Dental status and its correlation with polypharmacy and multimorbidity in a Swiss nursing home population: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation between oral health status in terms of present teeth, implants, removable prostheses, and polypharmacy and/or multimorbidity in three Swiss nursing homes with affiliated or integrated dental care.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in three Swiss geriatric nursing homes with integrated dental care. Dental information consisted of the number of teeth, root remnants, implants, and presence of removable dental prostheses. Furthermore, the medical history was assessed in terms of diagnosed medical conditions and prescribed medication. Age, dental status, polypharmacy, and multimorbidity were compared and correlated using t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty patients with a mean age of 85.5 ± 7.4 years were included of which a portion of 62% presented with multimorbidity and 92% with polypharmacy. The mean number of remaining teeth and remnant roots were 14.1 ± 9.9 and 1.0 ± 3.1, respectively. Edentulous individuals comprised 14%, and over 75% of the population did not have implants. Over 50% of the included patients wore removable dental prostheses. A negative correlation with statistical significance (p = 0.001) between age and tooth loss (r = - 0.27) was observed. Finally, there was a non-statistically correlation between a higher number of remnant roots and specific medications linked to salivary dysfunction; specifically antihypertensive medication and central nervous system stimulants.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a poor oral health status was associated with polypharmacy and multimorbidity among the study population.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Identifying elderly patients in need of oral healthcare in nursing homes is a challenge. In Switzerland, the collaboration of dentists and nursing staff is still improvable, but is urgently needed due to the demographic changes and raising treatment demand of the oldest portion of the population.

CBCT for Diagnostics, Treatment Planning and Monitoring of Sinus Floor Elevation Procedures

Sinus floor elevation (SFE) is a standard surgical technique used to compensate for alveolar bone resorption in the posterior maxilla. Such a surgical procedure requires radiographic imaging pre- and postoperatively for diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome assessment. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become a well-established imaging modality in the dentomaxillofacial region. The following narrative review is aimed to provide clinicians with an overview of the role of three-dimensional (3D) CBCT imaging for diagnostics, treatment planning, and postoperative monitoring of SFE procedures. CBCT imaging prior to SFE provides surgeons with a more detailed view of the surgical site, allows for the detection of potential pathologies three-dimensionally, and helps to virtually plan the procedure more precisely while reducing patient morbidity. In addition, it serves as a useful follow-up tool for assessing sinus and bone graft changes. Meanwhile, using CBCT imaging has to be standardized and justified based on the recognized diagnostic imaging guidelines, taking into account both the technical and clinical considerations. Future studies are recommended to incorporate artificial intelligence-based solutions for automating and standardizing the diagnostic and decision-making process in the context of SFE procedures to further improve the standards of patient care.

Diagnostic Accuracy of CBCT for the Detection of Accessory Mental Foramina Using Different Devices and Imaging Modalities

This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT for detection of accessory mental foramina (AMFs) in dry mandibles using two different devices and three different CBCT imaging modalities. A total of 40 dry mandibles (20 per group) were selected to generate corresponding CBCT images, each with three different CBCT imaging modalities (high, standard, and low doses), using ProMax 3D Mid (Planmeca) and Veraview X800 (J. Morita). The presence, count (n), location, and diameter of the AMFs were measured on both dry mandibles and CBCT scans. The Veraview X800 with different imaging modalities showed the highest accuracy (97.5%), while the ProMax 3D Mid in low-dose imaging modality exhibited the lowest accuracy (93.8%). The most common AMF sites on dry mandibles were anterior-cranial and posterior-cranial, while anterior-cranial was the most frequent on CBCT scans. As for AMF diameter, the mean mesiodistal and vertical diameters on dry mandibles were 1.89 mm and 1.47 mm, respectively, which were greater or equal to the values obtained from CBCT scans. The overall diagnostic accuracy for assessing AMFs exhibited good results, but some caution is warranted when using a low-dose imaging modality with a large voxel size (400 μm).

