Avaliação tomográfica das dimensões verticais dos tecidos periodontais supracrestais em dentes anteriores da maxila / Tomographic evaluation of the vertical dimensions of periodontal supracrestal tissues in maxillary anterior teeth

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar em tomografias computadorizadas as dimensões dos tecidos periodontais supracrestais (TPSC). Cem pacientes, 600 dentes anteriores da maxila (200 incisivos centrais, 200 incisivos laterais e 200 caninos), foram avaliados. A distância média da margem gengival até a crista óssea alveolar (COA) foi de 3.25mm (95% IC: 3.20-3.30), enquanto que da junção cemento-esmalte até a COA foi de 1.77mm (95% IC: 1.72-182mm). As medidas foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos de dentes (ANOVA, p < 0.001). A tomografia, pode representar uma importante ferramenta para a avaliação das dimensões dos TPSC.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions of the supracrestal periodontal tissues (SPT) on tomographic scans. One hundred patients, 600 maxillary anterior teeth (200 central incisors, 200 lateral incisors and 200 canines), were evaluated. The average distance from the gingival margin to the alveolar bone crest (ABC) was 3.25mm (95% CI: 3.20-3.30), while the distance from the cemento-enamel junction to ABC was 1.77mm (95% CI: 1.72-182mm). The measurements were significantly different between the tooth groups (ANOVA, p < 0.001). When properly indicated, tomography can be an important tool for assessing the dimensions of TPSCs on a case-by-case basis.

Focus on leveling the hidden: managing impacted maxillary canines.

INTRODUCTION: The long pathway that the canines take as they emerge into the maxillary arch makes them vulnerable to disruption during their natural emergence time. The process of planning treatment for impacted maxillary canine (IMC) presents significant challenges, underscoring the need for careful consideration and expertise. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to shed light on these complexities by discussing clinical case studies involving IMC, providing insights into the intricacies of their management. CONCLUSIONS: The management of IMC within orthodontics presents a multifaceted challenge that include the necessity for precise diagnostic processes, prudent use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the strategic selection between open and closed exposure techniques, a in-depth understanding of the specific orthodontic biomechanics involved, and a keen awareness of potential adverse outcomes such as ankylosis, prolonged treatment times, root resorption, and additional complications.

Primary stability with osseodensification drilling of dental implants in the posterior maxilla region in humans: A systematic review.

Currently, a new non-subtractive drilling technique, called osseodensification (OD), has been developed. It involves using specially designed drills with large negative cutting angles that rotate counterclockwise, causing expansion through plastic bone deformation, thus compacting the autologous bone to the osteotomy walls, which improves the primary stability of the implant.The present systematic review aimed to determine whether the OD technique can increase the primary stability of dental implants in the posterior maxilla region as compared to the conventional drilling (CD) technique.Five databases were searched up to June 30, 2022. The inclusion criteria embraced observational clinical studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, human studies in vivo, comparing OD and CD, with the measurement of the primary stability of implants in the posterior maxilla region by means of the implant stability quotient (ISQ). The tools used to assess the risk of bias were RoB 2 and the NewcastleOttawa Scale (NOS).Seven articles met the inclusion criteria, with 4 classified as having a low risk of bias and 3 with a moderate risk of bias. The OD technique consistently demonstrated an average ISQ value of 73 KHz across all studies, whereas CD yielded an average value of 58.49 kHz (p < 0.001 for 5 articles).It can be concluded that in comparison with CD, OD improves primary stability at baseline in low-density bone, such as the maxilla.

