A "Tie-Over" Hemostatic Approach in Emergency Department: An Alternative Option for Recurrent Episodes of Postoperative Intraoral Hemorrhage.

Objective: This case series aimed to describe a hemostatic technique that has been applied in patients admitted to emergency department (ED) of a tertiary hospital due to recurrent episodes of intraoral hemorrhage (IOH) after various dentoalveolar operations. The "tie-over" approach involved the intraoral use of Xeroform® gauze (as compressive bolster dressing) and the oral rinsing with a liquid mixture of hemostatic agents. Materials and Methods: Between February 1, 2014, and July 31, 2017, we retrospectively reviewed the medical data and records of patients in ED who chiefly complained about IOH. The inclusion criteria were cases secondary to dentoalveolar surgeries that have been exclusively treated by tie-over bolster approach. Data such as frequency and severity of hemorrhage episodes, pain, and discomfort were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Results: The presented technique was applied in 23 patients, but 20 of them complied with follow-up evaluation. The mean age of those patients was 60.57 years (15-82 years) with a mean follow-up time of 5.05 days. Eighteen patients were taking antithrombotic medications, either per os (oral antiplatelets and anticoagulants-OAA group) or subcutaneously (heparin group). One patient from OAA group and 2 from heparin group experienced in total 4 bleeding events postoperatively. Three of those events were recorded as minimal (oozing) and did not last over 20 min. All the patients declared satisfaction about the non-bleeding oral status. Conclusions: In addition to its compelling outcomes, we advocate that this approach conferred physiological benefits on patients who visited ED with symptoms of anxiety and malaise, secondary to multiple, lasting, or uncontrolled episodes of IOH related to extensive surgical trauma. The presence of the gauze intraorally was short-term and created minimal discomfort.

The role of hyperbaric oxygen in osteoradionecrosis-a prophylactic insight.

BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is an uncommon and debilitating consequence of head and neck radiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been advocated for prophylaxis prior to performing dentoalveolar procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate a prophylactic HBOT protocol and describe the outcomes of susceptible individuals. METHODS: A retrospective audit of adults who attended the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (South Australia) who received dental extractions with a history of radiotherapy to the jaws from 2008 to 2020. Data including demographic information and outcomes of osteoradionecrosis and delayed healing was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 121 individuals were eligible for case note review; 68.6% of individuals were male and 55.4% were aged over 67 years. Osteoradionecrosis occurred in 9.1% of individuals and delayed healing for 3.3%; fifteen individuals (12.4%) were unable to complete the HBOT protocol. The individuals who were diagnosed with ORN had a significant association with age (P = 0.006) and binary analysis showed alcohol consumption to be a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic HBOT protocol had a lower proportion of individuals diagnosed with ORN and those who were diagnosed were more likely to be younger males and have current alcohol consumption.

Complications post simple exodontia: A systematic review.

Exodontia procedures are not without complications, which are the dentist's responsibility to avoid by taking into account clinical, imaging, systemic, and operative factors, among others. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine and analyze the prevalence of complications post simple exodontia (CPES). The method used in this systematic review was adapted from the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA statement. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect using the search terms "Exodontia" AND "Complications". The search was conducted from the starting coverage date to January 31, 2020. The inclusion criteria were studies on simple exodontia, studies on CPES prevalence and human studies. Studies on complications after third molar exodontia, generalities in exodontia, narratives and systematics literature reviews, book chapters, and animal studies were excluded. A total of 1,446 articles were found in the first search using the search strategy (725 in PubMed, 96 in Scopus and 631 in ScienceDirect). After duplicates were removed, 948 articles were obtained. After reading the title and abstract, 9 articles were read in full. Finally, 3 articles were included in the review, with the most common complications being trismus, alveolitis, pain, dehiscence, infections, and retained roots. Trismus of the chewing muscles, alveolitis and retained roots were the most prevalent CPES, which were most likely related to the surgeon's experience, surgery duration and tissue trauma during surgery.

Implementation and evaluation of a Tele-OSCE in oral and maxillofacial surgery - a pilot report.

