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Purpose: To report the results of a 2020 international survey of the most commonly used materials and techniques for the fabrication of extraoral maxillofacial prosthetics and to assess the use of 3D technology.Materials and Methods: A 43-question survey was administered via Qualtrics to the members of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the International Anaplastology Association, and the International Society of Maxillofacial Rehabilitation. The use of current 3D technology in the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses, as well as barriers to care such as patient cost and insurance coverage, were also assessed.Results: A total of 134 respondents (13%) completed the survey; 96 (73%) reported that they were currently fabricating maxillofacial prostheses and were thus included in the survey. The majority of respondents reported currently using Silastic MDX4-4210 BioMedical Grade Elastomer (DuPont) with either Silastic Medical Adhesive Silicone Type A or Silastic MDX4-4210 crosslinker. Incorporating the use of current CAD/CAM technology was reported by a majority of respondents (58%; 45/77); however, a small cohort (33%, 15/45) reported they were "still experimenting how best to use technology." A total of 39 clinicians (49%) reported that facial prosthetics were most often paid for by the patient (fee for service), with the fee ranging from $10 to $5,500 USD.Conclusion: The results of this survey indicate that current CAD/CAM technology has been adopted and incorporated into the design and fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses. More research is needed to advance CAD/CAM technology as well as the physical and mechanical properties of materials in maxillofacial prosthetics and anaplastology clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the survival rate (SR) and probability of postoperative complications at both the implant and patient level for each of the four surgical techniques for zygomatic implant (ZI) placement: Brånemark, sinus slot, extrasinus, and extramaxillary. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of clinical studies that reported the survival rate and postoperative ZI complications for the rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous maxillae was conducted based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) recommendations. Two independent reviewers consulted four databases during the literature search: MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, Clinicaltrials.gov, and LILACS. Duplicate articles were eliminated. Results: A total of 35 studies were included in the metaanalysis. Subgroup analysis showed that study design (prospective vs retrospective) had no significant impact (P = .10) on the outcomes. The SR was highest for the Brånemark and extrasinus techniques (100%) and lowest for the sinus slot technique (94%; 95% CI = 86% to 102%). The extramaxillary (38%; 95% CI = 1% to 3%) and the Brånemark (29%; 95% CI = 15% to 44%) techniques resulted in the highest occurrence of patient-level complications. Moreover, the extramaxillary technique showed the highest percentage of prothesis-related complications (44%; 95% CI = 27% to 62%). Conclusions: ZI placement was demonstrated to be a reliable technique for the rehabilitation of severely atrophic maxillae, irrespective of the surgical technique evaluated. Accurate case and surgical protocol selection is of paramount importance to reduce technique-related postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repair of hemimandibulectomy defects involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is challenging. This study compared the functional outcomes and reconstruction accuracy using a deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap with and without a virtually planned stock TMJ prosthesis (TMJP) after hemimandibulectomy. Ten patients were assessed: five with a TMJP (TMJP group) and five without (control group). A three-dimensional comparison revealed a mean deviation of 0.11 ± 0.04 mm between the planned and actual DCIA flap with TMJP. The planned and actual TMJP positions differed by 0.56 ± 0.57 mm in height, 0.33 ± 0.24 mm ventrally/dorsally, and 1.18 ± 0.42 mm medially/laterally. Mouth opening, laterotrusion, and midline deviation were significantly greater in the control group than in the TMJP group (P = 0.024, P = 0.008, P = 0.024). The deviation in ventral to dorsal translation for the DCIA flap was slightly higher than reported values in the literature, while height deviation was comparable. Lower deviations in the literature were due to the DCIA flap being used where both TMJs were intact. The in-house virtually planned DCIA flap with stock TMJP yielded results comparable to more expensive patient-specific prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the aim of this paper, is to propose a new reference line: the Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line (FZ-IOL). This reference line can guide the surgical team planning mandibular angle harmonization, based on the patient's skeletal proportion. The Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line has been adopted for symmetrization surgery, masculinization surgery, and in unsatisfactory results of previous orthognathic surgery. From March 2021 to December 2022, 3 patients were treated for severe facial asymmetry affecting mainly the lower third of the face. All cases were planned with the reference FZ-IOL. Patients were treated in the same center, at the Orthognathic Surgery Department of the Instituto Portugues da Face, Lisbon, Portugal. The Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line is designed virtually using software to reconstruct a 3D image from a digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) file obtained from a cone beam computer tomography (CBCT). , connecting the two orbital rims. Then, a vertical line, the frontozygomatic line perpendicular to the IOL and passing through the outmost lateral portion of the frontozygomatic suture is drawn. The proposed line demonstrated how establishing appropriate reference lines is crucial for the success of the surgery. The selection of reference lines should be based on the patient's anatomy, the symmetrization process's complexity, and the surgery's desired outcome. The Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line represents an adequate reference line for managing mandibular angle lateral projection, improving lower third of the face symmetrization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although deterioration of silicone maxillofacial prostheses is severely accentuated in smoking patients, the phenomenon has not been systematically studied. To address a gap in the literature concerning the stability of maxillofacial prostheses during service, in this contribution, the effect of cigarette smoke on the aspect and physical properties of M511 silicone elastomer was evaluated. The aspect, surface, and overall properties of the silicone material, pigmented or not, were followed by AFM, color measurements, FTIR, water contact angle measurements, TGA‐DTG and DSC, hardness and compression stress–strain measurements. The types of the contaminants adsorbed were assessed by XRF, ESI‐MS, MALDI‐MS, and NMR spectral analyses. Important modifications in color, contact angle, surface roughness, local mechanical properties, and thermal properties were found in the silicone material for maxillofacial prostheses after exposure to cigarettes smoke. The presence of lead, nicotine, and several other organic compounds adsorbed into the silicone material was emphasized. Slight decrease in hardness and increase in Young's modulus was found. The combined data show important impact of cigarette smoke on the silicone physical properties and could indicate chemical transformations by secondary cross‐linking. To our knowledge, this is the first study making use of complementary physical methods to assess the effect of cigarette smoke on the aspect and integrity of silicone materials for maxillofacial prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different techniques have been described for fabricating obturators for patients with maxillary defects. The hollow bulb obturator has emerged as the treatment of choice in most patients due to its light weight, decreased stress on the underlying tissues, and decreased patient discomfort. This article presents a technique for fabricating a closed hollow bulb obturator using a laboratory scanner, computer-aided design software, and three-dimensional printing.

