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Since the identification of periapical lesions typically requires invasive testing that may adversely affect individuals suffering from concomitant disease, the diagnosis of apical periodontitis remains a challenge. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of infrared thermal imaging for the detection of asymptomatic odontogenic inflammatory response in patients with a high risk of systemic infections. The examinations were performed using the FLIR T1020 thermal camera. The acquired images were analyzed with a ThermaCAM TM Researcher Pro 2.8 SR-3. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistica 10 software. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for data that were not normally distributed or did not meet the assumption of homogeneity of variance, while normally distributed data were analyzed with the t-test. The mean temperature difference between the periapical regions of the suspect and contralateral teeth was found to be greatest at 30 s of mouth opening. This is a preliminary study conducted to evaluate the potential of infrared thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool for the identification and elimination of odontogenic infection foci. Thermography seems to facilitate the quantitative assessment of inflammation by displaying temperature differences between the affected and unaffected regions.

Background Long-lasting diabetes mellitus may lead to numerous pathologies in the oral cavity. The aim of the study was to assess the condition of the oral cavity, caries intensity, salivary parameters, and incidence of oral fungal infections in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after kidney transplantation (KTx) or simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation (SPK). Methods Twenty-one patients after SPK, 18 T1D patients after KTx, and 14 kidney recipients without diabetes (control group) were included in the study. Donor sources complied with Helsinki Congress and the Declaration of Istanbul. Results Approximal plague index in SPK (80% [68%-90%]) was comparable to KTx (80% [37.5%-92.5%]) but higher than in control group (46% [35%-50%]). All 3 groups did not differ in terms of decayed-missing-filled tooth index: 22.3 ± 4.8 vs 22.5 ± 4.5 vs 19.1 ± 4.9, respectively. Normal saliva resting secretion and consistency were more common in SPK (71.4% and 52%, respectively) than in KTx (27.8% and 50.0%, respectively). Stimulated saliva volume in the SPK, KTx and controls, pH value, and buffering capacity were comparable. In KTx higher incidence of Candida albicans infection (55.6%) compared with SPK (23.8%) and controls (no infection) was observed. Conclusions Simultaneously transplanted pancreas improves salivation and reduces the incidence of oral fungal infections in T1D kidney recipients. The severity of caries is higher and oral hygiene is worse in T1D kidney recipients compared with patients after KTx without diabetes.

The main subject of this research was the use of PRF in dental surgery aimed at preventing changes in alveolar height and width after tooth extraction. Due to the large growth factor content, it seems to be particularly useful in bone loss management starting from the simplest loss occurring after tooth extraction through loss resulting from tooth resection ending with loss caused by large bone cysts. The study was performed on 50 patients. The extraction of two maxillary or mandibular homonymous teeth was carried out in each patient, where PRF was placed in one alveolus while the other alveolus was left empty. Then, the alveoli were surgically managed with a split flap technique. On the extraction day, after 10 days, and after 6 months, the alveolar process was measured, soft tissues healing was assessed, and imaging examinations were analyzed. It was proved that the healing of soft tissues in the PRF group was better. In the PRF group after 6 months from surgery, the newly formed bone had higher grayscale values in volumetric tomography (CBCT). Moreover, the reduced atrophy of the alveolar process at the site of the extracted tooth was proved in this study.

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with titanium fixation plates is the gold standard for maxillofacial fracture treatment. Titanium is considered a fully compatible material. However, reports of allergic reactions to titanium implants do occur. The aim of this work is to answer the question whether titanium devices used in the treatment of fractures in the craniofacial region can cause allergic reactions. The study comprised 50 subjects treated surgically for maxillofacial injuries with the use of titanium composite devices. Allergic tests were performed by the patch method. The control group consisted of 20 healthy people who did not have any titanium elements. There were no skin changes to titanium and its compounds in both the test and control groups. Only one patient had a positive skin test which showed an allergic reaction to silver nitrate. Titanium fixing elements, as well as titanium dental implants, according to our research, do not show allergic skin reactions.

