Vol 12, No 1 (Winter 2025)

Review Article(s)

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    Introduction: The extraction of the third molar, commonly known as wisdom tooth extraction, is one of the most frequent clinical procedures. This surgery can lead to several postoperative complications such as pain, trismus, swelling, dry socket and damage to soft and hard tissues, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) have been proposed as an effective treatment to mitigate these complications and enhance tissue repair. This study aims to review the role of PRP and PRF in soft tissue repair following wisdom tooth extraction between 2015 and 2023. Materials and Methods: This research reviewed the role of PRP and PRF in soft tissue repair after wisdom tooth extraction. Articles from Scopus, PubMed, Elsevier, and SID databases were selected and reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on publications from 2015 to 2023. The search was conducted using keywords such as “impacted wisdom teeth,” “soft tissue,” “hard tissue,” “repair,” “PRP” and “PRF.” Results: Nineteen relevant studies were identified, with no studies conducted in 2023. The studies from this period were primarily meta-analyses with varying degrees of relevance to the study topic. The distribution of the studies reviewed is as follows: three studies in 2022, four studies in 2021, three studies in 2020, one study in 2019, one study in 2018, one study in 2017, two studies in 2016, and four studies in 2015. These studies collectively suggest that PRP and PRF are beneficial in reducing postoperative complications and enhancing the repair of soft tissue damaged during wisdom tooth surgery. Conclusion: PRP and PRF effectively reduce postoperative complications and promote the restoration of soft tissues damaged by wisdom tooth extraction. Therefore, in cases of soft tissue damage and periodontal conditions in patients undergoing wisdom tooth surgery, PRP and PRF can be a valuable treatment option for tissue repair. Keywords: Impacted wisdom teeth; Soft tissue; Hard tissue; Repair; Platelet-rich plasma (PRP); Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).

Original Article(s)