Maxillofacial prosthesis play an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with facial defects resulting from trauma, surgery or congenital anomalies. This review article discusses different categories of materials including acrylic resin, vinyl polymer, chlorinated polyethylene, polyurethane and silicone elastomers and highlights their advantages and limitations. In particular, the current materials used in maxillofacial prosthetics, i.e. silicone material, RTV (room-temperature vulcanized) silicone and HTV (high-temperature vulcanized) silicone are highlighted focusing on the prevailing challenges and their physico-mechanical properties for maxillofacial prosthesis application. Finally, the effect of tropical climate and further perspectives on RTV and HTV based maxillofacial materials are critically discussed to motivate potential research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate how guided and navigation surgical approaches for implant placement affect survival and accuracy. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane Library. The reviews were refereed by two independent investigators using the following PICO question: population—patients with missing maxillary or mandibular teeth; intervention—dental implant guided surgery, dental implant navigation surgery; comparison—conventional implant surgery or historical control; outcome—implant survival, implant accuracy. Singlearm, weighted meta-analyses were performed on navigational and static guided surgery groups for cumulative survival rate and accuracy of implant placement (ie, angular, depth, and horizontal deviation). Group metrics with less than five reports were not synthesized. The study was compiled under PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: A total of 3,930 articles were screened. Full-text review of 93 articles resulted in a total of 56 articles included for quantitative synthesis and analysis. Implant placement with a fully guided approach resulted in the following means and 95% CI: cumulative survival rate of 97% (96%, 98%), angular deviation of 3.8 degrees (3.4 degrees, 4.2 degrees), depth deviation of 0.5 mm (0.4 mm, 0.6 mm), and horizontal deviation at the implant neck of 1.2 mm (1.0 mm, 1.3 mm). Implant placement with a navigation approach resulted in an angular deviation of 3.4 degrees (3.0 degrees, 3.9 degrees), horizontal deviation at the implant neck of 0.9 mm (0.8 mm, 1.0 mm), and horizontal deviation at the implant apex of 1.2 mm (0.8 mm, 1.5 mm). Conclusion: Static guided and navigation surgical approaches for dental implant placement have survival rates comparable to historical controls. Accuracy of implant placement does not differ markedly between these two approaches. Int J Oral Maxillofac [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midfacial defects are defined as ones limited to the middle one-third of the face in the horizontal axis which communes with intraoral maxillary defects. They affect patient’s phonation, chewing capacity, quality of life, and social and community behavior. Surgical reconstruction alone is inadequate to rehabilitate these large midfacial defects, thereby necessitating use of a maxillofacial prosthesis to restore form, function, esthetics and comfort. The present case report presents the prosthetic restoration of a surgical defect secondary to treatment of rhinocerebral mucormycosis with an extraoral (exenteration) and intraoral (Armany Class IV) defect connected with magnetic attachment.

Introduction: Coronectomy of a mandibular third molar is a surgical procedure which aims to protect the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) by removing the crown of the tooth, whilst leaving the roots in‐situ. There is an anecdotal variation in practice regarding the post‐operative clinical and radiographic review of patients who have undergone this procedure, which may be attributable to a lack of high‐quality evidence or guidance. The aim of this study was to establish current practice within the United Kingdom (UK) for a post‐operative review following a coronectomy. Materials and Methods: An online survey was distributed to 50 Oral Surgery speciality registrars working within Oral Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial departments across the UK during June 2022. Two reminder emails were sent, and participants were asked to respond on behalf of their departments. Results: Twenty responses were received from trainees, on behalf of 20 separate departments. Fifty percent (n = 10) of the responding departments discharged patients without intra‐operative complications immediately following the procedure. The remaining 50% of departments discharged patients at points ranging from 2 weeks to 12 months. Departments who review patients who have undergone a coronectomy without intra‐operative complications do so between 1 and 3 times, with the most common time for the first review being at 1‐month post‐procedure (n = 3). When reviewing these patients, 54.5% (n = 6) of departments utilise face‐to‐face only reviews, whereas 36.4% (n = 4) of departments utilise a combination of face‐to‐face and remote reviews. Sixty‐five percent (n = 13) of departments do not routinely take postoperative imaging for these patients. Many departments also reported variation in practice within their departments, regarding discharge timing, clinical review and radiographic review. Conclusion: This survey has suggested that there is variation in practice within the secondary and tertiary care Oral Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery centres within the United Kingdom in relation to the post‐operative clinical and radiographic coronectomy review. Consideration should be given to further high‐quality research into these areas, including the merits of patient‐initiated reviews and the development of guidelines for post‐operative management of coronectomy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paranasal augmentation has been a popular approach in restoring Asian patients' lateral profile. Irregular surface in the surgical area emphasizes the importance of morphological evidence for the preoperative evaluation and the design of paranasal implants. Methods: We retrospectively collected craniofacial computer tomography scans of patients in the department of plastic surgery from 2020 to 2022. The imaging data were imported to Mimics (version 20.0; Materialize, Leuven, Belgium) for three-dimensional reconstruction. Measurements of osteal nasal base were performed in 3-matics (version 12.0; Materialize). The severity of paranasal concavity was graded by a senior doctor to study the correlation with measured variables. Results: Fifty-seven patients with a median age of 27 years (IQR: 22–33) were included in the study. For design of paranasal implants, the lengths of both lower and lateral edge were measured for reference. In the regression analysis, the alar base-alveolar process angle was significantly associated with the degrees of paranasal concavity (OR = 1.222, p = 0.00001). Conclusions: Morphological data of osteal nasal base were measured and presented in the current study. The analysis supported that alar base-alveolar process angle be used for preoperative grading and evaluation to help guiding treatment decisions. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The biomedical applications of silicones are countless due to their outstanding properties. In dentistry, silicone for maxillofacial and plastic surgery has become indispensable, from both physiological and aesthetic points of view. In this mini-review, silicone materials for dentistry and facial prostheses are discussed, focusing on their properties and alterations when exposed for long periods to different environments. A significant number of studies reported in the literature have been conducted in vitro, mimicking some of the main degradative factors which have been identified as triggers for discoloration and deterioration of the mechanical properties. Among these, in artificial aging and accelerated natural aging studies, UV radiation is considered the most important. Other weathering factors, biological contamination, and disinfection agents may have dramatic effects as well. Several general properties of silicones are described at the beginning, with a focus on biocompatibility, cross-linking mechanisms, and applications in dentistry and maxillofacial prosthetics. We discuss the ongoing cross-linking and/or possible exudation after manufacturing, which also affects the stability of the prosthesis over time, and possibly the patient. Next, the main environmental factors that affect the prostheses in service are presented, including the role of cigarettes smoke, which has been discussed very little so far. A few aspects, such as biofilm formation, its negative effects, and proposed solutions to overcome this phenomenon regarding silicones, are also described. We conclude by proposing a set of topics for future research and development based on the gaps that have been identified in the literature. Although silicones are probably irreplaceable in