Orbital floor fracture (blow out) and its repercussions on eye movement: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the relationship between fractures of the floor of the orbit (blow outs) and their repercussions on eye movement, based on the available scientific literature. In order to obtain more reliable results, we opted for a methodology that could answer the guiding question of this research. To this end, a systematic review of the literature was carried out, using a rigorous methodological approach. The risk of bias was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane tool for the risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2). This systematic review was carried out according to a systematic review protocol previously registered on the PROSPERO platform. The searches were carried out in the PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Scopus, ScienceDirect, SciELO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase databases, initially resulting in 553 studies. After removing duplicates, 515 articles remained, 7 were considered eligible, of which 3 were selected for detailed analysis. However, the results of the included studies did not provide conclusive evidence of a direct relationship between orbital floor fractures and eye movement.

Facial, dental, periodontal, and tomographic characteristics of the etiology of excessive gingival display: a cross-sectional clinical study.

PURPOSE: In this study, we examined the facial, dental, periodontal, and tomographic features associated with excessive gingival display (EGD) when smiling in young adults self-reporting a "gummy smile," categorized by potential etiology. METHODS: The study included 25 healthy adults (18-42 years old; 23 women and 2 men) who self-reported EGD. Participants completed a health questionnaire and underwent a periodontal examination assessing probing depth, clinical attachment level, keratinized gingival width, and gingival thickness (GT). Extraoral and intraoral photographs were taken for smile analysis and to determine facial and dental characteristics. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), performed with a lip retractor in place, was used to measure the distance from the gingival margin (GM) to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), the distance from the CEJ to the alveolar crest, buccal bone thickness, and GT. The extent of EGD when smiling was quantified as the distance from the GM at the upper central incisor to the upper lip edge when smiling fully. The smile was categorized into 4 types based on gingival exposure characteristics observed during full smile. RESULTS: Most participants were female (92%), with a mean age of 28.77±6.56 years. The average EGD was 4.2±2.44 mm, extending bilaterally from the anterior to the posterior maxilla. Two primary etiological factors were identified, alone or in combination: vertical maxillary excess (VME), predominantly indicated by an anterior maxillary height greater than 29 mm and a large interlabial gap; and altered passive/active eruption (APE), primarily characterized by square teeth (64%), upper central incisor width-to-height ratio (CIW:CIH) exceeding 87.5%, and GM-CEJ distance on CBCT exceeding 2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a multifactorial etiology of EGD, primarily associated with VME and APE. Clinical periodontal examination, CBCT conducted with a lip retractor, CIW:CIH, and soft tissue facial cephalometric analysis may aid in identifying the etiological factors of EGD.

The efficacy of Platelet and Leukocyte Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) in the healing process and bone repair in oral and maxillofacial surgeries: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The search to optimize the healing and bone repair processes in oral and maxillofacial surgeries reflects the constant evolution in clinical practice, driven by the demand for increasingly satisfactory results and the need to minimize postoperative complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Platelet and Leukocyte Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) in the healing and bone repair process in oral and maxillofacial surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The systematic review protocol for this study included the definition of the research question, the domain of the study, the databases searched, the search strategy, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the types of studies to be included, the measures of effect, the methods for screening, data extraction and analysis, and the approach to data synthesis. Systematic literature searches were carried out on Cochrane databases, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase and Google Scholar. RESULTS: The strategic search in the databases identified 1,159 studies. After removing the duplicates with the Rayyan© software, 946 articles remained. Of these, 30 met the inclusion criteria. After careful evaluation based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 studies were considered highly relevant and included in the systematic review. CONCLUSION: Platelet and Leukocyte Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) has a positive effect on the healing process and bone repair in oral and maxillofacial surgeries.