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome - a diagnostic-therapeutic challenge in oral medicine

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare disease and is characterised by the classic triad of cheilitis granulomatosa, lingua plicata and peripheral facia- lis paresis. These symptoms rarely manifest themselves all at the same time, often only one of these clinical signs appears. In the literature, the umbrella term orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is also used, which covers the occurrence of granulomas in the maxillofacial region without associated systemic diseases.

Evaluation of antibacterial properties of fluoride-containing mouth rinses differing in their acidic compound using a Streptococcus mutans biofilm

This in vitro study assessed the antibacterial effect on Streptococcus mutans biofilms of mouth rinses with 700 ppm F- (derived from NaF) that differed only in their acid compounds (malic (A), citric (B), tartaric (C), fumaric (D), hydrochloric (E), phosphoric (F), and lactic (G) acid) used to adjust pH. S. mutans (ATCC 25175) was grown for 22 h at 37°C, harvested, resuspended in simulated body fluid and biofilm formation followed for 24 h at 37°C. Thereafter, biofilms were treated with experimental rinses for 30 s, and placed in TAM48 isothermal microcalorimeter at 37°C for 72 h. Applying Gompertz growth model parameters lag time and growth rate were determined from heatflow curves; additionally, reduction of active biofilms was calculated. Moreover, samples were live/dead stained and analyzed by confocal scanning microscopy. All mouth rinses were showing statistically significant lag time and reduction of active biofilm (p<0.05, A 19.1+/-2.3h and 58.5+/-7.7%, B 15.5+/-1.1h and 41.9+/-5.3%, C 17.6+/-1.9h and 53.1+/-7.5%, D 18.4+/-2.4h and 55.8+/-8.8%, E 20.2+/-3.3h and 61.5+/-10.0%, F 20.2+/-3.0h and 61.6+/-9.3%, and G 18.3+/-2.5h and 55.3+/-8.9%). Interestingly, there were no differences found between the treated groups (p>0.05, A 0.064+/-0.004 1/h, B 0.063+/-0.005 1/h, C 0.065+/-0.004 1/h, D 0.067+/-0.004 1/h, E 0.066+/-0.006 1/h, F 0.067+/-0.004 1/h, G 0.066+/-0.006 1/h) for the maximum growth rate. Vitality staining supported these findings.. The present investigation demonstrates that the type of acid compounds used to produce the rinses did not show any negative effect on the antimicrobial properties of the tested products as all of them exhibited a similar efficacy against S. mutans biofilms.

Effects of different grafting materials on volumetric changes in the Schneiderian membrane following lateral maxillary sinus floor elevation: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the potential influence of different grafting materials on maxillary sinus membrane dimensions and ostium patency following lateral sinus floor elevation (SFE) as assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 sinuses in 40 patients were included. Twenty sinuses were referred for SFE with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM), and the remaining 20 sinuses were grafted with calcium phosphate (CP). CBCT was performed prior to and 3 to 4 days after surgery. The dimensions of the Schneiderian membrane volume and ostium patency were evaluated, and potential relationships between volumetric changes and any associated factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median increase in membrane-whole cavity volume ratios was 43.97% in the DBBM group and 67.58% in the CP group, demonstrating no statistically significant difference (p = 0.17). The rates of increased obstruction after SFE were 11.1% for the DBBM group versus 44.4% for the CP group (p = 0.03). The graft volume was found to be positively correlated with the postoperative membrane-whole cavity volume ratio (r = 0.79; p < 0.01) and the membrane-whole cavity volume ratio increase (r = 0.71; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The two grafting materials seem to have a similar effect on transient volumetric changes in the sinus mucosa. However, the choice of grafting material should still be made with caution since sinuses grafted using DBBM exhibited less swelling and less ostium obstruction.

