Oral Surgery Procedures Research Articles

Platelet-rich fibrin for rehydration and pre-vascularization of an acellular, collagen membrane of porcine origin

ObjectivesPre-vascularization of the collagen membranes with autologous platelet concentrates is a standard procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This study analyzed the possible interaction of an acellular collagen membrane of porcine origin (NM) with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) regarding its rehydration protocol with differences in pH values and effect on angiogenesis.Materials and methodsNM was analyzed alone and combined with solid PRF by plotting or co-culturing with injectable PRF. Different media (venous blood, buffer solution with a fixed pH value of 7, saline solution, and injectable PRF) were used to analyze the influence on pH value during rehydration. Chorion allantois membrane assay (CAM) was applied to check pro-angiogenic effects after 24, 48, and 72 h, followed by immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsRehydration in injectable PRF showed acidity over time (p < 0.05). A definite pro-angiogenic effect of NM alone was found regarding neo-vessel formation supported by the respective light microscopically analysis without significant differences to PRF alone (p > 0.005). This pro-angiogenic effect could not be exaggerated when NM was combined with liquid/solid PRF (each p > 0.005).ConclusionsRehydration with liquid PRF of the collagen membrane results in acidity compared to a saline solution or patient’s blood. The significant pro-angiogenic potential of the membrane alone resulted in enhanced neo-vessel formation that could not be optimized with the addition of PRF.Clinical relevance statementUsing injectable PRF for rehydration protocol of the collagen membrane leads to acidosis that can ultimately optimize wound healing. Differences in the physio-mechanical interplay of collagen matrices and autologous platelet concentrates must result in clinical algorithms if pre-vascularization can maximize outcomes.

Survey on the Awareness of the Use of Oropharyngeal Throat Packs in Dental Anesthesia: An International Online Survey.

Oropharyngeal throat packs (OPTPs) are frequently used to administer general anesthesia during oral surgery and dental procedures. However, the use of OPTPs has remained controversial, with concerns about their effectiveness, the potential for falling short of expectations, and the inherent risk of serious oversight in removing them. This study aimed to assess the awareness of dental anesthesiologists in the United States of America(USA) and Japan regarding the use of OPTPs. An online questionnaire was distributed to 41 dental anesthesia education facilities in May 2023and responses were obtained from 32 facilities. The responses to the questionnaire indicated that dental anesthesiologists in both the USA and Japan believe that using OPTPs during general anesthesia with airway securement is of significant importance, albeit with varying primary purposes for their application. In contrast, notable disparities were observed between the USA and Japan regarding the perceived importance and routine use of OPTPs during open-airway general anesthesia. In both countries, there is a common understanding that the residual risks of OPTPs are severe and that multiple preventive procedures are required. The present study showed that dental anesthesiologists in the USA and Japan believed that the use of OPTPs was generally necessary for dental anesthesia. However, there was a difference in awareness between Japan and the USA regarding the importance of OPTPs for open-airway general anesthesia. Therefore, there should be a consensus among dental anesthesiologists in Japan and the USA on using OPTPs during open-airway general anesthesia in the near future.

Prevalence and localization of Canalis Sinuosus: a mini review

In recent years, scientific literature has been focusing on the study of the Canalis Sinuosus (CS); this canal contains the anterior superior alveolar nerve (ASAN), together with bundles. Accordingly, the CS may vary its frequency and anatomical features. These variations can be identified through imaging technologies such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The aim of this mini review is to present the current understanding of the CS, its prevalence and localization in order to decrease the potential surgical risk associated with this region. As revealed by the analysis of the international literature available, presence of CS is a crucial factor to consider in implantology and generally in oral surgery procedures in this area. In conclusions the use and analysis of CBCT imaging in the diagnosis stage is fundamental to preserve the most important anatomical structures which are present in the jaws.

Evaluation of Self-Perceived Confidence and Competence in Oral Surgery among Final Year Undergraduate Students in Greece.

