Single Dose Intravenous Paracetamol versus Placebo in Postorthognathic Surgery Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The postorthognathic surgery patients experienced moderate to severe pain and could be at risk for opioid-related side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of intravenous paracetamol to control postorthognathic surgery pain and reduce opioid consumption. Methods: The patients were randomized into two groups. The study group received intravenous paracetamol and the control group received a placebo immediately postoperation. The visual analogue pain scale (VAS) at 1-, 4-, 8-, 12-, 16-, 20-, and 24 -h postoperatively, morphine consumption, side effects from morphine, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Results: Sixty-two patients (thirty-one patients in each group) were included. The postoperative VAS in the study group was significantly lower than those in the control group (p value <0.001) at all time points. The total postoperative morphine consumption in the study group (45.1 ± 21.2 mcg/kg) was significantly lower compared with the control group (136.5 ± 49.9 mcg/kg) (p value <0.001). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the study group (4.7 ± 0.5 out of 5 points) than in the control group (4.1 ± 0.7 out of 5 points) (p value <0.001). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (p value <0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: A single dose of intravenous paracetamol as part of multimodal analgesia was effective for postorthognathic surgery pain. It provided significant benefits to patients, including reduced pain scores, decreased opioid consumption, reduced nausea and vomiting, and improved satisfaction. This trial is registered with TCTR20210908002.

Utilization of rapid antigen tests for screening SARS-CoV-2 prior to dental treatment.

Potential aerosols containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral particles can be generated during dental treatment. Hence, patient triage is essential to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in dental clinical settings. The present study described the use of rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 screening prior to dental treatment in an academic dental clinical setting in Thailand during the pandemic. The opinions of dental personnel toward the use of rapid antigen test screening prior to dental treatment were also assessed. From August 25 to October 3, 2021, dental patients who were expected to receive aerosols generating dental procedures were requested to screen for SARS-CoV-2 using a rapid antigen test before their treatment. A total of 7,618 cases completed the screening process. The average was 212 cases per day. Only five patients (0.07%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the rapid antigen screening tests. All positive cases exhibited mild symptoms. For the questionnaire study, experienced dental personnel frequently and consistently agreed with the use of the rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 screening, which made them feel safer during their patient treatment. However, implementing rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 may increase the total time spent on a dental appointment. In conclusion, a rapid antigen test could detect the infected individual prior to dental treatment. However, the specificity of rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 must be taken into account for consideration as a screening process before dental treatment. The enhanced infection control protocols in dental treatment must be consistently implemented.

The impact of deproteinized bovine bone particle size on histological and clinical bone healing outcomes in the augmented sinus: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of different deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particle sizes on bone healing in maxillary sinus floor augmentation remains unclear. This study compared the newly formed tissue and angiogenesis-related bone healing after sinus floor augmentation using large or small DBBM particles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall 32 patients were randomly divided into two groups using either large (1-2 mm) or small (0.25-1 mm) DBBM particles for sinus floor augmentation. After 6 months, the mineralized tissue volume was calculated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. The newly formed tissue composition was histomorphometrically analyzed. Angiogenesis was also examined by means of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Implant failure and marginal bone loss were measured at a 1-year follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-test. RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis demonstrated that grafting with large particles resulted in higher bone volume (6.99 ± 2.72 mm3 , p = 0.002) and Bone Volume/Tissue Volume (0.25 ± 0.1, p = 0.03) compared with small particles (3.76 ± 1.83 mm3 and 0.14 ± 0.13, respectively). Small particles showed higher non-mineralized tissue volume (26.31 mm3 ) compared with large particle group (17.4 ± 5.34 mm3 ) with p = 0.001. The histological data revealed significantly higher area of newly formed bone (32.15% ± 14.04% for the large particle and 15.99% ± 14.12% for the small particle groups, p = 0.004). Likewise, non-mineralized tissue was significantly greater in the small particle group (66.48% ± 20.97%) compared with the large particle group (44.36%, p = 0.016). Moreover, use of large particles resulted in a significantly higher VEGF staining intensity score and VEFG positive cells. No implant failure was recorded in both groups, while no difference was found in terms of marginal bone loss at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus floor augmentation using large DBBM particles resulted in more angiogenesis expression, higher bone volume, and new bone formation at 6 months after sinus augmentation. However, clinical outcomes with regards to implant placement were similar in both groups.