Angina bullosa haemorrhagica – eine ungewöhnliche Blasenbildung in der Mundhöhle

Die Angina bullosa haemorrhagica (ABH; auch: Bullosa haemorrhagica oralis oder «benign hemorrhagic bullous stomatitis») wurde erst- mals von Badham im Jahre 1967 als rezidivieren- de Blutblasenbildung an der oropharyngealen Mukosa infolge mechanisch-traumatischer Irri- tation definiert. Ein möglicher Zusammenhang mit einer Vorschädigung der Mukosa durch all- gemeinmedizinische Befunde wie Hypertonie, Diabetes mellitus oder auch chronischer Ein- nahme von Kortikosteroiden über Inhalation konnte bisher nicht bestätigt werden.

The use of protection measures in dento-maxillofacial radiology in Europe: a survey among experts

Patient contact shielding to reduce radiation exposure to radiosensitive organs of patients is known to be used inconsistently in the field of dento-maxillofacial radiology (DMFR). There is an ongoing discussion if its use is still justified with regard to recent technical enhancements in the field. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the recommended and applied safety standards regarding dose protection measures in dental radiology within European countries. With an online questionnaire the use of safety measures, especially lead protection and collimation, in different patient groups (adults, children, pregnant women) was interrogated including leading experts in the field of DMFR. Among the 24 participants from 13 different countries, there was a tendency towards lead protection for intraoral radiography and towards collimation for extraoral radiography. Participants based their decision mainly on law and societal guidelines. Overall, the application of radiation protection measures varies within Europe. It seems safe to say that lead protection as a measure of radiation dose limitation is still recommendable even though collimation and technical advancements have led to great dose reductions. Collimation should be used more broadly and a standardization of protection measures and an update of radiation protection guidelines in Europe is desirable.

Relationship between development of the condylar cortex and the changes in condyle morphology: a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) observational study

Background

A correct understanding of the mandibular condyle morphology may help clinicians judge the normal range of morphological variations of asymptomatic patients or the pathological conditions correctly. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of condyle cortication and condyle morphology, and to investigate the relationship between the development of the condylar cortex and the changes of condyle morphology.

Methods

The present study was an observational study. A total of 1,010 temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were collected retrospectively. The mandibular condyle morphology was observed in axial (concave, convex, plane and others for anterior and posterior facets), coronal (plane, convex, angled and round for superior facet) and sagittal (round and plane for superior facet) views, and the condylar cortication was grouped into three types (undeveloped, developing and developed). Analytical statistics were performed to detect a relationship between the cortication status and morphology of the condyles.

Results

For males and females, the mean age was 15.11±2.71 and 14.25±2.60 years (for condylar bone without cortication), 19.45±3.92 and 18.65±3.45 years (with developing cortical bone), 23.63±3.36 and 23.86±3.73 years (with developed cortical bone), respectively. The condyle morphology with a plane form in the anterior aspect, a convex form in the posterior aspect, a convex form in the coronal view and a round form in the sagittal view was the most often recorded condyle morphologies (13.2%). After the cortical bone of condyle completely forms, the plane form was significantly increased in the superior surface in both sagittal and coronal views.

Conclusions

The condylar shape gradually changes with growth and development of the condyle bone cortex. The more mature the bone cortex is, the higher the probability that the condyle will have an uneven shape, which may mean that the condyle morphology may change due to remodeling during growth and development.

Prevalence of and factors associated with molar-incisor hypomineralisation in schoolchildren in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland

OBJECTIVES

As prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralisation varies considerably in different countries and regions, the aim of this study was to obtain representative epidemiological data for schoolchildren living in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A representative population of schoolchildren of three different age groups, i.e. 1st grade (mean age: 7.4 years), 6th grade (mean age: 12.6 years), and 9th grade (mean age: 15.7 years) visiting compulsory schools in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland, was examined. The presence or absence of molar-incisor hypomineralisation at time of examination was recorded as well as potential influencing factors such as age group, gender, nationality, or the children's place of residence.

RESULTS

A total of 1252 schoolchildren could be included. On average, the prevalence of MIH in the study population was 14.8%. No statistically significant differences were found for nationality, gender, or place of residence. Although not statistically significant, children from the youngest age group had the highest while children from the oldest age group had the lowest MIH prevalence.