Oral surgery is an integral part of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and management of pathology of the mouth and jaws that requires surgical intervention. The aim of undergraduate studies in oral surgery is, upon graduation, to be confident and competent to treat without assistance surgical cases in the spectrum of general dentistry. This study evaluates the senior Greek dental students' self-confidence and self-perceived competence to undertake cases within the scope of oral surgery. Evaluation of clinical experience gathered during training and self-perceived confidence and competence in generic oral surgery skills is included. The present study was a questionnaire survey conducted during the academic year 2018-2019. The questionnaire comprised three sections. Section 1 included demographic data and four closed-ended questions concerning numerical data about procedures that they had already performed or observed, section 2 included four questions concerning their self-perceived competence to perform basic surgical techniques, and section 3 included 10 clinical case scenarios. One hundred and twenty-seven students participated in the study. Among the basic surgical skills, students were most confident with suturing, and they were least confident with bone removal. Students from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) tend to show higher level of confidence compared with students from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in most questions. Greek graduate dental students report moderate levels of self-confidence in oral surgery. A realistic approach in increasing self-confidence and competence in oral surgery would be the focus on preclinical training in generic elementary surgical skills, in combination with increased observational sessions of oral surgery procedures or outreach training.

The Impact of E-Cigarettes on Oral and Dental Health: Narrative Review

E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes or vape pens, have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, there is growing concern about the potential impact of e-cigarettes on oral and dental health. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence on the topic and to highlight the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use. One of the main concerns surrounding e-cigarettes is the potential for oral and dental health problems. E-cigarettes contain a liquid solution that is heated and inhaled as a vapor, and this vapor can contain a variety of chemicals and toxins. Some of these chemicals have been found to have adverse effects on oral health, including inflammation of the gums, dry mouth, and an increased risk of cavities. Additionally, the act of vaping itself can lead to oral health issues, as the repetitive motion of inhaling and exhaling can cause irritation to the mouth and throat. Furthermore, the nicotine content in e-cigarettes can also have negative effects on oral and dental health. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it restricts blood flow, which can lead to a decrease in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the gums and other oral tissues. This can result in a higher risk of gum disease and delayed healing after oral surgery or dental procedures. In addition, nicotine has been shown to contribute to the development of oral cancer, as well as other oral health issues such as tooth decay and tooth loss. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of e-cigarettes on oral and dental health, but in the meantime, it is crucial for individuals to take steps to protect their oral health and to be aware of the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Oral Surgery and Endodontic Procedures as a Regenerative Biomaterial: A Review Article

Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Oral Surgery and Endodontic Procedures as a Regenerative Biomaterial: A Review Article

Efficacy of Chlorhexidine after Oral Surgery Procedures on Wound Healing: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Our objective was to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, available evidence on the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) when applied after oral surgery on wound healing and related clinical parameters. MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for studies published before January 2023. The quality of the methodology used in primary-level studies was assessed using the RoB2 tool; meta-analyses were performed jointly with heterogeneity and small-study effect analyses. Thirty-three studies and 4766 cases were included. The results point out that the application of CHX was significantly more effective, compared to controls where CHX was not employed, providing better wound healing after oral surgery (RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.55-0.80, p < 0.001). Stratified meta-analyses confirmed the higher efficacy of 0.20% CHX gel vs. other vehicles and concentrations (p < 0.001, respectively). Likewise, the addition of chitosan to CHX significantly increased the efficacy of surgical wound healing (p < 0.001). The use of CHX has also been significantly beneficial in the prevention of alveolar osteitis after any type of dental extraction (RR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.39-0.53, p < 0.001) and has also been effective when applied as a gel for a reduction in pain after the surgical extraction of third molars (MD = -0.97, 95% CI = -1.26 to -0.68, p < 0.001). In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate on the basis of evidence that the application of CHX exerts a beneficial effect on wound healing after oral surgical procedures, significantly decreasing the patient's risk of developing surgical complications and/or poor wound healing. This benefit was greater when CHX was used at 0.20% in gel form with the addition of chitosan.

A Novel Dressing Method to Achieve Early Natural Tracheostoma Closure.

Tracheotomy is a routine surgical procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. After decannulation, spontaneous tracheostoma closure is usually expected. However, wound healing is often delayed, requiring 1 to 2 weeks for healing and resulting in the need for surgical closure. Although many reports have described the surgical closure of a tracheostoma, few reports have focused on the dressing methods for closure of tracheal openings after decannulation. Herein, the authors report a new tracheostoma closure method that does not rely on surgical closure or the adhesive strength of the tape. The authors' conventional dressing method was to place gauze over the tracheostoma after decannulation and apply pressure through elastic tape or with a film dressing to seal the tracheostoma and achieve natural closure by reducing the leakage of air and tracheal secretions. However, the conventional method cannot completely prevent the leakage of air and tracheal secretions. We developed a novel method to achieve early closure by markedly reducing the leakage by partially inserting the gauze into the tracheostoma.