Effect of treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency using rapid palatal expansion on oral health-related quality of life in children: complementary results for a controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of rapid palatal expansion (RPE) using Haas-type expanders on children's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) and compare said effect with that previously reported for the use of Hyrax-type expanders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty participants aged 8-10 years with transverse maxillary deficiency were treated using Haas appliances. OHRQOL was measured using the CPQ8 - 10 before RPE, during RPE (T1), at the end of RPE (T2), and 1 month after appliance removal (T3). Generalized mixed models were fitted to assess the effect of the Haas-type expander compared to previously collected data (a nontreated and a Hyrax-type expander-treated group). RESULTS: RPE with Haas-type appliances had a negative impact on overall OHRQOL at T1 and T2 (P = 0.001), and a positive impact at T3 (P = 0.001). The Haas-type expander had a significantly greater negative impact on OHRQOL than the Hyrax-type appliance during RPE. At T1, overall scores using the Haas-type expander were 1.08 times the scores using the Hyrax-type expander (i.e., 8% increase; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17; P = 0.033). Patients using the Haas appliance had 1.24 times the scores of those using Hyrax-type devices for the oral symptoms domain at T1 (i.e., 24% increase; 95% CI, 1.06-1.46; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Correction of the transverse maxillary deficiency by RPE using the Haas appliance in children 8-10 years improves OHRQOL. The Haas- and Hyrax-type devices temporarily worsen OHRQOL during treatment, however, the negative impact is less with the Hyrax-type expander than with the Haas-type expander, because it causes fewer negative oral symptoms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: From a patient-centered perspective, the use of the Hyrax over the Haas appliance may be suggested as it causes less negative oral symptoms during use.

Metal artifact reduction tool and mA levels impact on the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using cone-beam CT.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of different levels of metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool and milliamperage (mA) on the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using cone beam CT (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten maxillary premolars were endodontically treated and positioned in the empty sockets of a human maxilla covered with wax. CBCT acquisitions were performed using the Eagle Edge device (Dabi Atlante, Brazil) adjusted to 120 kVp, FOV of 4 × 6 cm, exposure time of 24 s and voxel size of 0.2 mm in 8 different conditions with different MAR (1, 2 and 3) and mA (3.2 and 6.3) levels. Crown-root fractures were simulated in the universal testing machine, and CBCT images were acquired again. Five radiologists evaluated the presence and extension of fractures with a 5-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance, Tukey and Kappa test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Although different mA levels did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the diagnosis values for fracture presence and extension, when evaluated the different levels of MAR, AUC and sensitivity showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for MAR 0 using 6.3 mA and kappa agreement showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for MAR 0 and 2 using 6.3 mA. CONCLUSIONS: Although mA levels do not have a diagnostic effect when isolating the MAR level; in 6.3 mA, MAR 0 and 2 can positively influence the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using CBCT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The isolate evaluation of dental fracture presence can overlook diagnostics error of its extension.

Fluctuating arch symmetry: a comparison of two methods of assessment - applicability and efficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Symmetry is balance, some correspondence in the size, form, and arrangements of parts on opposite sides of a plane, line, or point. The opposite of this concept is asymmetry, or imbalance. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study compared two methods for assessing arch symmetry with linear measurements based on triangles, to determine their applicability and efficiency. METHODS: Two groups were enrolled: children (n=20) and adults (n=20), and the arch symmetry was assessed from linear measurements. Method 1: the incisor-canine (INC), canine-molar (CM), and incisor-molar (INM) distances (paired t-test and Pearson correlation). Method 2: a mathematical equation between the cusps measurements of the canines and the distobuccal of the first molars leading to result 1 (t-test for one sample and bootstrapping analysis). Dental casts were digitized and analyzed using a software program. The Bland-Altman test compared the methods (α=0.05). RESULTS: The Bland-Altman test revealed concordance between the methods; however, separately the results were different: In method 1, the mandibular arch did not demonstrate correlation (children, INC r=0.33; CM r=0.45; INM r=0.51; adults, CM r=0.46; INM r=0.35), however, the maxilla revealed a strong correlation in children and a strong/moderate correlation in adults. In method 2, both arches were symmetrical (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Method 1 may be appropriate during orthodontic treatment, and method 2 may be indicated for final treatment. These methods are useful; however, only method 1 identified the side of asymmetry. The methods can contribute to future studies in syndromic and non-syndromic patients, before and after orthognathic surgeries and orthodontic treatment, comparing results.