Use of platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin (L-PRF) as a healing agent in the postoperative period of third molar removal surgeries: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of L-PRF as a healing agent in the postoperative period of third molar extraction surgeries, as well as to investigate secondary effects, such as the reduction of pain, edema and other discomforts after the surgical intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methodology adopted consisted of carrying out a systematic review of the literature, following the model outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were previously established according to a systematic review protocol approved by the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42023484679. In order to carry out a comprehensive search, a search in five databases was carried out, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Embase. RESULTS: The search resulted in the selection of randomized controlled trials that conformed to the established criteria. Two authors independently screened the records and extracted the data. The assessment of bias was conducted according to the guidelines recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration, using version 2 of the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that L-PRF stands out by providing direct benefits to healing, vascularization and tissue regeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: L-PRF plays an important role in reducing postoperative pain, edema, the incidence of alveolar osteitis and infections after third molar removal surgery, compared to patients who did not undergo the use of L-PRF.

Comparação da fragilidade gerada por 3 diferentes osteotomias sagitais de mandíbula: estudo in vitro / Comparison of fragility generated by 3 different sagittal mandible osteotomies: in vitro study / Comparación de la fragilidad generada por 3 osteotomías mandibulares sagitales diferentes: estudio in vitro

A osteotomia sagital bilateral de mandíbula (OSBM) foi publicada por Trauner e Obwegeser em 1957, desde então sofreu várias modificações a fim de diminuir as complicações e tornar o procedimento mais simples e previsível. Sendo assim objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar e comparar a fragilidade causada na mandíbula por 3 tipos de OSBM. Para isso, foram realizadas as osteotomias propostas por Trauner e Obwegeser modificada por Hunsuck e Epker (I), a de Sant'Ana (II) e de Wolford (III), em 24 hemimandibulas de poliuretano e foi realizado o ensaio mecânico para gerar a fratura sagital. Os dados foram coletados e tabulados, e obteve como resultado que, a maior quantidade de força máxima aplicada foi observada no grupo III, e a menor quantidade no grupo II; com relação à deflexão, apresentou significância estatística entre o grupo II e grupo III; com relação à rigidez, a maior média, foi encontrada no grupo I. Sendo assim, foi possível concluir que dentro deste modelo de estudo a osteotomia II foi capaz de gerar maior fragilidade à hemimandibula de poliuretano com menor quantidade de força. As OBMD dos grupos I e a III também apresentaram ótimos resultados, entretanto necessitaram mais força para alcançar a fratura... (AU)

The bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible (BSSO) was published by Trauner and Obwegeser in 1957, since then it has undergone several modifications in order to reduce complications and make the procedure simpler and more predictable. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the fragility caused in the mandible by 3 types of BSSO. For this, the osteotomies proposed by Trauner and Obwegeser modified by Hunsuck and Epker (I), Sant'Ana (II) and Wolford (III) were performed on 24 polyuretha ne hemimandibles, a mechanical test to generate the sagittal fracture. Data were collected and tabulated, and the result was that, the highest amount of maximum force applied was observed in group III, and the lowest amount in group II; with regard to deflection, it was statistically significant between group II and group III; with regard to stiffness, the highest average was found in group I. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that within this study model, osteotomy II was able to generate greater fragility to the polyurethane hemimandible with less force. The BSSO of the groups I and III also showed excelent results, however they required more force to reach the fracture... (AU)

La osteotomía sagital bilateral de la mandíbula (OSBM) fue publicada por Trauner y Obwegeser en 1957, desde entonces ha sufrido varias modificaciones con el fin de reducir las complicaciones y hacer el procedimiento más simple y predecible. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y comparar la fragilidad causada en la mandíbula por 3 tipos de OSBM. Para eso, se realizaron las osteotomías propuestas por Trauner y Obwegeser modificadas por Hunsuck y Epker (I), Sant'Ana (II) y Wolford (III) en 24 hemimandíbulas de poliuretano y se realizó un ensayo mecánico para generar la fractura sagital. Los datos fueron recolectados y tabulados, obteniendo como resultado que, la mayor cantidad de fuerza máxima aplicada se observó en el grupo III, y la menor cantidad en el grupo II; en cuanto a la deflexión, fue estadísticamente significativa entre el grupo II y el grupo III; en cuanto a la rigidez, la media más alta se encontró en el grupo I. Por lo tanto, se pudo concluir que, dentro de este modelo de estudio, la osteotomía II logró generar mayor fragilidad a la hemimandíbula de poliuretano con menor fuerza. El OSBM de los grupos I y III también mostró excelentes resultados, pero requirieron mayor fuerza para llegar a la fractura... (AU)

Three-dimensional pharyngeal airway space changes after bimaxillary advancement.