maxillofacial prosthetics, improvements in terms of base materials, additives, surface treatments, and maintenance are possible and necessary for long-lasting and safer prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this narrative review, we present the current applications and performances of artificial intelligence (AI) models in different phases of the removable prosthodontic workflow and related research topics. Study selection: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases between January 2010 and January 2023. Search terms related to AI were combined with terms related to removable prosthodontics. Articles reporting the structure and performance of the developed AI model were selected for this literature review. Results: A total of 15 articles were relevant to the application of AI in removable prosthodontics, including maxillofacial prosthetics. These applications included the design of removable partial dentures, classification of partially edentulous arches, functional evaluation and outcome prediction in complete denture treatment, early prosthetic management of patients with cleft lip and palate, coloration of maxillofacial prostheses, and prediction of the material properties of denture teeth. Various AI models with reliable prediction accuracy have been developed using supervised learning. Conclusions: The current applications of AI in removable prosthodontics exhibit significant potential for improving the prosthodontic workflow, with high accuracy levels reported in most of the reviewed studies. However, the focus has been predominantly on the diagnostic phase, with few studies addressing treatment planning and implementation. Because the number of AI-related studies in removable prosthodontics is limited, more models targeting different prosthodontic disciplines are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several treatment options available to restore function and appearance in patients with combined mid-facial defects. Owing to the size of the defect and the associated size and weight of the prostheses, adequate retention can be challenging to achieve. Retention of a facial prosthesis can be improved using several techniques, such as medical grade adhesives, attachments, or osseo-integrated implants. For patients with a history of radiotherapy, surgical rehabilitation may be less favourable than non-surgical approaches owing to the risk of osteoradionecrosis and a reduced blood supply in the surgical fields. This clinical case report highlights the conservative rehabilitation of a combined mid-facial defect using a magnet-retained intra-oral and extra-oral prosthesis. CPD/Clinical Relevance: A thorough medical and clinical assessment will highlight factors that will influence the treatment planning process when managing a combined mid-facial defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on gender inequality is crucial as it unveils the pervasive disparities that persist across various domains, shedding light on societal imbalances and providing a foundation for informed policy-making. Aim: To investigate gender differences in scientometric indices among faculty members in dental schools across Iran. This included overall data and speciality-specific data. Methods: The publication profiles of academic staff in all dental schools were examined using the Iranian Scientometric Information Database (ISID, http://isid.research.ac.ir). Variables analyzed were working field, academic degree, the total number of papers, papers per year, total number of citations, percentage of self-citation, h-index, g-index, citations per paper, gender, university type, number of years publishing, proportion of international papers, first-author papers, and corresponding-author papers. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests were used to analyze the relationship between background characteristics and scientometric indicators. The extracted data were analyzed using R v4.0.1. Results: The database included 1850 faculty members, of which about 60% (1104 of 1850) were women. Men (n = 746) had a higher number of papers (6583 vs. 6255) and citations (60410 vs. 39559) compared with women; 234 of the 376 faculty members with no papers were women. Almost half of the women (N = 517 of 1104) were in Type 2 universities, and nearly half of the men (N = 361 of the 746) were faculty members at Type 1 universities (Type 1 universities ranking higher than Type 2 and 3 universities). The medians of scientometric indices were higher in men, except for self-citation percentage (0 (IQR = 2) vs. 0 (IQR = 3), P = 0.083), international papers percentage (0 (IQR = 7.5) vs. 0 (IQR = 16.7), P<0.001). The proportion of corresponding-author papers was more than 62% higher in women (25 (IQR = 50) vs. 15.4 (IQR = 40), P<0.001). Men had a two-fold higher median h-index (2 (IQR = 4) vs. 1 (IQR = 3), P<0.001). Restorative dentistry and pediatric dentistry had the highest men-to-women ratios (1.5 for both). Dental materials and oral and maxillofacial surgery showed the lowest men-to-women ratios (0.42 and 0.5, respectively). Conclusions: Women made up the majority of dental faculty members in Iran. Nevertheless, men showed better scientometric results in several significant indices. Having identified scientometric information reflecting differences across faculty members, further research is now needed to better understand the drivers of these differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This report investigates late-stage internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the aim of establishing a more effective and personalized treatment protocol to improve patients' quality of life (QoL). Material and methods: A consensus was reached among maxillofacial surgeons specializing in LSID, based on a literature research and collective expert experience following the Delphi method. Consensus was considered to be achieved when a response received at least 80% of votes. Results: Four expert groups were established, respectively, focusing on diagnosis, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), open surgery and joint replacement. A comprehensive approach to late-stage ID of the TMJ requires a consensus report. This underscores the need for a personalized treatment plan, considering the variability in clinical presentations and progression of this pathology. Our recommendations aim to optimize clinical outcomes and enhance patient QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of suitable seed cells represents a critical scientific problem to be solved in the field of oral and maxillofacial bone tissue regeneration. The application of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in tissue and organ repair and regeneration has been studied extensively. In recent years, dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells have also shown broad application prospects in the field of bone tissue engineering. DFAT cells express stem cell-related markers and have the potential to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, nerve cells, cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. In addition, DFAT cells also have the advantages of minimally invasive acquisition, strong proliferation and high homogeneity. Currently, all studies involving the application of DFAT cells in scaffold-based and scaffold-free bone tissue engineering can confirm their effectiveness in promoting bone regeneration. However, cytological research still faces some challenges, including relatively low cell culture purity, unclear phenotypic characteristics and undefined dedifferentiation mechanisms. It is believed that with the continuous development and improvement of isolation, culture, identification and directional induction of osteogenic differentiation methods, DFAT cells are expected to become excellent seed cells in the field of oral and maxillofacial bone tissue engineering in the future.