Relationship between maxillary sinus pathologies and maxillary posterior tooth periapical pathologies

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of odontogenic maxillary sinus pathologies and their relationship with periapical pathologies in the maxillary posterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Method

Maxillary posterior CBCT scans of consecutive patients aged 20–77 years were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with at least one maxillary posterior tooth were included. Patients with edentulous maxillae or having one or more maxillary implants were excluded. Finally, 461 CBCT images were evaluated. Demographic data, such as age and sex, and pathologic findings of the right and left maxillary sinuses and adjacent teeth were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi square test and binary logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of right and left odontogenic maxillary sinusitis was 59.5 and 64 %, respectively. Maxillary sinus pathology was more common in males, and there was no relationship with age. Regarding the maxillary sinus pathology, 64 % had mucosal thickening, 19 % had partial opacification, 5 % had total opacification, and 12 % had polypoidal mucosal thickening. Right and left maxillary sinus pathologies were approximately twice as prevalent in patients with periapical pathology in at least one maxillary posterior tooth. Periapical pathologies in the right maxillary first molar and left maxillary first and second molars significantly increased the risk of maxillary sinus pathology with odds ratios of 2.53, 1.83, and 3.12, respectively.

Conclusions

Odontogenic maxillary sinus pathologies were present in >50 % of the study population. Periapical pathologies in the maxillary first and second molar teeth significantly increased maxillary sinus pathologies.

     

Evaluation of the maxillary third molar position and its relationship with the maxillary sinus: a CBCT study

Objectives

The present study investigated the position and relationship of the maxillary third molars to the maxillary sinus. These molars were detected to have a close relationship with the maxillary sinus based on panoramic images, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 162 impacted third molars from 100 patients that showed a superimposed relationship between the maxillary sinus and third molars on panoramic images obtained from CBCT. CBCT images were used to assess the horizontal (buccopalatal) and vertical positions of the maxillary sinus relative to the maxillary third molars, proximity of the roots to the sinus, and angulation and depth of the third molars. The associations among the angulation, depth of third molars, and horizontal and vertical positions of the maxillary sinus relative to the third molar findings were examined using Chi square tests.

Results

Based on the winter classification, the most frequent tooth position was vertical (59.9 %), followed by mesioangular (14.2 %), distoangular (9.9 %), and others. Most impacted teeth were at the level between the occlusal and cervical levels of the adjacent second molar. Regarding the relationships of the maxillary third molars with the maxillary sinus examined on CBCT, vertical type III (buccal root related with maxillary sinus) (34 %) and horizontal type 2 (maxillary sinus located between roots) (64.8 %) were seen most frequently.

Conclusions

The relationship between the maxillary sinus and third molar roots should be considered during extraction. When a risk of sinus perforation is predicted in an extraction, a presurgical CBCT examination could be valuable.

     

Experimental study on penetration of dental implants into the maxillary sinus at different depths

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the dental implant penetration into the maxillary sinus cavity in different depths on implant and sinus health in a dog model.

Materials and methods

The study sample included eight titanium dental implant placed in four female dogs immediately after extraction of the first maxillary molar in the palatal socket and assigned into four groups according to the protruding of implant tips (control group A?=?0 mm, and study groups B, C, and D with protrusion of 1, 2, and 3 mm, respectively). The bone blocks of the implants were harvested 5 months postoperatively and evaluated by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and histological analysis.

Results

The whole groups showed no signs of inflammation during the 5-month period of the study. The tips of the implants in group B with penetrating depths of 1 mm were found to be fully covered with newly formed bone. The tips of the implants in group C with penetrating depths of 2 mm were exposed in the sinus cavity and showed partially new bone coverage, while depths of 3 mm in group D were found to have no bone formation and the dental implant fixture sites were communicated with the sinus cavity. No significant differences were found among the groups regarding implant stability.

Conclusion

Despite the protrusion extents, penetration of dental implant into the maxillary sinus with membrane perforation does not compromise the sinus health and the implant in canine.

     

Effects of boric acid on bone formation after maxillary sinus floor augmentation in rabbits

Purpose

Augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor with bone grafting is commonly used for successful treatment of edentulous posterior maxilla with dental implants, and it is essential to maintain good bone volume and quality for long-term success of dental implants. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the local and systemic effects of boric acid on new bone formation after maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA).