Background: The ongoing changes in learning and education towards digitalisation have been rapidly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially in dental education where contact to the oral cavity is an integral part of training the chosen digital examination methods and training formats must undergo high requirements to full fill the goal of a real alternative to face-to-face exams. Therefore, this study compared student performance in a newly developed Tele-OSCE with a prior OSCE examinations in presence within an oral- and maxillofacial surgery curriculum. Methods: Study participants were fourth-year (in a five year curriculum) dental students and board certified maxillofacial surgeons (examiners) that took part in a newly developed Tele-OSCE that comprised three five-minute stations (structured facial examination, management mandibular fracture and squamous cell carcinoma) using the zoom® software. Student performance was measured using validated OSCE-Checklists and compared to a previous OSCE examination from the winter term 2019 with the same OSCE stations that was conducted in presence. Significant differences were tested using the Mann-Whitney U test. Furthermore, the new Tele-OSCE was evaluated by students and examiners using previously developed questionnaires. Results: Sixty-six dental students (study group: n=34, summer term 2021, control group: n=32 winter term 2019) and nine examiners participated in the study. Compared to previous non-pandemic OSCEs, there were no significant (p=0.53) differences in overall student performance. Evaluation of the Tele-OSCE showed that the demonstration and rating of practical skills was limited due to missing standard patients or phantoms, however, students did not fear to be misjudged. The demonstration and rating of anamnestic and consultation competencies was seen as unproblematic by students and examiners. Discussion: This pilot-study showed the feasibility of a Tele-OSCE as a formative examination in dental education. However, both students and examiners felt that the demonstration and assessment of practical skills was limited due the new examination format. Nevertheless, Tele-OSCEs might offer an alternative to enable students to complete their dental training.

Comparative Evaluation of Hybrid 3D-Printed Models versus Cadaveric Animal Jaws: A Student's Perspective.

Objective: To get a feedback from students participating in a skill enhancement course where a combination of a 3D-printed mandible with a natural tooth in place of the impacted tooth for surgical training is used and to compare it to an animal jaw model used for the same purpose. Methods: 41 participants were enrolled for the study, and extraction procedure was performed on both the bovine jaw and the 3D-printed mandible. Participants evaluated both models using a validated questionnaire to assess the anatomical and operative simulation and to compare its cost effectiveness. Results: Overall significant differences between the two models were found in the student assessment. Whilst the animal jaw models achieved better results in the haptic feedback of the soft tissue, the 3D-printed models were regarded significantly more realistic with regard to the anatomical correctness, the degree of freedom of movement and the operative simulation. Conclusion: The 3D-printed models presented a realistic alternative to cadaveric jaw models in the training of operational skills of dental surgeons. Whilst the 3D-printed models received positive feedback from students in a hands-on course, some aspects of the model leave room for improvement.

Photobiomodulation vs NSAIDs in the management of postoperative dentoalveolar pain.

Background: Postoperative pain, the most common complication of dentoalveolar surgery, is routinely controlled by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, despite its proven efficacy, the long-term consumption of NSAIDs is associated with several serious and adverse effects. As a result, photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is used in many treatment modalities to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing. Aim of the study: To compare the analgesic effects of LLLT and Ibuprofen after surgical dental extraction. Materials and methods: A clinical trial study was conducted at Umm Al-Qura University Dental Clinics, involving 46 healthy patients between 20 and 60 years of age. The recruited patients were divided into two groups of 23 patients each. Group 1 (positive control group) was prescribed Ibuprofen and Group 2 (experimental group) was treated with LLLT. The pain was measured on days 1, 2, and 7 using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Results: The mean level of pain decreased with both treatments. On the first postoperative day, the pain level in the laser therapy group was significantly lower than in the control group (U = 62.5, p = 0.024). The results indicated a significant decrease in pain level on the second postoperative day for both the control and experimental groups (Z = -3.61, p < 0.005, and Z = -3.1, p = 0.002, respectively). However, the pain level was lower in the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (U = 79, p = 0.102). Conclusion: Considering the constraints of this study, NSAIDs were found to be significantly better at reducing pain than LLLT.

Is the degree of facial swelling after dental extraction sufficient to justify the current delays to radiotherapy mask production? A pilot evaluation of postextraction swelling using 3D photography.

