Prevalence of accessory mental foramen and lateral lingual foramen using cone beam computed tomography: A single-center cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, dimensions, and positions of accessory mental foramen (AMF) and lateral lingual foramen (LLF) in an Iranian population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 2082 patients were retrospectively reviewed based on inclusion criteria, including images from the mandibular region taken in the past five years with accurate demographic data. Exclusion criteria included images with significant pathologies, fractures, or poor quality. CBCT images were captured, and AMF and LLF presence (primary outcome variable), dimensions, and positions (secondary outcome variables) were recorded relative to the mental foramen and adjacent teeth. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: A total of 2082 CBCT samples (46.54% females and 53.46% males) with a mean age of 48.30 ± 12.70 years were examined. Among these, 246 AMFs were observed in 222 individuals with a prevalence at the foramen level of 11.815%, with 24 having two AMFs. AMF was mostly observed unilaterally, with bilateral occurrence noted in 10.81% of patients with AMF. Additionally, 86 patients were found to have LLF with a prevalence at the foramen level of 5.907%. There were no significant differences between genders in AMF and LLF prevalence. CONCLUSION: AMF and LLF were detectable using CBCT in the selected Iranian population. AMF was commonly situated posterior and superior to the mental foramen, while LLF was often found near the first premolar. This knowledge is crucial for preventing nerve injury during surgery and ensuring effective nerve block procedures.

Assessment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Incidence Following Closed Sinus Lift and Ridge Splitting Surgeries: A Cohort Study.

Background: With a notable increase in demand for implant placement in atrophic cases, this study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) following closed sinus lift and ridge splitting surgeries. Materials and Methods: Healthy patients requiring posterior maxillary closed sinus lift or ridge split surgeries at Mashhad Dental School from September 2021 to September 2022 were enrolled in this cohort study. A single surgeon performed all surgeries under standard protocols. The intervention groups consisted of closed sinus lift and ridge splitting procedures. The primary outcome variable was BPPV, and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver was used before and after the operation to diagnose BPPV. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 23, and the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 112 patients (51 women and 61 men) with a mean age of 48.4 ± 9.5 years participated in the study. The average BMI was 21.5 ± 2.4, and the mean duration of surgery was 31.9 ± 6.6 min. Of the patients, 10.7, 36.6, 27.7, 12.5, and 1.8% presented with hypertension, headache, dizziness, nausea, and BPPV, respectively. Two patients (3.1%) in the closed sinus lift group were diagnosed with BPPV, whereas no patients in the ridge split group were diagnosed. However, there was no significant difference (P = 0.509). No statistically significant difference in the occurrence of certain symptoms between two groups was found. There was a significant association between certain health conditions and the onset of BPPV. Conclusion: The study suggests closed sinus lift surgery may have a higher risk of BPPV than ridge split surgery, but further studies with larger sample are needed to confirm this association.

Treatment Options of Maxillofacial Fractures in Iran: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

Background: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the treatment options of maxillofacial fractures in Iran, complementing a previous article regarding causes and the overall prevalence. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (WS) and Google Scholar (GS) electronic databases was conducted to identify the relevant articles published up to January 2023. Studies reporting the treatment option of maxillofacial fractures in Iran were included in the analysis. MOOSE guidelines were adopted for the current systematic review. No data or language restriction were applied. Risk of bias across the articles was assessed. Results: This systematic review included 13 articles with a total of 19,147 treated patients for maxillofacial fractures. ORIF was the most common type of treatment, but complications occurred in approximately 5% of cases. Mandible fractures were not statistically more treated by ORIF than closed reduction or conservative treatment, and no type of treatment was considered statistically preferable depending on the anatomical region affected by Iranian maxillofacial surgeons. The included studies were considered to have a low risk of bias, but many were not clear in reporting cross-referenced data regarding the type of treatment, which could be considered a major flaw. Conclusion: Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the types of treatment used for maxillofacial fractures by Iranian surgeons and highlights the importance of clear reporting of data in research articles.

Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Methods of Postoperative Pain Control Following Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Background: We aimed to investigate the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions used for mitigating pain. Methods: We integrated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) chosen from PubMed, Google scholar, and Scopus and aimed at assessing the effectiveness of one or multiple variants of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as Narcotic analgesics, compared to corticosteroids, curcumin, hyaluronic acid, and antibiotics. In addition, trials utilizing NSAIDs, including Rofecoxib, which have been withdrawn from market circulation, were deemed ineligible for inclusion. Result: A total of 9 RCTs were evaluated in this study, and the patients' postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the time measurement. Moreover, there were various approaches to alleviating pain and discomfort. Conclusion: The administration of ibuprofen prior to surgery leads to a marked reduction in pain. Pharmacological interventions, such as the administration of dexamethasone and oxycodone, alongside non-pharmacological interventions, such as laser therapy, have been shown to effectively alleviate the discomfort resulting from surgical procedures on the jaw and face.

Three Different Fixation Modalities following Mandibular Setback Surgery with Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy: A Comparative Study using Three-dimensional Finite Elements Analysis.

Background: The provision of sufficient stability after maxillofacial surgery is essential for the reduction of complications and disease recurrence. The stabilization of osteotomized pieces results in rapid restoration of normal masticatory function, reduction of skeletal relapse, and uneventful healing at the osteotomy site. We aimed to compare qualitatively stress distribution patterns over a virtual mandible model after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) bridged with three different intraoral fixation techniques. Methods: This study was conducted in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Mashhad School of Dentistry, Mashhad, Iran, from March 2021-March 2022. The mandible computed tomography scan of a healthy adult was used to generate a 3D model; thereafter, BSSO with a 3mm setback was simulated. The three following fixation techniques were applied to the model: 1) two bicortical screws, 2) three bicortical screws, and 3) a miniplate. The bilateral second premolars and first molars were placed under mechanical loads of 75, 135, and 600N in order to simulate symmetric occlusal forces. Finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out in Ansys software, and the mechanical strain, stress, and displacement calculations were recorded. Results: The FEA contours revealed that stress was mainly concentrated in the fixation units. Although bicortical screws presented better rigidity than miniplates, they were associated with higher stress and displacement readings. Conclusion: Miniplate fixation demonstrated the most favorable biomechanical performance, followed by fixation with two and three bicortical screws, respectively. Intraoral fixation with miniplates in combination with monocortical screws can serve as an appropriate fixation arrangement and treatment option for skeletal stabilization after BSSO setback surgery.

The Causes and Prevalence of Maxillofacial Fractures in Iran: A Systematic Review.

Background: Maxillofacial fractures are a common type of injury that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the prevalence and causes of maxillofacial fractures in Iran to estimate the overall prevalence of maxillofacial fractures and the most common causes. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (WS) and Google Scholar (GS) electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant articles published up to January 2023. Studies reporting the prevalence and causes of maxillofacial fractures in Iran were included in the analysis. MOOSE guidelines were adopted for the current systematic review. No data or language restriction were applied. Risk of bias across the articles was assessed. Results: A total of 32 studies comprising 35,720 patients were included in the analysis. The most common cause of maxillofacial fractures was road traffic accidents (RTAs), accounting for 68.97% of all cases, followed by falls (12.62%) and interpersonal violence (9.03%). The prevalence of maxillofacial fractures was higher in males (81.04%) and in the age group of 21-30 years (43.23%). Risk of bias across studies was considered low. Conclusion: Maxillofacial fractures are a significant public health problem in Iran, with a high prevalence and RTAs being the leading cause. These results highlight the need for increased efforts to prevent maxillofacial fractures in Iran, especially through measures to reduce the incidence of RTAs.