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the type of cancer that most frequently affects the oral cavity, mainly in men older than 50 years of age. Treatment for oral SCC often involves surgical excision of the affected margins, resulting in mutilation that affects the patient's quality of life. The objective of this case report is to describe the prosthetic treatment of a 56-year-old man who underwent total glossectomy, resulting in speech and swallowing difficulties. The proposed treatment was a tongue prosthesis retained by orthodontic clasps on the mandibular first molars. After maxillary and mandibular complete-arch impressions were performed and casts were prepared for prosthetic planning, an acrylic resin plate and 3 tongue prototypes were fabricated. Esthetic chemoand functional tests were carried out, and 2 tongue models (1 for speech and 1 for eating) were selected for acrylization, finishing, and polishing. After placement of the prostheses, the patient was referred for follow-up with a speech therapist to improve his adaptation with the prostheses. The patient was satisfied with the prostheses and able to perform the functions of chewing, swallowing, and speech production, which helped in his social reintegration and improved his quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) represents an extremely rare and aggressive tumor that arises from malignant transformation and clonal expansion of melanocytes in the oral cavity. The prognosis of patients affected by OMM is quite unfavorable, with survival rates lower than those described for patients with cutaneous melanoma. Case report: Here, we report a case of OMM in a 59‐year‐old Caucasian woman, who was referred for evaluation of a large asymptomatic pigmented lesion on the left side of the hard palate under the removable total denture. Incisional biopsy was performed, and histopathological analysis revealed the proliferation of spindle‐shaped and pigmented epithelioid cells, with cellular pleomorphism. These cells were positive for Melan A, S‐100, HMB‐45, SOX‐10, and Ki‐67 confirming the diagnosis of OMM. The patient underwent partial maxillectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. After treatment, she was rehabilitated with a palatal obturator prosthesis and has been in follow‐up for 10 years with no evidence of disease. Due to the rarity in the oral cavity and the nonspecific signs and symptoms, the diagnosis of OMM is difficult and often overlooked. Conclusion: Therefore, multidisciplinary management from diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation is important to increase the expectation of cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study was aiming to evaluate the influence of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles addition on the bonding performance of platinum primer (G611) between maxillofacial silicone and acrylic substrate. Materials and methods. 180 samples were divided on two tests (shear and peel bond strength) and they were divided into two main groups (cold cure, and 3D printed) acrylic resins. Each group was subdivided into 5 subgroups (N=9) according to the concentration of nano-filler addition (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) by weight. The data obtained were evaluated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests at P˂0.05. Results. Statistical analysis revealed (0.5% and 1%) concentrations had significantly the highest bond strength in both groups, whereas (2%) had the lowest bond strength in both groups. Conclusion. Reinforcement of the platinum primer G611 with Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (1%) concentration by weight resulted in a significant improvement in the bonding performance of the platinum primer G611 larger concentrations (1.5%, and 2%) resulted in declining bonding strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced profound societal and healthcare transformations globally. Material and methods: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to assess potential shifts in the epidemiology and management of oromaxillofacial trauma requiring surgical intervention over a 1-year period encompassing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to the preceding year. The parameters investigated included age, sex, injury mechanisms, fractured bones, and treatment modalities. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A notable 39.36% reduction in oromaxillofacial fractures was identified (p < 0.001), with no significant alterations in sex distribution, types of fractured bones, or treatment modalities. An appreciable increase in mean age was observed (35.92 vs. 40.26) (p = 0.006). Analysis of the causes of oromaxillofacial trauma revealed diminished incidents of interpersonal violence (41% vs. 35%) and sports-related injuries (14% vs. 8%), alongside an escalation in cases attributed to falls (27% vs. 35%), precipitation events (2% vs. 5%), and traffic accidents (12% vs. 13%). The mandible emerged as the most frequently fractured bone. Conclusion: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of maxillofacial fractures treated surgically and has changed the epidemiology and the etiology of facial traumas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults who have undergone surgery for oral tumors are at increased risk of impaired masticatory rhythm. This study investigated the correlations between masticatory rhythm, objective masticatory performance, and subjective masticatory performance as well as factors related to masticatory rhythm. Methods: The participants were 44 adults (24 men, 20 women; age range 42~90 years old) who had undergone maxillectomy, mandibulectomy, or glossectomy and were rehabilitated with a maxillofacial prosthesis. The number of functional contact teeth pairs was confirmed by intraoral examination. Chewing rate, cycle duration, coefficient of variation (CV) for cycle duration (reflecting the stability of masticatory rhythm), and mixing ability were measured simultaneously using a mastication movement rhythm tracking device during gum chewing. Maximum occlusal force was measured using the dental prescale system. Patients' perception of chewing ability was rated using a questionnaire. Results: The Spearman's rank correlation test revealed that mixing ability, patient-rated masticatory scores, cycle duration, CV for cycle duration, and maximum occlusal force showed significant correlations with chewing rate. Multiple linear regression analysis identified mixing ability and the CV for cycle duration as significant predictors of masticatory rhythm. Conclusions: Factors associated with a faster chewing rate were higher mixing ability and masticatory scores, greater maximum occlusal force, shorter cycle duration, and smaller CV for cycle duration. Stable masticatory rhythm and mixing ability are significant predictors of chewing rate. Poor masticatory performance and unstable masticatory rhythm can result in slower chewing and thus a higher risk of inadequate dietary intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customization and the production of patient-specific devices, tailoring the unique anatomy of each patient's jaw and facial structures, are the new frontiers in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. As a technological advancement, additive manufacturing has been applied to produce customized objects based on 3D computerized models. Therefore, this paper presents advances in additive manufacturing strategies for patient-specific devices in diverse dental specialties. This paper overviews current 3D printing techniques to fabricate dental and maxillofacial devices. Then, the most recent literature (2018–2023) available in scientific databases reporting advances in 3D-printed patient-specific devices for dental and maxillofacial applications is critically discussed, focusing on the major outcomes, material-related details, and potential clinical advantages. The recent application of 3D-printed customized devices in oral prosthodontics, implantology and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics are presented. Moreover, the potential application of 4D printing as an advanced manufacturing technology and the challenges and future perspectives for additive manufacturing in the dental and maxillofacial area are reported. Additive manufacturing techniques have been designed to benefit several areas of dentistry, and the technologies, materials, and devices continue to be optimized. Image-based and accurately printed patient-specific devices to replace, repair, and regenerate dental and maxillofacial structures hold significant potential to maximize the standard of care in dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current research was to assess and gain insight into the perceptions held by dental students enrolled in the clinical program at Qassim University regarding the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the dental clinics of Qassim University, following approval from the Dental Research Center of the university. The study targeted a population consisting of 80 dental interns and undergraduate students (BDS) enrolled at Qassim University. From each academic year (third year to interns), a random selection of 20 students was made, ensuring representation from both male and female sections. Upon analyzing the data regarding the intern and class year of dental students, it was found that there were no statistically significant associations with regard to question 3: "What do you perceive as the most commonly performed procedure by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in practice?" (P = 0.759a). Among intern and dental students, a significant majority identified extraction of the third molars as the most frequent procedure carried out. The lowest percentage (70.4%) was reported among the intern classes, whereas the highest percentage (91.7%) was reported among the fourth-year students. The perceptions of dental students toward OMFS undergo changes during their undergraduate training. By gaining a deeper understanding of these perceptions, the academic faculty specialized in OMFS can enhance their ability to educate students and, in turn, strengthen the overall specialty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the color stability of different commercially available silicone materials for facial prostheses upon exposure to everyday beverages. It was hypothesized that the beverages would not alter the color of the silicone under conditions simulating daily exposure. Methods: Sixty specimens were fabricated using two materials - VST-50 and Silfy - and exposed to commercially available cold mineral water, tea, or coffee. Specimen color was evaluated on days 1 and 15. The color was measured with a spectrophotometer based on CIELab system and color differences were calculated as AE. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The mean AE values after 15 days of exposure to mineral water, cold green tea, and coffee were 1.016, 3.480, and 3.636 for VST-50 and 0.440, 0.798, and 1.425 for Silfy, respectively. Both materials showed significant differences in color, and VST-50 showed a greater color change than Silfy, especially for coffee. Conclusion: Pigmented silicone elastomers have low color stability, leading to an overall color change in silicone prostheses when exposed to pigmented beverages. Color changes in such prostheses can be mitigated by selecting materials with better color stability to extend their longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of 3D printing technology in maxillofacial surgery in Iran represents a significant advancement in medical practice, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in surgical procedures. Employing the Non-Adoption, Abandonment, Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework and the WHO Health Systems Framework, this study analyzes the complex impact and challenges of 3D printing adoption within the Iranian healthcare sector. Maxillofacial surgery has seen transformative progress with 3D printing's ability to produce accurate surgical models and customized implants. The results indicate a notable improvement in surgical precision and patient recovery times, alongside combatting identified barriers including technological access, cost, and skill acquisition. This conclusion underscores the critical need for targeted educational programs, policy support, and infrastructure development to overcome these obstacles. This paper highlights 3D printing's potential to revolutionize maxillofacial surgery in Iran, provided that comprehensive strategies are implemented to address the current limitations and fully leverage this innovative technology's benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aims to determine the impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement on health-related quality of life. The review was reported following the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. An electronic search using the Bielefeld Academic Search Engine was performed to identify primary studies reported in English and published up until November 2023. Ten reports fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were assessed according to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP): Qualitative Studies Checklist. The overall research value of the studies ranged from high (dominant) to moderate. The synthesis of the results concerning TMJ replacement in severe degenerative disease showed an improvement in (1) quality of life, (2) pain intensity, (3) mastication efficiency, and (4) mandibular mobility. One study presented favorable outcomes for patients suffering from ankylosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to document the normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in cats and possible associations with bodyweight, age, sex, sexual status, breed and skull morphology. Secondarily, the radiographic appearance of the mandibular symphysis and possible associations with the analyzed data were evaluated. Materials and methods: Two hundred and sixteen cats of 15 different breeds that underwent maxillofacial, oral and dental procedures from April 2015 to December 2021 were included. Clinical mobility was evaluated under general anesthesia using a 0 to 3 scale in lateromedial (LM) and dorsoventral (DV) directions. The symphysis was radiographically classified on the occlusal radiographic view of the rostral mandibles as fused or open, and with parallel or divergent margins. Results: Bodyweight ranged from 2.2 to 12.5 kg (median 4.0 kg), age from 4 months to 17 years and 4 months (median 6 years and 4 months). At the first evaluation DV symphyseal mobility was 0 in 177 cases (82%), 1 in 32 cases (14.8%) and 2 in 7 cases (3.2%), LM mobility was 0 in 61 cases (28.3%), 1 in 110 cases (50.9%) and 2 in 45 cases (20.8%). 81.1% of the radiographs were included in the statistical analysis. Three symphyses (1.6%) were classified as fused and 190 (98.4%) as open, 129 (68.8%) having divergent margins and 61 (31.6%) parallel. One hundred and forty-eight cases (76.7%) did not show the presence of odontoclastic replacement resorption on the canine teeth (TR subgroup 1), 23 (11.9%) showed stage =3 lesions (TR subgroup 2) and 22 (11.4%) stage 4 lesions (TR subgroup 3). Logistic regression models exploring factors that affected DV and LM mobility were statistically significant (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) with an increase in LM mobility predicting an increase in DV mobility, and vice versa. An increase in DV mobility was associated with an increase in age and in having resorptive lesions. A decrease in LM symphyseal mobility was associated with being brachycephalic. Conclusion: The great majority of cases showed some degree of LM symphyseal mobility, and 18% showed DV mobility. Symphyseal bony fusion is rare but possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Digital technologies are continuously improving the accuracy and quality of maxillofacial prosthetics, but their impact on patients remains unclear. This cross‐sectional study aimed to analyze the impact of facial prosthetics service provision, patients' perception, and digital technology on prostheses construction. Materials and Methods: All patients who presented for evaluation and management of facial defects between January 2021 and December 2021 at the ENT clinic were eligible for study enrollment. Patients requiring prosthetic reconstruction of their missing facial parts were included in the study. Forty‐five questionnaires were delivered, inquiring about the patients' prosthetic demographics, prosthesis manufacture using 3D technologies, and their perceptions and attitudes. Results: A total of 37 patients responded (29 males, eight females; mean age 20.50 years). The congenital cause was the highest among other causes (p = 0.001) with auricular defects being the highest (p = 0.001). A total of 38 prostheses were constructed and 17 prostheses were retained by 36 craniofacial implants (p = 0.014). The auricular and orbital implants success rates were 97% and 25%, respectively. The implant locations were digitally planned pre‐operatively. Digital 3D technologies of defect capture, data designing, and 3D modeling were used and perceived as helpful and comfortable (p = 0.001). Patients perceived their prosthesis as easy to handle, suited them, and they felt confident with it (p = 0.001). They wore it for more than 12 h daily (p = 0.001). They were not worried that it would be noticed, and found it comfortable and stable during various activities (p = 0.001). Implant‐retained prosthesis patients were more satisfied with it, and found it easy to handle and stable (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Congenital defects are the main cause of facial defects in the study country. The overall acceptance of maxillofacial prostheses was good, showing high patient perception and satisfaction. Ocular and implant‐retained silicone prostheses are better handled, more stable, and the latter is more satisfying than traditional adhesive prostheses. Digital technologies save time and effort invested in manufacturing facial prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthodontist plays a very important part in the reconstruction of extraoral defects. Prosthetic rehabilitation of huge maxillofacial defects will be a crucial process for a prosthodontist. The rehabilitation depends on multiple factors such as size, site, etiology, extension of the defect, age of the patient, patient's comfort, patient's satisfaction, and treatment cost. The experience, skill, and knowledge of both a surgeon and a prosthodontist help to decide the foremost mode of retention possible for the rehabilitation of maxillofacial prosthesis. Achieving adequate retention for maxillofacial prosthesis is a great challenge. Various conventional methods are there for retention of maxillofacial prosthesis but treatment modalities became advanced with the rise of osseointegrated implants. Periodic evaluation of prosthesis must be carried to determine the retention, stability, function as well as esthetics of the extraoral prosthesis which enhances the well-being and satisfaction of patients. In this review, we collected the articles from PubMed as well as Scopus-indexed journals and limited to research articles published from 1976 to 2020.