INTRODUCTION: The probability of improvement in the upper airway space (UAS) with orthognathic surgery should be considered during the surgical-orthodontic treatment decision, providing not only an esthetic, but also a functional benefit for the patient. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 3D changes in the upper airway space after maxillomandibular advancement surgery (MMA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 56 patients, 21 male and 35 female, with a mean age of 35.8 ± 10.7 years, who underwent MMA was performed. Pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) were obtained for each patient, and the changes in the UAS were compared using Dolphin Imaging 11.7 software. Two parameters of the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) were measured: airway volume (AV) and minimum axial area (MAA). Paired t-test was used to compare the data between T0 and T1, at 5% significance level. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in the UAS. Bimaxillary advancement surgery increased the AV and the MAA, on average, by 73.6 ± 74.75% and 113.5 ± 123.87%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MMA surgery tends to cause significant increase in the UAS; however, this increase is largely variable.

Three-dimensional pharyngeal airway space changes after bimaxillary advancement

ABSTRACT Introduction: The probability of improvement in the upper airway space (UAS) with orthognathic surgery should be considered during the surgical-orthodontic treatment decision, providing not only an esthetic, but also a functional benefit for the patient. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 3D changes in the upper airway space after maxillomandibular advancement surgery (MMA). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 56 patients, 21 male and 35 female, with a mean age of 35.8 ± 10.7 years, who underwent MMA was performed. Pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) were obtained for each patient, and the changes in the UAS were compared using Dolphin Imaging 11.7 software. Two parameters of the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) were measured: airway volume (AV) and minimum axial area (MAA). Paired t-test was used to compare the data between T0 and T1, at 5% significance level. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the UAS. Bimaxillary advancement surgery increased the AV and the MAA, on average, by 73.6 ± 74.75% and 113.5 ± 123.87%, respectively. Conclusion: MMA surgery tends to cause significant increase in the UAS; however, this increase is largely variable.

RESUMO Introdução: A probabilidade de melhoria do espaço aéreo superior (EAS) com cirurgia ortognática deve ser considerada durante a decisão do tratamento ortodôntico-cirúrgico, proporcionando não somente um benefício estético, mas também funcional, para o paciente. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as alterações 3D no espaço das vias aéreas superiores após a cirurgia de avanço maxilomandibular (AMM). Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de 56 pacientes, 21 homens e 35 mulheres, com média de idade de 35,8 ± 10,7 anos, submetidos a AMM. Foram obtidas tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico (TCFC) pré- e pós-operatórias para cada paciente, e as alterações no EAS foram comparadas usando o software Dolphin Imaging v. 11.7. Foram medidos dois parâmetros do espaço aéreo faríngeo (EAF): volume das vias aéreas (VVA) e área axial mínima (AAM). Foi utilizado o teste t pareado para comparar os dados entre T0 e T1, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Houve um aumento estatisticamente significativo no EAS. A cirurgia de avanço bimaxilar aumentou o volume das vias aéreas (VVA) e a área axial mínima (AAM) em média 73,6 ± 74,75% e 113,5 ± 123,87%, respectivamente. Conclusão: A cirurgia de AMM tende a causar o aumento significativo do EAS; no entanto, esse aumento é altamente variável.

The Prediction Capacity 3-D Software, on a 2-D Analysis, in Planning the Positioning of the Upper Lip After Maxillary Advancement.

