Canine Teeth Research Articles

FEEDING HABITS OF SOLDIER CROAKER Dendrophysa russelii (Cuvier, 1829) DISTRIBUTED IN COASTAL AREAS OF THE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

This study researched the feeding habits of soldier croaker Dendrophysa russelii (Cuvier,1829) distributed in coastal areas of the Mekong Delta from May to December, 2021. Fish samples were randomly collected in different sizes by trawl-net. Fish stomachs were fixed in a 4% formalin solution to prevent contents in the stomach from being digested. The results showed that soldier croaker had a small mouth, the teeth on the jaw were short and pointed with no canine tooth, the gill rakers were sparse, the stomach was pouch-shaped, the caeca have 4-8 tubes, and the intestine was short. Relative between gut length and body length (RLG) < 1 indicated that soldier croaker is a carnivorous fish. The food spectrum of immature fish was narrower thanthat of mature fish. However, the feed ingredient was shrimp which always accounts for the highestpercentage in the two fish size groups, followed by fish and other foods that accounted for a low proportion.

Patterns of permanent incisor, canine and molar development in modern humans, great apes and early fossil hominins

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to quantify the variation in coincident stages of incisor, canine and molar eruption and tooth formation in modern humans and great apes and then to ask if any early fossil hominins showed a dental development pattern beyond the human range and/or clearly typical of great apes. DesignFour stages of eruption and 18 stages of tooth development were defined and then scored for each developing tooth on radiographs of 159 once-free-living subadult great apes and on orthopantomographs of 4091 dental patients aged 1–23 years. From original observations, and from published images of eleven early fossil hominins, we then scored formation stages of permanent incisors when M1 was at root formation stage R¼-R½ and R¾-RC. ResultsIncisor and canine eruption/development was delayed in great apes relative to molar development when compared with humans but there was overlap in almost all anterior tooth stages observed. Molar crown initiation was generally advanced in great apes and delayed in humans but again, we observed overlap in all stages in both samples. Only two fossil hominin specimens (L.H.–3 from Laetoli, Tanzania and KNM-KP 34725 from Kanapoi, Kenya) showed delayed incisor development relative to M1 beyond any individuals observed in the human sample. ConclusionsFor certain tooth types, the distribution of formation stages in our samples showed evidence of generally advanced or delayed development between taxa. However, it would rarely if ever be possible to allocate an individual to one taxon or another on this basis.

Ultrastructural focus on the oral cavity roof of the juvenile and adult white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus): Novel view of its development with carnivorous adaptation.

The present study aims to characterize the ultrastructural roof of the oral cavity roof in juvenile and adult Epinephelus aeneus using SEM. The investigation used 10 roofs of the oral cavity of juvenile and adult stages of age. The results in both age groups showed that the roof had five tooth bands, an upper valve, and a palatine region. The upper lip was divided into the anteriorly median and two lateral parts. The posterior margin of the anterior labial part is not attached to the incisive or canine teeth. The anterior surface of the canine teeth was attached to the transverse part of the upper incisive ridge that was separated from the posterior labial part by a deep groove. The semilunar upper velum showed two surfaces, two borders, and two parts. The median part of the oral surface of the velum carried the extension of the longitudinal part of the upper incisive ridge that had some variation among the two examined age stages. In addition, the median part of the oral surface of the upper velum had two rough areas located laterally on each side of the longitudinal part of the upper incisive ridge. The oral surface had several slightly elevated fungiform papillae with taste buds. The palatine region was divided into the peripheral semilunar part and the wide median part, by palatine teeth and the palatine groove laterally and by vomer teeth anteriorly. The results provided important data for the aquaculture in Egypt in relation to their diet.

