients were treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.