Background: Autogenous bone grafts remain the “gold standard” in maxillofacial reconstructive procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the proximal tibia as a donor site of cancellous bone for bone grafting procedures of the mandible on the basis of intraoperative parameters and clinical observations. Methods: The study was based on a medical record search of 40 patients who underwent surgical procedures because of benign pathological lesions of the jaws resulting in 3-wall bone defects of the mandible and qualified for surgical removal of the lesion with simultaneous bone grafting of the defect with autogenous cancellous bone harvested from the proximal tibia. Results: The use of the proximal tibia for bone grafting procedures enables large amounts of cancellous bone (15.09 cc in average) to be obtained. The procedure is characterized by a low risk of early and late complications, which include excessive bleeding, wound infection, lengthy healing time, scars, a loss of sensation around the scars, aching, a dip in bone, swelling and tenderness. Conclusions: The ability to obtain large amounts of cancellous bone and a low risk of intra- and postoperative complications make the proximal tibia an attractive donor site for the bone grafting procedures in maxillofacial surgery.

BACKGROUND Long-term diabetes predisposes to pathological changes in periodontal tissues. Improvement in this respect can be expected in patients after pancreas transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the intensity of periodontium pathological lesions and inflammation markers concentration in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) after kidney (KTx) or simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 20 T1D patients after SPK and 16 after KTx, and 15 non-diabetic kidney recipients (control). Periodontal clinical parameters and concentration of selected biochemical markers of inflammation in GCF were assessed. The following tests were used in statistical data analysis: Shapiro-Wilk test, the t test, the Mann-Whitney U tests, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, and χ² test (also with Yate's correction). Moreover, linear regression and Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient was used. RESULTS There were no differences in modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI) and GCF volume between the SPK group and control group, whereas values of these parameters in the KTx group were higher than in the SPK and control groups. Maximal clinical attachment loss and pocket depth and Periotest values were higher in diabetic recipients compared to controls, and did not differ between SPK and KTx. The concentration of IL-1s, MMP-8, resistin, TNFalpha, and YKL40 in the GCF in the KTx group was higher than in the SPK and control groups. In the combined group of T1D patients, there was a correlation between blood HbA1c and mSBI, GCF volume, and resistin, TNF-alpha and YKL40 concentrations, and between resistin concentration and mSBI. CONCLUSIONS T1D patients after SPK show lower levels of inflammatory markers in GCF and present reduced intensity of periodontitis compared to kidney recipients treated with insulin. The severity of morphological changes in periodontium in T1D patients after KTx or SPK is higher than in non-diabetic kidney recipients.

The specific combinations of materials and dopants presented in this work have not been previously described. The main goal of the presented work was to prepare and compare the different properties of newly developed composite materials manufactured by sintering. The synthetic- (SHAP) or natural- (NHAP) hydroxyapatite serves as a matrix and was doped with: (i) organic: multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), fullerenes C60, (ii) inorganic: Cu nanowires. Research undertaken was aimed at seeking novel candidates for bone replacement biomaterials based on hydroxyapatite—the main inorganic component of bone, because bone reconstructive surgery is currently mostly carried out with the use of autografts; titanium or other non-hydroxyapatite -based materials. The physicomechanical properties of the developed biomaterials were tested by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dielectric Spectroscopy (BSD), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), as well as microhardness using Vickers method. The results showed that despite obtaining porous sinters. The highest microhardness was achieved for composite materials based on NHAP. Based on NMR spectroscopy, residue organic substances could be observed in NHAP composites, probably due to the organic structures that make up the tooth. Microbiology investigations showed that the selected samples exhibit bacteriostatic properties against Gram-positive reference bacterial strain S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228); however, the property was much less pronounced against Gram-negative reference strain E. coli (ATCC 25922). Both NHAP and SHAP, as well as their doped derivates, displayed in good general compatibility, with the exception of Cu-nanowire doped derivates.