Materials and methods

Twenty-four male, New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups with eight rabbits each, and bilateral MSFA was performed in each animal. An autogenous bone/xenograft mixture was used to augment the maxillary sinuses in each group. Group 1 was determined as control with no additional materials, whereas 3 mg/kg boric acid (BA) was added to the mixture in group 2, and 3 mg/kg boric acid solution added to drinking water daily in group 3.

Results

The animals were sacrificed and also histologic, histomorphometric, and immunnohistochemical analyses were performed at weeks 4 and 8. At week 4, bone regeneration was better in the local BA group than in the control and systemic BA groups (p?<?0.05). However, no significant difference was found among the groups in terms of bone regeneration at the end of week 8 (p?>?0.05).

Conclusion

Significant higher new bone formation was revealed by BA at early healing especially with local application. BA may be a therapeutic option for improving the bone regeneration.

     

Risk factors associated with oroantral perforation during surgical removal of maxillary third molar teeth

Purpose

The relationship between radiographic findings and the occurrence of oroantral perforation is controversial. Few studies have quantitatively analyzed the risk factors contributing to oroantral perforation, and no study has reported multivariate analysis of the relationship(s) between these various factors. This retrospective study aims to fill this void.

Methods

Various risk factors for oroantral perforation during maxillary third molar extraction were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis. The proximity of the roots to the maxillary sinus floor (root-sinus [RS] classification) was assessed using panoramic radiography and classified as types 1–5. The relationship between the maxillary second and third molars was classified according to a modified version of the Archer classification. The relative depth of the maxillary third molar in the bone was classified as class A–C, and its angulation relative to the long axis of the second molar was also recorded.

Results

Performance of an incision (OR 5.16), mesioangular tooth angulation (OR 6.05), and type 3 RS classification (i.e., significant superimposition of the roots of all posterior maxillary teeth with the sinus floor; OR 10.18) were all identified as risk factors with significant association to an outcome of oroantral perforation.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first multivariate analysis of the risk factors for oroantral perforation during surgical extraction of the maxillary third molar. This RS classification may offer a new predictive parameter for estimating the risk of oroantral perforation.

     

Delayed retrieval of a displaced maxillary third molar from infratemporal space via trans-sinusoidal approach: a case report and the review of the literature

Aim

The aim of this case report is to present the trans-sinusoidal pathway used to remove a displaced maxillary third molar from the infratemporal fossa and review the English literature regarding the techniques used.

Case report

A 21-year-old male patient was referred with the findings of an oroantral fistula on the left maxillary vestibular first molar region and slight restriction of mouth opening. The patient underwent a maxillary sinus surgery in order to remove a sinus retention cyst via Caldwell-Luc access in a dental clinic 4 years ago. A computerized tomography scan showed the inverted third molar to be located in the infratemporal fossa, just between zygomatic arch and lateral pterygoid plate. The tooth was accessed through the remaining lateral bone defect from the Caldwell-Luc approach of the lateral sinus wall. The bone defect was extended. The posterior bony wall of the maxillary sinus was removed via a surgical burr. After that, the displaced tooth was exposed. The tooth was mobilized via Warwick James elevator downwards and removed with a forceps.

Conclusion

Access for surgical removal of the tooth from the infratemporal fossa is not only difficult but also has potential for morbidity due to the structures running through it. Wide incision in the maxillary sulcus and blunt dissection are reported with lower success rates and usually necessitate a second intervention via extraoral route. Trans-sinusoidal approach might be an old fashioned but relatively successfully attempt in the removal of the upper third molars from the infratemporal fossa. Considering the time of removal, if no symptoms were present, it is beneficial to wait for a couple of weeks thus facilitating development of fibrous surrounding around the tooth.

     

Prevalence of isolated maxillary lateral incisor agenesis in Syrian adolescents

Purpose

This research is designed to obtain a better understanding and provide more insight of this phenomenon through evaluating the prevalence of congenital absence of maxillary lateral incisors in a Syrian population.

Methods

The method involved clinical examination of 8000 school children with an equal number of males and females (age range 12–15 years) to identify students only affected by bilateral or unilateral congenital absence of maxillary lateral incisors. Agenesis was determined based on radiological evidence.

