Comparison of Efficacy of Methylprednisolone Injection into Masseter Muscle Versus Gluteal Muscle for Surgical Removal of Impacted Lower Third Molar

Purpose

To compare the efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of the use of preoperative injection of methylprednisolone into masseter muscle versus gluteal muscle to minimize postoperative swelling after the surgical removal of lower third molar.

Materials and Methods

A prospective randomized study was planned comprising of 10 subjects, undergoing elective surgery for bilateral impacted lower third molar removal with similar severity index. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups—group I who received intrabuccal masseteric injection and group II who received gluteal injection of 40 mg of methylprednisolone after inferior alveolar nerve and long buccal nerve block (prior to the surgical removal of the impacted lower third molars). We evaluated the postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, advantages and disadvantages of the injection techniques. Statistical analysis was done using student t test.

Results

Ten patients of mean age 27 ± 6 years were selected for the study including six males and four females. The mean age was 27 years (SD 6). The differences in measurements of preoperative and postoperative pain, swelling and mouth opening between group I and group II were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The study evidently proves that there is no statistically significant difference between the intrabuccal approach of masseteric injection and gluteal injection of methylprednisolone in terms of pain, swelling and trismus following surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. However, the intrabuccal approach of masseteric injection was found to be more convenient when compared to gluteal injection, for the surgeon as well as the patient. It also has an additional advantage of being a painless steroidal injection on an anesthetized injection site.     

Importance of Clinical and Radiological Parameters in Assessment of Surgical Difficulty in Removal of Impacted Mandibular 3rd Molars: A New Index

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess the clinical and radiological factors that increase the surgical difficulty in removal of mandibular impacted 3rd molar and design a new difficulty predictive index.

Methods

The data was collected from 100 patients with impacted mandibular 3rd molar who presented to Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, K.L.E’s Institute of Dental Sciences. Clinical and radiological parameters included in the New Index were noted. The tooth was then removed under local anesthesia and time taken for the removal was noted. The Pederson Index, New Index and time taken were co-related using kappa statistical analysis.

Results

The kappa agreement between Pederson Index and time taken was 66.50 % (0.2231) whereas between New Index and time was 89 % (0.7177) indicating that New Index is a better predictor of the difficulty.

Conclusion

The New Index is a reliable tool in predicting the difficulty in the removal of mandibular impacted third molar.     

Comparative Analysis of the Anesthetic Efficacy of 0.5 and 0.75?% Ropivacaine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

Introduction

Ropivacaine belongs to pipecoloxylidide group of local anesthetics. There are reports supporting the use of ropivacaine as a long acting local anesthetic in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, with variable data on the concentration that is clinically suitable.

Materials and Methods

A prospective randomized double-blind study protocol was undertaken to assess the efficacy of 0.5 and 0.75 % ropivacaine for inferior alveolar nerve block in surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. A total of 60 procedures were performed, of which thirty patients received 0.5 % and thirty received 0.75 % concentration of the study drug.

Results

All the patients in both the study groups reported subjective numbness of lip and tongue. The time of onset was longer for 0.5 % ropivacaine when compared to 0.75 % solution. 90 % of the study patients in 0.5 % ropivacaine group reported pain corresponding to VAS ≥3 during bone guttering and 93.3 % patients reported pain corresponding to VAS >4 during tooth elevation. None of the patients in 0.75 % ropivacaine group reported VAS >3 at any stage of the surgical procedure. The duration of soft tissue anesthesia recorded with 0.75 % ropivacaine was average 287.57 ± 42.0 min.

Conclusion

0.75 % ropivacaine was found suitable for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.     

Effects of glucosamine-chondroitin combination on synovial fluid IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2 levels in internal derangements of temporomandibular joint

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of glucosamine-chondroitin sulphate combination on internal derangements of temporomandibular joint in clinical and biochemical manners.

Material and Methods

This randomized clinical study included 31 cases reporting joint tenderness, in which disc displacement was detected on MR imaging. In all patients, synovial fluid sampling was performed under local anesthesia. In the study group, the patients were prescribed a combination of 1500 mg glucosamine and 1200 mg chondroitin sulphate, while patients in the control group were only prescribed 50 mg tramadol HCl (twice daily) for pain control. After 8 weeks, synovial fluid sampling was repeated in the same manner. The levels of pain, maximum mouth opening (MMO), synovial fluid IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2 measured before and after pharmacological intervention were compared.