The Beneficial Effect of Preoperative Dexmedetomidine in Controlling Postoperative Pain, Nausea, and Vomiting After Orthognathic Surgery: A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Controlling postoperative pain and nausea (PONV) following orthognathic surgery can be challenging. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in reducing pain and preventing nausea and vomiting in subjects undergoing orthognathic surgery. METHODS: The authors implemented a triple-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Healthy adults with class III jaw deformity scheduled for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were included. Subjects were randomized to the DEX or placebo groups. The DEX group received premedication with DEX 1 µg/kg IV over 10 minutes followed by a maintenance dose (0.2 µg/kg/hour) while the placebo group received normal saline. The primary outcome variables were postoperative pain, postoperative nausea, and postoperative vomiting . Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours, postoperatively). Nausea and vomiting were recorded throughout the postoperative period. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2, t test, and repeated measures ANOVA with a P value < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 60 consecutive subjects with a mean age of 24.6 ± 3.5 years completed the study. There were 38 females (63.33%) and 22 males (36.66%). The mean visual analog scale was significantly lower in the DEX group at all time-points (P < .05). There was a significantly greater demand for rescue analgesics in the placebo group compared to the DEX group (P = .01). Fourteen subjects (46.7%) in the placebo group and one subject (3.3%) in the DEX group reported nausea (P < .001). Postoperative vomiting was not observed in any of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Premedication with DEX can be considered a viable treatment option for reducing postoperative pain and postoperative nausea after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

Oral and maxillofacial literature from Middle East: a bibliometric analysis and list of top-100 most cited articles.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to perform a bibliometric analysis on Middle Eastern oral and maxillofacial surgery through years and to compare the data with previous studies. A list of the top 100 most cited articles was generated. METHODS: A Pubmed bibliographic search for literature journals specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the Middle East was performed. A graphic representation of authorship and keywords was created with VOSviewer. Mendeley and Microsoft Excel were used for tabulation and data visualization. A list of the top 100 most cited articles was created using Web of Science. Some statistical tests were performed with a 95% confidence interval, which was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 6,536 articles were retrieved in fifteen selected oral and maxillofacial journals. A moderate correlation between number of publications and total population (R = 0.6052), low correlation with area (R = 0.302291), and a negligible correlation with the Human Development Index (HDI) were found (R = 0.1747). A disparity can be seen in the number of publications by country, leaded by Turkey (46.30%), Israel and Iran (13.68% each). The more common studied topic was oral surgery (25.77%), maxillofacial trauma (16.13%) and oral pathology (10.25%). CONCLUSIONS: A useful list of the top 100 most cited articles on oral and maxillofacial surgery from Middle East has been created. Middle East publications on oral and maxillofacial surgery can be considered high quality (IF = 1.879). Some issues on performing an adequate selecting of MeSH keywords were discussed.

Assessment of Maxillary Sinus Variations Post-LeFort: A Systematic Review.

Background: The purpose of this article was to systematically review maxillary sinus changes after LeFort. We examined and analyzed the anatomical abnormalities that occurred following LeFort I osteotomy, as well as the abnormalities of maxillary sinus volume (MSV) before and after the operation. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on various databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. The articles used were in English and original. This study was conducted until September 2023, and after reviewing the articles, several keywords, such as "Maxillary sinus" and "LeFort I osteotomy", were employed. The obtained data were evaluated based on the PICO framework. Results: Findings from 15 studies showed that the amount of MSV decreased before and after the operation (considering the three dimensions of the sinus, the measurement was performed linearly). These reduction values differed between men and women, with men having a greater reduction. As is the case with other operations, there were some side effects associated with this type of operation that some patients experienced postoperatively. Conclusion: In both male and female patients, the MSV was reduced after one-piece and multi-segment osteotomies. Nonetheless, one-piece LeFort I osteotomy showed a higher reduction in MSV than the multi-segment osteotomy method, according to this systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Effect of Covid-19-Related Social Distancing Restrictions on Maxillofacial Fractures Epidemiology.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in maxillofacial fracture epidemiology and etiology regarding Covid-19-related social distancing restrictions in an Iranian population. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in six major trauma center hospitals in Iran in a period of two years (March 2018 until March 2020). The primary outcome variable was the maxillofacial fractures incidence. Patients' demographic data, date of injury as well as fracture characteristics, fracture etiology, type, and site were all recorded, compared, and analyzed in the control and experimental groups. Results: The patients consisted of 520 (83.6%) males and 102 (16.4%) females. Patients sustaining maxillofacial fractures over this two-year period displayed a mean age of 31.24±14.44, with an age range of 2 to 88 years. The incidence of maxillofacial fractures significantly decreased in all age groups (p<0.001). After social distancing restrictions were placed; there was a significant drop in the number of subjects attending due to motorcycle collisions and road traffic accidents, whereas the number of fractures caused by assaults and domestic violence significantly increased (p<0.001 for each). Conclusion: The investigators realized that social distancing restrictions were able to change the trends and patterns in maxillofacial fracture incidence and etiology.

