Radiographic Evaluation of Low-Level Laser Therapy-Enhanced Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with Simultaneous Dental Implant Placement.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone healing in patients undergoing bilateral sinus lifting and simultaneous dental implant application. METHODS: Twelve patients with total/partial posterior maxillary edentulism who needed bilateral sinus bone augmentation were included in the study. Dental implants were inserted in the same session. LLLT (λ = 630-660 nm, 25 mW/cm2, 6 min) was used for one operation side on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days, whereas contralateral side served as control side. Preoperative and postoperative 1st, 3rd, and 6th month orthopantomograms were obtained using the aluminum step-wedge technique. Optic density analyses were performed using a Cardinal Health Digital Densitometer (Fluke Biomedical 07-443) with 1 mm diameter. Digital densitometry results were obtained as the equivalent aluminum thickness for each radiograph. These data were used to evaluate the changes in optical bone density and to compare the treatment side with the control side for each patient. RESULTS: The LLLT side showed better results than the control side according to the densitometry results. Increase in the bone density at all the postoperative intervals was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LLLT enhances bone regeneration in sinus augmentation with simultaneous dental implant placement.

Association of Matrilin-3 Gene Polymorphism with Temporomandibular Joint Internal Derangement.

AIMS: Temporomandibular joint internal derangement (TMJ ID) is a multifactorial complex disease characterised by articular disc degeneration. Matrilin-3 is a cartilage and bone-specific adaptor protein, and amino-acid substitutions in the protein are associated with skeletal diseases and joint disorders. We aimed to detect the variants of Matrilin-3 gene (MATN3) in a TMJ ID case-control group and to investigate the risk association of the detected variants with TMJ ID. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study was conducted consisting of 57 unrelated TMJ ID patients (32.7 ± 8.2) and 96 unrelated healthy controls (26.63 ± 3.05) without TMJ ID to look for associations with variants of the MATN3 gene. DNA from individual subjects was extracted and each of the eight exons was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using and analyzed by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. SSCP variants were subjected to DNA sequence analysis, which yielded band pattern variations in exon 2 of the gene. We further analyzed exon 2 by DNA sequencing to determine the sequence of these variants. RESULTS: We identified SSCP band patterns variants in exon 2 of the MATN3 gene which upon sequencing revealed a single C to T transition mutation (rs28598872) c.447 C>T (g.11608 C>T). This polymorphism is predicted to result in a synonymous mutation (pAla149 = ). The TT and CT genotypes were more prevalent than the CC genotype in TMJ ID patients compared to the control group with a risk factor of 2.12 (confidence intervals [CI] :0.88-5.08) and 2.0 (CI:0.726-5.508). In addition, TMJ ID patients were divided into two groups as anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWOR) and compared with the controls. The TT and CT genotypes were more prevalent than the CC genotype in ADDWR patients compared to the control group with a risk factor of 3.85 (CI:0.927-16.048) and 3.75 (1.02-13.786), respectively. We found that, among ADDWR patients, the T allele is a risk factor both in homozygous and heterozygous carriers (p < 0.052, p < 0.036). CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate a potential role for the MATN3 rs28598872 polymorphism in the pathogenesis of TMJ ID.

Combined surgical-orthodontic rehabilitation of cleidocranial dysplasia: 5 years follow-up.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CD) is an autosomal dominant syndrome which is characterized by several skeletal malformations such as non-closed fontanelles, skeletal abnormalities of the maxilla and mandible and absence of clavicles. Mid-facial hypoplasia and mandibular prognathism are mostly seen jaw abnormalities in CD. In this study, the combined orthodontic-surgical treatment of a patient with CD with class III malocclusion and multiple unerupted primary and deciduous teeth is presented.

Two-stage treatment of TMJ ankylosis by early surgical approach and distraction osteogenesis.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is characterized by the formation of bone or fibrous adhesion of the anatomic joint components, which replaces the normal articulation and limitation of mouth opening. Early surgical intervention is considered as a treatment procedure to release the joint ankylosis and to maintain the function of the joint. Longstanding temporomandibular joint ankylosis which starts during the active growth period in early childhood resulting in facial asymmetry. Thus, the importance of the evaluation for the facial asymmetries and unfavorable remodeling of the mandible has to be considered during the initial treatment planning. Further operations, either osteotomies or distraction osteogenesis, are required for the treatment of maxillofacial deformities. The present study reports a case of unilateral TMJ ankylosis treated by interpositional arthroplasty prior to distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of mandibular secondary deformity. Various treatment procedures and timing protocols are reviewed and discussed.

Ameloblastic fibrodentinoma. A case report.

A case report of an ameloblastic fibrodentinoma (AFD) in a 21-year-old female patient is presented. This rare, benign tumor was surgically treated. The histological findings and follow-up are presented.

Peripheral osteoma of the oral and maxillofacial region: a study of 35 new cases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to present 35 new cases of peripheral osteoma of the oral and maxillofacial region with an analysis of the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a search of our files for the past 5 years for peripheral osteoma of the oral and maxillofacial region. The criteria used to diagnose osteoma included the radiographic and histologic features. RESULTS: The 35 patients, which included 23 males (65%) and 12 females (35%), ranged in age from 14 to 58 years, with a mean age of 29.4 years. Most of the osteomas were located in frontal bone (28.57%), mandible (22.85%), and maxilla (14.28%). CONCLUSION: Peripheral osteomas of the jaw bones are uncommon, and accordingly, patients with osteoma should be evaluated for Gardner's syndrome. In addition, it is appropriate to provide both clinical and radiographic follow-up after surgical excision of a peripheral osteoma.