Results

The results of this study showed that the prevalence of isolated maxillary lateral incisors agenesis was 1.15%. In the sample studied, 66.3% of the patients were female and 33.7% were male (p < 0.05). Absence was bilateral in 47.8% of patients and unilateral in 52.2%. Of the unilateral cases, 48% occurred on the right side and 52% on the left side, and the contralateral maxillary incisor was found to be microdont in 43.75%, right lateral in 47.6%, and left lateral in 52.4%.

Conclusion

The results of this study allow the conclusion that the prevalence of isolated maxillary lateral incisors agenesis in a Syrian population is within the average range with regard to other populations. A significant familial component to the etiology of maxillary lateral incisors agenesis was found.

     

Orbital Fracture in a Professional Diver: Issues and Management

Background

We present a case report of a professional diver who sustained a fracture of the left orbital medial wall as well as floor exceeding 50% with orbital fat herniation blocking the maxillary sinus ostium. This may result in a closed cavity within the maxillary sinus that could potentially result in barotraumas during future diving. The aim of his surgery consists of repairing the orbital fracture and to aerating the sinus at the same sitting.

Method

A transconjunctival approach was used combined with endoscopic sinus surgery approach to the maxillary sinus. The orbital floor fracture was repaired with a titanium plate. A wide middle meatal antrostomy was performed. A size eight Foley’s catheter was inserted into the maxillary sinus and the balloon inflated to elevate and support the displaced inferior orbital floor bone fragment. The balloon was left in situ for 4 weeks to support the mobile inferior orbital fragment till adequate bone healing and stability.

Results

Patient recovered well. At 3 months post-operatively, the maxillary antrostomy remained patent, and a hyperbaric oxygen challenge test was performed with success. A repeat orbital CT scan 1 day after hyperbaric challenge showed no signs of air leakage, and the bony inferior orbital floor fracture has healed completely with the titanium plate in situ.

Conclusion

This is the first case report of repair of orbital floor fracture with simultaneous aeration of the maxillary sinus in a professional diver using a combined approach. The patient was able to resume his occupation as a professional diver following surgery.

     

Three-dimensional evaluation of angular,linear, and resorption features of maxillary impacted canines on cone-beam computed tomography

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the localization, angulation, and resorption features of maxillary impacted canines on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

This retrospective study examined the CBCT scans of 140 maxillary impacted canines in 102 patients (43 males, 59 females; mean age: 16.25 ± 6.31 years). The following impacted canine-related parameters were analyzed on the CBCT images: impaction side; location; root resorption levels of adjacent teeth; occlusal plane and midline distances of impacted canines; and angulations of impacted canines to midline, lateral incisor, and occlusal plane.

Results

Bilateral canine impaction was found in 38 subjects, and unilateral canine impaction was present in 64 subjects. Severe resorption was found in 14 canines. There were no significant differences between the occlusal plane and midline distances to the impacted canine cusp tip and root apex (p > 0.05). The midline angulation of right maxillary impacted canines was significantly higher than that of left maxillary impacted canines (p < 0.05), while the occlusal plane angulation of left maxillary impacted canines was significantly higher than that of right maxillary impacted canines (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Maxillary canine impaction was more frequently seen in female subjects than in male subjects. Lateral incisors were more frequently affected than first premolars, and slight resorption was more frequently seen in adjacent teeth. CBCT assessment of maxillary impacted canines can provide accurate measurements of angular, linear, and resorption parameters.

     

Preoperative chronic sinusitis as significant cause of postoperative infection and implant loss after sinus augmentation from a lateral approach

Objectives

Among intra/postoperative complications of sinus augmentation from a lateral approach, postoperative infection and implant loss are particularly important because they have irreversible consequences. The purpose of this study was to determine the causes of postoperative infection and implant loss after a lateral approach and to determine the appropriate prophylaxis and therapy.

Materials and methods

In total, 109 patients (121 sinuses, 252 implants) were included in this study. The correlation between postoperative infection and implant loss and clinical variables was assessed using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Postoperative infection and implant loss occurred in 8/121 sinuses (6.6%). Infection had the strongest correlation to preoperative chronic sinusitis (p = 0.007), followed by timing of implant insertion. Implant loss had the strongest correlation to preoperative chronic sinusitis (p = 0.007), followed by sex, diabetes, postoperative use of dentures, and intraoperative perforation of the sinus membrane.

Conclusions

Preoperative chronic sinusitis could be a significant cause of postoperative infection and implant loss when using sinus augmentation from a lateral approach. For appropriate prophylaxis and therapy, it is necessary to diagnose the presence of chronic sinusitis that should be treated with proper methods prior to sinus augmentation.