Generally, oral squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by a high degree of local invasion and high frequency of cervical lymph node metastases. The invasion and metastasis process consists of many interconnected host and tumor relationships. The prognosis depends on their early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which is why it is important to capture the initial symptoms of cancer. The advancement of the cancer process at the moment of reporting the patient to treatment in most cases does not give a chance to obtain satisfactory results, despite the introduction of modern methods and techniques to fight the disease. The severity of symptoms in the early stage of the disease, significant invasiveness and the ability to metastasis to regional lymph nodes prompts for the search for sensitive markers that could be used in screening patients in groups with a high risk of OSCC incidence.

The study was based on the use of a toothpaste with antiphlogistic activity, containing Australian Melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree oil—TTO) and ethanolic extract of Polish propolis (EEP). Fifty-one patients with varying conditions of the gingiva were divided into two groups. The study group received the toothpaste with TTO and EEP, while the control group received the same toothpaste but without TTO and EEP. Approximal plaque index (API), simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-s) and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI) were assessed in three subsequent stages. During each examination, swabs were employed for microbiological inoculation. During the period of use of toothpastes with TTO and EEP, a significant reduction of the API was observed, as assessed upon the control visit after 7 days and after 28 days, compared to baseline. A statistically significant reduction of mSBI was observed after 7 and 28 days of using the toothpaste with TTO and EEP, as compared to the value upon the initial visit. Statistically significant differences in the OHI-s value were observed in the study group, which was using the active toothpaste. The use of a toothpaste containing TTO and EEP helps to maintain microbiome balance. The observed stabilisation of bacterial microflora confirms the beneficial activity of toothpaste containing EEP and TTO compared to the control group, where the lack of these substances contributed to the emergence of qualitative and quantitative changes in oral microbiome.

Introduction: Cleft lip/palate is one of the most common congenital malformations. In Poland, approximately 500 children with an orofacial cleft are born every year. Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in periodontal tissue remodelling and degradation. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MMP2 gene may affect transcription and activity of the protein produced by this gene. The aim of the study was to examine 1306 C/T MMP2 gene promoter polymorphisms in the group of children with cleft lip/palate and in the control group as well as to determine the frequency of individual genotypes in different types of orofacial clefts. Material and methods: The study was conducted in the group of 150 children with cleft lip/palate and 102 children without an orofacial cleft. Genomic DNA was obtained from oral mucosa epithelium. The MMP2 gene promoter polymorphism was genotyped by tetra-primer ARMS-PCR. Results: There are no significant differences in the frequency of individual alleles in different types of orofacial clefts. The occurrence of the CC genotype was significantly higher in the group with cleft lip and palate than in the healthy group (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Determining the polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase gene promoter sequence can contribute to the elucidation of cleft lip/palate aetiopathogenesis.

We present a case of an emotionally unstable 20-year-old man with sadomasochistic inclinations, suffering from obsessive–compulsive disorder. In the years 2007 through 2010 the patient was brought to or arrived at our Outpatient Clinic at different time spans amounting to a total of 21 appointments during 3 years. The main signs were severe wounds in the perioral region, which the patient continued to self-inflict for over 10 years. He was suspected of self-extraction of mandibular teeth. Clinical and radiological exams confirmed absence of eight mandibular teeth and chronic inflammatory condition of the mandibular bone in the area of multiple tooth self-extraction. In August 2008 the patient was discharged from the Psychiatric Department and continued treatment as an outpatient. During his visits at the Outpatient Clinic of the Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Department in years from 2011 to 2013, the patient declared he would like to undergo lower lip reconstruction and prosthetic rehabilitation. Prosthetic rehabilitation, recommended by the attending psychiatrist and the team of the Outpatient Clinic of the Cranio-Maxillofacial Department, might serve as a test of the patient's adherence to his decisions.