Complications related to orthognathic surgery: A 10-year experience in oral and maxillofacial training center.

This article aimed to review adverse events and complications to orthognathic surgery based upon 10 years. This study was a retrospective investigation between 2009 and 2018. Independent variables such as sex, age, pre-operative conditions, diagnosis, type of surgery, bleeding volume, surgery duration, and hospitalization were recorded. The data regarding orthognathic surgery adverse events and complications were evaluated and statistically analyzed with a significance level of p < 0.05. A total of 891 patients were included in this study (male 39.1%, female 60.9%) with a mean age of 26.4 ± 6.09 years. A neurosensory disturbance was found as immediate post-operative sequelae as 93.5%. The four most frequent complications had a relapse (6.4%), post-operative TMD (5.7%), unfavorable osteotomy (5.5%), and infection (4.9%), which seem to be more common in males. An average blood loss was 497 ± 371 ml and the average operative time was 401 ± 109.3 min. Complication rates were statistically affected by bleeding volume (p-value = 0.01), operative time (p-value = 0.03), and type of skeletal deformity (p-value = 0.01). Although numerous complications were recorded, no fatal complications were experienced. Bleeding time, operative time, and skeletal classification have significant influence on orthognathic surgery complications. However, a multitude of factors could be modified to reduce the complication rate and improve the result of the treatment. One of the most significant factors was the operative time.

Acemannan-induced tooth socket healing: A 12-month randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Natural compounds have become alternatives for bone regeneration. Acemannan, the main polysaccharide extracted from Aloe vera, has been demonstrated as a promising osteoinductive material in vitro and in vivo. This clinical study investigated the effect of acemannan on tooth socket healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five otherwise healthy patients, 18-25 years old and diagnosed with horizontal or vertical partial impaction of the lower third molars, were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. After removing the teeth, the sockets randomly received one of the following treatments: spontaneous blood-clotting (control), 20 mg acemannan sponge, or 50 mg acemannan sponge. Cone-beam computed tomography of the mandible was performed immediately (baseline), and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months postoperatively; the data were analyzed using the OsiriX MD program. Bone healing in the socket was determined measuring the socket volume. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the differences within each group and between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with 43 partially impacted lower third molars participated in this study. No patients exhibited alveolar osteitis or secondary infection. Compared with baseline, all groups showed significant reduction in socket volume at all observation time-points (p < 0.05). The 50 mg acemannan group had a significantly greater reduction in socket volume compared with the control at all postoperative time-points (p < 0.05). The 20 mg group had a significantly greater reduction in socket volume compared with the control at 3-months postoperatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that acemannan increases bone healing at 3-, 6-, and 12-months after removal of partially impacted mandibular third molars.

Procedures Used in Managing SARS-CoV-2 Infected Dental Personnel or Patients: A Case Study From a Thai Dental Hospital.

SARS-CoV-2 can transmit undetected from asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients in dental clinics. Triaging dental patients using temperature and questionnaire screening cannot completely exclude asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Hence, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals might visit dental hospitals/clinics seeking dental treatment without knowing that they are infected and might infect others, especially in a pandemic area. Ideally, a nasopharyngeal swab for real-time polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen screening for dental personnel and patients prior to their appointment should be done. However, the implementation of this approach is impractical in some situations. Here, we describe the procedures for dental hospitals/clinics in case of an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected individual involved in dental service/treatment and later after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Potential closely contacted individuals were traced and classified according to their exposure risk. The recommended course of action is to identify individuals based on their risk and take the risk-appropriate action. We also discuss the implementation of these procedures in a dental setting during the COVID-19 pandemic in our school as a case study.

Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation Using Xenograft: Gene Expression and Histologic Analysis.