Results

The reduction in pain levels was significant in both groups. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of pain reduction. The improvement in MMO was significant in the study group but it was not in the control group. The MMO improvement was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. In the study group, significant decrease was observed in PGE2 level, while the decreases in IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were not significant. In the control group, no significant decrease was observed in any of the inflammatory cytokines after 8 weeks, moreover IL-1ß and IL-6 levels were increased. Alterations of IL-1ß and IL-6 levels were significant in study group while TNF-α and PGE2 levels were not, compared to control group.

Conclusions

In conclusion, these results might suggest that glucosamine-chondroitin combination significantly increases the MMO and decreases the synovial fluid IL1β and IL6 levels in internal derangements of TMJ compared to tramadol. The modifications of synovial fluid TNF-α and PGE2 levels do not reach statistical significance. This combination also provides efficient pain relief in similar level with tramadol, a narcotic analgesic. Key words: Chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine, internal derangement, TMJ, tramadol.     

Eruption Status of Third Molar and Its Possible Influence on the Location of Mandibular Angle Fracture: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction

This study was designed to evaluate the influence of eruption status of mandibular third molars on the location of mandibular angle fracture. We also aimed to evaluate the incidence of damage to mandibular third molar teeth (M3) and its roots.

Materials and Methods

Medical records and panoramic radiographs of 142 patient cohorts with mandibular angle fractures with third molars present were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Revealed that incidence of angle fracture were high in patients with fully erupted M3 when compared to unerupted group. Out of 142 patients, 108 fractures were found involving the M3 socket and 14.1 % had damage to M3.

Conclusion

The presence of erupted mandibular third molar increases the chances of angle fracture when compared to impacted M3. Involvement of the M3 socket often resulted in increased operative time and complexity of the surgical procedure with possible removal of the damaged M3.     

The Effect of Alloplastic Bone Graft and Absorbable Gelatin Sponge in Prevention of Periodontal Defects on the Distal Aspect of Mandibular Second Molars,After Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar: A Comparative Prospective Study

Aim

Recent studies claim that haemostatic agents can be used as bone graft substitutes. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of alloplastic bone graft with absorbable gelatin sponge in prevention of periodontal defects distal to mandibular second molar after the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars.

Materials and methods

A prospective, randomized, single-blind split-mouth study was designed. The study consisted of 25 patients requiring surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular 3rd molars. The surgical sites were randomly divided into 2 groups: group I: G-graft (hydroxyapatite + collagen, study group) and group II: Abgel (absorbable gelatin sponge, control group). Patients were recalled on lst and 7th postoperative days and 3rd and 6th postoperative months. Probing depth, alveolar bone levels and soft tissue wound healing were evaluated. Paired t test was used to compare pre and post-operative alveolar bone levels and probing depth (PD). Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare the wound healing.

Results

The soft tissue wound healing, PD and the distance between the cemento–enamel junction on the distal aspect of mandibular second molar (point A) and the alveolar crest on the distal aspect of the same tooth (point B) were significantly higher in group I as compared to group II.

Conclusion

This study reveals an increase in the alveolar bone level, improvement of PD and better wound healing in group I. Group II subjects required longer healing time than the normal. The authors disagree the claim that the haemostatic agents can be used as bone graft substitutes. However, long-term, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trials are required.     

Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Using Split Skin Graft and a Polyethylene Stent: A Prospective Study

Aim

Aim of this study was to evaluate the split skin graft held in place with a polyethylene stent for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis.

Methods

Fifteen prospective patients diagnosed clinically with oral submucous fibrosis, from June 2011 to 12 December 2012, were recruited for this study. All patients were treated surgically using the same surgical technique of fibrotomy followed by split skin graft along with a polyethylene stent. Preoperative and postoperative mouth opening measurements at 1 week and after a minimum of 6 months were evaluated by measuring the inter incisal distance.

Results

Mean follow up was 9.8 months with a minimum of 6 months. Mean preoperative mouth opening was 12.9 mm (6–20 mm). Intraoperatively mean mouth opening was 37.9 mm (36–41 mm). After 1 week mean mouth opening was 35.8 mm (31–40 mm). At 6 months follow up, mean mouth opening was 33 mm (20–40 mm).

Conclusion

Fibrotomy followed by split skin graft along with a polyethylene sheet stent and sufficient postoperative physiotherapy is a simple, cost effective and viable treatment modality for oral submucous fibrosis.     

Evaluation of Mandibular Wing Osteotomy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Cases with Retrognathia

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of wing osteotomy for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Materials and Methods

We performed mandibular wing osteotomy in subjects who had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of more than 15, a previous unresponsive conservative treatment for the OSA, moderate to severe retrognathia and no suggested conventional orthognathic surgery because of dentition or lack of willingness. The subjects were evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), AHI and posterior airway space (PAS) before and 1 year after surgery.