The Effect of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy (DOACs) on oral surgical procedures: a systematic review

BackgroundDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were developed to overcome the drawbacks of oral anticoagulants. However, not much has been discussed about the perioperative management of patients on DOACs during oral surgical procedures. Thus, we aim to determine the risk of perioperative and postoperative bleeding during oral surgical procedures in patients on DOACs.MethodsA detailed literature search was performed to find potentially relevant studies using the Cochrane Library, Clinical Key, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Every article available for free in English literature for the past 10 years, between 2012 and 2022, was searched.ResultsA total of 2792 abstracts were selected through a search strategy across various search engines. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, eleven clinical studies using DOACs as anticoagulants or studies comparing patients with and without DOACs under oral surgery procedures were found. The results were inconsistent and varied, with a few studies recommending DOAC administration with the bare minimum reported complications and others finding no statistically significant difference between discontinuation or continuation of drugs, especially across basic dental procedures.ConclusionWithin the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that minor oral surgical procedures are safe for patients on DOAC therapy. However, the continuation or discontinuation of DOACs in patients undergoing oral surgical procedures remains controversial and requires further studies to extrapolate the results.

Radiographic Evaluation of Impacted Third Mandibular Molar According to the Classification of Winter, Pell and Gregory in a Sample of Cameroonian Population.

The extraction of impacted third molars (M3) is a common surgical procedure in dentistry and oral surgery. Various complications, including inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage, may occur during and after extraction of this tooth. Radiographic examination should provide information about the M3 itself, but also about the surrounding bony structure and the relationship of the roots to the IAN and the adjacent second molar, which is often traumatized during this extraction. The aim of our study was to evaluate the depth and angulation of impacted mandibular third molars (M3) from panoramic radiographs, according to the classifications proposed by Winter and Pell & Gregory. Radiographic signs present on the orthopantomogram showing M3 depth, and retromandibular available space according to the Pell & Gregory classification were evaluated. Evaluation of the M3 angulation relative to the M2 according to Winter's classification was also done. Student's t test was used to determine the association between side or sex and different variables. The depth of impaction of the M3 crown was level A accounting for 54.4% (n=260) of the PR while level B constituted 35.7% (n=171) of the images. Regarding the availability of retromandibular space, Class I constituted 36.8% (n=176). The Class II accounted for 55.9% (n=267) of PR. Our study showed that 54.4% of M3 were located at the same level as the occlusal plane of the second molar, while in 56% of PR the space between the second molar and the ramus of the mandible is less than the mesiodistal diameter of the third molar. This research showed that 23.1% of M3 had a level of vertical angulation, a level that allows for less painful luxation of the impacted molars. These results seem to show a relatively high level of difficulty in mobilizing and extracting M3 from Cameroonian patients.

An audit of post‐operative complications following oral surgery procedures over a 3‐month period at the Eastman dental hospital, London

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this paper was to evaluate the rate of post‐operative complications following Oral Surgery procedures at the Eastman Dental Hospital. Dento‐alveolar surgery procedures can lead to complications including pain, swelling, bleeding, infection and numbness amongst others. Although many are considered minor and resolve swiftly, it is important as clinicians to have an understanding of the incidence of complications prior to undertaking surgical treatment to allow evaluation of the risks and benefits.Materials and MethodsElectronic patient records were reviewed across a 3‐month period from February to April 2022 for every patient receiving treatment under local or general anaesthetic and intravenous sedation. Patients returning for an unplanned appointment with a problem related to their treatment was classified as a “post‐operative complication”. Information was recorded regarding patient demographics, treatment type and modality, complications, management and outcome. Results were analysed using Microsoft Excel.ResultsNine hundred and ninety four patients received treatment in total. The overall complication rate was 6.33%. The treatment modality with the highest incidence of complications was general anaesthetic. Third molar extractions resulted in the highest proportion of complications out of the procedures considered. The complication with the highest incidence was post‐operative pain and swelling (2%), followed by dry socket (1.5%) and post‐operative infection (1.4%).ConclusionPost‐operative complications can occur following a range of procedures and can lead to significant morbidity. Clinicians should consider the likelihood of complications occurring when planning treatment as well as early recognition. Future auditing could consider medical co‐morbidities of patients and potential influences of this on developing complications.