Root volume measurements of maxillary canines and lateral incisors in patients with unilateral maxillary canine impaction.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess root volumes of maxillary canines and adjacent lateral incisors in patients with unilateral maxillary canine impaction. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 100 patients (49 females and 51 males) with unilateral maxillary canine impaction. The images were loaded in Planmeca Romexis Viewer, and root layers between the cementoenamel junction and apex were reconstructed at 600-µm intervals. At each layer, the root boundary was marked, and finally, the root volume was calculated by multiplying the layers' area by the thickness of 600 µm. The root size of canines and lateral incisors was compared between the impaction and normal eruption sides. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients showed buccal canine impaction, and 38 presented palatal impaction. The mean root volume of canines on the impaction side was significantly greater than that on the normal eruption side; either the tooth was buccally or palatally impacted (p<0.001). The lateral incisors on the side of buccally-impacted canines showed a significantly smaller root volume than that of the contralateral side (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the root size of lateral incisors between the two sides in cases presenting palatal canine impaction (p=0.177). CONCLUSION: The difference in root volume of canines between the two sides can serve as an indicator of canine impaction. The reduction in the root size of the lateral incisor on the side of the buccally impacted canine may be due to root resorption created by pressure from the canine's crown.

All-on-four híbrido - implante pterigoide para solução posterior de maxila atrófica / All-on-four hybrid - pterygoid implant for posterior solution of atrophic maxilla

O edentulismo tem uma série de consequências deletérias para a saúde bucal e geral. As consequências bucais variam desde a bem conhecida reabsorção do rebordo residual até uma função mastigatória prejudicada, uma dieta não saudável, incapacidade social e má qualidade de vida da saúde bucal. Para superar essas dificuldades, pode-se dispor de procedimentos cirúrgicos, como os implantes pterigoideos. Realizar uma análise, por meio de revisão de literatura, da técnica all-on-four híbrida com implantes pterigoideos, como alternativa a reabilitação em maxila atrófica. Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura, com seleção de artigos indexados nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo, Cochrane e Google Acadêmico. Nesses levantamentos foram utilizados termos como: "all-on-four", "implantes inclinados", "implantes pterigoideos", "implantes zigomáticos" e "maxilla atrófica", e suas correspondentes em inglês. Com essa revisão de literatura pode-se inferir que a técnica all-on-four híbrida utilizando implantes pterigoideos para reabilitação de maxila atrófica é uma possibilidade segura, eficaz e previsível que soluciona casos que apresentam limitações ósseas. Quando bem executada pelo profissional é possível devolver ao paciente função e estética anteriormente comprometidas, consequentemente reestabelecimento da qualidade de vida do indivíduo.

Edentulism has a number of deleterious consequences for oral and general health. Oral consequences range from the well-known residual ridge resorption to impaired masticatory function, an unhealthy diet, social disability and poor oral health quality of life. To overcome these difficulties, surgical procedures can be used, such as pterygoid implants. However, these are not without complications. Through a literature review, of the hybrid all-on-four technique with pterygoid implants as an alternative to rehabilitation in atrophic maxilla. For this, bibliographic research was carried out in the databases PubMed, Scielo, Cochrane and Google Scholar, using the following search terms: "all-on-four", "tilted implants", "pterygoid implants", "zygomatic implants" e "atrophic maxilla", in both Portuguese and English languages. With this literature review, It can be inferred that the hybrid all-on-four technique using pterygoid implants for rehabilitation of atrophic maxilla is a safe, effective and predictable possibility that solves cases with bone limitations. When well performed by the professional, it is possible to return previously compromised function and aesthetics to the patient, consequently reestablishing the individual's quality of life.

Bone Regeneration in the Anterior Maxilla With Titanium Mesh and Advanced-Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Case Report With 2-Year Follow-up.