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of zygomaticomaxillo-orbitalis (ZMO) fracture and its symptoms on mucociliary transport (MCT). Study Design The study encompassed 144 patients who sustained ZMO fracture. A saccharine test was conducted in every patient both on the side of fracture and on the unaffected side. The results were analyzed in connection with the patients' age, sex, degree of injury, method of treatment, time since fracture, and duration of surgery. Results It was shown that MCT was considerably impaired on the affected side compared with the control side. However, the degree of impairment did not vary significantly in the patients regardless of the analyzed parameters. Conclusions ZMO fracture induces the disorder of MCT. Balloon Foley catheter in the open reduction of ZMO fracture impairs MCT. The analyzed parameters do not affect the disorders of MCT.

Fractures of the mandibular condylar processes are often-met injuries of lower region of face. The cause of that state is dynamic development of municipal transport and the increase of aggression in human relations. Many classifications of fractures of mandibular condylar processes are in literature. The choice of therapy is a subject for debate among doctors. Contemporary literature does not give an unequivocal answer to the question whether in the case of fractures of mandibular condylar processes non-invasive treatment should be applied or whether the method of surgical supply of fractures is better.

This study was carried out to investigate the influence of a propolis and tee tree oil-containing hygienic agent on selected oral health parameters, oral microflora, and the condition of periodontal health. Thirty-seven patients who underwent oral rehabilitation with a removable acrylic denture were selected and randomly assigned into two groups: study group (A) which received a newly formulated propolis and tee tree oil-containing toothpaste or a control group (C) without an active ingredient. API, S-OHI, and mSBI were assessed in three subsequent stages. During each examination swabs were employed for microbiological inoculation: in the study group after 4 weeks use of the active toothpaste showed a decrease in the number of isolated microorganisms. In the control group, after 4 weeks use of the toothpaste without active ingredients resulted in increase in the number of the isolated microorganisms. Improvements in hygiene and the condition of periodontium were observed in patients using active toothpastes. In the study group the oral flora diversity was reduced by the decrease in the number of cultured microorganism species, while in the control group an increase in the number of cultured microorganisms and their species was observed.

Propolis-based therapeutic agents represent this potential for the development of new drugs in dental care. The aim of a clinical-cohort study was to determine the influence of application of toothpaste enriched with Brazilian extract of propolis (EEP) on health status of oral cavity. Laboratory analysis was conducted in order to assess the chemical composition of EEP including total phenolic compounds, the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical cation scavenging activity, and FRAP assay. Clinical research involved two groups of subjects comprising 32 adult patients, with assessment based on the preliminary evaluation of the state of their marginal periodontium. The investigation of oral health indices API, OHI, and SBI and microbiological examination of oral microflora were also carried out. Results obtained indicated time-dependent microbial action of EEP at 50 mg/L concentration, with antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The total decrease of API, OHI, and SBI mean values was observed. Hygienic preparations with 3% content of Brazilian ethanol extract of green propolis (EEP) efficiently support removal of dental plaque and improve the state of marginal periodontium.

Clinical observations and a few research reports seem to suggest that intraoral infection as well as periodontal teeth could potentially lead to systemic infections including atherosclerosis. The aim of our investigations was to determine whether periodontal disease might aggravate atherosclerosis and whether interferon-gamma (IFNG), widely recognized as a potent multifunctional cytokine, might serve as a marker of the process. This is the first research based on tissue material such as atheromata and periodontal pocket granulation tissue. The study population consisted of 15 patients with periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Control group comprised 15 non-atherosclerotic patients with periodontitis. IFNG, IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 expression was analysed using qRT-PCR profiling in the inflammatory granulation tissue and atheroma. Granulation tissue samples obtained from non-atherosclerotic group showed a significant increase in IFNG and a decrease of IFNGR1, IFNGR2 expression whereas granulation tissue and atheromata of patients with systemic disease demonstrated lower IFNG and higher IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 expression.