Background: The size of dental implants is a key success factor for appropriate osseointegration. Using shorter implants allows the possibility of avoiding complex surgical procedures and reduces the morbidity of treatment. Shorter implants also enable implant-prosthetic rehabilitation after maxillofacial reconstructions where only limited bone is available. In this study, the success rates of short implants were examined and compared to those of standard-sized implants. Methods: Patients who received dental implants between 2007 and 2016 at the Department of Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology Semmelweis University were enrolled in the study. Several clinical parameters were recorded and supplemented with radiological examinations. The data were statistically analysed. Results: Thirty-four patients with a total of 60 implants were included. The average time after prosthetic loading was 39.33 ± 21.96 months in the group with 8-mm implants and 41.6 ± 27.5 months in the group with > 8-mm implants. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of probing depth (short implants, 2.84 ± 0.09 mm; standard implants, 2.91 ± 0.35 mm) or mean marginal bone loss (short implants, 1.2 ± 1.21-mm mesially and 1.36 ± 1.47-mm distally; standard implants: 0.63 ± 0.80-mm mesially and 0.78 ± 0.70-mm distally). Conclusions: In this study, the success rate of short dental implants was comparable to that of standard-sized implants. Consequently, it can be claimed that the long-term success of short dental implants does not differ significantly from the long-term success of standard implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head‑and‑neck cancer and its treatment can decrease the quality of life (QoL) of patients in consequence of the loss of structural and functional integrity of the oro‑ and nasopharyngeal region. Maxillofacial prosthetic treatment is advised when anatomical structures of the head and neck are not replaceable by living tissue, when recurrence is likely, when radiotherapy is administered, or when fragment of fractured bones are severely displaced. The aim of the study was to examine whether prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillofacial defects affects the QoL of patients using the University of Washington (UW)‑QoL. Materials and Methods: This was the prospective interventional study using pre‑ and post‑design using a convenience sampling method. The prosthesis was fabricated as per the clinical situation using heat‑polymerized polymethyl methacrylate, maxillofacial silicone, or a combination of both. Results: The overall mean composite QOL score before rehabilitation was 68.05 ± 16.98 and after rehabilitation, it was 73.22 ± 11.28. Chewing and saliva (dryness of the mouth) had the lowest scores (55 ± 9.2, 62 ± 8.6, respectively) among all domains, whereas pain and anxiety had the highest scores (93 ± 3.7, 95 ± 1.5, respectively). The domains of appearance, speech, swallowing, chewing, saliva, and overall QoL showed statistically significant improvements postprosthetic rehabilitation. Conclusions: In the present study and selected population, the subjective analysis using UW‑QOL showed that despite altered anatomy following resection and reconstruction, compromised physiology following chemoradiation, the oral cancer patients coped well and adapted to near‑normal oral status after prosthetic rehabilitation. This was evident from their improved QOL after 1 month of prosthetic rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthodontist plays a very important part in the reconstruction of extraoral defects. Prosthetic rehabilitation of huge maxillofacial defects will be a crucial process for a prosthodontist. The rehabilitation depends on multiple factors such as size, site, etiology, extension of the defect, age of the patient, patient's comfort, patient's satisfaction, and treatment cost. The experience, skill, and knowledge of both a surgeon and a prosthodontist help to decide the foremost mode of retention possible for the rehabilitation of maxillofacial prosthesis. Achieving adequate retention for maxillofacial prosthesis is a great challenge. Various conventional methods are there for retention of maxillofacial prosthesis but treatment modalities became advanced with the rise of osseointegrated implants. Periodic evaluation of prosthesis must be carried to determine the retention, stability, function as well as esthetics of the extraoral prosthesis which enhances the well-being and satisfaction of patients. In this review, we collected the articles from PubMed as well as Scopus-indexed journals and limited to research articles published from 1976 to 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim & Background: The purpose of this study was to gauge dental students' knowledge of new developments in materials used in maxillofacial prostheses. Patients find maxillofacial abnormalities unsightly, and they may have detrimental effects on their physical and physiological well-being as well as significant social, familial, and mental health issues. The quality of life of the patient is impacted by maxillofacial prosthesis. Multiple materials, methods, and clinical strategies have been employed in the field of maxillofacial prosthesis. Materials & Methods: A set of 10 questionnaires was created and an online survey was conducted among Faculty of Dental Science students. A statistical analysis was conducted on the survey responses, which were completed by 100 students. Results: 57% of students did not know about the latest developments in maxillofacial prosthesis materials, according to the data. Though 57% of students were unaware of its qualities, 59% of them were aware of silicone block polymer. Of the students, 53% were not familiar with polyphosphazenes. A-2186 (Factor 11) and silphenylenes were unknown to 56% of respondents. The creation of new materials is deemed necessary for the future of maxillofacial prostheses by 78% of students. Conclusion: The study highlights this fact, highlighting the students' ignorance of recent developments in the materials used in craniofacial prostheses. More awareness must be raised about new developments in maxillofacial prosthesis through seminars, CDE programs, and interactive lectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of scanning technologies for constructing facial prostheses on human faces. Study selection: Our systematic search was performed on five databases. Studies reporting on human volunteers (P) whose faces were scanned with a scanning technology were eligible. The anthropometrical interlandmark distances (ILDs) were used as indicators of accuracy; the ILDs are measured on the virtual models (I) and directly on the faces (C). The virtual models deviated from their true values (O). Studies reporting the measurements on patients with or without facial deformities were included, but cadavers or inanimate objects were reasons for exclusion. We performed a mean difference (MD) / standardized MD analysis with a random effect model. The difficulties regarding the scanning procedure mentioned in the articles were also assessed. Results: We found 3723 records after duplicate removal. Twenty five articles were eligible for the qualitative review, and ten articles were included in the quantitative synthesis. Eight different ILDs were compared in MD analyses. The differences were between -0.54-0.43 mm. We also performed a regional three-dimensional analysis to compare scanning technologies in each major region. No significant differences were found in any of the regions and axes. The most mentioned difficulties were artifacts due to motion or blinking. Conclusions: The results suggest no systematic skew in linear dimensions neither between direct caliper measurements nor between measurements on the scanned models, scanning technologies, or facial regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the color stability of different commercially available silicone materials for facial prostheses upon exposure to everyday beverages. It was hypothesized that the beverages would not alter the color of the silicone under conditions simulating daily exposure. Methods: Sixty specimens were fabricated using two materials – VST-50 and Silfy – and exposed to commercially available cold mineral water, tea, or coffee. Specimen color was evaluated on days 1 and 15. The color was measured with a spectrophotometer based on CIELab system and color differences were calculated as ΔE. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The mean ΔE values after 15 days of exposure to mineral water, cold green tea, and coffee were 1.016, 3.480, and 3.636 for VST-50 and 0.440, 0.798, and 1.425 for Silfy, respectively. Both materials showed significant differences in color, and VST-50 showed a greater color change than Silfy, especially for coffee. Conclusion: Pigmented silicone elastomers have low color stability, leading to an overall color change in silicone prostheses when exposed to pigmented beverages. Color changes in such prostheses can be mitigated by selecting materials with better color stability to extend their longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this comparative study in vitro was to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic nanoparticles on colour stability, tear strength and hardness of maxillofacial silicone elastomer at baseline and when subjected to outdoor weathering for 6 months. Material and Methods: A total of 240 specimens were fabricated using M511 platinum silicone which were divided into total 4 groups (n = 60) based on the type of nanoparticles (control, polytetrafuoroethylene [PTFE], titanium dioxide [TiO2], zinc oxide [ZnO]) added and each group was further divided into 3 subgroups (n = 20) for colour, tear strength (TS) and hardness (H) testing. The tests were conducted and data was obtained both before and after outdoor weathering of 6 months. Results: Minimum colour change after weathering was observed in PTFE group (E = 2.23). TiO2 group showed maximum TS (12.01 N/mm) followed by PTFE group (10.85 N/mm) before weathering. After weathering, maximum TS was shown by TiO2 group (12.9 N/mm) and PTFE group (12.54 N/mm). TiO2 group showed maximum hardness (24.15 shore A) before weathering and PTFE group showed maximum hardness (33.43 shore A) after weathering. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the addition of polytetrafuoroethylene nanoparticles to the polymer enhances both the optical as well as mechanical properties and can be considered favourable for the extended life of the prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A person’s face being a visible element, instant physical care and mental support is mandatory for patients affected with maxillofacial defects. Defects in noticeable locations like the ear create a lacuna which deteriorates the quality of life of the victims. Immediate restoration of the defect with artificial prosthesis becomes crucial. Two such cases of acquired auricular defects rehabilitated with maxillofacial prosthesis are described in this manuscript. This case report briefs about two patients with auricular defects reported for restoration. Case one had a congenital agenesis of his right ear whereas case two presented with a history of trauma. Immediate management with artificial ear prosthesis was decided to restore the patients to normalcy of life. Hence an effective restoration was carried out using maxillofacial auricular prosthesis made from medical grade silicone and acrylic. They were retained onto to the residual external structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The bonding between acrylic resin to silicone liners in maxillofacial devices is vital for the maintenance of prosthetic parts. This study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of different surface treatments in enhancing the bond between materials used in maxillofacial prosthetics, which is crucial to ensure both quality and durability in prosthetic applications. Materials and Methods: This in vitro study involves the fabrication of 30 specimens, with each specimen involving an acrylic part bonded to a silicone part. Each specimen measures 75 mm in length, 10 mm in width, and 6 mm in thickness. These dimensions are controlled and standardized for consistency. The study includes a total of 30 specimens, which represent the sample size, and it is divided into three groups (ethyl acetate, aluminum oxide sandblasting, and silicon carbide [SiC] paper), with each group having 10. Subsequently, the peel bonding strength was tested using a universal testing machine. All data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests at a level of a = 0.05. Results: Surface-treated specimens with ethyl acetate had the highest peel strength (PS) values (3.4138) followed by those treated with aluminum oxide sandblasting (2.3204) and SiC paper (1.8153), respectively. Conclusions: Surface treatment showed a varying impact on the PS of different materials. The ethyl acetate group benefited the most from the treatment, the sandblasting group experienced a moderate improvement, and the SiC group had the least improvement in peel bond strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human amniotic membrane (hAM) is the innermost placental membrane that protects and nourishes the growing fetus. While its use in various oral and maxillofacial procedures is abundant, application in endodontics is relatively new. The present case series describes the application of this therapeutic membrane in three different endodontic procedures - pulpotomy, revascularization, and root-end surgery. In case 1 (pulpotomy), the radicular pulp returned to its uninflamed state, and the patient became asymptomatic at follow-up. In case 2 (revascularization), the patient became asymptomatic; however, there was no increase in the root length and width even after 2 years of follow-up. In case 3, the osseous bone defect was healed entirely at the 6-month follow-up. The application of hAM in different endodontic treatment protocols seems appreciable. A potential limitation of its use has been described in this report. Further clinical trials are warranted to produce better evidence for the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Common in vitro cell culture systems for testing implant material immune compatibility either rely on immortal human leukocyte cell lines or isolated primary cells. Compared to in vivo conditions, this generates an environment of substantially reduced complexity, often lacking important immune cell types, such as neutrophil granulocytes and others. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable test system for in vitro testing of implant materials under in vivo-like conditions.Methods: Test materials were incubated in closed, CO2-independent, tube-based culture vessels containing a proprietary cell culture medium and human whole blood in either a static or occasionally rotating system. Multiplex cytokine analysis was used to analyze immune cell reactions.Results: To demonstrate the applicability of the test system to implant materials, three commercially available barrier membranes (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polycaprolactone (PCL) and collagen) used for dental, trauma and maxillofacial surgery, were investigated for their potential interactions with immune cells. The results showed characteristic differences between the static and rotated incubation methods and in the overall activity profiles with very low immune cell responses to PTFE, intermediate ones to collagen and strong reactions to PCL.Conclusion: This in vitro human whole blood model, using a complex organotypic matrix, is an excellent, easily standardized tool for categorizing immune cell responses to implant materials. Compared to in vitro cell culture systems used for materials research, this new assay system provides a far more detailed picture of response patterns the immune system can develop when interacting with different types of materials and surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of an oxide nanocoating to prevent colour degradation of maxillofacial silicone elastomers following accelerated ageing. Material and methods: Specimens (N = 40) of specified dimensions were fabricated in