Objective dimension of tooth color in forensic age estimation: An observational study

Teeth are an integral part of facial aesthetics involved in complex social, cultural & psychological interaction. Of all, in latest, tooth color measurement has attracted attention in the field of dentistry for assessing age.To assess the correlation between the enamel color and chronological age and to evaluate the age of an individual from enamel color.This was a cross sectional study that included a total of 200 individuals attending the outpatient Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology.The individuals were divided into five groups based on age with 40 in each group. Inclusion criteria comprised of healthy maxillary central, lateral incisor, canine, premolar and molar teeth that were free from cavities, fracture, endodontically treated teeth and those free from stain were selected. The tooth shade was recorded using Vitapan classical shade guide. Firstly, value of the color was assessed followed by hue and then chroma.Numerical scrutiny was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Comparison and correlation of the definite variables between the groups was done by Pearson Chi‑square test.For central and lateral incisor common shade was B2 and for canine teeth all the groups had A3 shade and results obtained was statistically significant except for the premolars with B2 was the most common shade for groups I, II and IV, but the B1 (yellowish hue) shade was common in group 2 and C2 shade was common in group V with statistically significant results. For molars B2 was the most common shade for groups I – IV with C2 shade was common in group V with statistically significant results.Natural tooth color can be used as an effective means of age estimation.

Special architecture and anti-wear strategies for giant panda tooth enamel: Based on wear simulation findings.

Giant pandas are the flagship species in world conservation. Due to bamboo being the primary food source for giant pandas, dental wear is common owing to the extreme toughness of the bamboo fiber. Even though research on tooth enamel wear in humans and domestic animals is well-established, research on tooth enamel wear in giant pandas is scarce. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tooth enamel wear resistance in giant pandas to provide a basis for a better understanding of their evolutionary process. From microscopic and macroscopic perspectives, the abrasion resistance of dental enamel in giant pandas is compared with that of herbivorous cattle and carnivorous dogs in this study. This involves the use of micro-scratch and frictional wear tests. The results show that the boundary between the enamel prism and the enamel prism stroma is well-defined in panda and canine teeth, while bovine tooth enamel appears denser. Under constant load, the tribological properties of giant panda enamel are similar to those of canines and significantly different from those of bovines. Test results show that the depth of micro scratches in giant panda and canine enamel was greater than in cattle, with greater elastic recovery occurring in dogs. Scratch morphology indicates that the enamel substantive damage critical value is greater in pandas than in both dogs and cattle. The analysis suggests that giant panda enamel consists of a neatly arranged special structure that may disperse extrusion stress and absorb impact energy through a series of inelastic deformation mechanisms to cope with the wear caused by eating bamboo. In this study, the excellent wear resistance of giant panda's tooth enamel is verified by wear tests. A possible theoretical explanation of how the special structure of giant panda tooth enamel may improve its wear resistance is provided. This provides a direction for subsequent theoretical and experimental studies on giant panda tooth enamel and its biomaterials.

Clinical anatomy of regional anesthetic sites in the head region of the male adult Zebu cattle (Bos indicus)

The basic knowledge of the applied anatomy of the head region is important in clinical practices since regional anesthesia is the only choice for ruminants. Thus, using three head region samples we aimed to reveal the proper anesthesia sites of clinically important nerves of adult male Zebu cattle through a surface approach. Our study revealed that either the mean distance of 4.26 ± 0.46 cm from the lateral canthus of the eye or the mean distance of 4.66 ± 0.57 cm from the base of the horn along the temporal line was the suitable site for the cornual nerve blocking. Similarly, the supraorbital nerve emerged mean of 3.63 ± 0.32 cm dorsomedial to the mid-orbital rim and the infraorbital nerve emerged mean distance of 4.46 ± 0.15 cm rostral and dorsomedial to the facial tuber. Finally, the mental nerve blocking site was measured at a distance of a mean of 3.63 ± 0.15 cm caudoventral to the canine tooth and a mean of 3.9 ± 0.36 cm ventral to the lip commissure. These data may be helpful for the field veterinarians to desensitize the regions related to various surgical conditions such as dehorning, disbudding, sinus trephining, and wound management in lip and cheek in Zebu (indigenous) cattle.

Effect of the Field of View Size on CBCT Artifacts Caused by the Presence of Metal Objects in the Exomass.