Results

We evaluated 10 subjects (4 males, 6 females) who underwent wing mandibular osteotomy. The mean age of the subjects was 37.8 ± 7.26 years. Analysis of the data demonstrated a significant change in ESS and AHI 1 year after operation. However, PAS was not changed 1 year after surgery. Results did not show any correlation between age, ESS and AHI before and 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion

Mandibular wing osteotomy is a novel procedure that improves signs of OSA. It may be a surgical option in retrognathic patients with OSA who are not candidates for conventional maxillomandibular advancement.     

The Influence of Different Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Alveolar Bone in Rats: An Experimental Study

The aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dexketoprofen trometamol, meloxicam, diclofenac sodium on any untreated alveolar bone when they are used as drugs for another indication.

Materials and Methods

Twenty eight male Spraque-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups as dexketoprofen trometamol (Group I), meloxicam (Group II), diclofenac sodium (Group III) and control group. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) were administered after a fibula fracture for 10 days. Untreated alveolar bone was histopathologically examined for spongious bone density, osteoclastic density and osteoblastic density.

Results

Spongious bone density was lower in study groups (Group I, group II and group III) than the control group (p<0.05). In contrast, the increase in osteoclastic density was observed in other groups apart from the control group (p<0.05). Osteoblastic density was evaluated and it was determined that group II and group III had lower results than the control group (p<0.05) but group I was equal to the control group.

Conclusion

This study showed that systemically administrated NSAIDs have the potential to affect untreated alveolar bone. This should also be considered in long term use of NSAIDs.Key Words: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, bone remodeling, osteoblast, osteoclast, maxillary bone     

Initial experience with hemostatic fibrin glue as adjuvant during drainless parotidectomy

Objectives

To evaluate the use of Hemostatic Fibrin Glue in parotidectomy without the use of surgical drains.

Study design

Prospective cohort study of 10 patients undergoing parotidectomy. Surgery as a one day admission without the use of surgical drains was planned. The complication and duration of the hospital stay were obtained.

Methods

Parotidectomy was undertaken by one surgeon. Prior to wound closure, the skin flap and wound bed were approximated using Tisseel tissue sealant. Data regarding the incidence of any complication and the duration of the hospital stay were obtained. Patients were followed to assess surgical outcome and document any complications. The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range 4–12 months).

Results

There were no major surgical complications. Two patients had facial nerve weakness due to adherence of the tumour in the facial nerve, in there was which complete recovery after few months. All patients were discharged the next day. None of the patients felt that the discharge had been premature.

Conclusions

Parotidectomy can be undertaken safely without the need for surgical drains, therefore, allowing the patients to leave the hospital on the first postoperative day.     

Effect of abutment angulation in the retention and durability of three overdenture attachment systems: An in vitro study

PURPOSE

This in vitro study investigated and compared the durability and retention of three types of attachments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three commercially available attachments were investigated: Clix®, Dalbo-Plus® and Locator®. In total, 72 samples of these attachments were placed in the acrylic resin forms and subjected to mechanical testing (5400 cycles of insertion and removal) over the respective ball or Locator abutments immersed in artificial saliva at pH 7 and 37℃. The abutments were placed at angulations of 0°, 10° and 20°. The retention force was recorded at the beginning and after 540, 1080, 2160, 3240, 4320 and 5400 insertion-removal cycles.

RESULTS

The results revealed that there were significant differences in the average values of the insertion/removal force due to angulation (F _(2.48) = 343619, P<.05) and the type of attachment (F _(7.48) = 23.220, P<.05).

CONCLUSION

Greater angulation of the abutments was found to influence the retention capacity of the attachments, and the fatigue test simulating 5 years of denture insertion and removal did not produce wear in the metal abutments.     

Management of Temporomandibular Disorders with Low Level Laser Therapy

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in relation to pain intensity, tender points, joint sounds and jaw movements.

Materials and Methods

Twenty patients received 6 sessions of LLLT (3 times a week for 2 weeks) with semiconductive diode laser (gallium arsenide; 904 nm, 0.6 W, 60 s, 4 J/cm²). Pain intensity, number of tender points, joint sounds and active range of motion were assessed before and immediately after each session and after 1, 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months.

Results

Statistically significant results were achieved in all study parameters.

Conclusion

LLLT promoted satisfactory results in reducing the pain intensity, number of tender points, joint sounds and improvement in the range of jaw motion. Hence it is an effective and efficient treatment method for TMDs.     