Is There Any Differences in Dento-Skeletal Stability between One Vs. Three-Screw Fixation of Mandible Following Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO)?

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the dento-skeletal stability between one and three-screw fixation of mandible following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) in skeletal class 3 patients. Methods: Healthy patients with skeletal class 3 malocclusion in Mashhad, Iran, from August 2020 to May 2021 were undergone mandibular setback through bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Rigid fixation was performed in one group with one-screw technique, and three-screw fixation was done in another group. Cephalogram x-rays were prepared and analyzed in three stages: before surgery (T0), one week after the surgery (T1), and six months postoperatively (T2). The linear and angular alterations of chosen multivariate skeletal and dental variables were evaluated and statistically compared in all three periods. Results: This study included a total of 20 patients, 12 of them were female (60%). Patients in the one-screw fixation group had a mean age of 20.6 ± 2.2 years old, whereas those in the three-screw fixation group were 21.5 ± 2.8 years old, with no statistically significant difference. Both groups had excellent mandibular stability six months following surgery. No statistically significant differences were observed in the postoperative skeletal and dental changes between the two techniques. Conclusion: Fixation of the mandible following the setback surgery by the BSSO technique with the one-screw fixation method may be accomplished effectively, and the therapeutic outcomes are comparable to those obtained with the traditional 3-screw fixation approach.

Emergence from Anesthesia: A Comparison between Isolated Mandibular Setback and Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgeries in Skeletal Class III Patients.

Background: We aimed to compare the emergence from anesthesia between the isolated mandibular setback and bimaxillary orthognathic surgeries in Skeletal Class III Patients. Methods: All healthy patients with skeletal class III deformity admitted to Mashhad Dental School, Mashhad, Iran from the years 2017 to 2018 were included in this study. They were candidates for either bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (Bimax surgery) through a combination of mandibular setback surgery plus maxillary advancement or isolated mandibular setback (Monomax surgery). The predictor variable was the type of jaw displacement and anesthesia duration, while the outcome variable was the duration of emergence from general anesthesia. The duration of emergence from anesthesia was calculated from the time the patient was transported to the recovery room until the time of safely discharging from the recovery room. For statistical analysis, the significance level was set at 0.05 using SPSS 21. Results: A total of 81 consecutive patients, comprising 45 (55.6%) males and 36 (44.4%) females, with an average age of 23.15±4.58 years were recruited. Among the participating patients, 56 (69.1%) underwent bimaxillary surgery while the other 25 (30.9%) were treated with Monomax surgery. Regardless of the type of performed surgery, the duration of general anesthesia was the only factor to be significantly correlated to the length of emergence from anesthesia (P= 0.001). Conclusion: Increased exposure time to general anesthesia might result in a longer emergence from anesthesia, despite the type of performed orthognathic surgery. Further clinical trials are needed to support the relevancy.