Materials and Methods In this in vitro experimental study, titanium implants, teeth with cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) intracanal posts, and teeth with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) amalgam restorations were placed in an empty socket of the extracted third molar of a human mandible. These metallic materials were differently arranged in the exomass (zone outside of the FOV). A polypropylene tube containing dipotassium phosphate was placed in the empty socket of the right canine tooth in a dry human mandible. CBCT scans were taken with a NewTom VGI (Verona, Italy) scanner using a 6 × 6 cm and an 8 × 8 cm FOV. The histogram tool of OnDemand software (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea) was used to select circles with a 1.5 mm diameter as the (ROI) at the center of the homogenous solution of dipotassium phosphate tube on the axial plane. The mean gray value (GV) and its standard deviation (SD) in the region of interest (ROI) were calculated (P > 0.05). The data were analyzed by SPSS 26. Results The reduction in the size of the FOV significantly decreased the mean GV (P < 0.001). Metal objects in the exomass significantly decreased the mean GV (P < 0.001), and minimum mean GV and maximum SD were recorded for amalgam, followed by Co-Cr intracanal posts, and titanium implants. The unilateral presence of a metal object was associated with a higher mean GV and lower SD (P < 0.001). Conclusion Using a smaller FOV increases the size of the exomass, which may negatively affect the image quality. Metal objects in the exomass decrease the GV of CBCT scans and adversely affect the image quality.

A Study on Management of Puberty Flock in the Era of Social Web

A Study on Management of Puberty Flock in the Era of Social Web

Biological characteristics and pulp regeneration potential of stem cells from canine deciduous teeth compared with those of permanent teeth

BackgroundClinical studies have demonstrated that dental pulp stem cells isolated from permanent teeth (PT-DPSCs) are safe and efficacious for complete pulp regeneration in mature pulpectomized permanent teeth with complete apical closure. Moreover, dental pulp stem cells from deciduous teeth (DT-DPSCs) have also been shown to be useful for pulp regenerative cell therapy of injured immature permanent teeth. However, direct comparisons of the pulp regenerative potential of DT-DPSCs and PT-DPSCs from the same individual have not been performed. This study aimed to compare the differences in stem cell properties and pulp regenerative potential of DT-DPSCs and PT-DPSCs of identical origin.MethodsDT-DPSCs and PT-DPSCs were isolated from the same individual dogs at 4 months and 9 months of age, respectively. The expression of cell surface antigen markers, proliferation and migration activities, and gene expression of stem cell markers, angiogenic/neurotrophic factors and senescence markers were compared. The effects of conditioned medium (CM) derived from these cells on cellular proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, neurite outgrowth and immunosuppression were also compared. Autologous transplantation of DT-DPSCs or PT-DPSCs together with G-CSF was performed to treat pulpectomized teeth in individual dogs. The vascularization and reinnervation of the regenerated pulp tissues were qualitatively and quantitatively compared between groups by histomorphometric analyses.ResultsThe rates of positive CXCR4 and G-CSFR expression in DT-DPSCs were significantly higher than those in PT-DPSCs. DT-DPSCs migrated at a higher rate with/without G-CSF and exhibited increased expression of the stem cell markers Oct3/4 and CXCR4 and the angiogenic factor VEGF and decreased expression of the senescence marker p16 than PT-DPSCs. DT-DPSC-derived CM promoted increased cell proliferation, migration with G-CSF, and angiogenesis compared with PT-DPSC-derived CM; however, no difference was observed in neurite outgrowth or immunosuppression. The regenerated pulp tissues in the pulpectomized teeth were quantitatively and qualitatively similar between the DT-DPSCs and PT-DPSCs transplant groups.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that DT-DPSCs could be a potential clinical alternative to PT-DPSCs for pulp regenerative therapy. DT-DPSCs can be preserved in an individual cell bank and used for potential future pulp regenerative therapy before the supply of an individual’s own sound discarded teeth has been exhausted.