     

Orbital Infection Threatening Blindness Due to Carious Primary Molars: An Interesting Case Report

Introduction

Distant spread of infection due to dental abscess in head and neck region is often reported in the literature. Orbital cellulitis or abscess although rare as a complication from decayed primary teeth in children is not an exception. The periapical infection from the maxillary primary molar spreads easily to the maxillary sinus first and followed by entry into the orbit through the orbital floor or through the ethmoidal sinuses. This if untreated may lead to orbital abscess, proptosis, progressive loss of vision, intracranial extension and even death.

Materials and Methods

A 10 year old boy presenting with severe pain, proptosis of right eyeball, ophthalmoplegia and blindness.

Conclusion

Managed successfully with timely medical and surgical intervention with complete restoration of vision. This case presented emphasizes the primary teeth care necessary in children which if unchecked can cause fatal complications.

     

The use of mineralized bone allograft as a single grafting material in maxillary sinus lifting with severely atrophied alveolar ridge (1–3 mm) and immediately inserted dental implants. A 3- up to 8-year retrospective study

Objective

The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of mineralized bone allograft alone in sinus floor augmentation with simultaneous implant placement in cases with severe atrophy of the residual maxillary bone (bone height <?4 mm).

Methods

Thirty-five dental implants were placed in 29 patients who underwent sinus augmentation via traditional lateral window technique from 2008 to 2013. Patients with residual alveolar height between 1 and 3 mm at the site of implantation were included in the study. The height of residual bone was initially estimated by plain panoramic X-ray and reevaluated intraoperatively by precise micrometric measurement at the site of implantation. Implants of 13 mm height and 3.5 or 4.3 mm in diameter were inserted simultaneously. Mineralized bone allograft was used alone to augment the sinus floor.

Results

No wound dehiscence was recorded. In one case there was a postoperative site infection which subsided with antibiotics without implant failure. One implant migrated during the postoperative period to the maxillary sinus and was removed. One implant failed. The remaining 33 implants were successfully loaded. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 8 years.

Conclusions

Maxillary sinus lift in severely absorbed alveolar ridges with simultaneous implant placement could be safely performed using mineralized allograft alone, rendering the procedure less invasive and less time-consuming.

     

Comparison of pulpal anesthesia and cardiovascular parameters with lidocaine with epinephrine and lidocaine with clonidine after maxillary infiltration in type 2 diabetic volunteers

Objectives

The pulpal anesthetic and cardiovascular parameters obtained by 2 % lidocaine with epinephrine (LE; 1:80,000) or clonidine (LC; 15 mcg/ml) were studied in diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 and healthy volunteers (72), after maxillary infiltration anesthesia.

Materials and methods

Onset and duration of pulpal anesthesia were measured by electric pulp tester; vasoconstrictive effect of used local anesthetic mixtures by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) through pulpal blood flow (PBF); systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were registered by electrocardiogram monitoring.

Results

Onset of pulpal anesthesia was shorter for LC than for LE in healthy, while it was not different in diabetic participants; duration of pulpal anesthesia was significantly longer in type 2 diabetic participants, regardless of used anesthetic mixture. Significant reduction of PBF with LE was observed during 45 min in healthy and 60 min in diabetic participants, while with LC such reduction was observed during 45 min in both groups. LE caused a significant increase of SBP in the 5th and 15th minutes in diabetic versus healthy participants, while LC decreased SBP from the 10th to 60th minutes in healthy versus diabetic participants.

Conclusions

DM type 2 influences duration of maxillary infiltration anesthesia obtained with LE and LC, and systolic blood pressure during LE anesthesia.

Clinical relevance

The obtained results provide elements for future protocols concerning intraoral local anesthesia in DM type 2 patients.

     

Anatomical study of the maxillary tuberosity using cone beam computed tomography

Objectives

To examine the dimensions (width, length, and height) of the maxillary tuberosity (MT) and their correlations with age and sex, and to identify different anatomical types for adequate positioning of miniscrews in this area.

Methods

The study enrolled 39 patients attending the University of Valencia. The patients comprised 21 males and 18 females with a mean age of 39.7 ± 8.4 years. The dimensions of all 78 MTs were measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using Invivo Dental 5 software.