CONCLUSION

With a mean value of 14.8%, MIH prevalence among schoolchildren living in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland, is comparable to mean values recorded globally.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study represents the first study on MIH prevalence in Switzerland and also provides further evidence on potential influencing factors.

Personalized dental medicine, artificial intelligence, and their relevance for dentomaxillofacial imaging

Personalized medicine refers to the tailoring of diagnostics and therapeutics to individuals based on one's biological, social, and behavioral characteristics. While personalized dental medicine is still far from being a reality, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with improved data analytic approaches are expected to integrate diverse data from the individual, setting, and system levels, which may facilitate a deeper understanding of the interaction of these multilevel data and therefore bring us closer to more personalized, predictive, preventive, and participatory dentistry, also known as P4 dentistry. In the field of dentomaxillofacial imaging, a wide range of AI applications, including several commercially available software options, have been proposed to assist dentists in the diagnosis and treatment planning of various dentomaxillofacial diseases, with performance similar or even superior to that of specialists. Notably, the impact of these dental AI applications on treatment decision, clinical and patient-reported outcomes, and cost-effectiveness has so far been assessed sparsely. Such information should be further investigated in future studies to provide patients, providers, and healthcare organizers a clearer picture of the true usefulness of AI in daily dental practice.

The influence of climate and population structure on East Asian skeletal morphology

Recent studies have shown that global variation in body proportions is more complex than previously thought as some traits formerly associated with climate adaptation are better explained by geographic proximity and neutral evolutionary forces. While the recent incorporation of quantitative genetic methodologies has improved understanding of patterns related to climate in Africa, Europe, and the Americas, Asia remains underrepresented in recent and historic studies of body form. As ecogeographic studies tend to focus on male morphology, potential sex differences in features influenced by climate remain largely unexplored. Skeletal measurements encompassing the dimensions of the skull, pelvis, limbs, hands, and feet were collected from male (n = 459) and female (n = 442) remains curated in 13 collections across seven countries in East Asia (n = 901). Osteological data were analyzed with sex and minimum temperature as covariates adjusted by autosomal single-nucleotide polymorphism population genetic distance using univariate Bayesian linear mixed models, and credible intervals were calculated for each trait. Analysis supports a relationship between specific traits and climate as well as providing the magnitude of response in both sexes. After accounting for genetic distance between populations, greater association between climate and morphology was found in postcranial traits, with the relationship between climate and the skull limited primarily to breadth measurements. Larger body size is associated with colder climates with most measurements increasing with decreased temperature. The same traits were not always associated with climate for males and females nor correlated with the same intensity for both sexes. The varied directional association with climate for different regions of the skeleton and between the sexes underscores the necessity of future ecogeographic research to holistically evaluate body form and to look for sex-specific patterns to better understand population responses to environmental stresses.

Treatment of symptomatic oral lichen planus with intralesional corticosteroid injections

Lichen planus (synonym: lichen ruber; in the oral cavity: oral lichen planus = OLP) is a common, chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes (especially the oral and genital mucosa). With a prevalence of 1 to 2%, lichen planus is one of the most common mucodermatoses and is more common in women than in men.

Artificial intelligence in medico-dental diagnostics of the face: a narrative review of opportunities and challenges

Objectives

This review aims to share the current developments of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in the field of medico-dental diagnostics of the face. The primary focus of this review is to present the applicability of artificial neural networks (ANN) to interpret medical images, together with the associated opportunities, obstacles, and ethico-legal concerns.

Material and methods

Narrative literature review.

Results

Narrative literature review.