At-home Bleaching with a Novel Carbamide Peroxide Polymeric Nanoparticle Gel: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

To compare the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS) as well the effectiveness of at-home bleaching using two carbamide peroxide bleaching gels, specifically a novel polymeric nanoparticle gel (experimental) and a commercial gel (Opalescence PF, Ultradent, South Jordan, Utah, USA), applied at two application times. This multicenter, triple-blind, and split-mouth randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 healthy adults with canine teeth that were shade A2 or darker. The participants all used the experimental and the control gels on one side of a tray, depending on the group to which they were allocated, for 30 or 60 minutes per day over four weeks. The absolute risk and intensity of TS were assessed daily using the five-point Numeric Rating Scale and the 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale. Color change was evaluated with shade guide units (ΔSGU) and a digital spectrophotometer (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWid) at baseline and 30 days postbleaching. The risk and intensity of TS was evaluated by the McNemar and the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, respectively. Color change (ΔSGU, ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWid) was evaluated by Mann-Whitney and paired t-tests (α=0.05). No differences in the risk and intensity of TS were observed based on the bleaching gels used and the times of application (p>0.05). Thirty days after bleaching, there was no significant difference in color change, in terms of the bleaching gels used or the application times (p>0.05). The novel carbamide peroxide polymeric nanoparticles gel, when applied for 30 or 60 minutes, produced effective color change and a low rate of tooth sensitivity, as compared to the control group.

Tek Taraflı Palatinal Gömülü Maksiller Kanin Dişin Anatomik Konumunun Komşuluğundaki Lateral Diş Kökü Rezorpsiyonu ile İlişkisi

Amaç: Panoramik radyograflar üzerinde, palatinalde tek taraflı gömülü maksiller kaninin anatomik konumunun, komşu lateral kökü rezorpsiyonuna sebebiyet verme potansiyelini belirlemektir. Materyal ve Metot: Bu çalışma tek taraflı maksiller gömülü kanine sahip yaş ortalaması 23,81±6,59 yıl olan toplam 47 hastanın panoramik radyografları üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Çalışmaya dahil edilen bireylerin KIBT kayıtlarında gömülü maksiller kanine komşu lateral dişte rezorpsiyonu belirlenerek, çalışma materyali lateral dişte rezorpsiyonu olan ve lateral dişi sağlıklı olan iki gruba ayrılmıştır. Toplam 47 bireye ait gömülü maksiller kanin anatomik konumu panoramik radyograf üzerinde (a) sektör belirleme, (b) kanin kronunun vertikal pozisyonu, (c) gömülü maksiller kaninin oklüzyon düzlemi ile yaptığı açı, (d) kanin folikül genişliği ölçümü yöntemleri ile değerlendirilmiş, maksiller gömülü kanin dişe komşu lateral dişin rezorpsiyon potansiyeli SPSS 20.0 istatistiksel analiz programı ile analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Komşu laterali sağlıklı olan gruba nazaran lateral diş rezorpsiyonu gözlenen bireylerin gömülü kaninin oklüzal düzlem açısı daha yüksek (p&amp;lt;0,001), folikül genişliği daha düşüktür (p=0,008). Lateral diş rezorpsiyonu gözlenen bireyde gömülü kanin dişin oklüzal düzlem ile yaptığı açı değerleri (p=0,001) anlamlı farklılık göstermiştir. Lateral diş rezorpsiyonu olan hasta grubunda yaş ile oklüzal açı (r=0,449; p=0,028) pozitif yönlü; folikül genişliği (r=0,529; p=0,008) ile negatif yönlü anlamlı korelasyon gözlenmiştir. Sonuç: Panoramik radyograflar ile sürmesi gecikmiş ya da gömülü kalmış, palatinalde konumlanan maksiller kanin sürme kontrolü ve komşu lateral dişte rezorpsiyon oluşturma potansiyeli gömülü kanin dişin okluzal düzlem açısı ve folikül genişliği ölçümleri ile belirlenebilir.