PURPOSE: The maxillary advancement using Le Fort I osteotomy directly affects in the positioning of the upper lip (UL) and the nasolabial angle (NLA), which plays an important role in facial expression and aesthetics, because of this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Dolphin Imaging 11.8 software in predicting changes to the UL position and NLA in patients undergoing maxillary advancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective cohort study. Predictive and final tracings using pre- and postoperative Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of 24 patients undergoing maxillary advancement, regardless of mandibular movement, were compared. Whether the amount of advancement changes this predictability was also analyzed. The predictive and the 12-month postoperative data were evaluated using Dolphin Imaging 11.8 software and compared. Student t test was used to get the results. RESULTS: The vertical analysis of the incisal tip and cementoenamel junction of the upper central incisor (UCI) and of the UL were statistically significant (P = .001 for all). The horizontal measurements of the same variables (P = .238, P = .516, P = .930, respectively) and the NLA (P = .060) showed no statistical significance. The amount of advancement did not interfere with the variables analyzed, except for the exposure (P = .009) and inclination of the UCI (P = .010). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the amount of maxillary advancement does not interfere with the UL prediction; the prediction capacity of the software was good for the horizontal measurements, but had a significant error index for vertical measurements.

Morphometric evaluation of bone regeneration in segmental mandibular bone defects filled with bovine bone xenografts in a split-mouth rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Bovine bone grafts have been widely used in dentistry for guided tissue regeneration and can support new bone formation in direct contact with the graft. The aim of this study was to compare the morphometric and bone density changes after using two different bovine bone graft blocks in segmental osseous defects in the mandible of rabbits following different postoperative periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Critical size segmental defects were surgically created bilaterally in the jaw of 18 rabbits. The defects were filled with either deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBM-C; BioOss Collagen®), lyophilized bovine medullary bone (LBMB; Orthogen®), or left untreated according to a split-mouth design. Animals were sacrificed after 3 or 6 months of healing. The hemimandibles were scanned ex vivo using a high-resolution (19 µm) microcomputed tomography. Morphometric and bone density parameters were calculated in the region of the defect using CT-Analyser (Bruker). Initial graft blocks were used as baseline. RESULTS: DBBM-C presented a denser microarchitecture, in comparison to LBMB at baseline. DBBM-C and LBMB grafted regions showed a similar progressive remodeling, with a significant decrease in structure complexity and maintenance of bone volume fraction during the postoperative follow-up periods. Both graft materials showed an enhanced bone replacement and more complex structure compared to untreated defects. The apparent fusion between the graft and host bone was observed only in the defects filled with LBMB. CONCLUSION: LBMB grafts showed a similar behavior as DBBM-C regarding structural remodeling. In LBMB samples, apparent integration between the host bone and the graft was present.

Surgical Treatment of Posttraumatic Laterognathia: A Case Report and a Literature Review, Focused on the Effects of a Condylar Fracture on the Face.

Facial asymmetry, following early childhood condylar trauma, is a common complaint among patients who seek surgical treatment. G.D.M., a 27-year-old male patient, sought professional help to correct his cosmetic flaw, caused by a condylar fracture when he was 8-years-old. After the proper orthodontic treatment, he underwent a double jaw orthognathic surgery and, 9 months later, a second one to correct the remaining asymmetry. Two years after this second procedure, the patient is still under surveillance and has no complaints.

Association between imaging and clinical findings in mandibular third molar surgeries

Objective: it is important to evaluate the position andestablish the third molar relationship with the mandibularcanal to minimize the risk of nerve injury and assistin planning the extraction of this tooth. The panoramicradiograph is the standard diagnostic tool for this purpose.However, if it indicates a close relationship betweenthe third molar and the mandibular canal, furtherinvestigation using cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) may be recommended to check the three-dimensionalrelationship between the tooth and the mandibularcanal. Thus, this study aimed to correlate the clinicalfindings (observed in third molar surgeries) to imagingfindings (observed in panoramic radiographs andCBCT). Subjects and method: after the extraction of 20mandibular third molars, the panoramic radiograph andthe cone beam computed tomography were analyzed.Then, the surgical findings were correlated to the imagefindings. Results: It was observed that the radiographicfinding type 2 (darkening of roots) observed in the panoramicradiograph presented a greater relation to theabsence of cortical bone between the mandibular canaland the third molar (CBCT finding), with statistical significance(p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the findingsobtained in this study, it may be concluded that CBCTwould be best used in the surgical planning, when thepanoramic radiograph clearly suggests a risk. Moreover,the panoramic radiograph may continue to be used forthe planning of third molar extractions.