Maintenance of proper oral hygiene by dental plaque elimination is one of the most important factors affecting the healing process in postoperative oral wounds. Propolis is a substance produced by bees. Ethanolic extract of propolis has bactericidal, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. Moreover, it can scavenge free radicals. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of a gel containing 3% of ethanolic extract of Brazilian green propolis (EEP-B) when used for maintaining oral hygiene in patients with postoperative oral mucosal wounds. The hygiene was assessed using API, OHI, and SBI followed by microbiological examinations. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of those who used a gel containing EEP-B for oral hygiene, and group 2 consisted of those who used a gel without EEP-B. Although improved oral hygiene was noted in both groups, the improvement was markedly greater in the group using gel containing EEP-B. Summing up the results of microbiological examinations, EEP-B has beneficial effect on mouth microflora in postoperative period. Propolis preparations used for oral hygiene allow eliminating microorganisms of pathogenic character and physiological flora microorganisms considered as being opportunistic, with no harmful influence on physiological microflora in oral ecosystem.

Orthodontic appliances modify the local environment of the oral cavity, increase the accumulation of dental plaque, and affect the condition of the gingiva. The aim of this study is assessment of Brazilian propolis toothpaste’s effect on plaque index (PLI) and gingival index (GI) in patients with CL/CLP treated using orthodontic appliances in the 35-day study period. The study population included 96 patients of an Orthodontic Outpatient Clinic, ACSiMS in Bytom. All the patients participated in the active phase of orthodontic treatment using buccal multibracket appliances or removable appliances. During the first examination, each patient was randomly qualified to the propolis group or control group. A statistically significant decrease in GI and PLI in the entire propolis group (P<0.01) was shown during repeated examination. Insignificant change in GI was in the entire control group during the repeated examination compared to the baseline. Similar result was obtained in patients treated with multibracket and removable appliances. The orthodontic appliance type did not affect the final dental plaque amount and gingival condition in patients using the propolis toothpaste. These results may be clinically useful to improve prevention and control oral infectious diseases during orthodontic treatment patients with oral cleft.

Background Removing a tooth from the jaw results in the occurrence of oroantral communication in beneficial anatomic conditions or in the case of a iatrogenic effect. Popularized treatments of the oroantral communication have numerous faults. Large bone defect eliminates the chance to introduce an implant. Purpose of this work was assessment of the usefulness of autogenous bone graft and PRF in normal bone regeneration in the site of oroantral communication. Material and Methods Bone regeneration in the site of oroantral communication was assessed in 20 patients. Bone defects were supplemented autogenous bone graft from mental protuberance in 14 cases and from oblique line in 6 cases. The graft was covered with a PRF membrane. Results In the study group in all cases closure of the oroantral communication was observed. The average width of the alveolar was 13 mm and the average height was 12.5 mm. In 3 patients an average increase of alveolar height of 1.5 mm was observed. Conclusions This method may be the best option to prepare alveolar for new implant and prosthetic solutions. Key words:Oroantral communication, oroantral fistula, autogenous bone graft, bone regeneration, platelet rich fibrin.

The aim of the present study was to measure the dental arches in order to assess the potential influence of third molars on lower incisor crowding. Changes in dental arch dimensions were assessed in 47 patients (36 females, 11 males) three years following either removal of the third molars or deciding to leave them in situ. A dental pantomogram (DPT) was taken at the start of the study and plaster study models were obtained at both the beginning and end of the observation period. The study models were used to measure crowding, and to prepare photocopies for linear measurements of the dental arch (length and width). Using the DPT, the ratio of retromolar space to the width of the crown of the third molar was calculated using the method originally described by Olive and Basford and later modified by Ganss (Ganss ratio). The results showed that the measurements of crowding and arch length and width had changed in 12 lower and two upper dental arches. The relationship between these results and the Ganss ratio was statistically significant. Calculation of the Ganss ratio may therefore assist investigations into the development of dental arch crowding and also help determine the indications for third molar removal.