Detection Technology of Social Robot: Based on the Interpretation of Botometer Model

In the era of Web 2.0, social media have been a significant place for democratic conversation about social or political issues. While in many major public events like the Russia-Ukraine war or U.S. Presidential election, enormous social bots were found on Twitter and Facebook, putting forward public opinion warfare. By creating the illusion of grassroots support for a certain opinion, this kind of artificial intelligence can be exploited to spread misinformation, change the public perception of political entities or even promote terrorist propaganda. As a result of that, exploiting detection tools has been a great concern since social bots were born. In this article, we focused on Botometer, a publicly available detection tool, to further explain the AI technologies used in identifying artificial accounts. By analyzing its database and combing the previous literature, we explained the model from the aspect of data augmentation, feature engineering, account characterization, and Ensemble of Specialized Classifier (ESC). Considering the consistent evolution of social bots, we propose several optimization suggestions and three other techniques or models to improve the accuracy of social bots detection.

On 3D printing of customized multi-root dental implants for the strategic tooth of canine by direct metal laser sintering

PurposeThis study aims to design and fabricate a customized multi-rooted dental implant (MRDI) for a canine strategic tooth to reduce surgical time/effort, and better assembly features, leading to enhanced primary and secondary stability and load-bearing capabilities by direct-metal laser sintering (DMLS).Design/methodology/approachA fractured tooth of a male German Shepherd three-year-old dog (extracted from a cadaver) was selected as the subject for the proposed work. The computer-aided design model of the implant was developed on SOLIDWORKS after a detailed review of literature and consultation with a veterinary doctor about the surgical procedures. Static stress analysis on the implant assembly and residual stress analysis with boundary distortion were performed on each part of the implant subassembly to ensure the fool-proof design.FindingsThe functional prototype of the innovative MRDI assembly through DMLS was successfully prepared with acceptable dimensional stability, surface roughness (Ra) and refined microstructure. The 3D printed functional prototype was observed to be residual stress-proof during printing and can bear up to 800 N bite force (required for an adult dog).Originality/valueInnovative MRDI assembly has been 3D printed by using 17–4 precipitate hardened stainless steel without compromising the strength and can be implanted without bone grafting for better primary stability. Also, the prepared implant will be better for secondary stability due to enhanced osseointegration.

Sexual dimorphism in deciduous tooth crown size: Variability within and between groups.

Sexual dimorphism in deciduous tooth crown size is often used to identify sex in sub-adults from archeological sites and forensic settings. Yet sexual dimorphism in deciduous dental attributes is less well documented than in permanent teeth. This analysis was conducted to document variation in sexual dimorphism within and between a global sample of populations. Mean deciduous tooth crown size was culled from published literature, yielding a sample of 37 groups. Mean mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) crown dimensions are the basis for computing percent sexual dimorphism [(M/F-1) * 100]. Three analyses were conducted: (1) a statistical analysis of mean % sex dimorphism (%SD) within and between populations, (2) an evaluation of rank-ordered %SD by tooth, and (3) an assessment of intergroup patterns in degree of sexual dimorphism. Univariate tests of significance, correlation and regression, and multivariate cluster analysis were used. Mean %SD is low overall (1.77) for 26 groups and the level of dimorphism is not significantly different for MD (1.68) and BL (1.72) dimensions. The most sexual dimorphic deciduous teeth include incisor, canine and molar tooth types, while in the permanent dentition canines are consistently most sexual dimorphic. Global variation in sexual dimorphism of deciduous tooth size is low with little inter-ethnic variation. Sexual dimorphism in crown size is lower and more variably expressed than in permanent teeth. Differences may relate to developmental, chromosomal, and hormonal factors. Degree of sexual dimorphism is not associated with ethnicity in this global sample.

Evaluation of Mesiodistal Root Angulation of Permanent Incisors, Canines, and First Pre-Molars by Orthopantomogram Dental Imaging Findings in 296 Children Aged 6-14 Years.