Guided bone regeneration involving the use of titanium mesh and platelet-rich fibrin could be a feasible approach in cases of severely atrophic ridges. The purpose of this case report was to present an esthetic and functional rehabilitation in the anterior maxilla with the installation of dental implants in conjunction with guided bone regeneration using titanium mesh and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF). A 60-year-old patient presented bone atrophy and partial edentulism in the anterior maxilla. After clinical and cone beam computed tomography assessment, guided bone regeneration was planned using a titanium mesh and A-PRF with xenograft bone. After 8 months of healing, the dental implants were placed with the aid of a surgical guide to obtain accurate 3-dimensional positioning. Prosthetic rehabilitation was carried out with individualized crowns. After 2 years of follow-up, radiographic analysis demonstrated a good quality and density of the bone tissue adjacent to the dental implants. No radiolucent areas were observed, and there were no clinical signs of failure. In cases of severe atrophy, using a titanium mesh and A-PRF proved to be a feasible alternative for bone reconstruction prior to dental implant placement. This approach can aid dental professionals in achieving an ideal implant positioning for rehabilitation with individualized crowns.

Variations in head tilt during the acquisition of cone beam computed tomography scans and their effects on effective radiation dose.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the impact of variations in anteroposterior and lateral tilts of patients head on radiation-weighted doses to organs/tissues and effective doses using 3 different cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machines. METHODS: An anthropomorphic phantom was used to estimate radiation doses in 3 CBCT machines (OP300, Eagle X 3D, and Eagle Edge). Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed in regions corresponding to pre-stablished organ/tissues. CBCT examinations from the posterior mandible and anterior maxilla regions were acquired, with 3 different anteroposterior angulations (0°, 30°, and 45°), and from the posterior mandible in 3 different lateral angulations (0°, 20° to the left, and 20° to the right side). Radiation-weighted doses for each organ/tissue and effective doses were calculated for each machine and angulation. RESULTS: For the posterior mandible acquisitions, anteroposterior angulations of the head at 30° and 45° yielded a reduction in effective doses in all 3 devices. A 20° tilt to the right side resulted in lower doses than to the left [same side as the field of view (FOV)]. For the anterior maxilla, increased anteroposterior angulation was associated with reduction in effective dose in 2 devices. CONCLUSIONS: Effective doses are lower when small FOV CBCT exams of the posterior mandible and anterior maxilla are acquired with increased anteroposterior head angulation at 30° and 45°. For FOV in the posterior mandible, a 20° lateral tilt towards the side opposite to the FOV also yields lower effective doses. The main contribution to these dose reductions is the decrease in dose to salivary glands.

MISMARPE protocol: minimally invasive surgical and miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to present the MISMARPE technique, a new minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat maxillary transverse atresia in adult patients under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTION: The technique consists of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) associated with a minimally invasive approach using maxillary osteotomies, latency and activation periods until the desired expansion is achieved. The present MISMARPE technique was performed in 25 consecutive cases with a success rate of 96%, yielding good skeletal outcomes with minimal trauma. The expander appliances, with their anchorage types, and a description of the surgical steps of the MISMARPE technique are presented. CONCLUSION: MISMARPE is a new and effective alternative for less invasive treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency in adults, compared to conventional surgery. Emphasis is placed on the importance of systematic and well-established protocols, for executing the procedures safely and predictably.

Micro-osteoperforation for enhancement of orthodontic movement: A mechanical analysis using the finite element method.

BACKGROUND: Micro-osteoperforation is a minimally invasive technique aimed at accelerating tooth movement. The goal of this novel experimental study was to assess tooth movement and stress distribution produced by the force of orthodontic movement on the tooth structure, periodontal ligament, and maxillary bone structure, with and without micro-osteoperforation, using the finite element method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography was used to obtain a virtual model of the maxilla and simulate the extraction of right and left first premolars. Three micro-osteoperforations (1.5 x 5 mm) were made in the hemiarch on the distal and mesial surfaces of upper canines, according to the power tip geometry of the Propel device (Propel Orthodontics, Ossining, New York, USA). An isotropic model of the maxilla was fabricated according to the finite element method by insertion of mechanical properties of the tooth structures, with orthodontic force (1.5 N) simulation in the distal movement on the upper canine of a hemiarch. RESULTS: Initial movement was larger when micro-osteoperforations were performed on the dental crown (24%) and on the periodontal ligament (29%). In addition, stress distribution was higher on the bone structure (31%) when micro-osteoperforations were used. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-osteoperforations considerably increased the movement of both the dental crown and periodontal ligament, which highlights their importance in the improvement of orthodontic movement, as well as in stress distribution across the bone structure. Important stress absorption regions were identified within micro-osteoperforations.