BACKGROUND: Concern that facial swelling after dental extractions will spoil the fit of radiotherapy masks in head and neck cancer patients leads to the current practice of delay making of mask production (and therefore the start of radiotherapy) for several days or longer. However, there is little data on how extensive facial swelling is after dental extraction. AIM: To assess the degree of facial swelling in a group of adult patients attending Newcastle Dental School for routine dental extractions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen dental extraction patients underwent three-dimensional photography using the 3dMDFace® system at 1-week preop, immediately preop, and at 48-h postop. We recorded demographic data, teeth extracted, and methods. Facial volume change was assessed using 3dMD Vultus® software. Two reviewers ran the data through the 3dMD Vultus® software independently. We used Student's t-test to assess significance. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference in the difference between the two preoperative measurements and the preoperative versus postoperative difference (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: Reviewer 1: p = .31. and Reviewer 2: p = .10). Thus, mean facial swelling was less than the threshold for significant swelling which was deemed to be 15 cm3 . CONCLUSION: Facial swelling following dental extraction may not be sufficient in itself to justify the current delays in mask production and subsequent delivery of radiotherapy. Further definitive studies are needed to optimize how dental extractions should be timed within head and neck cancer care pathways.

Imaging of the Postoperative Jaws and Temporomandibular Joints.

Surgical procedures in the oral cavity and maxillofacial complex are diverse and involve multiple tissues unique to this region. These procedures are used to remove pathology and infection, restore function, optimize occlusal relationships, prosthetically replace teeth and temporomandibular joints, improve esthetics, and increase upper respiratory tract dimensions. Procedures in the oral cavity are often complicated by infection stemming from the naturally occurring oral flora, but can also be complicated iatrogenically. This article explores the more commonly encountered surgical procedures through examination of the indications, anatomy to consider, and the radiographic imaging of success and failure of these procedures.

The effects of platelet-rich fibrin on post-surgical complications following removal of impacted wisdom teeth: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a fibrin matrix composed of cells, cytokines, and growth factors, which may be liberated from blood at specific times and act as a resorbable membrane. Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of PRF for bone healing in oral and maxillofacial implant surgery. Our study assesses the impact of PRF on postoperative complications following the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. METHODS: Twenty patients were recruited in this blind controlled randomised clinical trial, i.e. ten patients in the study group and ten patients in the control group. The patients were aged between 18 and 40 years. Surgical removal of impacted teeth #38 and #48 was performed in all the patients. The study group underwent dentoalveolar surgery with the use of PRF, while the control group underwent surgery without PRF. RESULTS: All patients in the study group reported significantly less postoperative pain (p = 0.02) and excellent soft tissue healing during the follow-up period (p = 0.021). In contrast, only 80% of patients in the control group exhibited sufficient soft tissue healing. The difference in postoperative swelling between the two groups was not statistically significant. Additionally, 69% of patients in the study group reported comfortable night sleep during the first 24 h after the operation compared to 31% in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Based on the outcomes of our study, implanting PRF into surgical extraction sites can be helpful in reducing postoperative pain and improving soft tissue healing. The use of PRF in extraction sockets is simple and biologically safe. The beneficial effects of PRF support its possible application in the field of dental surgery.

Patient-related and anesthesia-dependent determinants for postoperative delirium after oral and maxillofacial surgery. Results from a register-based case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) after general oral and maxillofacial surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 2420 patients were screened postoperatively for POD using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC) before discharge from the post anesthesia caring unit (PACU). Basic health data and risk factors were collected. For analysis the study group (n=41) was compared to a control group of 164 randomly selected patients (case-control-ratio=1:4). To identify risk factors for POD multivariable logistic regression models were used. To see whether estimations remain stable, regression analysis was repeated for the subgroup of patients not undergoing dentoalveolar surgery (n=105). To estimate the risk for dentoalveolar surgery a logistic regression model was performed. RESULTS: Dementia was the only significant risk factor for POD (Odds ratio 41.5; 95% CI 5.48-314), also for patients undergoing other than dentoalveolar surgery (58.1; 1.70-1983). Patients undergoing dentoalveolar surgery were more often suffering from dementia (35.5; 2.85-441), other psychiatric and neurological disorders (3.15; 1.05-9.43), were of younger age (0.97; 0.94-1.00) and had higher anesthesiological risk (3.95; 1.04-14.9). CONCLUSION: Patients with dementia are at higher risk to develop POD after oral and maxillofacial surgery. We found a strong interdependence between age, dementia, ASA-Score and dentoalveolar surgery.