Avaliação das posições de terceiros molares retidos em radiografias panorâmicas: revisão da literatura / Evaluation of the positions of impacted third molars on panoramic x-rays: a literature review

A exodontia de terceiros molares inclusos é a prática mais comum dos cirurgiões bucomaxilofaciais. Portanto, para facilitar a comunicação entre profissionais e a elaboração de um planejamento satisfatório; foram criadas classificações distintas desses elementos dentários, como a de Winter e a de Pell e Gregory. O presente estudo propõe-se avaliar as posições de terceiros molares retidos em ortopantomografias por meio de uma revisão de literatura. Para isso realizou-se uma revisão de literatura incluindo o tema nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, CAPES, SCIELO, BBO, BIREME e LILACS. A posição vertical, conforme classificação de Winter, foi a de maior prevalência entre os terceiros molares superiores e inferiores; em relação à classificação de Pell e Gregory, as posições de maior prevalência foram a posição A e Classe I.

Exodontia of third molars included is a common practice of oral maxillofacial surgeons. Therefore, to facilitate communication between professionals and a drafting of a satisfactory planning were created for these dental elements, such as that of Winter and one of Pell and Gregory. The present study proposes to evaluate how the positions of third molars refer to orthopantomographies through a literature review. For this, a literature review was carried out including the theme in databases: PubMed, CAPES, SCIELO, BBO, BIREME and LILACS. The vertical position, as classified by Winter, had a higher prevalence among the upper and lower third molars; relative to the classification of Pell and Gregory, the positions of higher prevalence were A position and Class I.

Lingual Short Split: A Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy Technique Modification.

The technique of sagittal split osteotomy of the mandibular ramus is an established technique that has been evolving over the years, with significant improvements regarding stability, better bone contact between the segments, and possibilities of osteosynthesis. However, paresthesia is common in the postoperatory, sometimes permanent, and undesirable fractures in the subcondylar region can occur leading to longer operative time and extraoral scars. The short lingual split technique is an easy technique that simplifies the horizontal osteotomy of the ramus and decreases the risk of undesirable fractures with a neurosensitive recovery of patients in a much shorter time because of minor trauma and nerve manipulation during the execution.

Outcomes in Surgical Treatment of Mucocele in Frontal Sinus.

The aim of the study was to correlate several studies dating from 1997 to 2015 to identify the most effective treatments for mucocele in the frontal sinus (with/without other paranasal sinuses), considering successful outcomes and recurrence. We aimed to conduct a literature review for articles published between 1997 and 2015. For this, we accessed articles in the SciELO database, as well as LILACS, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Were identified 32 work-related injuries in the paranasal sinuses; 2 of these were not related to mucoceles or mucopyocele, 4 had no relation to the frontal sinus, 9 were related to the frontal sinus and other paranasal sinuses, 4 were related to mucocele associated with other sinuses, and 13 involved only the frontal sinus. Endoscopic techniques decrease intra- and postoperative morbidity, reducing the operative time, allow a larger view of the lesion and surrounding anatomical structures, and decrease chances of recurrence. Thus, the successful outcomes have been beneficial to both the surgeon and the patient.