Results

The intraobserver and interobserver errors were good for all measurements. A total of 858 MT measurements were taken. The widths were greater in men than in women, with significant differences. The MT dimensions showed correlations with patient age, whereby older patients presented with greater widths and lengths, but reduced heights. Three different anatomical types were detected according to patient age.

Conclusions

The dimensions (width, length, and height) of the MT vary according to patient age and sex. The MT dimensions conform to particular anatomical types, which should be taken into account when placing miniscrews in this region.

     

Comparison of digital dental images yielded by digital dental casts,cone-beam computed tomography,and multislice computed tomography for measurement of dental area

Objectives

We investigated and compared the errors generated by multislice computed tomography (MSCT), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and digital dental casts when used to provide digital data about dental structures.

Methods

Ten A20 skull models were scanned with MSCT and CBCT, and dental plaster cast models were optically scanned in three dimensions. The maxillary dental area was then compared. The distance between the three-dimensional scan data of the skull and each set of digital dental data were measured. Reference data were then overlapped with the experimental digital model using surface-based registration. The distance of errors was measured with the shortest distance measurement function. The distances between each experimental digital model and the reference scan data were measured, and error values were determined for all maxillary teeth and each tooth surface area. Errors were measured for all teeth from the central incisors to the second molar on both the left and right sides. Errors were measured from the mesial, distal, and labial surfaces and the tooth cusp tip area for each tooth.

Results

The digital dental casts had the smallest error (p < 0.001). The error in the digital dental casts (mean ± standard deviation) was 0.10 ± 0.12 mm. The CBCT error was 0.34 ± 0.38 mm, which was significantly greater than the MSCT error (0.19 ± 0.16 mm) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We recommend the use of digital dental casts with digital dental imaging for three-dimensional measurement of the dental area because this technique had the smallest errors.

     

Influence of metabolic-linked early life factors on the eruption timing of the first primary tooth

Aim

Early eruption of permanent teeth has been associated with childhood obesity and diabetes mellitus, suggesting links between tooth eruption and metabolic conditions. This longitudinal study aimed to identify pre-, peri- and postnatal factors with metabolic consequences during infancy that may affect the eruption timing of the first primary tooth (ETFT) in children from an ethnically heterogeneous population residing within the same community.

Material and methods

Participants were recruited (n = 1033) through the GUSTO (Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes) birth cohort (n = 1237). Oral examinations were performed at 3-month intervals from 6 to 18 months of age. Crude and adjusted analyses, with generalized linear modelling, were conducted to link ETFT to potential determinants occurring during pregnancy, delivery/birth and early infancy.

Results

Overall mean eruption age of the first primary tooth was 8.5 (SD 2.6) months. Earlier tooth eruption was significantly associated with infant’s rate of weight gain during the first 3 months of life and increased maternal childbearing age. Compared to their Chinese counterparts, Malay and Indian children experienced significantly delayed tooth eruption by 1.2 and 1.7 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Infant weight gain from birth to 3 months, ethnicity and maternal childbearing age were significant determinants of first tooth eruption timing. Early life influences can affect primary tooth development, possibly via metabolic pathways.

Clinical relevance

Timing of tooth eruption is linked to general growth and metabolic function. Therefore, it has potential in forecasting oral and systemic conditions such as caries and obesity.

     

Cause and occurrence timing of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw: a retrospective study focusing on prophylactic tooth extraction

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to analyze the relationship between tooth extraction and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) occurrence. The irradiation field, dose, and time interval between radiotherapy (RT) and ORN were reviewed. We also discuss appropriate guidelines for prophylactic tooth extraction.

Methods

A total of 33 patients treated for grade ≥2 (clinical) ORN in our department from 2002 to 2014 were enrolled. The following epidemiological data were retrospectively gathered: age, sex, histological diagnosis, primary tumor sites, radiation dose, chemotherapy, site of ORN, relationship between tooth extraction and ORN occurrence, and time interval between tooth extraction and the initiation or end of RT.

Results

Twenty-one percent of ORN cases resulted from tooth extraction. The most common site of ORN (82 %) was the mandibular molar region. About half of ORN cases (49 %) occurred within 2 years after RT. All patients who received tooth extraction after RT developed ORN (100 %) independently of time interval between tooth extraction and the end of RT (median interval, 37.5 months; range, 27–120 months). In contrast, only 50 % of patients who received tooth extraction before RT developed ORN. There may have been an association between the irradiation field and the site of ORN development

Conclusions

ORN occurrence due to tooth extraction was 21 %. Occurrence timing of ORN did not depend on time interval between tooth extraction and the end of RT. The irradiation field is certainly related to the site of ORN; therefore, prophylactic tooth extraction should be performed in consideration of the proposed radiation field and dose.