BackgroundEarly pre-eruptive inclination changes of the first premolar (FP) and its associative changes with canine (C) inclination are important to predict canine impaction. This study aimed to evaluate the mesiodistal root angulation of permanent lateral incisors (LI), canines, and first molars by orthopantomogram dental imaging in 296 children ages 6–14 years at a single center in India.Material/MethodsThe total number of participants was 296, with equal numbers of boys and girls divided into 4 age groups: 6–8 years, 8–10 years, 10–12 years, and 12–14 years. Angles between lateral incisor, erupting canine, and first pre-premolar with midline were measured on an orthopantomogram (dental imaging which includes all the teeth with TMJ). The angle between the erupting C with LI and erupting C with FP was measured. Pearson’s correlation was also evaluated between the movement of the erupting canine with lateral incisor and erupting canine with erupting first premolar.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the angular values of different age groups (P≤0.05). The movements between LI, C, and FP were moderately correlated boys and girls aged 6–12 years.ConclusionsThe findings from this study showed that in boys and girls aged 6–14 years, eruption of the upper canine tooth was synchronized with eruption of the LI and FP.

ERUPTED COMPOUND ODONTOMA IN PATIENT WITH SEIZURES: A CASE REPORT

Erupted odontomas are rare in the oral cavity. During the intraoral examination of a 17-year-old girl in investigation of Dravet syndrome, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, and psychotic disorder, an enamel-like tissue exposed in gingiva was identified. The lesion size was around 2 mm, localized between the right permanent mandibular lateral incisor and canine teeth. Periapical radiography revealed a radiopaque image of irregular tooth-like structures, suggesting the presence of an erupted compound odontoma. The lesion was surgically removed under infiltrative anesthesia, without the need for a flap. Four small tooth-like structures were removed and the specimens were sent for histopathologic analysis, confirming the hypothesis of compound odontoma. The procedure was achieved without complications or need of patient sedation. Twenty days after the surgery, there was satisfactory healing of tissue in the operated region. Erupted odontoma are rare. The patient follows her treatments with the team. Erupted odontomas are rare in the oral cavity. During the intraoral examination of a 17-year-old girl in investigation of Dravet syndrome, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, and psychotic disorder, an enamel-like tissue exposed in gingiva was identified. The lesion size was around 2 mm, localized between the right permanent mandibular lateral incisor and canine teeth. Periapical radiography revealed a radiopaque image of irregular tooth-like structures, suggesting the presence of an erupted compound odontoma. The lesion was surgically removed under infiltrative anesthesia, without the need for a flap. Four small tooth-like structures were removed and the specimens were sent for histopathologic analysis, confirming the hypothesis of compound odontoma. The procedure was achieved without complications or need of patient sedation. Twenty days after the surgery, there was satisfactory healing of tissue in the operated region. Erupted odontoma are rare. The patient follows her treatments with the team.

Evaluation of Bond Strength of Cantilever Resin-retained Bridge Designs: An In Vitro Study

The aim of the study was to compare the bond strength of three cantilever resin-bonded bridge (RBB) designs cemented with resin cements. Twenty-four extracted human mandibular canines with eight teeth per group were used in this study to evaluate the bond strength of cantilever resin-retained bridge designs of the mesh, perforated, and combination of mesh and perforated luted to the prepared lingual surface of canine teeth using resin cement. Debonding was done using Instron universal testing machine by applying load on the mid-buccal region of the pontic and the obtained values were evaluated. The data was analyzed statistically. The mean shear bond strengths of mesh, perforated, and combination of mesh and perforated are 0.88 ± 0.31 MPa, 0.81 ± 0.31 MPa, and 0.93 ± 0.32 MPa. However, there is no significant differences in the statistical analysis that were performed using a one-factor analysis of variant (ANOVA) test (p = 0.744). Within the limitation of this study for cantilever resin-retained bridge designs, the combination of mesh and perforated design showed greater mean shear bond values when compared with the mesh design and perforated designs. This shows equal in vitro performance to the gold standard designs (group A is mesh design and group B is perforated design). The new design which is the combination of mesh and perforated shows equal in vitro performance to the gold standard designs. Thus, their use in clinical situation can bring better result in concern to cantilever resin-retained prosthesis.

