Effects on Facial Growth Following Masseter Muscle Resection in Growing Rats-A Systematic Review.

An individual's facial appearance is heavily influenced by facial symmetry. In the asymmetric mandible, periosteal apposition and endochondral ossification in one of the condyles may stimulate asymmetric growth of the body. Our aim was to review the impact on the growth following masseter resection. Relevant studies up to October 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The PICOS method was utilized to determine eligibility, and the SYRCLE risk of bias tool was utilized to provide an estimate of potential bias. A predetermined algorithm was used to search the databases. The results of our systematic review of seven studies indicate that the masseter muscle strongly impacts craniofacial growth and development. Resection of the masseter muscle significantly reduces the sagittal and vertical development of the jaw in rats. In addition, the masseter muscle excision influences the mandibular morphology, including the condylar area, angle, and development direction of the jaw.

Full Mouth Treatment of Early Childhood Caries with Zirconia Dental Crowns: A Case Report.

Pediatric dentists should always strive for cosmetic and functional rehabilitation when treating decaying or injured primary teeth. The most popular restoration technique for such teeth is "strip crowns" made of composite materials, but more recently, zirconia and preveneered stainless steel crowns have gained popularity. Moreover, zirconia crowns are usually preferred over stainless steel crowns for aesthetic reasons. The aim of this case report is to present a 4-year-old patient with a high caries risk who underwent a full-mouth pediatric zirconia crown treatment. The operation was performed under general anesthesia. This article describes the restoration of all primary teeth and the follow-up 6 months after the parents' request to improve the aesthetics. The gingival health and the adaptation of the zirconia crown were evaluated both clinically and radiologically. In this case, the preformed pediatric zirconia crowns provided functional and durable restoration while restoring the natural appearance of the teeth. However, primary dental prevention, including education on oral hygiene and dietary habits, remains the cornerstone in preventing early childhood caries and promoting oral health in pediatric patients. It is important to note that dental intervention under general anesthesia should only be considered as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted, due to the potential risks associated with the use of general anesthesia.