Cannabis Users Require More Anesthetic Agents for General Anesthesia in Ambulatory Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures

The use of cannabis in the general population has steadily increased over recent years and there is limited literature regarding the anesthetic implications of chronic cannabis use, particularly in the setting of outpatient anesthesia. To determine whether chronic cannabis users undergoing deep sedation or general anesthesia during ambulatory procedures require more anesthetic agents than nonusers. A retrospective cohort study of subjects undergoing deep sedation or general anesthesia at the Oklahoma University Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic from January to December 2022 was performed. The inclusion criteria were duration of anesthetic procedure between 15 to 40minutes, use of propofol, fentanyl, ketamine, and midazolam, and extraction of at least 2 teeth. The exclusion criterion was patients undergoing adjunctive procedures other than extractions during sedation. Cannabis use status was grouped as users and nonusers. A user was defined as a subject who self-reported any regular use of cannabis. The primary outcome variable was the amount of intravenous anesthetic agents administered. Secondary outcome variables included the length of the procedure and the number of teeth extracted. Age, sex, and the senior-most resident involved in the sedation. IBM SPSS was utilized to perform descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression. A level of significance of 5% (P<.05) was used for all analyses. Four hundred and ninety nine subjects were identified, 189 met the inclusion criteria, and 57 reported using cannabis. The mean age of nonusers was 28.2±7.8years and that of users was 26.6±6.4years (P=.09). Females represented 71.9% of nonusers and 72.7% of users. Cannabis users received significantly more propofol (117.5mg±71.3 vs 152.5mg±101.8; P=.004), midazolam (4.7mg±1.0 vs 5.1mg±1.5; P=.01), ketamine (40.2mg±15.7 vs 46.1mg±16.9; P=.01), and fentanyl (75.2μg±26.3 vs 88.6μg±32.8; P=.002) than nonusers, despite extracting a similar number of teeth (4.5±3.1 vs 4.4±3.5; P=.37) in a similar amount of time (25.5±7.3 vs 27.3±7.8; P=.06). Cannabis users required more propofol, midazolam, ketamine, and fentanyl than non-cannabis users during outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health care use in the United States through December 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health care provided from July 2020 through December 2021 using national claims data. MethodsDeidentified quarterly claims from 2017 through 2021 were analyzed (2017-2019 provided prepandemic data). Data were sorted into multiple treatment categories. Analyses compared prepandemic with postpandemic procedure volumes and were stratified according to age groups (0-5 years, 6-18 years, 19-64 years, ≥ 65 years). ResultsFor children aged 0 through 5 years, use of sealants and topical fluorides other than varnish were considerably lower in 2021, as were direct operative and palliative procedures from 2020 through 2021. Only use of silver diamine fluoride, prefabricated crowns, and oral surgery increased significantly (P < .05) in some quarters. For children aged 6 through 18 years, diagnostic, direct operative, periodontic, oral surgery, and palliative procedures were significantly lower in most of 2020 through 2021, and only prefabricated crowns and indirect operative procedures increased significantly in more than 3 quarters. For adults aged 19 through 64 years, diagnostic and preventive procedures were significantly lower in 3 quarters, and direct operative, gingival surgery, endodontic, and palliative procedures were significantly lower in most of 2020 through 2021. Only occlusal guards and scaling and root planing increased significantly in more than 3 quarters. For adults 65 years and older, direct operative, gingival and osseous surgery, and palliative procedures were significantly lower in more than 3 quarters; all other procedures increased significantly in more than 3 quarters. ConclusionsThe pandemic was associated with changes in the provision of oral health care that persisted for more than 1 year. Practical ImplicationsReductions in preventive procedure volumes across age groups younger than 65 years may have implications for longer-term effects of the pandemic.

Probing real-world Central European population midfacial skeleton symmetry for maxillofacial surgery.

Symmetry is essential for computer-aided surgical (CAS) procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). A critical step for successful CAS is mirroring the unaffected side to create a template for the virtual reconstruction of the injured anatomical structure. The aim was to identify specific anatomical landmarks of the midfacial skeleton, to evaluate the symmetry in a group of the real-world Central European population, and to use these landmarks to assess midfacial symmetry in CT scans. The retrospective cross-sectional study defined landmarks of the midface's bony contour using viscerocranial CT data. The distances of the skeletal landmarks (e.g., the frontozygomatic suture and temporozygomatic suture) of the left and right sides from the midline were measured and statistically compared. Midfacial symmetry for reference points was defined as a difference within 0mm and their mean difference plus one standard deviation. We examined a total of 101 CT scans. 75% of our population shows symmetrical proportions of the midface. The means of the differences for the left and right sides ranged from 0.8 to 1.3mm, averaging 1.1 ± 0.2mm for all skeletal landmarks. The standard deviations ranged from 0.6 to 1.4mm, with a computed mean of 0.9 ± 0.3mm. We established a methodology to assess the symmetry of the bony midface. If the determined differences were equal to or lower than 2.5mm in the mentioned midfacial skeletal landmarks, then the symmetry of the bony midface was considered present, and symmetry-based methods for CAS procedures are applicable. Many CAS procedures require facial symmetry. We provide an easy-to-apply method to probe for symmetry of the midface. The method may be used for population-based research, to check for proper reduction of fractures after reposition or to screen for symmetry prior to CAS planning.

