The Short-Term Results of the Modified Concentric-Needle Technique for Single-Puncture Arthrocentesis: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical applicability of the modified concentric cannula technique (CCT), focusing on the duration of the arthrocentesis, the number of reposition of cannula, and the occurrence of complications. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkiye, between September 2021 and May 2022. METHODOLOGY: Forty patients with Wilkes III temporomandibular joints (TMJ) internal derangement were identified and 13 patients who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The main outcomes regarding the clinical applicability of modified CCT included the duration of arthrocentesis, the number of reposition of cannula, and the occurrence of complications. RESULTS: The values of maximum mouth opening (MMO) without pain and MMO without assistance measured in the immediate postoperative period and at the 4th and 8th postoperative weeks were found to be significantly higher than the pre-arthrocentesis values. The values of MMO with assistance measured in the immediate postoperative period and at the 8th postoperative week were also significantly higher than the baseline values. Compared with preoperative values, notable decreases in pain scores were observed at the 4th (p = 0.003) and 8th (p = 0.002) postoperative weeks. The assessment of the jaw dysfunction also revealed significantly lower scores at the 4th (p = 0.024) and 8th (p <0.001) postoperative weeks. CONCLUSION: Modified CCT of arthrocentesis substantially decreased pain and improved mandibular functions in patients with internal derangement of TMJ. Additionally, this technique could be performed with a reduced number of cannula relocations and required a shorter operative time even with the use of a higher irrigation volume during the lavage procedure. KEY WORDS: Arthrocentesis, Temporomandibular joint disorder, Temporomandibular joint.

Should Preoperative Information Before Impacted Third Molar Extraction Be Visual, Verbal, or Both?

PURPOSE: Offering preoperative information is one option to help patients cope with the anxiety associated with oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. Although this information is commonly delivered verbally, written information, audio recordings, and videos are also recommended. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different preoperative information techniques on patients' anxiety levels before and after third molar tooth extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with parallel groups was performed. 92 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Group 1 was provided information via a silent video with subtitles. Group 2 was informed via a video with background audio. Group 3 was provided a written information brochure. Group 4, designated as the control group, was informed verbally. The Spielberger state anxiety inventory (STAI-S), dental fear scale (DFS), modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were used pre- and postoperatively to evaluate the dental anxiety of patients. The primary predictor variable was the preoperative information method. The primary outcome variables were the scores of STAI-S, DFS, MDAS, and VAS. Gender was also set as a covariate variable. Data analysis was performed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 software program. Unless otherwise stated, P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients scheduled for impacted third molar extractions under local anesthesia were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in the mean age (P = .275) or distribution of gender (P = .070). Compared to preoperative values, the postoperative scores of MDAS and VAS were decreased significantly in group 1 (P = .002, P = .003, respectively) and group 3 (P = .007; P = .009, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative scores of STAI-S, DFS, MDAS, and VAS in group 2 (P = .300, P = .028, P = .063, P = .038, respectively) and group 4 (P = .127, P = .587, P = .072, P = .016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that visual or written material, without audio or oral delivery, substantially reduced the anxiety associated with oral and maxillofacial surgery. Therefore, clinicians should preferentially provide information via written methods to control patients' anxiety before impacted third molar surgery.

Comparative evaluation of stress distribution and transverse displacement of novel designs of miniplates for sagittal split ramus osteotomy in 10 mm advancements: a finite element analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution and displacement values of six different miniplate systems in large mandibular advancement after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) with finite element analysis (FEA). A three-dimensional model of a mandible was created and a 10 mm advancement SSRO was simulated. The model was fixed using a four-hole miniplate, a six-hole miniplate, a newly designed six-hole miniplate and their curved versions. Maximum principal stress values for bone, von Mises stress values for osteosynthesis materials, and the amount of displacement between segments were measured. The highest von Mises value was observed in the curved version of the newly designed six-hole miniplate; the lowest value was detected in the four-hole curved miniplate. The lowest value of maximum principal stress in the bone was found in the curved version of the novel design six-hole miniplate. The least displacements between segments were also recorded in the new design of straight miniplate; therefore, for large mandibular advancement surgery, this novel six-hole miniplate may be a promising option with positive biomechanical characteristics.

Evaluation of the effect of periapical lesions and other odontogenic conditions on maxillary sinus mucosal thickness characteristics and mucosal appearance: A CBCT study.