  • XML | PDF | downloads: 3 | views: 2 | pages: 7-16
    Introduction: Pediatric maxillofacial fractures pose unique challenges due to anatomical and developmental differences from adults. Effective management requires understanding the etiology, patterns, and treatment of these injuries. To evaluate the incidence, causes, types, and treatment of pediatric facial fractures, aiming to improve clinical management and preventive strategies. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 children (aged <15 years) with facial fractures at Shar Teaching Hospital, Sulaimani, Iraq, from October 10, 2024, to April 20, 2025. Data on demographics, causes, fracture types, associated injuries, and treatment methods were analyzed. Results: The study population had a mean age of 7.85 years, with 65% of the participants being male. Falls were the most common cause (59%), followed by road traffic accidents (38%). Lower facial fractures (53%) were most frequent, primarily involving the mandible, followed by mid facial (50%) and upper facial fractures (1%). Soft tissue injuries occurred in 90% of cases, and 11% had additional orthopedic or neurological injuries. Treatment methods included closed reduction (47%), conservative management (44%), and open reduction (9%). Conclusion: Pediatric facial fractures are more common in males and older children, primarily caused by falls and road traffic accidents. Improved safety measures, enhanced parental supervision, and specialized pediatric trauma management are essential. Large-scale studies are needed to establish standardized treatment protocols. Keywords: Pediatric facial fractures; Maxillofacial trauma; Fracture patterns; Injury prevention; Trauma management. 
  • XML | PDF | downloads: 3 | views: 2 | pages: 17-25
    Introduction: Odontogenic tumors are the expansile group of jaw neoplasm that originates from the tooth-forming tissues. WHO, revised classification several times due to their discrete histological and biological behavior. They were broadly classified as benign and malignant tumors, the former being the most common. Benign tumors are classified into epithelial, mixed (epithelial and mesenchymal), and mesenchymal lesions based on their histogenetic origin. Materials and Methods: 1. To evaluate the various types of odontogenic tumors diagnosed in the Department of Oral Pathology. 2. To correlate the clinical data and histological features of odontogenic tumors diagnosed. Clinical data of all the odontogenic tumors were collected retrospectively from the 10-year archives of the Oral Pathology Department, GITAM Dental College and Hospital, Visakhapatnam. The tumors were classified according to the WHO classification. Clinical and histopathological evaluations wasere doneperformed for all the odontogenic tumors. Different histological characteristics were compared; tabulated and analyzed.Results: A total of 105 cases of odontogenic tumors were recorded. 82% account for benign tumors, and 18% for malignant tumors. Epithelial origins comprise the majority of benign tumors (48%), followed by mesenchymal and mixed odontogenic tumors (20% and 14%, respectively). Unicystic ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumor, accounting for 18 (17%) cases, followed by conventional ameloblastoma, odontogenic fibroma, ameloblastic carcinoma, and odontoma. Odontogenic tumors were reported mostly during the second, third, and fourth decades of life. Male predilection was observed over females in all the odontogenic tumors. All forms of OT were detected in the posterior mandible. Epithelial odontogenic tumors predominate in all four anatomical sites, except the posterior maxilla, where mesenchymal OT was somewhat more common and no malignant odontogenic tumor was seen. Conclusion: The variability in data from this study can be ascribed to a variety of demographic factors. Hence, the need to incorporate specific lesion histopathology and diagnostic molecular interventions would make results more sensitive catering to research needs. Keywords: WHO Classification; Odontogenic; Tumors; Ameloblastoma; Odontoma.
  • XML | PDF | downloads: 3 | views: 3 | pages: 26-32
    Introduction: The leading cause of tooth decay is Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Diabetes is also a condition that can impact the mouth’s microbiology and the composition of saliva. The studies on the relationship between these two variables are limited; therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin A1c and the count of mutans streptococci in the mouths of patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in the specialized diabetes clinic of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Sixty people with type 2 diabetes, non-smokers, who were willing to participate in the study to check the count of Streptococcus mutants, had samples collected from three different locations. Hemoglobin A1c and other relevant information were also extracted from the patients’ files, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 24. Results: There were significant differences in Streptococcus mutans counts among the dorsal surface of the tongue, the gingival groove and the mandibular buccal vestibule (p=0.001), the buccal vestibule and the dorsal surface of the tongue (r=0.337, p=0.008) and the buccal vestibule of the lower jaw and the gingival groove (r=0.361, p=0.004). No significant relationship was observed between the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria on the dorsal surface of the tongue and the gingival groove (r=-0.197, p=0.137).Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, although HbA1c is associated with poor control of diabetes mellitus, there was no significant correlation between Streptococcus mutans counts and HbA1c levels. Furthermore, it can be concluded that Streptococcus mutans counts are closely related to specific areas within the oral cavity. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Type 2; Glycated hemoglobin; Hb A1c; Streptococcus mutans.
  • XML | PDF | downloads: 2 | views: 4 | pages: 33-41
    Introduction: Single-tooth implants are a common dental treatment, with a growing emphasis on esthetic out-comes due to their high survival and success rates, especially in esthetic areas. This study assessed consensus among specialists using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), focusing on the objective criteria of Pink Esthetic Score (PES) and White Esthetic Score (WES). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the esthetic aspects of a maxillary central single-tooth implant using VAS, involving 18 prosthodontists, 11 restorative specialists, 12 periodontists, and 11 Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons. A photo of an ideally contoured implant-supported restoration, taken three months post-delivery, underwent alterations to create 15 variations based on PES/WES criteria. Specialists provided VAS scores (0 to 10) for restoration esthetics and soft tissue surrounding the implant. Scores were compared with PES/WES, and Pearson correlation coefficients determined relationships. The significance level of the p-value is 0.05. Results: Prosthodontists showed a strong correlation with PES (0.86±0.09), WES (0.88±0.07), and PES/WES (0.88±0.08). Restorative specialists exhibited correlations of PES (0.73±0.25), WES (0.73±0.29), and PES/WES (0.74±0.28). Periodontists demonstrated correlations with PES (0.87±0.07), WES (0.84±0.08), and the ratio of PES to WES (0.86±0.07). OMF surgeons had correla-tions of PES (0.83±0.11), WES (0.85±0.09), and PES/WES (0.85±0.1). Inter-group correlations did not significantly differ (P Value>0.05). Conclusion: Robust correlations exist among specialists in evaluating implant esthetics using VAS and PES/WES, with restorative and surgical specialists displaying a stricter approach. Keywords: White esthetic score; Pink esthetic score; Visual analog scales; Implant-supported single crown.
  • XML | PDF | downloads: 3 | views: 2 | pages: 42-49
    Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 0.2% sodium fluoride and Persica mouthwashes on the flexural strength and surface characteristics of nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic wires through an in vitro investigation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven 0.016-inch NiTi wire samples (3cm long) were divided into three groups (n=9/group): distilled water (control), Persica, and 0.2% NaF mouthwash. Wires were immersed for 90 minutes (simulating 3 months of daily use) and subjected to a three-point bending test (0.5mm/min deflection). Surface changes were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were compared using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests.Results: Unloading-phase forces, yield strength, and elastic modulus significantly decreased in NaF and Persica groups versus control (p<0.05), with no differences in loading-phase (p>0.05). SEM revealed the highest corrosion in NaF and the lowest in control. No significant differences were observed between NaF and Persica (p>0.05).  Conclusion: Exposure to 0.2% sodium fluoride and Persica mouthwashes adversely affects the mechanical properties and surface integrity of NiTi orthodontic wires. Clinicians should consider the potential implications of prolonged mouthwash use during orthodontic treatment. Keywords: Mouthwash; Orthodontic wire; Mechanical properties; Corrosion; Nickel-titanium.