     

Extranodal lymphoma arising within the maxillary alveolus: a systematic review

Objectives

Extranodal lymphomas affecting the head and neck infrequently arise within the jaw bones. Although clinical examination and conventional radiography may initially suffice for such lesions arising within the mandible, those arising within the maxillary alveolus generally require cross-sectional imaging because of the complex anatomy of this region. This study was performed to determine the prevalence, demographic characteristics, and clinical presentations of these lesions and the imaging modalities used for their diagnosis.

Study design

A systematic review (SR) on case series and another SR on case reports were performed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and radiological features of extranodal lymphomas arising within the maxillary alveolus.

Results

Most case series were derived from just four nations, whereas the case reports were derived from a wider range of ethnicities. The more detailed case reports significantly reported at least one imaging modality. Most patients were aware of their lesions for nearly 2 months before presentation. The most frequent symptom was swelling. Most case reports included a provisional diagnosis, the most frequent of which was dental infection followed by squamous cell carcinoma.

Discussion

Extranodal lymphomas arising within the maxillary alveolus were sufficiently frequent in four communities to be reported in two or more case series, and the occasional single case report indicated that such lesions are more widespread globally. Although the SR on case series revealed differences in the relative period prevalence and maxillary/mandibular ratio, the SR on case reports revealed details of the clinical presentation and imaging modalities used.

     

Age-related changes in the pulp chamber of maxillary and mandibular molars on cone-beam computed tomography images

Objectives

Secondary dentine is laid on pulp chamber walls with increasing age, and decreases pulp chamber size. This study aimed to investigate age estimation on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images for forensic science, and the relationship between age and pulp chamber area of maxillary and mandibular molars.

Methods

We reviewed the CBCT images of 316 first molars in 87 patients with dental lesions. The 87 patients were classified into three groups: younger, 11–28 years; middle-aged, 34–59 years; and older, 60–74 years. The relationship between age and pulp chamber area of maxillary and mandibular molars was evaluated.

Results

The mean pulp chamber area of maxillary molars was 8.4 ± 2.0, 4.4 ± 1.7, and 2.9 ± 0.9 mm² in the younger, middle-aged, and older groups, respectively, (p = 0.028). The mean pulp chamber area of mandibular molars was 10.5 ± 2.3, 6.7 ± 2.2, and 3.7 ± 1.5 mm² in the younger, middle-aged, and older groups, respectively, (p = 0.000). The mean pulp chamber area of mandibular molars was larger than that of maxillary molars in the younger (p = 0.000), middle-aged (p = 0.000), and older (p = 0.094) groups. The mean pulp chamber area of maxillary and mandibular molars was significantly correlated with age [Y = ?0.142X + 11.582 (R ² = 0.586, p = 0.000) and Y = ?0.163X + 14.249 (R ² = 0.609, p = 0.000), respectively].

Conclusions

These findings should be useful for diagnosis and treatment planning in dental practice and age estimation in forensic science.

     

Staged Ridge Split Procedure in the Management of Horizontal Ridge Deficiency Utilizing Piezosurgery

Aim and Objectives

Edentulism is an incapacitating and irretrievable condition which can lead unswervingly to functional limitation, physical, psychological and social handicap. Maintenance of bone after tooth loss to improve retention, function, and performance of the restoration is a challenging task. The existence of a thin edentulous ridge signifies a clinical situation that is more complex for the placement of endosseous implants. Dental rehabilitation of the edentulous ridges with oral implants has become a routine treatment modality in the last few decades with consistent long term results.

Methods

A staged ridge spilt procedure was performed in the maxillary posterior edentulous region employing piezosurgery for the augmentation of horizontal ridge deficiency which was followed by the successful placement of implant supported prosthesis.

Results

At the 20 months follow-up, stable results were appreciated with minimal bone loss around the implants.

Conclusion

This proficient technique precludes the need for a second surgical site for the procurement of graft which in turn decreases patient discomfort. Hence this procedure can be used as an alternative to other strenuous procedures.