Introduction: A precise transfer of planned procedures to a real operative field can be provided by surgical robots. This technology, still unique, is increasingly applied in new medical specialties. The aim of this paper was to describe the clinical application of an active navigation in the dental implant treatment. Case Report: The patient was imaged by CBCT computed tomography Gendex GXCB-500/i-CAT while wearing an individually fitted interfacing acrylic splint. Thereafter, CT data were imported to the Image Guided Implantology System and precise 3-dimensional implant treatment plan was contemplated. This system allows real-time interactive carrying out of implantological procedures with three-dimensional visualization of the anatomical structures during the procedure. Conclusions: The system of active navigation ensures the coordination of prosthetic and surgical treatment which guarantees optimal surgical and prosthetic effect of the therapy, including both anatomical structures and prosthetic requirements.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a topically administered hygienic preparation containing a 3% ethanolic extract of Brazilian green propolis (EEP-B) on oral microflora spectrum changes in a group of patients who underwent common oral surgery procedures. Two gel samples were compared: the tested gel containing an active ingredient, that is, a 3% EEP-B (gel GA), and a placebo as the negative control (gel GC). The collection of microbiological material included 14 patients requiring surgical extraction of wisdom molars and short endosseous implant installation. Clinical examinations were carried out as follow-up, that is, baseline and after 5-6 weeks’ time. During the first and subsequent assessment, swabs were taken from the mucosal surface. The number of microorganism species was found to have increased following the application of GC gel over the period of 5-6 weeks. This mainly affected Gram-positive rods and bacilli as well as Gram-negative rods. Application of the GA gel enriched with 3% EEP-B caused a profound reduction in the amount ofNeisseriaspp. andBifidobacteriumspp. strains. Elimination of seven species of microorganisms was observed:Streptococcus acidominimus, Streptococcus oralis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Veillonella parvula, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Objectives. There is no single pattern for preventive action as to the duration and type of antibiotic therapy in maxillofacial surgery. In these circumstances, it appears reasonable to set relevant standards for prophylactic procedures after such surgeries.Methods. Retrospective analysis of bacteriological tests has been carried out as well as a susceptibility evaluation of cultured bacterial and fungal strains to antibiotics over a five-year period in subjects treated at the Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Clinic in Katowice. A total of 726 bacterial and fungal strains were cultured in 484 patients (200 women and 284 males). The age of the patients was 40.2 on average.Results. The most frequent bacteria isolated from the patients were Gram-positive 541 (74.5%). Gram-negative bacteria were present in 177 (24.4%) cases. Fungi of theCandidagenus were isolated in eight cases (1.1%).Conclusions. The most often isolated bacteria wereStreptococcus mitisandStreptococcus oralis, whose number has grown over the last two years. Empiric therapies should be based on ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. It has been observed that all the Gram-positive bacteria are becoming more resistant to all antibiotics. Ampicillin and imipenem were antibiotics with the steepest resistance reduction while vancomycin showed the lowest resistance drop.

Restoration of mandible discontinuity defects continues as a challenge for maxillofacial surgeons. Despite the development of algorithms for reconstruction plates fixation and autogenous grafting techniques, complications are still encountered including screw loosening, bone resorption or delayed/incomplete union. The aim of the study was to analyze the possibility of obtaining bone union in the aspect of biomechanical conditions of two mandible reconstructions using an autogenous iliac crest bone graft stabilized with a reconstruction plate, and to attempt to predict patient outcomes based on strength parameters obtained by the finite element analysis. The authors of the present paper were trying to determine to what extent the reconstruction model and changes occurring in hard tissues of the bone and autogenous graft (simulated by changes in material properties) might help predict individual patient courses. The effort of reconstruction plates was defined using the values of the von Mises stress (σHMH) while the effort of bones was determined based on the values of strain intensity εint. The results of the above mentioned simulations are presented in the form of bar graphs and strain/stress distribution maps. Our strength analyses indicate that uncomplicated healing of grafts fixed with reconstruction plates requires that the initial loading of the stomatognatic system should not result in strain intensity exceeding 20-40 [×10⁻⁴]. This range of strain intensity evokes an increase in the mineral phase. The state of nonunion between the mandibular bone and the graft might result from prolonged periods of insufficient loading of the mandible during treatment.