Single dose of diclofenac or meloxicam for control of pain, facial swelling,and trismus in oral surgery

Background

Postoperative pain associated with removal of mandibular third molars has been documented from moderate to severe during the first 24 hours after surgery, with pain peaking between 6 and 8 hours when a conventional local anesthetic is used. Dental pain is largely inflammatory, and evidence-based medicine has shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the best analgesics for dental pain. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-trismus effect of a single dose of diclofenac and meloxicam after mandibular third molar extraction.

Material and Methods

A total of 36 patients were randomized into two treatment groups, each with 18 patients, using a series of random numbers: Group A, was administered 100 mg of diclofenac; and Group B, 15 mg of meloxicam. Drugs were administered orally 1 hour prior to surgery. We evaluated pain intensity, analgesic consumption, swelling, as well as trismus.

Results

The results of this study showed that patients receiving 15 mg of meloxicam had less postoperative pain (P=0.04) and better aperture than those receiving 100 mg of diclofenac (P=0.03). The meloxicam group presented less swelling than diclofenac group; however, significant statistical differences were not observed.

Conclusions

Data of this double-blind, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial demonstrated that patients receiving 15 mg of preoperative meloxicam had a better postoperative analgesia and anti-trismus effect compared with who were given 100 mg of diclofenac after third molar extractions. Key words:Diclofenac, meloxicam, dental pain, trismus, third molar surgery.     

The effect of aspirin on bleeding after extraction of teeth

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) generically known as aspirin is used clinically as an analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and as a medication to prevent platelet aggregation. Many studies have investigated bleeding associated with ASA.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine if ASA was associated with bleeding after dental extraction.

Patients and methods

One hundred and eighty-nine subjects were divided into four groups. Group 1A subjects who received ASA, underwent simple extraction. Group 1B subjects who received ASA, underwent surgical extraction. Group 2A subjects who did not receive ASA, underwent simple extraction which served as control group. Group 2B subjects who did not receive ASA, underwent surgical extraction which also served as control group.

Results

The results showed that Group 1B was the only group which showed bleeding after 24 h. All groups had similar results after 48 h and 5 days post-operatively.

Conclusion

The study concluded that subjects who received 81 mg ASA daily could undergo dental extraction without bleeding risks.     

A Study on Dentigerous Cystic Changes with Radiographically Normal Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

Background

Dentigerous cyst develops in the follicular tissue surrounding the impacted lower third molar. A study was carried out to know the incidence of Association of Dentigerous cyst with radiographically normal impacted lower third molars and to draw the attention of the Oral Surgeons towards the prophylactic removal of impacted third molars.

Methods

A prospective study was done on 30 patients with impacted lower third molars which were indicated for extraction. The follicle tissue surrounding the impacted tooth was subjected for histopathologic investigations. Only those teeth with a radiographic finding of pericoronal space of less than 2.5 mm were considered. Two Oral Pathologists reviewed the slides for any changes suggestive of cystic pathology.

Results

Pathologic changes suggestive of Dentigerous cyst was found in 7 of the 30 follicular tissue sent for histopathologic testing. It was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study shows statistically high incidence of Dentigerous cyst association with radiographically normal impacted lower third molar teeth. Hence the Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons should consider histopathologic evaluation and radiographic diagnosis in the management of impacted lower third molars. Prophylactic extractions of normal impacted lower third molars should be considered as a treatment option.     

Closure of Anterior Palatal Fistula by Tongue Flap: A Prospective Study

Aim

To check the efficacy of dorsal tongue flap in closure of anterior palatal fistula without using any fixation devices.

Material and Method

It is a prospective study in which 20 patients of anterior palatal fistula, larger than 5 mm, attending the outpatient department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Ferozpur over a period of 5 years (from November 2005 to January 2011) were included. The surgical treatment was divided into 2 stages—raising of the flap on the tongue and transfer of the flap from the dorsum of the tongue to fistula site and then separation of flap and its adjustment at the site of defect after an interval of 3 weeks minimum. Follow-up was done for 3 and 6 months.

Result

Successful closure was achieved in 90 % of the cases. 80 % patients experienced decrease in hypernasality. In none of the cases decrease in size of tongue, loss or change in taste sensation, difficulty in speech, difficulty in swallowing or bulkiness of flap was observed.

Conclusion

The results obtained during the course of this study strongly support the method used to close the anterior palatal fistula. It is concluded that the dorsal tongue flap is the highly successful method without the need of additional fixation devices in closure of anterior palatal fistula.     