Is Preemptive Oral Tizanidine Effective on Postoperative Pain Intensity after Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery? A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: We aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative administration of oral tizanidine on postoperative pain intensity after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Methods: All healthy skeletal class III patients who were candidates for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were enrolled in this triple-blind randomized clinical trial. The study was carried out in the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Qaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran; from January 2021 to November 2021. The consecutive patients were randomly divided into tizanidine and placebo groups. One hour prior to anesthesia induction, the tizanidine group received 4 mg Tizanidine dissolved in 10 ml apple juice, whereas the placebo group received an identical glass of plain apple juice. All operations were performed by the same surgical team, under the same general anesthesia protocol. Postoperative pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. For statistical analysis; the significance level was set at 0.05 using SPSS 23. Results: A total of 60 consecutive patients, consisting of 36 females (60%) and 24 males (40%) with an average age of 25.4 ± 6.0 were recruited. An increasing trend was noticed in the amount of perceived postoperative pain from the 3rd till 12th hour, and then decreased afterward. Nevertheless, the average amount of pain was significantly lower in the tizanidine compared to the placebo group, in all the evaluated time intervals (P<0.001). Moreover, there was a significantly higher requirement for postoperative opioid analgesics in the placebo compared to the tizanidine group (P=0.011). Conclusion: The addition of oral tizanidine was effective in reducing postoperative pain following bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Further studies are necessary for more relevancy.

Does Mandibular Advancement Orthognathic Surgery Lead to TMJ Dysfunction in Skeletal Class 2 Patients? A Quasi-Experimental Trial in an Iranian Population.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the possibility of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction following mandibular advancement surgery in skeletal class 2 patients. Methods: All healthy non-syndromic patients with Class 2 deformity, who were eligible for mandibular advancement surgery, were included in this before-after quasi-experimental study. The main intervention was mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Maxillary impaction or setback surgery using LeFort 1 osteotomy was simultaneously performed in some cases. Variables such as TMJ pain, clicking, crepitus, or any other type of sounds or complaint as well as the amount of maximum mouth opening (MMO) were evaluated before surgery and two months postoperatively. Results: Thirty patients including 15 men and 15 women with a mean age of 23.3 ±2.7 yr were studied. The mean amount of mandibular advancement displacement was 3.30 ± 0.87 mm. The rate of TMJ dysfunctions and complaints was relatively low two months postoperatively when compared to the preoperative state. Postoperative evaluation demonstrated that there was no significant correlation between the presence of TMJ symptoms and dysfunctions and the type of surgery. After treatment was completed, the mean MMO reduced significantly from 39.03±5.86 to 38.12±6.05 (P<0.001). Conclusion: Mandibular advancement with BSSO surgery in skeletal class 2 patients did not clinically lead to TMJ dysfunctions. Among all the investigated factors, only preoperative pain, noises, or complaints were proven to have predictive value for postoperative TMJ dysfunction.

Dal Pont vs Hunsuck: Which Technique Can Lead to a Lower Incidence of Bad Split during Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy? A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the incidence of bad split fractures during Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO) mandibular setback surgery using Dal Pont and Hunsuck techniques. METHODS: All healthy adults with skeletal class III discrepancy, who were candidates for mandibular setback surgery were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial in the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Qaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran; from 2018-2020. These patients were randomly divided into two equal groups; one group underwent BSSO using Dal Pont osteotomy while the Hunsuck osteotomy was employed for the other group. A bad split fracture which identified through intra-operative clinical and postoperative radiographic examination was the outcome variable. The significance level was set at 0.05 using SPSS 16. RESULTS: Overall, 104 consecutive patients, comprising of 52 (50%) males with an average age of 23.09±3.08 were recruited. The average duration of osteotomy and splitting was reported to be 22.74±3.06 min. 10 bad split fractures (9.62%) were observed; 7 of which occurred in the Dal Pont group and 3 in the Hunsuck group. However, this difference was not significant. In 80% of the cases, bad split osteotomy occurred in the proximal segment, while this finding was identified in the distal segment in 20% of cases. The average duration of osteotomy and splitting was significantly longer in the Dal Pont group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The duration of osteotomy and splitting is much shorter when the Hunsuck technique is employed, and the incidence of unfavorable fractures is also less compared to the Dal Pont osteotomy technique.