Conclusion

Curated facial images are widely available and easily accessible and are as such particularly suitable big data for ANN training. New AI solutions have the potential to change contemporary dentistry by optimizing existing processes and enriching dental care with the introduction of new tools for assessment or treatment planning. The analyses of health-related big data may also contribute to revolutionize personalized medicine through the detection of previously unknown associations. In regard to facial images, advances in medico-dental AI-based diagnostics include software solutions for the detection and classification of pathologies, for rating attractiveness and for the prediction of age or gender. In order for an ANN to be suitable for medical diagnostics of the face, the arising challenges regarding computation and management of the software are discussed, with special emphasis on the use of non-medical big data for ANN training. The legal and ethical ramifications of feeding patients’ facial images to a neural network for diagnostic purposes are related to patient consent, data privacy, data security, liability, and intellectual property. Current ethico-legal regulation practices seem incapable of addressing all concerns and ensuring accountability.

Clinical significance

While this review confirms the many benefits derived from AI solutions used for the diagnosis of medical images, it highlights the evident lack of regulatory oversight, the urgent need to establish licensing protocols, and the imperative to investigate the moral quality of new norms set with the implementation of AI applications in medico-dental diagnostics.

Effect of field of view (FOV) positioning and shielding on radiation dose in paediatric CBCT

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of two different large field of view (FOV) positions in the vertical dimension and shielding (thyroid collar and eyeglasses) on the effective dose and the local doses of various sites of the craniofacial complex.

METHODS

Organ doses and effective doses were calculated based on the measured doses using 27 pairs of thermoluminescent dosemeters in a paediatric tissue-equivalent of a 10-year-old anthropomorphic phantom. The large FOV of the 3D Accuitomo F170 CBCT scanner was used to image parts of the craniofacial complex. Six protocols were performed: (A) cranial position without shielding; (B) cranial position with shielding; (C) caudal position without shielding; (D) caudal position with shielding, (E) similar to C with 3600 rotation and (F) similar to D with 360° rotation. Measurements were obtained in duplicate, and the relative δ value (%) was applied to compare the average doses between the protocols.

RESULTS

Changing the FOV position from cranial to caudal without using shielding resulted in an increase of the effective dose of 18.8%. Use of shielding in the caudal position reduced the dose by 31.6%. Local absorbed dose of the thyroid had the most relevant impact on calculation of the effective dose, followed by oesophagus, bone marrow and bone surfaces, especially when comparing the different protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of shielding devices for thyroid in combination with a most caudal positioning of FOV led to the lowest local absorbed doses as well as the effective dose in a child phantom model.

Cytokines Activate JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway in MG-63 Cells on Titanium and Zirconia

Although titanium has been traditionally used as the gold standard for dental implants, recent years have seen the widespread application of zirconia implants given their superiority with regards to reduced bacterial adhesion, inflammation and cellular-interaction in terms of bio-compatibility. The JAK-STAT signaling pathway plays an important role in bone remodeling and formation. The aim of the study was to investigate the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway through different cytokines in osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) on zirconia in comparison to titanium discs. IFN-γ induced the very strong activation of STAT1 protein, IFN-α activated both STAT1 and STAT3 molecules, IL-6 activated STAT3 and IL-4 induced the activation of STAT6 on both surfaces. The activation of STAT proteins was confirmed by western blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry using phospho-specific anti-STAT antibodies, which recognize only phosphorylated STAT proteins. The incubation of MG-63 cells with IFN-γ caused the upregulation of MHC class I and class II proteins when MG-63 cells were grown on zirconia and titanium discs. In sum, the present study shows that the JAK-STAT pathway is activated in MG-63 cells when they are incubated on titanium or zirconia surfaces.

Central giant cell granuloma in the mandible. Therapy in a 13-year-old patient with denosumab

Central giant cell granuloma (CGG) is a benign intraosseous osteolytic jaw lesion that accounts for approx. 7% of all benign jaw tumours. Inflammatory, infectious or neoplastic processes are cited as the cause of ZRZG, with genetic components also playing a role. Children or young adults before the age of 30 and women are typically affected.