Sex determination through maxillary dental arch and skeletal base measurements using machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Cranial, facial, nasal, and maxillary widths have been shown to be significantly affected by the individual's sex. The present study aims to use measurements of dental arch and maxillary skeletal base to determine sex, employing supervised machine learning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary and mandibular tomographic examinations from 100 patients were analyzed to investigate the inter-premolar width, inter-molar width, maxillary width, inter-pterygoid width, nasal cavity width, nostril width, and maxillary length, obtained through Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans. The following machine learning algorithms were used to build the predictive models: Logistic Regression, Gradient Boosting Classifier, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multi-Layer Perceptron Classifier (MLP), Decision Tree, and Random Forest Classifier. A 10-fold cross-validation approach was adopted to validate each model. Metrics such as area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 Score were calculated for each model, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed statistical significance (p < 0.10) for all skeletal and dental variables. Nostril width showed greater importance in two models, while Inter-molar width stood out among dental measurements. The models achieved accuracy values ranging from 0.75 to 0.85 on the test data. Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Decision Tree, and SVM models had the highest AUC values, with SVM showing the smallest disparity between cross-validation and test data for accuracy metrics. CONCLUSION: Transverse dental arch and maxillary skeletal base measurements exhibited strong predictive capability, achieving high accuracy with machine learning methods. Among the evaluated models, the SVM algorithm exhibited the best performance. This indicates potential usefulness in forensic sex determination.

Variabilidad en la medición del ángulo ANB de Steiner entre estudiantes de odontología y ortodoncia. Medición del Angulo ANB de Steiner / Variability in Steiners ANB angle measurement between undergraduate dental students and postgraduate students in orthodontics

Introducción: El ángulo ANB de Steiner entrega la relación entre el maxilar y la mandíbula en sentido anteroposterior y es una de las medidas cefalométricas más aplicadas en ortodoncia. Su identificación precisa podría presentar dificultades, influyendo directamente en el posterior estudio cefalométrico, diagnóstico y plan de tratamiento. El objetivo de esta investigación fue comparar la medición del ángulo ANB de Steiner entre estudiantes de pregrado de odontología y postítulo de ortodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Chile 2020. Materiales y Métodos: Por medio del programa Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Adobe System ®), se solicitó a los estudiantes la identificación de los puntos Nasion, A y B en 5 telerradiografías laterales de cráneo. Al aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión se reclutaron 15 estudiantes de cada grupo. Luego se unieron los puntos mediante trazados, se midió el ángulo ANB de Steiner y se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC) para determinar el grado de acuerdo. Resultados: Se encontró un coeficiente de correlación intraclase ICC promedio de 0.97 entre ambos grupos de estudiantes. Conclusión: No hay diferencia estadística en la determinación del ángulo ANB de Steiner entre estudiantes de pregrado de odontología y postítulo de ortodoncia.

Background: The Steiner ANB angle measures the relationship between the maxilla and mandible in the anteroposterior direction and is one of the most applied cephalometric measurements in orthodontics. Its precise identification could pose difficulties, directly influencing the subsequent cephalometric study, diagnosis and treatment plan. The aim of this research was to compare the measurement of the Steiner ANB angle between dental student and postgraduate students in orthodontics from the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Chile 2020. Materials and Methods: Using the Adobe Photoshop CS6 program (Adobe System ®), the students were asked to identify the Nasion, A and B points in 5 lateral cephalogram of the skull. By applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 students were recruited from each group. The points were then joined by tracing, the Steiner ANB angle was measured, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the degree of agreement. Results: An average ICC intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.97 was found between both groups of students. Conclusion: T here is no statistical difference in the determination of the Steiner ANB angle between undergraduate students of dentistry and postgraduate students of orthodontics.