Stomatological management of anticoagulated patients undergoing oral surgery: a narrative review. [English translation-Original in Spanish

Patients undertaking oral anticoagulant treatment may experience alterations in different stages of hemostasis, which lead to medical/surgical implications and considerations during their care. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the dental management of these patients, as they go through surgical procedures. This leads to clinical protocols that follow numerous approaches, such as reducing the pharmacological intake of the anticoagulant, replacing it with heparin, and maintaining the controlled treatment. Objective: To establish the stomatological management of the patient undergoing oral anticoagulant treatment through an in-depth review of the literature. Materials and Method: A manual bibliographic review search of articles indexed to the PUBMED and EBSCO databases corresponding to the words “oral surgery”, “oral bleeding”, “anticoagulants” and “dental management” was performed. Regarding the inclusion criteria: bibliographic reviews, observational studies, clinical trials, guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between November 2005 and 2022, in English or Spanish, were considered. Conclusion: There are multiple protocols for the care of the anticoagulated patient who will undergo a minor oral surgery procedure. It is important to reflect on the anticoagulant used, the reason for it, its supervision, the surgical procedure that will be undertaken by the patient, and both intraoperative and postoperative hemostatic measures to be implemented. After analyzing the above, it is noted that reducing the intake of the drug to perform the surgical procedure may be harmful to the patient and to the clinician, therefore it is suggested to maintain the antithrombotic treatment and carry out a correct medical/surgical management.

The Use of Equimolar Mixtures of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen in Oral Surgery-A Retrospective Study of Patients in a Swiss University Hospital Setting.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the success of procedural conscious sedation using inhaled equimolar nitrous oxide-oxygen (NOIS-EMONO) in patients undergoing routine dental and oral surgery procedures in a Swiss university hospital setting. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent NOIS-supported procedures between 2018 and 2022 at the oral surgery department of the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), Switzerland. The primary outcome was the measurement of the procedure's success and efficacy as defined by the European Society of Anesthesiology. Secondary objectives included the analysis of the types of treatments performed, their indications, patient behavior, and the patient-clinician satisfaction score. 55 patients were included in the study; 85% underwent surgical procedures, and the remaining 15% underwent restorative and preventive procedures. The overall treatment success rate was 98.2% and 97.9% for surgically treated patients. Out of the patients, 62% appeared relaxed, calm, and serene, while 16% expressed pain or fear during the procedure. Infiltrative administration of local anesthesia caused stress in 22% of patients. This portion was significantly lower in sub-cohorts who received local topical anesthetics (0%) or a combination of systemic and local topical analgesics (7%). Patients (75%) and clinicians (91%) were satisfied with the procedure. Inhaled equimolar nitrous oxide-oxygen procedural sedation used during dental procedures and oral surgery results in high treatment success and satisfaction rates. The administration of additional topical anesthetics helps to reduce the anxiety and stress related to infiltrative anesthesia. Further dedicated studies and prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Dental Anxiety among a Group of Adult Patients Attending Dental Outpatient Clinics: A Study from UAE.

The aims of this paper were twofold: first, to evaluate dental anxiety levels among patients undergoing oral surgery procedures; second, to assess how dental anxiety and fear are connected to age, gender, educational background, past traumatic experiences, and the frequency of dental appointments. A cross-sectional Likert-scale questionnaire survey was conducted to collect quantitative data from 206 patients at the Oral Surgery Clinics at Dubai Dental Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were tested using Cronbach's alpha. The normality of the MDAS score was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The chi square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine the association between categorical variables. Descriptive statistics were used to describe continuous and categorical variables. The statistical significance was set at p-value ≤ 0.05. The evaluation of the degree of dental anxiety among patients who visited the Dubai Dental clinics revealed that there was a considerably high level of moderate or high anxiety (72.3%). Tooth extraction and dental surgery procedures (95%), followed by local anesthetic injection in the gingiva (85%) and teeth drilling (70%), were the primary causes of anxiety, whereas scaling and polishing resulted in the lowest degree of anxiety (35%). There was no substantial difference in dental anxiety between male and female patients or among patients with different marital statuses. A total of 70% of patients preferred the tell-show-do method, whereas 65% chose communication strategies to reduce dental anxiety. The evaluation of the degree of dental anxiety among patients who visited Dubai Dental clinics revealed that there was a considerably high level of anxiety. Tooth extraction and dental surgery procedures, followed by local anesthetic injection and teeth drilling, were the primary causes of anxiety, whereas scaling and polishing resulted in the lowest degree of anxiety. Despite the use of a modified anxiety scale and a large and representative sample of oral surgery patients, more research is necessary to investigate the impact of various factors on dental anxiety.

