Does Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis for Robin Sequence Create Altered Craniofacial Morphology and Disrupt Tooth Development?

Background: Robin Sequence (RS) infant patients may require mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) to improve airway. The distracted mandible may grow vertically and the developing dentition may be disrupted.

Purpose: The study purpose was to measure the association of MDO on craniofacial morphology and tooth development in RS subjects.

Standardized Rat Model Testing Effects of Inflammation and Grafting on Extraction Healing.

Background: Loss of alveolar ridge width and height after tooth extraction is well documented, but models to evaluate ridge preservation are neither standardized nor cost-effective. This rat model characterizes the pattern of bone turnover and inflammation after extraction and bone grafting with or without local simvastatin (SIM).

Methods: Fifty retired-breeder rats underwent extraction of the maxillary right first molar and standard surgical defect creation under inhalation/local anesthesia.

Outdoor weathering of facial prosthetic elastomers differing in Durometer hardness.

Statement Of Problem: Facial prosthetic elastomers with wide ranges in hardness are available, yet material weatherability is unknown.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess color, Durometer hardness, and tensile property changes after 3000 hours of outdoor weathering.

Material And Methods: Unpigmented elastomers with Durometer hardness 5, 30, 50, 70, and A-2186 were polymerized into dumbbells (ASTM D412) and disks, 34 mm in diameter by 6 mm thick.