Prevalence and Pattern of Tooth Impaction: A Radiographic Study in a Trinidadian Population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of impacted third molars in a Trinidadian population. METHODS: A total of 1500 orthopantomograms (OPG) taken at the School of Dentistry, University of the West Indies, from 2008 to 2019 in patients between 15 and 67 years old were evaluated. From the data collected, the prevalence of third molar impaction, the parameters of gender, angulation, level of impaction, and associated pathologies were evaluated. Other types of impacted teeth were also recorded. RESULTS: Of the 1500 OPG viewed, 408 (27.2%) of the study sample presented with at least one impacted third molar. 161 (39.5%) were males and 247 (60.5%) were females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.5. There was a greater incidence of mandibular third molars versus maxillary third molars, which had a frequency of 77.9% and 22.1%, respectively. The most common type of impaction (Winter's classification) was horizontal in the mandible and distoangular in the maxilla. The most common level of impaction in the mandible (Pell and Gregory classification) was level 1A. The total number of impacted teeth was 775, and of these, 75 (9.7%) showed other impacted teeth besides the third molars. Canines and second premolars were the most prevalent with 7.6% and 1.5%, respectively. Caries on the second molar (49.3%) and third molars (40%) were the most frequently associated pathologies identified. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of impacted wisdom teeth in this study was 27%. These results raise awareness and provide insight among dental professionals in Trinidad as to the prevalence of impacted third molars, their patterns, as well as commonly associated pathologies, and the need for screening within the population.

Maxillary arch dimensions in bilateral cleft lip and palate in the age 0-5 months.

INTRODUCTION: The complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) divides the maxillary arch into three segments, separated from each other, resulting in abnormal growth of the alveolar arch. This study evaluated the maxillary arch dimensions in BCLP and compared them with neonates without craniofacial anomalies. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary cleft centre. Sixty-six neonates aged 0-5 months were divided into two groups: cleft group-children with BCLP (23 boys and 18 girls) and control group-children without craniofacial deformities (15 boys and 10 girls). The dental models were processed by a 3D scanner. Landmarks were marked to achieve inter-canine distance, inter-tuberosity distance and arch length measurements. t-Tests were used for intergroup comparisons (p < .05). RESULTS: The maxillary cleft arch was demonstrated to be wider and longer in the posterior region compared to the control group. The inter-canine distance did not present differences between the cleft and controls. The inter-canine distance of the control group was the only measurement influenced by the variable sex. CONCLUSIONS: The cleft significantly interfered with the arch posterior width and arch sagittal length, making them larger. There was no statistical difference in the measurements between sex in the cleft group.

Radiographic characterization of the maxillary septum and septal bullae in horses: An ex vivo study.

The anatomical variations of the maxillary septum and the septal bullae can generate challenges during the interpretation of radiographs of the horses' heads and make it difficult to accurately identify the sites affected in sinus disorders. The description of the radiographic appearance of these structures is currently scarce in the scientific literature. This work aims to describe the anatomical and radiographic characteristics of the maxillary septum and maxillary septal bullae in horses. Six chemically preserved equine cadaver heads were used which, after being submitted to the maxillary osseous flap, the maxillary septum and its respective bullae were identified. Radiographic examinations before and after contrast impregnation on these structures were performed. The positioning of the maxillary septum varied between the anatomical specimens and between the sides of the same specimen. The 30° oblique dorsoventral lateral and lateral projections allowed the identification of the maxillary septum and septal bullae. However, the bullae remained superimposed on the dental arches in the dorsoventral projections with the mandible in a neutral position or with the mandible displaced. The oblique offset radiographic positioning was suggested and proved effective for the examination of the maxillary septal bullae, where the mandible was displaced to the side of the bullae to be examined, and the radiographic beam inclined in the same direction. The maxillary septum and its bullae could be properly identified in a macroscopic way after the osseous flap and the contrasted radiographic examination allowed its adequate interpretation. Variations in size and position are considered normal for the equine species.

