Preferences and experiences regarding the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with mandibular advancement splints - a cross-sectional pilot survey.

Objective: To obtain a current overview of the use of mandibular advancement splints (MAS) as a therapeutic option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the dental profession in Northern Germany.

Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 2431 dental professionals, and 8.3% responded.

Therapy of antigen-induced arthritis of the temporomandibular joint via platelet-rich plasma injections in domestic pigs.

The aim of this animal study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to treat antigen-induced arthritis AIA. AIA was induced via the application of bovine serum albumin (BSA) into the TMJ. Clear histological signs and protein analysis results indicating inflammation of the TMJ were observed.

Scaffold implantation in the omentum majus of rabbits for new bone formation.

Restoration of the mandible after defects caused by ablative surgery remains challenging. Microvascular free flaps from the scapula, fibula or iliac crest remain the 'gold standard'. A drawback of these methods is donor-side morbidity, availability and the shape of the bone.

Antigen-induced arthritis of the temporomandibular joint via repeated injections of bovine serum albumin in domestic pigs.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is affected in up to 50%, resulting in pain, limited mouth opening and dental malocclusion. The outcome of conservative and surgical therapies is unsatisfying in many cases. The purpose of this study was to establish a large animal model of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) of the TMJ that enables the investigation of the pathogenesis of RA and the evaluation of new therapies.

Bone tissue engineering in the greater omentum is enhanced by a periosteal transplant in a miniature pig model.

Aim: Reconstruction of bone defects with autologous grafts has certain disadvantages. The aim of this study is to introduce a new type of living bioreactor for engineering of bone flaps and to evaluate the effect of different barrier membranes.

Materials & Methods: Scaffolds loaded with bone morphogenetic proteins and bone marrow aspirate wrapped with either a collagen membrane or a periosteal flap were implanted in the greater omentum of miniature pigs.