The Influence of the Hyaluronic Acid Gel on the Postoperative Sequelae following Surgical Removal of the Impacted Mandibular Third Molar in Comparison with the A-PRF: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

One of the most common procedures in oral surgery is the removal of impacted mandibular third molars, often followed by pain, swelling, alveolitis, and trismus. Purpose. To compare the outcomes of the intrasocket application of 1% hyaluronic acid oral gel (HA) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) on the expected postoperative complications, pain, swelling, and trismus follow the surgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar. Material and Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Dental Teaching Hospital. Healthy patients who required surgical removal of the impacted mandibular third molar were divided randomly into three groups. The extraction site of the group (A) patients remained without the addition of any material, just suturing of the wound with simple interrupted sutures, while in group (B) patients, the extraction site was filled with 1 cc of 1% hyaluronic acid gel (periokin®), and in group C patients, the extraction site was filled with A-PRF. Results. Sixty-six eligible patients participated in this study; both hyaluronic acid gel 1% (periokin®) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin showed a significant reduction in pain, swelling, and trismus on the 1st, third, and seventh postoperative days when compared to the control group, while the comparison between HA and A-PRF showed no significant differences except for the pain on the third postoperative day. There was a significant pain decrease in the A-PRF group than HA group. Conclusion. Intrasocket application of 1% hyaluronic acid gel (periokin®) or advanced platelet-rich fibrin can be an effective primary way to significantly reduce postoperative pain, trismus, and edema compared to the control group following mandibular third molar surgery.

Awareness and attitude of ENT surgeons towards various dental implants or oral surgery procedures: a cross-sectional survey in the UK.

To assess the level of awareness and attitude of ENT surgeons towards dental implants and oral surgery procedures that involve the maxillary sinus. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a closed-ended questionnaire on 40 UK-based ENT surgeons. Within the study population, 45 per cent of ENT surgeons were not aware of sinus lift augmentation in implant dentistry. Only 25 per cent of respondents were aware of the two subtypes of sinus lift techniques. Thirty per cent of the respondents were aware of or had heard of benign positional paroxysmal vertigo following dental treatment. Fifty-two per cent of respondents came across a dental foreign body, most commonly a tooth that had been displaced into the maxillary sinus. It was also reported that 82.5 per cent of respondents had liaised with an oral surgeon for an oroantral communication problem or a dental infection. Dental awareness among ENT surgeons needs to be raised for optimum interdisciplinary communication and patient safety.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and the role of the doctor of dental surgery: a literature review

Introduction: Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) is a condition that may affect patients undergoing oral surgery procedures that use antiresorptive drugs. It is essential that the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is familiar with the pathology and how to diagnose, prevent and approach it. Objectives: To perform a literature review on MRONJ and to guide the DDS on how to manage the affected patients. Methodology: a systematized search was conducted on the PubMed virtual database using the terms: "diphosphonates", "dentist's practice pattern", "dentists", "dentist's role" and "Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw". 29 articles in English, published in the last 5 years, were included. Results and discussion: MRONJ is characterized by exposed and necrotic bone that persists for more than 8 weeks and happens in patients taking antiresorptive agents. It is multifactorial and its severity depends on the dosage, route of administration, and treatment duration. Its management must be multidisciplinary to improve the patient's quality of life. The DDS must focus on prevention. Every patient should have their oral health evaluated before starting antiresorptive therapy and be informed of its risks and benefits. Most DDSs do not feel confident to adequately manage these cases, even though information on MRONJ is more widespread among younger DDSs and recent graduates. Conclusion: MRONJ is a harmful condition for the patient and it is the DDS's responsibility to know how to treat and prevent it, by having adequate knowledge of this pathology and making decisions based on the latest scientific evidence.