Surgical therapy of peri-implantitis with adjunctive hydroxyapatite and enamel matrix derivative: a 1-year retrospective case series

This case series retrospectively investigated the one-year surgical outcome of regenerative peri-implantitis therapy using a hydroxyapatite (HA) bone substitute material in combination with enamel matrix derivate (EMD) and collagen membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR). Data-sheets of patients were screened to detect patients who received identical regenerative peri implantitis-therapy with surface decontamination and GBR applying HA, EMD and a collagen membrane under broad- spectrum antibiotic regime. For inclusion, information on pre- and postoperative clinical and radiographic parameters (probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), suppuration (SUPP) and the radiological bone level (RBL)) had to be available for statistical analysis. Data of a total of 11 patients (20 implants) were extracted out of 202 (336). All implants were still in function after one year. Bone defects decreased by an average of 1.3 mm mesially and 0.9 mm distally, respectively. Mean PPD was reduced from 4.9 mm to 2.7 mm. BOP decreased from 90% to 20%. Suppuration decreased from 65% to 0%. Based on the success criteria applied, 15 of the 20 (75%) implants included were considered as successfully treated after 1 year. Regenerative peri-implantitis therapy according to the presented concept showed promising clinical and radiographic outcomes after one year. To estimate the beneficial effects of the combined use of HA, EMD and collagen membranes, further long term investigations with a control group are needed.

Novel Titanium Nanospike Structure Using Low-Energy Helium Ion Bombardment for the Transgingival Part of a Dental Implant

AIM(S)

The aim of the study was to fabricate a nanospike surface on a titanium alloy surface using a newly established method of low-energy helium ion bombardment. Various methods to achieve nanospike formation on titanium have been introduced recently, and their antibacterial properties have been mainly investigated with respect to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis play an important role in the development of peri-implantitis. For that reason, the antibacterial properties of the novel, nanostructured titanium surface against P. gingivalis were assessed, and a possible effect on the viability of gingival fibroblasts was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Helium sputtering was employed for developing titanium surfaces with nanospikes of 500 nm (ND) in height; commercially available smooth-machined (MD) and sandblasted and acid-etched titanium disks (SLA) were used as controls. Surface structure characterization was performed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Following incubation with P. gingivalis, antibacterial properties were determined via conventional culturing and SEM. Additionally, the viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) was tested through MTT assay, and cell morphology was assessed through SEM.

RESULTS

SEM images confirmed the successful establishment of a nanospike surface with required heights, albeit with heterogeneity. AFM images of the 500 nm nanospike surface revealed that the roughness is dominated by large-scale hills and valleys. For frame sizes of 5 × 5 μm and smaller, the average roughness is dominated by the height of the titanium spikes. ND successfully induces dysmorphisms within P. gingivalis cultures following the incubation period, while conventional culturing reveals a 17% and 20% reduction for ND compared to MD and SLA, respectively. Moreover, the nanospike surfaces did not affect the viability of human growth fibroblasts despite their sharp surface.

CONCLUSION(S)

This study successfully developed a novel titanium-nanospike-based structuration technique for titanium surfaces. In addition, the nanospikes did not hinder gingival fibroblast viability. Enhanced antimicrobial effects for such a novel nanospike-based resurfacing technique can be achieved through further optimizations for nanospike spacing and height parameters.

Midpalatal suture maturation staging using cone beam computed tomography in patients aged between 9 to 21 years

Midpalatal suture was analysed with cone beam computed tomography to identify its maturation with respect to age and maxillary-complex growth in 72 patients 9- to 21-year-old. Maxillary-complex was divided in premaxillary, maxillary, and palatine segment. Interdigitation and ossification of midpalatal suture, its density relative to hard tissues and soft tissues, and midpalatal suture density ratio were measured for each segment. Correlation of each parameter with age and maxillary-complex length was analysed, and classification trees were developed for staging parameters. Midpalatal suture maturation stages (MPSMS, from A to E) were applied to assess relationship with age and maxillary-complex length. Regarding age, ossification increased in maxillary segment of males (r_S = 0.39, p = 0.032), while suture density relative to soft tissues increased in maxillary (r_S = 0.37, p = 0.042) and palatine segments (r_S = 0.41, p = 0.027) of males and in palatine segment of females (r_S = 0.32, p = 0.041). In males, suture density relative to soft tissues discriminated two age-stages (p = 0.024), and the same parameter (p = 0.023) paired with ossification (p = 0.027) discriminated two length-stages. MPSMS identified length-differences between stage A and B in females (p = 0.001). Midpalatal-suture ossification and its density relative to soft tissues showed some relationship with age and maxillary-complex length, especially in males. However, challenging staging and limitations in the imaging method may limit clinical applications.