Effect of Photobiomodulation on the Incidence of Alveolar Osteitis and Postoperative Pain following Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of incidence of alveolar osteitis (AO) and postoperative pain following third molar surgery. In this double-blind clinical trial, the impacted teeth of patients having bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were surgically extracted; for each participant, one socket was randomly assigned to receive photobiomodulation treatment, the other received sham treatment. 660 nm 200 mW CW was applied at a distance of ~1cm to 4 points on the occlusal area of extraction socket (beam area at the tissue ~0.64 cm2 , 312.5 mW cm-2 , 1J, 1.6 J cm-2 ). Also, 810 nm 200 mW CW was applied at tissue surface at three points on the buccal and three points on the lingual gingiva, for 15 s (400 mW cm-2 , 3 J, 6 J cm-2 ). There was a statistically meaningful difference in AO frequency between the two groups, and the photobiomodulation group showed lower AO frequency compared with the sham PBM treatment (P-value = 0.035). According to the findings of this study, photobiomodulation therapy reduced the incidence of AO following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. The incidence of AO typically occurs 3-7 days post-extraction, and our results suggest that PBM treatment within the 7 days could help reduce the risk of AO development.

Does the Presence of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars Increase the Risk of Bad Split Incidence During Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy?

BACKGROUND: The possibility of mandibular bad spilt might happen during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). This study investigated the effect of impacted mandibular third molars on bad spilt incidence during BSSO. METHODS: Totally, 140 patients under 40 years old who were candidates for BSSO surgery due to class 3 skeletal discrepancy were divided randomly into two equal groups. The impacted mandibular third molars were presented in one group during BSSO (Exposed), and the third molars were removed at least six months before surgery for the other group (Unexposed). All cases underwent BSSO using the same technique by a single surgeon. A bad split was diagnosed by inter-operative clinical examination and postoperative panoramic radiography. RESULTS: Four bad split occurrences were observed including three patients in the group which impacted mandibular third molars were presented and one patient in the group without impacted mandibular third molars. The incidence of bad fracture in the exposed group was 3.7 times more than the unexposed group. The incidence of the bad fracture in exposed group was 3.7 times more than unexposed group. The chance of fractures in females was 1.7 times higher than males. With one year addition to the patient's age, chance of fracture increased 0.985 times more. CONCLUSION: Overall incidence of bad split fracture in presence of mandibular third molars in females and at older ages increased during BSSO. The extraction of impacted mandibular third molars, six months before the BSSO is recommended to prevent the bad split incidence during the operation.

Evidence-Based Clinical Efficacy of Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Maxillary Sinus Floor Lift, Graft and Surgical Augmentation Procedures.