Case Report(s)

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    We present a treatment option for extensive mandibular resection using CAD/CAM technology. This option allows for the patient’s immediate and complete rehabilitation and has advantages over autografts. A 73-year-old female patient was diagnosed with Central Giant Cell Granuloma (CGCG). The proposed treatment plan involved an angle-to-angle resection of the mandible along with free flap surgery using an autologous iliac graft; however, the patient declined this option. As a final treatment plan, the possibility of utilizing a customized titanium prosthesis as a patient-specific implant (PSI) was considered. The patient was discharged in good general condition, and remarkably, full function was recovered within 24 hours. Additionally, the patient was able to speak and eat after just 5 hours, a testament to the swift recovery this treatment option offers. The primary benefits of this method are immediate results and swift, accurate surgical procedures, which provide reassurance of its efficiency. Keywords: Mandibular reconstruction; Patient-specific implant; 3D-printing; Oral surgery; Head and neck cancer.
  • XML | PDF | downloads: 2 | views: 2 | pages: 57-60
    Blood vessel defects or endothelial proliferation can cause vascular lesions. Capillary hemangiomas are produced in a connective tissue stroma by small capillaries surrounded by a layer of endothelial cells. Numerous procedures, including excisional surgery, sclerotherapy, and laser irradiation, are used to treat these conditions. This study presents a clinical case of surgical removal of a hemangioma in the buccal mucous membrane using a defocused irradiation mode of a diode laser. A 47-year-old woman with a purple lesion in the mucous membrane of the right cheek was referred to Jihad Dental Clinic. The Diode laser, with a wavelength of 980nm, was selected for treating the lesion in defocused mode at an output power of 2.5 W in continuous mode. In surgery, no bleeding was observed, which provided the surgeon with better vision and resulted in a minimally invasive procedure. Due to fewer postoperative complications, using laser diodes in the treatment of oral hemangioma as a conservative approach, and providing simple surgical procedures with minimal side effects, may be beneficial to both patients and doctors. Keywords: Hemangioma; Lasers; Semiconductor; Vascular malformation.
  • XML | PDF | downloads: 2 | views: 3 | pages: 61-65
    Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally invasive epithelial odontogenic tumor. Ameloblastoma usually presents in the posterior mandibular ramus region, while it is rare in the anterior mandibular region. It has been divided into three classic types: Unicystic Ameloblastoma (UA), Extraosseous/Peripheral Ameloblastoma, and Conventional Ameloblastoma. The unicystic type accounts for approximately 5-15% of all cases and predominantly occurs in the younger population, typically in the second decade of their life, but is quite rare in older adults. We present a case of mandibular unicystic Ameloblastoma in the anterior area of a 62-year-old Iranian female with intraoral swelling of the gingiva. We reported the clinicoradiographic and histopathological features of the lesion with complete treatment intervention and follow-up. Keywords: Ameloblastoma; Mural; Odontogenic tumor.