PURPOSE: Many histologic and histomorphometric studies as well as systematic reviews have shown the clinical success of the use of anorganic bovine bone (ABB, Bio-Oss) in maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). The molecular processes involved in bone healing are, however, still unknown. The aims of this study were to explore gene expression associated with bone remodeling and inflammation in MSFA sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA expression levels of runt related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), tartrate-resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), as well as the ratio of RANKL/OPG were compared between alveolar bone of a group after MSFA with ABB and a maxillary posterior edentulous bone group. Twenty-one bone samples were collected at the time of implant placement after 6 months of MSFA or tooth extraction. Fourteen bone samples from the MSFA group and from the maxillary posterior edentulous bone without MSFA group were taken to analyze gene expression by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Seven bone samples from the MSFA group were used for histologic analysis. RESULTS: Real time RT-PCR revealed no statistically significant difference in gene expression level of RUNX2, RANKL, OPG, MMP-9, TRAP, and IL-1ß, or in the ratio of RANKL/OPG. Histology showed bone-lining cells at the edge and osteocyte inside newly formed bone. Residual grafted particles were in close contact with new bone. CONCLUSION: After a healing period of 6 months, ABB particles did not have an effect on the expression of genes associated with bone remodeling and inflammation. In addition, histologic evidence supports that ABB particles are replaced by new bone formation and do not affect bone healing.

Alternative Landmarks of the Mandibular Foramen to Prevent Nerve Injury during Ramus Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mandibular foramen (MF) position in relation to other bony landmarks on the mandibular ramus (MR) to better understand the anatomical landmark during the ramus surgery. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ninety-two adult mandibles were studied by measuring four linear parameters: AB, the distance from the posterior limit of the MF (point A) to the posterior border of the MR (point B), BC, the MR width (Point C was located at the anterior border of the MR), DE, the distance from the lingula tip (the highest and the most anterior limit of the MF) (point D) to the mandibular notch (point E), and the MR height (EF, point F was located at the mandibular inferior border). Lines BC and EF were drawn through points A and D and parallel to the inferior and posterior borders of the mandible, respectively. These measurements were analyzed to determine the mean parameters related to the MF location. RESULTS: The mean lengths of AB, BC, DE, and EF were 12.7 ± 2.3, 35.0 ± 4.0, 17.5 ± 3.5, and 52.7 ± 5.2 mm, respectively. The ratios between AB/BC and DE/EF were 0.36 ± 0.05 and 0.33 ± 0.05, respectively. This study indicated that the MF located slightly anterior to the posterior third of the MR width and at the superior third of the MR height. CONCLUSION: Anatomical consideration of this area is useful to prevent neurovascular injury when performing the bony cut made in a ramus osteotomy; however, pre-operative examinations with appropriate radiographic analysis are also recommended.

The study of position of antilingula, midwaist of mandibular ramus and midpoint between coronoid process and gonion in relation to lingula of 92 Thai dried mandibles as potential surgical landmarks for vertical ramus osteotomy.

This study aims to investigate positions of the antilingula (AL), the midwaist of the mandibular ramus (MW) and the midpoint between the coronoid process and the gonion (MCG) in relation to the lingula of dried mandibles. Bilateral rami of 92 Thai dried mandibles were studied. The AL, the MW, the MCG and the corresponding position of the tip of lingula (L) were marked on the external aspect of the mandibular ramus. The distances from the AL, the MW and the MCG to the L were measured in the anterior-posterior and the superior-inferior planes using computerized image analysis. The results showed the AL was discernible in 80.4% of lateral mandibular rami studied. The most of the AL was found anterior-superior to the L with a maximum distance of 5.9 mm anteriorly and 8.2 mm superiorly. The MW was frequently located anterior-inferior to the L with a maximum distance of 9.3 mm anteriorly and 9.9 mm inferiorly. The majority of the MCG was found anterior-superior to the L with a maximum distance of 9.6 mm anteriorly and 8.9 mm superiorly. A 5 mm radius from the L included 84.5% of the AL, 81.5% of the MW and 79.4% of the MCG. Medians (interquartiles) of distances from the AL, the MW and the MCG to the L were 3.4 (2.3-5.0) mm, 3.8 (2.5-5.3) mm and 4.1 (2.8-5.3) mm, respectively. In conclusion, the AL was identified in 80.4% of lateral mandibular rami studied. The AL and the MCG were commonly found anterior-superior to the lingula, whereas the MW was mostly observed anterior-inferior to the lingula. Therefore, a cut made more than a 5 mm posterior or superior to these landmarks would be in 79% of cases, within a statistically safe area avoiding encroaching upon the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle passing immediately lateral to the lingula. Although the MW and the MCG might be alternative surgical guides when the AL is absent, their use alone as surgical landmarks is not recommended.