Background. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effect of various dental and maxillary sinus variables on maxillary sinus mucosal thickness (MT). The variables included periodontal bone loss (PBL), periapical status, dental restorations of posterior maxillary teeth, and the distance from the root apices to the sinus mucosa. Methods. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxillary sinuses (n = 600) in 300 patients were examined. The sinus MT and the distance of the roots from maxillary sinuses were measured. Apical lesions of the roots, PBL, and situations of adjacent teeth were recorded. The relationships between these conditions and MT and characterization of MT were evaluated. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare groups due to the non-normal distribution of the data. The relationship between categorical variables was analyzed using chi-squared test. Results. There was a significant correlation between maxillary sinus MT and periapical lesions, PBL, and restorations (P < 0.05). MT increased as the apical lesions of premolar teeth enlarged (P < 0.05, P = 0.022). MT increased in cases of mild PBL of molar teeth (P = 0.041). Conclusion. In this retrospective study, the MT significantly increased in patients with periapical lesions, inadequate endodontic treatment, increased PBL, and inadequate dental restorations.

Effect of St. John's wort oil and olive oil on the postoperative complications after third molar surgery: randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the effects of St. John's wort oil and virgin olive oil on the postoperative complications and compare this with chlorhexidine gluconate plus benzydamine hydrochloride mouthwash after the removal of impacted third molar. METHODS: A total of 90 patients in need of impacted third molar surgery were included in this study. All included patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. The patients in group 1 received St. John's wort oil; the patients in group 2 received virgin olive oil, and those in group 3 received mouthwash containing chlorhexidine gluconate plus benzydamine hydrochloride. The self-reported pain and difficulty during jaw function, trismus, facial swelling, number of analgesics used during first postoperative week, and postoperative periodontal condition including plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pocket depth were compared between the groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were found regarding the study variables. CONCLUSIONS: The data of the present study supports that the use of essential oils provides efficient alternative to the gold standard chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in reducing postoperative complications and improving healing process without adverse effects after surgical removal of impacted third molars. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of essential oils showed similar results as the chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash regarding swelling, mouth opening, pain, need for rescue medication, infectious complications (i.e., alveolar osteitis), and periodontal healing. Therefore, essential oils can be an alternative to routine mouthwashes to ensure oral hygiene after impacted third molar surgery.

Comparative Evaluation of Diode Laser and Scalpel Surgery in the Treatment of Inflammatory Fibrous Hyperplasia: A Split-Mouth Study.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of diode laser surgery and the scalpel surgery in the removal of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (IFH). Background data: Diode laser systems are proposed as an alternative to scalpel surgery on surgeries involving oral soft tissues. Some of the advantages of the laser systems are ease of application, adequate coagulation, reduced postoperative pain, and decreased scarring. In addition, there are increasing data on the antibacterial effects of the diode lasers in dentistry; however, the direct bactericidal role of the diode laser in oral soft tissue procedures has not yet been investigated. Materials and methods: A total of 22 patients were enrolled in this study. One side of IFH was randomly assigned for excision with scalpel blade or with diode laser. Perioperative bleeding, postoperative pain, wound healing, and bacterial counts were evaluated for both methods. Results: The bleeding on the side treated by diode laser was found significantly lower (p < 0.05). A notable reduction in total bacterial counts was observed in the laser group after the first postoperative day. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were recorded regarding subjective postoperative pain between the groups (p = 0.065). The healing of the postoperative wounds was significantly faster in the conventional group at each time point. Conclusions: Diode laser has offered some advantages over conventional method in the management of IFH. However, large-cohort comparative studies are required to provide additional data regarding the wound healing capacity of the diode laser.

Risk factors associated with short dental implant success: a long-term retrospective evaluation of patients followed up for up to 9 years.

This multicenter study aimed to identify the different implant- and patient-related risk factors for long-term short dental implant success. Through a retrospective chart review of three centers, patient information regarding demographic variables, smoking habits, history of periodontitis, systemic diseases, and medications in addition to the parameters for short implant placement including implant manufacturer, design, anatomical location, diameter and length, and type of placement was collected. For statistical analysis, univariate regression models were used at the implant and patient levels. A total of 460 short implants placed in 199 patients followed up for up to 9 years were reviewed. Survival rates of the short implants were 95.86% and 92.96% and success rates were 90% and 83.41% for implant- and patient-based analysis, respectively. Peri-implantitis was reported as the primary cause of short dental implant failure (34/46, 73.91%). Univariate regression models revealed that female sex was strongly related to short implant success. In addition, smoking and history of periodontitis were found to have a significant negative influence on short implant success at the implant and patient levels. Taken together, these results support the use of short implants as a predictable longterm treatment option; however, smoking and history of periodontitis are suggested to be the potential risk factors for short implant success. Therefore, clinicians need to assess these potential risk factors and make treatment decisions accordingly.

