Search

Background/Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common form of sleep disorder. Lateral cephalograms and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) have been used for evaluation. However, it is lack of position comparison for these two assessments. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the difference of upper airway measurements taken from lateral cephalograms in upright position and CBCT in supine position. Material and methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients with lateral cephalograms and CBCT images due to diagnostic necessity. The anterior-posterior distance of most constricted area in pharynx (PASmin) and the distance from mandibular plane to hyoid bone (MP-H) were identified and measured from 21 normal subjects without obstructive sleep apnea (9 males and 12 females, mean age 21.2 years). A paired data were measured from lateral cephalograms taken in upright position and lateral cephalometric images derived from CBCT taken in supine position. Both images were taken within two months. All data were analyzed statistically. Results: No significant difference was identified in intra-examiner reliability (P > 0.05). PASmin measured from lateral cephalograms in upright position was larger than that taken from CBCT derived cephalometric images, but without statistical significant difference (P = 0.073). Significant difference of MP-H length was identified between two different image taking methods (P = 0.000), and the measurement was significantly larger in cephalograms taken from upright position. No correlations were found among the variables (Body Mass Index (BMI), age, gender) in this study. The only two variables correlated were PASmin and MP-H, and they were negatively correlated (r = −0.535). Conclusion: The anterior-posterior distance of most constricted area in pharynx (PASmin) and distance of mandibular plane to hyoid bone (MP-H) can be influenced due to change of body position. Keywords: Upper airway, CBCT, Cephalogram

Ganglioneuromas are rare neuroblastic tumors that develop from the neural crests of the sympathetic nervous system. Because ganglioneuromas of the mandible have been infrequent, they do not have a standardized management protocol. As of 2000, only 5 cases had been reported. Ganglioneuromas are unique tumors that can undergo histologic maturation from a malignancy to a benign variant. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy with a ganglioneuroma of the mandible and the results of surgical management, including immediate reconstruction with a free fibula microvascular flap., (Copyright © 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In light of preoperative and postoperative mortality and morbidity, continued advancement in pain and anxiety management would benefit millions. Although significant strides have been made in the past few decades, it is imperative that research and development continue. This article discusses types of pain and anxiety, the relationship between pain and anxiety, the physiology of pain and anxiety, and current trends in pain and anxiety management., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, all dental offices are required to formulate policies and procedures to ensure and secure patient privacy of health information. This article reviews the essential points of such a plan and makes recommendations for implementation.