Factor II room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone and processed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Two groups were classified with 20 specimens each. Specimens in the first group were coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) by atomic layer deposition technology. The colour stability test was conducted with a UV–VIS spectrometer (Schimadzu) for both titanium dioxide nanocoated and uncoated specimen groups after subjecting them to accelerated ageing. It was analysed using the CIE L*a*b method. Results: The average colour change was highest for uncoated specimens (2.868), and the average colour change for titanium dioxide-coated specimens was significantly low (1.774). The average colour change of uncoated specimens (2.868) was close to the acceptable threshold value (3), and that of coated specimens (1.774) was far below the acceptable threshold (3). Conclusions: The colour change that occurred in titanium dioxide nanocoated specimens following accelerated ageing was significantly lower than that in the uncoated group, showing that the TiO2 nanocoating was effective in reducing the colour degradation of silicone elastomers. Clinical relevance: Maxillofacial prostheses fabricated from silicone elastomers go through undesirable colour degradation over time. The development of a scientific technique that retards the colour deterioration of silicone prostheses would be of great clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Primary chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis is a rare and complex pathology and remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Our aim is to show our experience with a new diagnostic tool. Material and Methods: Four patients aged from 26 to 67 were referred to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of University Hospital CHUV in Lausanne between January 2010 and December 2018 for chronic mandibular pain without infectious signs nor symptoms. All patients underwent three-phase bone scintigraphy and anti-granulocyte antibody scintigraphy. Results: Three-phase bone scintigraphy demonstrated radiotracer uptake at the zone of pain, whereas anti-granulocyte antibody scintigraphy showed no uptake, thus rendering an infectious origin unlikely. Conclusion: A combination of the two different scintigraphies should be considered in order to guide the clinician in the diagnosis of primary chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis, thus preventing patients from undergoing unnecessary imagery and useless treatment, and also allowing an early diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the considerations and factors that implant dentists may use to decide whether the placement of zygomatic implants is necessary, and if so, the potential considerations in planning for them within the zygomatic bone. A novel treatment planning tool has been presented, the Zygomatic Bone Zone index, to improve the surgical placement of zygomatic implants, to help reduce complications and to allow for further placement within the zygomatic bone in the future. CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important for clinicians to be aware of treatment modalities that might be of benefit to some patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement is widely recognized as an effective treatment for TMJ disorders. The long‐term stability of TMJ implants depends on two important factors which are design concepts for fixation to anatomical locations in the mandible and bone conditions. Other factors include stress distribution, microstrain in the peri‐implant, bone attributes like bone conditions leading to the clinical complications and failures. This study addresses these limitations by examining the influence of patient‐specific design concepts and bone conditions on TMJ implant performance. Clinical evidences support the importance of implant design on healing ability. Previous studies have focused on achieving precise implant fit based on geometric considerations, however those published studies did not explore the impact of such. Against this perspective, the present study reports the extensive finite element analysis (FEA) results, while analyzing the impact of a newly designed patient‐specific TMJ implant to address clinical complications associated with various bone conditions, particularly osteoporotic bone. In validating the FEA results, the performance of additively manufactured patient‐specific TMJ implants was compared with designs resembling two commonly used clinically approved implant designs. By addressing the limitations of previous research and emphasizing the importance of bone conditions, the study provides valuable guidelines for the development of next‐generation TMJ implants. These findings contribute to enhanced clinical outcomes and long‐term success in the treatment of TMJ disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this comparative study in vitro was to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic nanoparticles on colour stability, tear strength and hardness of maxillofacial silicone elastomer at baseline and when subjected to outdoor weathering for 6 months. Material and Methods: A total of 240 specimens were fabricated using M511 platinum silicone which were divided into total 4 groups (n = 60) based on the type of nanoparticles (control, polytetrafuoroethylene [PTFE], titanium dioxide [TiO2], zinc oxide [ZnO]) added and each group was further divided into 3 subgroups (n = 20) for colour, tear strength (TS) and hardness (H) testing. The tests were conducted and data was obtained both before and after outdoor weathering of 6 months. Results: Minimum colour change after weathering was observed in PTFE group (∆E = 2.23). TiO2 group showed maximum TS (12.01 N/mm) followed by PTFE group (10.85 N/mm) before weathering. After weathering, maximum TS was shown by TiO2 group (12.9 N/mm) and PTFE group (12.54 N/mm). TiO2 group showed maximum hardness (24.15 shore A) before weathering and PTFE group showed maximum hardness (33.43 shore A) after weathering. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the addition of polytetrafuoroethylene nanoparticles to the polymer enhances both the optical as well as mechanical properties and can be considered favourable for the extended life of the prosthesis.

(1) Background: Color changes, physical degradation, and fungal infections are challenges to the longevity of maxillofacial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers. This study aimed to evaluate color changes, physical properties, and antifungal properties of PDMS loaded with ZrO2 and TiO2 submicron- and nano-sized particles. (2) Methods: A 1% weight of 40 nm or 200 nm diameter ZrO2 or TiO2 nanoparticles was mixed into PDMS with 2% functional intrinsic yellow pigment and polymerized. Control materials contained 13% weight 200 nm silica. Samples were exposed to 3000 h of UVB radiation (200 µW/cm2) or darkness. Color parameters L*a*b* and ∆Eab*, ultimate tensile strength, strain, elastic modulus, and Shore A hardness were measured. Candida albicans growth was measured using XTT and confocal microscopy, and data were analyzed with the Dunnett test (p < 0.01). (3) Results: TiO2 200 nm showed the least color change after 3000 h of UVB radiation, followed by TiO2 40 nm (p < 0.05). The silica-containing control group was superior in all physical property measurements due to higher additive content (p < 0.05). TiO2-containing materials exhibited significantly lower C. albicans growth (p < 0.01) than those loaded with ZrO2 or SiO2. (4) Conclusions: TiO2 nanoparticles of 40 nm and 200 nm, when added to pigmented PDMS at 1% weight, provided the best resistance to color change and significantly lowered C. albicans activity compared to silica- and zirconia-filled elastomers. Particle size differences rendered minor differences for most properties. The incorporation of low-level submicron- and nano-sized TiO2 particles has the potential to improve color stability and antifungal activity in silicones designated for maxillofacial prostheses and may be extended to denture reline applications.