3D-printed patient individualised models vs cadaveric models in an undergraduate oral and maxillofacial surgery curriculum: Comparison of student's perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in 3D printing technology have enabled the emergence of new educational and clinical tools for medical professionals. This study provides an exemplary description of the fabrication of 3D-printed individualised patient models and assesses their educational value compared to cadaveric models in oral and maxillofacial surgery. METHODS: A single-stage, controlled cohort study was conducted within the context of a curricular course. A patient's CT scan was segmented into a stereolithographic model and then printed using a fused filament 3D printer. These individualised patient models were implemented and compared against cadaveric models in a curricular oral surgery hands-on course. Students evaluated both models using a validated questionnaire. Additionally, a cost analysis for both models was carried out. P-values were calculated using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Thirty-eight fourth-year dental students participated in the study. Overall, significant differences between the two models were found in the student assessment. Whilst the cadaveric models achieved better results in the haptic feedback of the soft tissue, the 3D-printed individualised patient models were regarded significantly more realistic with regard to the anatomical correctness, the degree of freedom of movement and the operative simulation. At 3.46 € (compared to 6.51 €), the 3D-printed patient individualised models were exceptionally cost-efficient. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-printed patient individualised models presented a realistic alternative to cadaveric models in the undergraduate training of operational skills in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Whilst the 3D-printed individualised patient models received positive feedback from students, some aspects of the model leave room for improvement.

Adjunctive application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw following dentoalveolar surgery: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a debilitating complication strongly associated to antiresorptive agents. The present study aimed to describe the use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the prevention of MRONJ. METHODS: The sample consisted of 11 non-oncologic osteoporotic subjects in therapy with non-intravenous antiresorptive agents, requiring tooth extractions and/or implant removal. After minimally invasive surgical extractions, each alveolar socket was debrided and bony edges were smoothened. At this point, aPDT was performed using methylene blue-based phenothiazine chloride dye irradiated with a hand-held 100 mW diode laser with a wavelength of 660 ±â€¯10 nm. Flaps were sutured to achieve first intention closure. Soft tissue healing was promoted with weekly applications of low-level laser therapy for 6 weeks. Recall visits were scheduled weekly for the first two months and monthly thereafter up to 6 months. At the 6-month appointment, healing was assessed clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: A total of 62 surgical extractions were performed in both jaws, including 51 natural elements and 11 dental implants. No intraoperative complications were observed. Immediate post-operative period was generally uneventful except for mild pain and ecchymosis that occurred rarely and resolved spontaneously. Healing proceeded uneventfully, with no clinical or radiological prodromal manifestations of MRONJ up to the latest follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: aPDT might constitute a promising preventive treatment to reduce the risk of MRONJ in non-oncologic osteoporotic patients treated with non-intravenous antiresorptive agents that underwent dentoalveolar surgery.

Assessing an oral surgery specific protocol for patients on direct oral anticoagulants: a retrospective controlled cohort study.

Chronic therapy with the new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) poses new challenges for dental practitioners assessing the risk versus benefit of cessation versus non-cessation of anticoagulant therapy for dentoalveolar procedures. A retrospective controlled cohort study was designed to evaluate a non-cessation protocol for patients taking DOACs in the setting of dental extractions. A records review covering the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 identified 43 patients on DOAC therapy; 53 dentoalveolar procedures were performed under local anaesthesia, of which 15 included varying degrees of peri-procedural cessation. A control group of 50 patients on uninterrupted warfarin therapy undergoing 59 dentoalveolar procedures was identified. The incidence, severity, and timing of bleeding events were recorded for each group. Four (10.5%) minor bleeding events were recorded in the non-cessation DOAC group and nine (15.3%) minor bleeding events in the warfarin group. No bleeding events were recorded in the DOAC cessation group. Comparison of the incidence of bleeding events between the non-cessation DOAC group and the warfarin group showed no statistically significant difference (odds ratio 0.65, P=0.56). Within the limitations of this study, dental extractions in the context of continuing DOAC therapy can be performed safely provided extra local haemostatic measures are applied.

Contemporary exodontia.

Exodontia is a cardinal skill of all dentists. Patients expect extractions to be skillfully and painlessly accomplished every time. It's not necessarily so simple and can be challenging. In this paper we explore contemporary issues of the full process of exodontia including diagnosis, technique, complication minimization as well as management of medically compromised patients with appropriate post-operative care, including pharmacotherapy.

The teaching of oral & maxillofacial surgery to dental students in Australia & New Zealand.