Esthetic alveolar ridge preservation with calcium phosphate and collagen membrane: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinically, histologically and radiographically a ridge preservation technique used on extraction sockets grafted with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and a resorbable collagen membrane. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients having a labial socket wall defect more than one-third in mesio-distal socket width after maxillary central incisor tooth extraction were included. The labial defect was sealed with resorbable collagen membrane and the defect filled with BCP. The grafted socket was covered with a resorbable collagen wound dressing material. The treated sockets were evaluated after a 4-month healing period when implants were placed and followed for up to 12 months. RESULTS: There were 8 subjects enrolled in this study. A statistical difference was found only in ridge width reduction at 3 mm below the cement-enamel junction of the adjacent teeth (P < .05) with 1 mm widening at 8 mm. The amount of new bone formation was extensively varied with diminutive graft remnants. Most cells in the connective tissue were osteopontin positive indicating they were osteoblast-like cells. A declination in the radiodensity of the grafted socket was observed during the analyzed period. CONCLUSION: Ridge preservation with BCP with collagen membrane can be used as an alternative treatment for maintaining ridge dimension before implant placement.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for orthognathic surgery: a prospective, comparative, randomized study between amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and penicillin.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic efficacy after the correction of dentofacial deformities between short- and long-term penicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study was prospective, randomized, and double blinded. Patients were separated into four groups randomly: short-term and long-term (5 days) penicillin and short-term and long-term (5 days) amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. RESULTS: One hundred twenty two patients were assigned randomly into the four groups. Infection developed in a patient in the short-term amoxicillin-clavulanic acid group and in a patient in the long-term penicillin group. CONCLUSION: There were no differences in infection between the two groups of antibiotics. Based on the present study, short-term penicillin is still the most appropriate choice for prophylactic antibiotic in orthognathic surgery.

A review of odontogenic keratocysts and the behavior of recurrences.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to report experiences of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and analyze information regarding recurrences to better understand the nature of recurrences. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-one cases of OKC treated at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, from 1988 to 2003 were studied retrospectively. Clinicoradiographic features, histologic features, and methods of treatment were reviewed. Recurrences were analyzed and compared with respect to sites of involvement, relationship to the remaining teeth, and methods of treatment. RESULTS: OKCs occurred predominantly in the 11- to 40-year-old age group. The body-angle-ramus area of mandible was the most common site of occurrence. Radiographically, the unilocular to multilocular radiolucency ratio was 2.5:1. Multilocular lesions occurred more frequently in the mandible (P < .05). Most of the lesions were diagnosed histologically as parakeratinized OKC (93.7%). The patients were followed from 1-14.6 years. However, 20 patients were lost to follow-up after a short period of time, and recurrences were found in 7 out of 31 cases (22.6%). The recurrent tumors occurred more frequently in patients who had an OKC associated with the remaining teeth and were treated by enucleation or enucleation with adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: According to a high recurrent rate of OKCs treated by enucleation, clinicians should give more attention to the dentate area if the enucleation is chosen as the treatment of choice.

Oral health care in head and neck cancer.

The oral assessments and oral care prior to cancer treatment are important to eliminate predisposing factors of oral complications from cancer therapy. Meticulous maintenance of oral hygiene and topical fluoride application are essential in the prevention and management of oral complications. Palliative and conservative treatments are the treatment of choice for oral complications. Periodically oral assessments and care should be performed after cancer treatment for the early detection and interventions of any treatment complications.