Influence of coping strategies on oral health-related quality of life in patients with myalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify coping strategies used by patients with myalgia and to assess the influence of pain characteristics and coping attitudes on their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). METHODS: One hundred patients diagnosed with myalgia due to temporomandibular disorders were included in this study. They were administered a three-part questionnaire. For preselecting associated coping variables, correlation analysis was performed between coping strategies and OHRQoL domains. A block-wise hierarchical multiple regression analysis was carried out to evaluate whether coping strategies had any influence on OHRQoL. RESULTS: Notable trends were found between coping strategies and demographic variables and pain characteristics. OHRQoL appeared to worsen with pain severity and with coping strategies that reveal passive or avoidant attitudes of the patient. DISCUSSION: Individual coping strategies should be considered while managing myalgia. A multidisciplinary approach that aims to help these patients acquire suitable coping strategies may be useful in improving their OHRQoL.

Risk factors associated with short dental implant success: a long-term retrospective evaluation of patients followed up for up to 9 years

Abstract: This multicenter study aimed to identify the different implant- and patient-related risk factors for long-term short dental implant success. Through a retrospective chart review of three centers, patient information regarding demographic variables, smoking habits, history of periodontitis, systemic diseases, and medications in addition to the parameters for short implant placement including implant manufacturer, design, anatomical location, diameter and length, and type of placement was collected. For statistical analysis, univariate regression models were used at the implant and patient levels. A total of 460 short implants placed in 199 patients followed up for up to 9 years were reviewed. Survival rates of the short implants were 95.86% and 92.96% and success rates were 90% and 83.41% for implant- and patient-based analysis, respectively. Peri-implantitis was reported as the primary cause of short dental implant failure (34/46, 73.91%). Univariate regression models revealed that female sex was strongly related to short implant success. In addition, smoking and history of periodontitis were found to have a significant negative influence on short implant success at the implant and patient levels. Taken together, these results support the use of short implants as a predictable longterm treatment option; however, smoking and history of periodontitis are suggested to be the potential risk factors for short implant success. Therefore, clinicians need to assess these potential risk factors and make treatment decisions accordingly.

Management of a Recurrent Pyogenic Granuloma of the Hard Palate with Diode Laser: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a prevalent inflammatory hyperplasia of skin and oral mucosa which is often caused by constant low-grade local irritation, traumatic injury or hormonal factors. In many cases, gingival irritation and inflammation due to poor oral hygiene are precipitating factors. Oral PG occurs predominantly on the gingiva, but it is also encountered on the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa and rarely on the hard palate. Although surgical excision is the first choice of treatment, many other treatment modalities could be counted such as cryosurgery, sodium tetradecyl sulfate sclerotherapy, intralesional steroids, flash lamp pulsed dye laser, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) lasers and diode laser have been suggested. After surgical excision recurrence occurs up to 16% of these lesions. It is believed that recurrence ensues as a result of incomplete excision, failure to eliminate etiologic factors or repeated trauma. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old female was referred to the Department of Oral Surgery, Gazi University, School of Dentistry, complaining of a swelling and growth on the right side of the hard palate for four months. Patient reported a similar growth in the same area about two years earlier, which had turned out to be a PG by histopathology. The treatment plan included surgical excision of the lesion using diode laser. RESULTS: The patient reported no pain after the surgery. She was discharged with a prescription of chlorhexidine mouthwash and necessary post-operative instructions. At 7 days follow up visit, immediate recurrence of the lesion was observed, and it was excised by diode laser with 2 mm margins at its clinical periphery, to a depth up to the periosteum, by the same operator. No recurrence or scarring was observed in 14 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although diode laser is a secure and efficient technique for the treatment of intraoral PG, in order to minimize its recurrence, the lesion should be excised with a wider margin down to the periosteum or to the causing agent. Also due to its high recurrence rate, long-term follow-up is recommended.