Obturator prostheses with intramucosal retention system in patients with maxillectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intramucosal retention system in patients' masticatory efficiency and quality of life in this case series. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 3 individuals with maxillectomy were included for rehabilitation with a complete obturator prostheses with an intramucosal retention system (OPI). The complete obturator prostheses was made for 60 days, and electromyography assessments and bite force were applied before, after 30, 60, and 90 days of surgery and prostheses installation. The University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QoL) and the Obturator Functional Scale (OFS) were also administered at baseline and in the same follow-up periods. The electromyography was evaluated on both sides of the masseter, temporalis, and buccinator muscles while chewing hard and soft food. The maximum bite force was recorded in the central incisors and both sides of the first molar region. RESULTS: Bite force values increased in the first molar region, and muscular electrical activity remained constant. Items related to the taste and swallowing of the UW-QOL impacted. Most OFS questionnaire data responses indicated that patients improved in swallowing liquid foods and appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The rehabilitative capacity improves masticatory efficiency and QoL in adults maxilectomized and rehabilitated with OPI analysis in the study. Further clinical studies should be encouraged to determine the effectiveness of this retentive system.

Integrated correlation analysis of the thickness of buccal bone and gingiva of maxillary incisors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate the integrated correlation between the buccal bone and gingival thickness of the anterior maxilla, and to gain insight into the reference plane selection when measuring these two tissues before treatment with implants. METHODOLOGY: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and model scans of 350 human subjects were registered in the coDiagnostiX software to obtain sagittal maxillary incisor sections. The buccal bone thickness was measured at the coronal (2, 4, and 6 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction [CEJ]) and apical (0, 2, and 4 mm coronal to the apex plane) regions. The buccal gingival thickness was measured at the supra-CEJ (0, 1mm coronal to the CEJ) and sub-CEJ regions (1, 2, 4, and 6 mm apical to the CEJ). Canonical correlation analysis was performed for intergroup correlation analysis and investigation of key parameters. RESULTS: The mean thicknesses of the buccal bone and gingiva at different levels were 0.64~1.88 mm and 0.66~1.37 mm, respectively. There was a strong intergroup canonical correlation between the thickness of the buccal bone and that of the gingiva (r=0.837). The thickness of the buccal bone and gingiva at 2 mm apical to the CEJ are the most important indices with the highest canonical correlation coefficient and loadings. The most and least prevalent subgroups were the thin bone and thick gingiva group (accounting for 47.6%) and the thick bone and thick gingiva group (accounting for 8.6%). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this retrospective study, the thickness of the buccal bone is significantly correlated with that of the buccal gingiva, and the 2 mm region apical to the CEJ is a vital plane for quantifying the thickness of these two tissues.

Somatosensory alterations after single-unit dental implant immediate loading: A 1-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: This cohort study aimed to assess the incidence of somatosensory alterations after implant surgery using standardized quantitative and qualitative sensory testing. METHODS: 33 participants with single-tooth loss, undergoing immediate implant loading were included. Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and Qualitative Sensory Testing (QualST) were conducted at eight time points over a year (baseline to 1 year). Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test were used on QST values and Cochran Q test on QualST. RESULTS: The study revealed significant increase in thermal thresholds overtime. At the operated side, overall Cold Pain Threshold (extraoral: p = 0.030; intraoral: p < 0.001), and Cold Detection Threshold (intraoral: p < 0.001) increased overtime. In contralateral region, maxilla Cold Detection Threshold (extraoral: p = 0.024; intraoral: p = 0.031), Warm Detection Threshold (extraoral: p = 0.026; intraoral: p = 0.047) and overall Cold Pain Threshold (extraoral and intraoral: p < 0.001) also increased. QualST showed extraoral pinprick (p = 0.032) and intraoral pinprick (p = 0.000), cold (p = 0.000) and touch (p = 0.002) stimuli abnormalities overtime. CONCLUSIONS: Somatosensory alterations after implant surgery were detected in both quantitative and qualitative sensory assessments, but rapidly decreased during the first follow-ups, and then continuously until 1-year. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides clinical and controlled evidence on the real effect of the somatosensory alterations overtime, leading to a better understanding of neurosensory behaviour after single-tooth dental implant rehabilitation.