The soft and periodontal tissues surrounding dental implants are particularly susceptible to bacteria invasion and inflammatory reactions due to complex histological structures. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of a propolis-containing hygienic agent on selected oral health parameters, oral microflora, and the condition of periodontal health. Sixteen subjects who underwent an oral rehabilitation with dental implants were selected and randomly assigned into two groups, which received a newly formulated propolis-containing toothpaste (3% (CA)) or a negative control without an active ingredient (CC). Approximal plaque index (API), oral hygiene index (OHI, debris component), and sulcus bleeding index (SBI) were assessed in three subsequent stages. During the first and last examinations, the swabs were employed for microbiological inoculation. Propolis-containing toothpaste was found to be distinctively effective in improving oral health and the occurrence of gingivitis triggered by dental plaque. The qualitative and quantitative changes in oral bacteria spectrum were observed. Antibacterial measures containing propolis might be used as a natural adjuvant to other active substances in individuals with a high risk of periodontal problems against pathogenic oral microflora.

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible is the most serious and severe side effect of combined treatment of head and neck tumors. Due to frequent failure of its conventional management, new methods are being sought and tested, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO); however, effective methods of monitoring HBO results are not yet available. The purpose of our study was to assess thermographic records of ORN patients in different stages of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.In the years 2003-2008, hyperbaric oxygen was used as an adjunct in the conventional management of 4 patients with progressive osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. The effects of the treatment were evaluated based on the clinical, radiological, and thermographic examinations. In each patient thermograms were obtained before and after HBO.Clinical examination showed ORN remission following 30 exposures in a hyperbaric chamber at 2.5 atmospheres for 90 minutes. Follow-up thermograms obtained after 35-60 exposures revealed a marked warming of the osteoradionecrotic area of the mandible resulting from an increase in blood supply and tissue metabolism increase. In 1 case of therapy cessation, just 5 sessions of HBO therapy was associated with a decrease in acute inflammation, as manifested by local cooling seen in a follow-up thermogram.Thermography is an effective method of monitoring HBO results in patients with osteoradionecrosis. However, thermograms should be interpreted in combination with the corresponding clinical picture and radiological findings.

Generally, squamous cell carcinoma carries a poor prognosis because of its tendency to local invasion and subsequent metastasis, which is mediated by multiple factors and angiogenesis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent mitogen for epithelial cells and regulates cell proliferation and migration and survival tumour angiogenesis and invasiveness. The aim of the study presented here was to determine the serum concentration of HGF in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma before and after initial treatment.The investigation was carried out in a group of 10 men and 10 women who had been hospitalised at the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery because of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Blood samples were collected before and four weeks after initial treatment. Concentrations of HGF were determined in all blood serum samples.In patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma daily oscillations of the mean values of HGF were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (p0.001). Serum concentrations of HGF were significantly higher in those patients who had undergone tumour and regional lymph node resection. Serum HGF levels correlated positively with primary tumour stage. In our study no significant association was observed between HGF levels and histological differentiation, but the daily oscillation of HGF was higher in those with G3 than in those with G2 and G1 status.Our data showed that the changes can be important pathogenic elements involved in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma and may be a useful marker for clinical monitoring.