Bone augmentation techniques have increasingly been indicated for re-creating adequate bone height and volume suitable for dental implant sites. This is particularly applicable in the severely atrophic posterior maxilla where sinus perforation (ruptured Schneiderian membrane) is a very common complication and sinus floor elevation or lift is frequently considered a standard procedure. The augmentation of the maxillary sinus can be performed with or without grafting biomaterials. Herein, numerous biomaterials and bone substitutes have been proposed, primarily to sustain the lifted space. In addition, cytokines and growth factors have been used to stimulate angiogenesis, enhance bone formation as well as improve healing and recovery period, either as the sole filling material or in combination with bone substitute materials. Within such, is the family of autologous blood extracts, so-called platelet concentrates, which are simply the "product" resulting from the simple centrifugation of collected whole blood samples of the patient, immediately pre-surgery. Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), a sub-family of platelet concentrates, is a three-dimensional (3-D) autogenous biomaterial obtained, without including anti-coagulants, bovine thrombin, additives, or any gelifying agents during the centrifugation process. Today, it is safe to say that, in implant dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery, PRFs (particularly, the pure platelet-rich fibrin or P-PRF and leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin or L-PRF sub-classes) are receiving the most attention, essentially due to their simplicity, rapidness, user-friendliness/malleability, and cost-effectiveness. Whether used as the sole "bioactive" filling/additive material or combined with bone substitutes, the revolutionary second-generation PRFs have been very often associated with promising clinical results. Hence, this review aims to provide a 10-years update on the clinical effectiveness of L-PRF when applied/used as the "sole" biomaterial in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. An electronic search using specific keywords for L-PRF and maxillary sinus augmentation was conducted in three main databases (PubMed-MEDLINE database, Google Scholar and Cochrane library) for the period between January 2009-February 2020. The quest yielded a total of 468 articles. Based on the pre-established strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, only seven articles were deemed eligible and included in the analysis. Surprisingly, of the 5 studies which used de-proteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in combination with L-PRF, 60% acclaimed no significant effects and only 40% declared positive effects. Of the two articles which had used allogenous bone graft, 50% declared no significant effects and 50% acclaimed positive effects. Only one study had used L-PRF as the sole grafting material and reported a positive effect. Likewise, positive effects were reported in one other study using L-PRF in combination with a collagen membrane. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, this review is limited by the inability to perform a proper systematic meta-analysis. Overall, most of the published studies reported impressive results of L-PRF application as a grafting material (sole or adjuvant) in maxillary sinus augmentation and dental implant restorative procedures. Yet, distinct technical processing for L-PRF preparation was noted. Hence, studies should be approached with caution. Here in, in sinus lift and treatment of Schneider membrane, the formation of mature bone remains inconclusive. More studies are eagerly awaited in order to prove the beneficial or detrimental effects of PRFs, in general and L-PRFs, in specific; especially in their tissue regenerative potential pertaining to the promotion of angiogenesis, enhancing of cell proliferation, stimulation of cell migration and autocrine/paracrine secretion of growth factors, as well as to reach a consensus or a conclusive and distinct determination of the effect of leukocytes (and their inclusion) on inflammation or edema and pain; a call for standardization in PRFs and L-PRFs composition reporting and regimenting the preparation protocols.

Will Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Apnea/Hypopnea Index Be Corrected Following Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder of repetitive complete or partial airway obstruction during sleep. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of alveolar cleft reconstruction on the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) condition and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). METHODS: In a double-blinded prospective quasi-experimental study, all healthy systemic children (n=30 female cleft patients) with unilateral alveolar cleft defects within the age range of 8-14 years and BMI less than 30 kg/m2 who admitted for alveolar cleft repair were enrolled. OSA monitoring was performed one week before surgery, and 3 months postoperatively by Apnea Link device. Sleep apnea indices such as AHI, respiratory disturbance index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) as well as pulse rate (PR) and respiratory rate (RR) were the variables. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 11.0±1.4 years, and BMI average was 21.48±4.4 kg/m2. Mean AHI was 21.6±5.0 events/hour, preoperatively; which decreased significantly and reached 4.4±2.5 events/hour after alveolar cleft reconstruction surgery (p=0.005). Moreover, the other OSA variables (SpO2, RDI, and ODI), as well as vital signs (PR, and RR) improved postoperatively (p=0.005). In other words, the preoperative moderate OSA status relieved after alveolar cleft repair and reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the OSA and AHI ameliorated after bone graft surgery in alveolar cleft repair. More clinical trials including larger sample sizes may be required for relevancy.

The Comparison of Utilizing Piezotome and Surgical Disc in Ridge Splitting of Atrophic Edentulous Maxillary Ridge.

OBJECTIVE: Narrow dentoalveolar ridges remain a serious challenge for the successful placement of dental implants. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of piezosurgery versus surgical disc on ridge splitting in the atrophic edentulous maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial. The healthy subjects who were candidates for maxillary ridge expansion were included in this experiment. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: piezosurgery group and surgical disc group. The width of the bone in the surgical site was measured by surgical calliper before the osteotomy. The bone width was remeasured after ridge-split completion (before suturing) and during the implant placement (4 months later). Then data were analysed by SPSS software, and the P value was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The study sample size included 20 cases. Our outcomes showed that both techniques (surgical disc and piezotome) were effective in ridge splitting (P < 0.001). However, the average bone width which was obtained after ridge splitting was significantly higher in the piezosurgery group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that both methods of piezosurgery and surgical disc can significantly lead to increase in the ridge width. However, the piezosurgery technique was more effective in ridge splitting.