Determinantes do tratamento ortodôntico-cirúrgico / Determinants of orthodontic-surgical treatment

Em algumas situações o ortodontista se depara com o dilema entre indicar apenas o tratamento ortodôntico ou o ortodôntico cirúrgico e muitos critérios devem ser considerados antes de uma decisão final ser tomada. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar o tratamento ortodôntico-cirúrgico de um paciente com má oclusão de Classe I e discutir quais fatores são relevantes durante a escolha do melhor tipo de tratamento para cada caso.(AU)

In some situations, the orthodontist faces the dilemma of indicating only an orthodontic treatment or a surgical-orthodontic treatment and many criteria must be considered before a final decision is taken. The objective of this article is to present the orthodontic-surgical treatment of a Class I malocclusion patient and discuss which factors are relevant when deciding the best treatment approach for each case (AU)

Surgical Reconstruction of Lower Face Degloving.

One of the most impressive soft tissue injuries is the facial degloving, normally associated with industrial machines and traffic accidents. This injury is characterized by the separation of the skin and cartilage from the bones, compromising the soft tissues correlated in the trauma area, nerves, and blood vessels. A 28-year-old patient, male, was referred to Araçatuba's Santa Casa Hospital, after a motorcycle accident, hitting his face on the sidewalk. The patient was conscious, oriented, denying fainting and unconsciousness during the accident, and complaining of pain in the nasal region of the face. The suture of wounds was performed using 5-0 absorbable sutures for muscle planes, and reconstruction of the septum and nasal cartilages. The skin was sutured with interrupted stitches using 6-0 nylon. After reducing the edema, a slight increase in alar base was observed. Subsequently, the alar base cinch suture was performed aiming to bring the alar bases to a measure of 34.0 mm in diameter. As a conclusion, the knowledge of the anatomy of the region involved, the healing of tissues, and suture techniques for the facial region process were critical to the successful treatment. The evaluation of the alar base in degloving cases can involve aesthetic features.

Orthognathic Surgery in Patients With Large Condylar Destructions.

Condylar resorption is understood as changes in shape and volume of the condylar bone, due to local, systemic, and iatrogenic factors. The occurrence of condylar resorption after orthognathic surgery can occur when the condylar repositioning in mandibular fossa is performed improperly. In addition, systemic diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis seem to influence this process. The aim of this study was to report 3 cases of patients with severe condylar alterations, submitted to orthognathic surgery for treatment of dentofacial deformities. Considerations regarding the diagnosis, surgical planning (counterclockwise rotation), surgical techniques (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, bimaxillary osteotomies, rigid fixation, maxillomandibular fixation period), and results (short terms) are discussed.

Orthognathic surgery in patients with cleidocranial dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to report the orthodontic-surgical approach of a 21-year-old female patient diagnosed with cleidocranial dysplasia. An orthognathic surgery was performed in the maxilla and mandible during the same procedure to correct an existing dentofacial deformity (class III malocclusion). In addition, malar prostheses were used to correct midface deficiency. After surgical intervention, orthodontic treatment continued in order to promote stability, function, and aesthetics. Cases of cleidocranial dysplasia treated with the defined criteria can bring aesthetic and functional benefits to the patient.

Comparison of buccal infiltration of 4% articaine with 1 : 100,000 and 1 : 200,000 epinephrine for extraction of maxillary third molars with pericoronitis: a pilot study.

We compared the buccal infiltration of 4% articaine with 1 : 100,000 or 1 : 200,000 epinephrine without a palatal injection for the extraction of impacted maxillary third molars with chronic pericoronitis. This prospective, double-blind, controlled clinical trial involved 30 patients between the ages of 15 and 46 years who desired extraction of a partially impacted upper third molar with pericoronitis. Group 1 (15 patients) received 4% articaine with 1 : 100,000 epinephrine and group 2 (15 patients) received 4% articaine with 1 : 200,000 epinephrine by buccal infiltration. None of the patients in group 1 reported pain, but 3 patients in group 2 reported pain, which indicated a need for a supplementary palatal injection. The palatal injections were all successful in eliminating the pain. Two additional patients in group 2 experienced pain when the suture needle penetrated their palatal mucosa. Based on these results, 4% articaine with 1 : 100,000 epinephrine was found to be more effective for the removal of upper third molars in the presence of pericoronitis than 4% articaine hydrochloride with 1 : 200,000 epinephrine when only a buccal infiltration was used.