Oral and maxillofacial pathology in three dimensions.

It is clear that the dental profession has entered a new age of radiographic diagnostic imaging. A number of examples have shown that being able to visualize oral and maxillofacial pathologic entities in three dimensions assists in diagnosing and planning the appropriate treatment. The technology is an improvement for our profession and for the patients it serves.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a report of three cases demonstrating variability in outcomes and morbidity.

Background: Bisphosphonates are used widely to manage skeletal disorders resulting from malignancies that destroy bone and from some metabolic bone diseases. A strong association between bisphosphonate treatment and the appearance of painful exposed nonvital bone in the mandible and maxilla after oral surgery has been reported in the last decade. Extensive reviews have appeared in the dental literature regarding bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ), including protocols for diagnosis, management and diagnostic imaging for early detection; feature definition; and determination of extent of the disease.

Soft tissue lipoma with the radiographic appearance of a neoplasm within the mandibular canal.

Lipomas and lipoma variants are common soft tissue tumours but are not commonly found in the oral and maxillofacial region. We report a case of a classic lipoma located on the medial aspect of the mandibular ramus, but not within bone, first seen by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon during treatment planning for routine extractions. Initial panoramic radiography indicated an expansive tumour in the area of the mandibular foramen and proximal end of the mandibular canal, apparently within the body of the mandible.

Highly crystalline MP-1 hydroxylapatite coating. Part II: In vivo performance on endosseous root implants in dogs.

The in vivo integration strength and degree of bone apposition were compared for oral endosseous implants with different plasma-sprayed hydroxylapatite (HA) coatings. Pullout strength measurements and histological analysis were used to compare two different commercially available coating from the same manufacturer. One coating does not receive a post-plasma-spray treatment and contains about 75% crystalline HA.

Management priorities and treatment strategies for medical emergencies in the dental office.

The importance of prioritization in the management of the emergency dental patient cannot be overemphasized. Each dentists' ability to recognize and deal with emergencies depends on the dentists' education, the training of the staff, and the available equipment. This article helps the dentist prioritize the management of medical emergencies by examining preventive protocol and treatment options, as well as preparation and training strategies.

Longitudinal report on hydroxyapatite-coated implants and advanced surgical techniques in a private practice.

An oral and maxillofacial surgery practice placed and evaluated 690 hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants from 1985 to 1993. Many implants were placed in patients with compromised conditions, such as lack of bone height or width. Advanced surgical procedures were used.

Cranial arteritis mimicking odontogenic pain: report of case.

A 65-year-old patient treated for pain of apparent odontogenic origin did not respond to appropriate dental treatment. While the signs and symptoms mimicked a dental problem, further diagnostic evaluation determined the "culprit"--cranial arteritis. Proper treatment immediately after diagnosis is advised as the complications of cranial arteritis can include the rapid onset of blindness.

Benign mesenchymoma of the palate: report of a case.

A case of benign mesenchymoma of the hard palate is presented. The lesion was completely excised and the tumor margins were shown to be free of disease. Within 4 months a second noncontiguous lesion arose of the opposite side of the palate and was also removed.

Costochondral grafting in condylar replacement and mandibular reconstruction.

Thirty costochondral grafts in 22 patients were retrospectively studied with a mean follow-up of five (range, 2 to 11) years. The functional results, esthetics, and incidence of complications in these patients were determined. A discussion of these findings as well as the surgical technique is included.

Complicated orbital fractures.

A method for the clinical evaluation of patients with orbital and midfacial fractures is presented. Pertinent anatomic relations, classification of fractures, and significant associated injuries are reviewed. Principles of treatment are offered.