In-Block Lateralization as a New Technique for Mobilization of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve: A Technique Case Series.

The edentulous atrophic posterior mandible is often a great challenge for implant rehabilitation. Although a number of treatment options have been proposed, including the use of short implants and surgical grafting techniques, in cases of severe bone atrophy, techniques for mobilization of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) have been shown to be efficient, with good results. Four female patients underwent IAN lateralization for prosthetic rehabilitation of the posterior mandible from 2013 to 2019, with 3 years to 5 years and 3 months of follow-up. This case series describes a new technique for mobilization of the IAN, named in-block lateralization, to facilitate access to the IAN and to reduce nerve manipulation. The implant is immediately installed (allowing nerve lateralization in unitary spaces), and the original mandibular anatomy is restored with autogenous bone from the original bed during the same surgical procedure. When well indicated and well performed, this new approach provides better and easier visualization of the IAN and safer manipulation aiming to achieve good results for implant stability and minimal risk of neurosensory disturbances, allowing rehabilitation even in unitary spaces.

Assessment of Adhesion and Proliferation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Polymer Matrices with rhGH.

PURPOSE: Biomaterials, as an alternative to autogenous bone and other biologic tissues, have been widely used in oral and maxillofacial surgery. In this context, a biomaterial that functions as a scaffold (osteoconductor), combined with a growth factor (osteoinductor), would be of great interest for clinical application. Biodegradable polymers used for slow drug release have been investigated, demonstrating good results and interesting potential. Growth hormone (GH) may be released by incorporating it into these polymers. This study aimed to evaluate cell adhesion and proliferation of a polymeric biomaterial for slow release of recombinant human GH (rhGH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and PLGA/polycaprolactone (PCL) (at a 70/30 ratio of PLGA to PCL) matrices were prepared by the solvent evaporation method, combined or not with GH. Biomaterials were tested for cell adhesion and proliferation by culture in mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wistar rat bone marrow, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and subsequent cell counting, in addition to scanning electron microscopy. Cell adhesion and proliferation was assessed at 24 and 72 hours of biomaterial exposure to culture medium. RESULTS: All tested polymers exhibited cell adhesion and proliferation. However, PLGA-based biomaterials, especially when combined with GH, showed greater cell proliferation when the difference in growth from 24 to 72 hours was evaluated. GH appeared to modify the polymer surface, with increased roughness and microporosity. This feature was more evident in the PLGA + GH combination. CONCLUSION: The biomaterials tested showed pronounced cell adhesion in all test groups, and GH appeared to contribute to the increase in cell proliferation, especially when combined with PLGA as compared with pure PLGA. Further studies are required to clarify this potential for development of new biomaterials.

Treatment of lip hemangioma using forced dehydration with induced photocoagulation via diode laser: report of three cases.

Several vascular lesions are related to the lip area. There is no universally accepted protocol for the treatment of hemangiomas and vascular malformations. In the oral cavity, high-power lasers represent an excellent therapeutic option for this type of lesion. Their coagulative properties allow for the performance of procedures without the risk of bleeding, which promotes a better healing pattern and a differentiated postoperative appearance. This study describes three cases of lip hemangioma treated with forced dehydration with induced photocoagulation (FDIP) via diode laser. All the reported cases were followed up until complete healing of the operated area had total remission of lesions, with no complications or adverse effects. The findings of the present study suggest that FDIP is effective and useful in the treatment of hemangiomas in the oral cavity. Laser treatment of these lesions prevents their recurrence and is well tolerated by patients.