Removal of an ectopic canine tooth in the maxillary sinus using bone lid technique

Objective: Ectopic teeth are teeth that are located deep in the jawbone or in other areas outside the alveolar bone, such as nasal cavity, chin, mandibular bone, palate, orbital cavity, and maxillary sinus. The presence of teeth in the maxillary sinus can cause an inflammatory reaction in the sinus and cause local sinonasal symptoms such as nasal obstruction, facial fullness, headache, hyposmia, and recurrent chronic sinusitis, due to obstruction of the sinus ostium and it can also develop into cysts. Replantation of bone fragments after tooth extraction using the Bone Lid technique can maintain sinus volume. The aim of this paper is to report the extraction of ectopic teeth in the maxillary sinus by using Bone Lid technique.&#x0D; Methods: A 9-year-old girl was referred from ENT clinic with complaints of pain in the right cheek and sniffles which were diagnosed as maxillary sinusitis. Radiographic examination showed that the canine tooth was located on the right maxillary sinus. The ectopic canine tooth was removed with a modified bone lid technique.&#x0D; Results: The panoramic radiograph and Waters’ projection radiograph postoperatively showed there were no ectopic teeth in the sinus and no volumetric changes of maxillary sinus cavity. In the clinical evaluation of 1 month postoperatively, there were no complaints of pain and sniffles.&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of the Bone Lid technique is beneficial because it maintains sinus volume, thus it does not disturb the function of the maxillary sinus.

BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF MANDIBULAR OVERDENTURES SUPPORTED BY MINI-IMPLANTS: A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

This paper presents the effects of using two or four mini-implants to support a mandibular overdenture for edentulous patients. The stresses on the mini-implants and the strains on the peri-implant and surrounding bone were evaluated and compared to known values of strength for the mini-implants and physiologic bone strain to potentially stimulate and maintain bone volume of the edentulous ridge. Two finite element models created were identical with the exception of the number of denture-supporting mini-implants. Both models contained modeled mucosa, cortical bone, cancellous bone, and two anterior mini-implants (approximating the position of the mandibular canine teeth). The second model also contained two posterior mini-implants (in the molar region). Clinical masticatory loading of three 70N loads bilaterally was used. The anterior mini-implants in both models showed stresses below the material’s fracture threshold. In contrast, posterior mini-implants experienced stresses above the implant’s yield limit, indicating that the posterior mini-implants could be at risk for failure. Strains in the peri-implant and surrounding bone around the posterior mini-implants were above the physiologic limit, indicating that this region might be at risk for bone resorption. The addition of the posterior mini-implants did not appear beneficial to maintain edentulous bone. Based on the limitations of this study, anterior mini-implants can be safely used for a mandibular overdenture whereas posterior mini-implants may not be a wise treatment option for edentulous patients due to risks of implant fracture and pathologic bone resorption. Dentists must weigh risks and benefits of using posterior mini-implants placed in the molar region.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to Treat Oral Cancer in a Labrador Retriever

A 5-year-old male Labrador retriever was presented for traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) evaluation and treatment after a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma of the right rostral mandible. The large tumor (5x4x1 cm) displaced the right mandibular canine tooth, lower incisors and extended ventrally under the tongue. A guarded prognosis had been given by an oncologist with an estimate of 3-6 months survival with palliative care. With the dog’s quality of life the most important consideration, the owner elected to try an integrative medicine approach combining piroxicam, tramadol and TCVM. The TCVM treatment strategies focused on tonifying Spleen Qi, and moving Qi and Blood. Chinese herbal therapy and food therapy were instituted as the central components of the treatment plan. A specifically-designed home-cooked diet was started to tonify Qi, resolve Stagnation and transform Phlegm. Emphasis was placed on food therapy as good nutrition has been shown to increase survival times in humans and animals with cancer. Over a 4-6 month treatment period, clinical signs steadily improved with resolution of the visible oral mass and the pain associated with it. The dog maintained an excellent quality of life for 56 months after the initial diagnosis. This case highlights an excellent clinical outcome for a dog with poor prognosis for long-term survival through an integrative approach using TCVM therapies.