Comparison of fresh autogenous and freeze-dried allogenic skin for mandibular vestibuloplasty

This study compared the ability of fresh autogenous and freeze-dried allogenic split-thickness skin grafts to maintain vestibular depth following vestibuloplasty. Both graft systems resulted in covering of the alveolar ridge by firmly attached tissue, which would be expected to enhance prosthetic stability. The appearance of the fresh autogenous grafts was consistent with that of mature skin grafts, whereas the freeze-dried grafts had the appearance of alveolar mucosa. Vestibular depth stabilized at six weeks with both graft systems, and at six months there was no significant difference (P less than 0.05) between the freeze-dried and fresh grafts with respect to their ability to maintain vestibular depth.     

The effect of chronic red cell mass depletion on the healing of bone grafts

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a marked decrease in red cell mass with a normal blood volume (normovolemic anemia) would compromise osseous repair in experimental mandibular bone grafts. In adult male dogs, osseous defects in the mandibular body were restored with combined allogeneic and autologous bone grafts. In the experimental group, the red cell mass was depleted by a mean 55% of the baseline value and the resulting anemia maintained for eight weeks by serial phlebotomies. In the control group phlebotomy was not performed. Osseous repair was evaluated by quantitative sequential radionuclide imaging, subjective and quantitative determinations of graft stability, and histologic examination. Results demonstrated no significant difference in bone graft repairs between the anemic and control animals by any of the evaluation methods over the eight-week period of study (P greater than 0.05).     

Effect of insertion of osseo-integrated prosthesis on the oral microflora

Ten patients undergoing treatment with bridges supported by osseo-integrated oral titanium implants were studied regarding the oral microflora. Saliva samples for microbiological studies were collected before the abutment operation, 1 week after the operation, after the bridges were inserted and again 52 weeks after the abutment operation. The implants did not induce colonization with "plaque streptococci" such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis. A marked colonization with potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas species and enterobacteria was observed after the abutment operation. This was probably due to the use of surgical dressing.     

Systemic tuberculosis initially seen as an oral ulceration: report of case.

A 67-year-old white man was seen for the treatment of a painful oral ulceration. His medical history was highly suggestive of systemic disease. Radiographs of the chest and cultures of sputum were positive for tuberculosis. The incidence, appearance, and characteristics of oral tubercular lesions have been presented. The diagnosis of tuberculosis should be considered along with carcinoma, syphilis, fungal disease, and trauma whenever granulomatous ulcerations appear in the oral cavity.     

Brain abcess following dental infection.

A 48-year-old woman underwent root canal treatment of the upper left lateral incisor and lower right second premolar. Close to the conclusion of the endodontic treatment she complained about headaches. Later on, because of aggravation of her condition, with headaches, fever, malaise, weakness, and numbness of the right limbs, she was admitted to the hospital. The disease progressed to an epileptic state, with appearance of a right hemiparesis. A brain scan and carotid arteriogram revealed the presence of a mass occupying the left parietal space. Craniotomy disclosed an abscess containing yellow pus from which Streptococcus viridans was cultured. After thorough surgical cleansing of the area, removal of the bone for decompression, and treatment with ampicillin the patient improved gradually and slowly regained the mobility of her right side.