Epuli (granulomas) are the most frequently observed gingival tumours. The etiopathogenesis of the hyperplasia is not yet clear, and classification inconsistent. Literature on the subject presents considerable discrepancies regarding the tumours origin. The factors determining their development, growth rate, and tendency to recur are still unknown although several options have been considered, i.e., type of injury or inflammatory process, hygiene, nutrition, alcohol, nicotine, pharmacotherapy, hormonal status, and immune efficiency. The opinions of authors of the literature on etiopathogenetic, the classification, the clinical images and the treatment of epulides are represented.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis [(LCH), histiocytosis X] is a very rare disease, which can involve any side and organ of the body. LCH may appear as an isolated leasion or as a widespread systemic disease. Focus in the bone as eosinophilic granuloma can be separate or be involved only as a part of generalized disease. The aim of this study was describe diagnostic and treatment difficulties in two patients suffering from LCH. The first patient was 28-years-old man who had been treated by reason of tumor on the left angle of mandible in 2005 year. The second patient was a 2-years-old-child who had directed because of gomphiasis deciduous molar teeth in lower and upper jaws in 2005 year. After diagnosis child was treatment by chemotherapy and stay in remission.1. In differential diagnosis of infiltrations and osteolytic losses of maxilla and mandible one should take into account LCH. 2. Differential localization and non characteristic symptoms can cause the late diagnosis and aggravate the prognosis of this severe disease. 3. Dentist in his practice should keep oncological vigilance because of the fact that he may be the first doctor for patients with LCH.

Although research has demonstrated that odontogenic foci of infection can be dangerous to the function of other organs, a direct relationship between orofacial infections and systemic health has not been proved. Recently, bacterial and viral organisms involved in chronic inflammatory processes have also been regarded as risk factors for atherosclerosis. Periodontitis is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections. One of the first researchers to indicate a relationship between orofacial infections and atherosclerosis were Mattila et al. In 1989 they published a paper which identified periodontal disease as an independent predictor of the risk of myocardial infarction. For over ten years several authors have discussed the correlation between oral infections, and periodontal disease in particular, and the occurrence of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. A review of the knowledge of the effects of periodontal disease on the development of atheromatous plaque is presented here. No scientific evidence was found to prove a direct association between odontogenic infections and atherosclerosis. However, such a relationship is probable in the light of the reviewed articles. Reliable markers should be sought which could accurately indicate the effect of periodontal disease on the condition of the arteries.

Oral pathologies are divided by histochemical analysis. Molecular analysis is a future, and expensive, method, and in it, the role of gene BCL-2 may be of interest.Forty-five patients with tumors of the oral cavity were enrolled. Biopsies were taken from the incision line, tumor section, and healthy tissue. A three-stage molecular analysis was carried out. BCL-2 expression was investigated depending on the site of the tissue material sample and the final histopathological result: hyperplasia (group I), neoplasm in situ malignancy (group II), and carcinoma (group III). Data from four subgroups of group I were also analyzed.No statistically significant difference was demonstrated in BCL-2 expression among the four hyperplasia subgroups. However, statistically significant differences in BCL-2 expression were found among the three basic study groups (p=0.00002) and among the biopsy collection sites (p=0.002). The difference was the most pronounced between carcinoma and incision line, but was also noticeable between neoplasm in situ malignancies and incision line.Monitoring BCL-2 expression may facilitate prognosis of the progress and ultimate severity of oral cavity hyperplasias.

Metastases to oral cavity are very uncommon. We present a case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis to the jaw. The x-ray examination and clinical picture of the lesion were not characteristic. The gingival metastasis may mimic other benign and malignant conditions which affect jaw and therefore the histopathological examination is necessary to make an ultimate diagnosis.

Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a rare condition that usually occurs in newborns and young children under the age of 2 years. Three cases of IM in older children are presented. Clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features of the lesions are described. The lesions appeared as solitary, fast growing oral tumors. Infantile myofibromatosis rises the oncological concern and requires differentiation with benign and malignant soft tissue tumors as well as juvenile and infantile fibromatosis.

Damage to ethmoid structures following removal of nasal polyps can cause severe complications. A patient aged 48 years with damage to right orbital structures sustained in the course of transnasal endoscopic surgery for ethmoid polyps was operated. After operation were complications.