Perceptions of Pre- to Postsurgical Profile Changes in Orthognathic Surgery Patients and Their Correlation with Photogrammetric Changes: A Panel Study

Purpose

The objective was to compare the pre- and postsurgical profile changes after surgical correction of prognathism and maxillary hypoplasia, as perceived by panels of orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, laypersons and patients and to identify photogrammetric changes that might be related to preferred ratings.

Materials and methods

Each panel consisted of six males and six females who rated sets of pre- and postsurgical lateral photographs of 20 female and 20 male patients using a five-point scale. Patients rated their own set of photographs. Pre- to postsurgical differences of photogrammetrically assessed landmarks were recorded as a surgical change.

Results

No significant differences in ratings between panels and patients could be detected. Significant correlation coefficients (r) were obtained between the ratings of all panel groups and between the ratings and changes in facial convexity (r = 0.351–0.542). Correlations with changes of the mentolabial angle were found to be significant for old orthodontists, male laypersons, and male patients (r = 0.332–0.609). Ratings of female and young laypersons were correlated with the horizontal changes in the lower face (r = 0.324–0.379).

Conclusion

Information gathered from this study will support the cooperation of the medical staff and might assist in treatment planning.     

The Versatility in the Use of Buccal Fat Pad in the Closure of Oro-antral Fistulas

Introduction

Oroantral communications (OAC) are probable surgical complications of dentoalveolar procedures. OACs 2 mm in diameter or smaller are likely to close spontaneously without the need for any surgical intervention. However, OACs 3 mm in diameter or larger, or OACs associated with maxillary or periodontal inflammation, may persist, and surgical closure is recommended. Various surgical techniques have been suggested for the closure of oroantral defects.

Case Details

We have found the technique of two layer closure with buccal fat pad (BFP) and buccal mucoperiosteum quite useful for closure of chronic Oroantral fistula (OAF) and this article reports a case of OAF in the left first molar region of a 50 year old male, which has been closed successfully with this technique.

Conclusion

Buccal fat pad is a pedicled locally available flap which has its own blood supply and hence can be used with great efficacy in closure of OAF. This paper aims to elaborate the surgical details of this technique and its usefulness in closure of chronic OAF.     

Comparison of Primary and Secondary Closure of the Surgical Wound After Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

Aims and Objectives

This comparative study compares the primary and secondary healing after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars, evaluating and monitoring the extent of swelling and severity of pain and trismus.

Materials and Methods

60 patients (37 females, 23 males; age range 18–40 years) were included in the series. The patients were randomly subdivided into 2 groups of 30 each. All the patients were operated by the same operator under same clinical conditions. Group 1 had 30 patients who underwent primary closure. Group 2 had 30 patients who underwent secondary closure. Pain, swelling and trismus were evaluated for 1st, 3rd and 7th days after surgery with a VAS scale.

Results

An analysis of immediate findings showed that the patients with primary closure experienced significantly greater pain, swelling and trismus than that was experienced by patients with secondary closure. When the subsequent findings were analyzed there was statistically significant difference in pain, swelling and trismus experienced between both the groups.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that the procedure of choice after removal of impacted mandibular third molars is a secondary closure and healing by secondary intention. A secondary closure appears to minimize the postoperative edema, pain and trismus and thus contributes to enhanced patient comfort.     

Management of Extra-Capsular Temporo-Mandibular Joint Ankylosis: Does Conservative Approach to Treatment Have a Role?

Background

The conventional management of fibrous extracapsular temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, a debilitating disease, is associated with surgical complications and financial burden on the patients.

Objective

To assess the outcome of conservative approach to the management of fibrous extracapsular TMJ ankylosis.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective study of patients who presented at the Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, during the period from January 1999 to December 2012 with a history of inability to open the mouth diagnosed as fibrous extracapsular TMJ ankylosis.

Results

Twenty-one subjects were treated and their ages ranged from 11 to 22 years with mean at 15.0 years. There were 13 (61.9 %) males and 8 (38.1 %) females with male: female ratio of 1.6:1. The aetiological factor that predisposed to formation of extracapsular TMJ ankylosis was facial trauma. There was no facial asymmetry and the side distribution of the affliction showed that 1 (4.8 %) was bilateral while 20 (95.2 %) were unilateral. Eight cases (38.1 %) were incomplete ankylosis while the rest (n = 13, 61.9 %) were complete. The shorter the duration of fibrous ankylosis and the greater the initial inter-incisal distance before treatment, the better the treatment outcome.

Conclusion

The outcome of treatment suggests that the conservative approach to management of this condition was beneficial to these patients because they presented early. However, randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to validate this treatment option.