The teaching of OMS to dental students in Australia & New Zealand was surveyed. Generally the established schools had well developed curricula with good didactic and clinical experience conducted by specialist OMS educators. There was a much greater array of teaching in some of the newer schools with some appearing to barely meet the current minimalist professional competencies of the ADC. The critical element was whether or not the school was associated with a speciality OMS Unit at a Teaching Hospital. Proposals addressing these deficiencies are presented.

Most cited publications in oral and maxillofacial surgery: a bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Citation is one of the most important forms of acknowledgment and recognition received by our peers in academia. This study identifies and characterizes the current topmost highly cited publications in journals specifically dedicated to the specialty. The purpose of this study is to identify, using the citation count, works that have made key contributions in the field and to provide insight into the direction the specialty has taken in the last 30 years. METHODS: Four journals that were dedicated to the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) were selected. The SCOPUS database was utilized to perform a citation analysis on the top 200 publications in the month of May, 2017. Each publication was individually reviewed for the number of citations, the source journal of the manuscript, its year of publications, the article type, the country of origin, the study type, and the level of evidence. We categorized every manuscript within a subspecialty. RESULTS: The number of citations ranged from 2824 to 118 over the last four decades. The majority of the manuscripts were published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (60.5%) followed by the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (25%). Only 3% of these publications were of level I evidence. The most frequent field of publication was benign pathology (18.5%) followed by dental implantology (19%) and then craniomaxillofacial trauma (12%) and craniomaxillofacial deformities (12%). The majority of the publications were articles, of which 59.5% were case-control, case series, or cohort studies. Nine of the top 20 most cited articles and 12.5% of all the most cited papers were related to osteoradionecrosis, osteochemonecrosis, and bisphosphonates. The majority of these publications originated in the USA (44%), followed by Sweden (9.20%), the Netherlands and UK (7.76%), and Germany (5.82%). CONCLUSION: Despite considerable advances in the quality of both clinical and laboratory research, only six level I studies were identified. Osteonecrosis/bisphosphonates and platelet-rich plasma were frequent topics indicating the recent interests in these fields. The USA has continued to play a major role in the research; however, there needs to be more international, multi-institutional cooperative collaborations.

Predictive factors for osteoradionecrosis of the jaws: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is a well-recognized complication of radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to assess predictive factors for the development of ORNJ. METHODS: A retrospective study of 325 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated at one institution between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2008, was conducted. Outcome measure was the presence/absence of ORNJ. Time to event was recorded and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to determine statistically significant predictive factors. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients had ORNJ. Statistical analysis using Cox regression analysis identified several statistically significant variables: dentoalveolar surgery; peri-resective surgery of the jaw; continued tobacco usage after radiotherapy, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2); and total radiation dose. CONCLUSION: Patients at greater risk of developing ORNJ can be identified and measures can be instituted to reduce its incidence and expedite management when it does occur.

Controversies in Dentoalveolar and Preprosthetic Surgery.

Dentoalveolar surgeries are among the more common procedures performed by oral maxillofacial surgeons. It is only natural that there are several controversies associated with many aspects of this type of surgery. Although good scientific evidence is the basis of most oral maxillofacial procedures, some of what is accepted as common wisdom may not meet strict guidelines of evidence-based practice. This article explores some controversies that are relevant to the current practice of dentoalveolar surgery.

Dentoalveolar oral surgery in children and adolescents: organization and surgical treatment in a large, Danish municipal dental service.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a population-based organization of dentoalveolar surgical service for 0 to 18-year old subjects in a Danish municipal dental service, and analyze the type of dentoalveolar surgical interventions needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the Municipality of Aarhus, Denmark during five consecutive school-years. An internal referral system was established within the municipality where patients could be referred to colleagues with a higher level of competencies and more experiences with paediatric dentoalveolar surgery. The analysis includes a total of 1812 children and a total of 2854 surgical interventions. RESULTS: Almost 80% of the patients, representing more than 80% of the dentoalveolar surgical interventions needed, were referred internally. Denudations were the most frequent treatment type (40.3%) carried out, followed by removal of third molars (18.0%). Furthermore, 22 odontomas and 100 supernumerary teeth were removed. CONCLUSIONS: The need of dentoalveolar surgery in children and adolescents is relatively low, but includes a wide range of interventions. An organizational system, where dentists can refer to colleagues who have developed special competencies in this field, results in most of these surgical patients being referred and treated internally.