[Mucous retention cyst of the alveolar bone radiologically mimicking a radicular cyst: A case presentation.]

One of the most frequent pathologies of jaw bone is a bacteria-induced inflammation at the apices of teeth with subsequent bone resorption that typically presents as a radiolucency in radiographs. Usually, corresponding clinical and radiographic findings correlate and allow for an accurate diagnosis. However, occasionally an unexpected and completely different diagnosis presents as documented in this case report. In a 55-year-old female patient, a radicular cyst was suspected in her right maxillary bone. The treatment plan included a cystectomy as well as apical surgery of the adjacent and root-canal filled teeth 15 and 16. However, the intraoperative finding absolutely did not fit a radicular cyst but rather a mucous retention cyst, as could be confirmed subsequently by histopathology. The diagnosis of a mucous retention cyst within the jaw bone is extraordinary and as such has never been described before in the literature.

Translation and validation of an ageism scale for dental students in Switzerland

PURPOSE

This study aimed to validate an ageism scale for dental students in Switzerland.

METHODS

The original scale was first translated to German and then evaluated by 14 experts for relevance; four items were eliminated. Validation of the resulting questionnaire was performed at three Swiss dental schools. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed; Cronbach's alpha (α) was used to assess the internal consistency reliability, and Pearson's coefficient to identify any correlations with demographic parameters (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

PCA revealed 11 items among 4 factors (Overall: 11 items, α = 0.63, variance = 56.6%; Factor #1 (F1): items = 3, α = 0.64; Factor #2 (F2): items = 3, α = 0.42; Factor #3 (F3): items = 3, α = 0.35; Factor #4 (F4): items = 2, α = 0.37). F1 and F4 were correlated with clinical experience (F1: P = 0.042; F4: P = 0.006) and participation in a gerodontology course (F1: P = 0.021; F4: P = 0.004). F1 was correlated with experience of dealing with the elderly (P = 0.031), while residence locality was correlated with F3 (P = 0.047) and F4 (P = 0.043). F2 was correlated with the presence of elderly in the family (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

The translated dental ageism questionnaire for Switzerland resulted in an 11-item scale with acceptable reliability.

Anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinuses and their association with health or pathology of the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses in a Southern Chinese population: An analysis using cone-beam computed tomography

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinically relevant anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinuses and their potential association with ethmoid and maxillary sinus pathologies on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Additionally, potential associations with different sides and demographic factors, including age and sex, were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

In total, 273 CBCT scans with complete ethmoid and maxillary sinuses were analyzed to determine the prevalence of Agger nasi cell, supraorbital ethmoid cell, Haller cell, Onodi cell, and ethmomaxillary sinus. In addition, the health or pathology of the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses was also recorded to assess correlations with the aforementioned variations.

Results

The prevalence of Agger nasi cell was found to be the highest (95.6%) in this study, followed by Onodi cell (60.4%), Haller cell (29.3%), and supraorbital ethmoid cell (19.4%). Ethmomaxillary sinus was the least common finding (16.5%). Males and persons above 61 years of age had a significantly higher frequency of supraorbital ethmoid cell and Onodi cell, respectively. However, no significant relationships were noted between anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinus and pathologies of the ethmoid or maxillary sinus.

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of ethmoid sinus variations in this Southern Chinese population. The prevalence of Agger nasi cell and Onodi cell was higher than that of other anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinuses. Anatomical variations of the ethmoid sinuses were not associated with ethmoid or maxillary sinus pathologies in this patient cohort.