An interesting case of gunshot injury to the temporomandibular joint.

The head and face are relatively common sites of gunshot injury, and the temporomandibular joint is often affected. These wounds usually produce major deformity and functional impairment, particularly when the temporomandibular joint is affected or when structures such as the facial nerve are damaged. Complications may include mandibular displacement at maximum mouth opening and in protrusion, limited mouth opening, limited lateral movement of the jaw, anterior open bite, and, more rarely, temporomandibular ankylosis.

Evaluation of the effects of the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on alveolar bone repair following extraction of impacted third molars: prospective study.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors, target-specific polypeptides that play a role in cell proliferation and differentiation and can thus encourage wound repair. This study sought to assess the effects of PRP on new bone formation in a sample of 25 patients with clinical indications for extraction of all four impacted third molars with similar orientation, depth, and root morphology. Immediately after extraction, sockets on one side received PRP, whereas those on the other side (control) did not.

Use of orthodontic mini-implants for maxillomandibular fixation in mandibular fracture.

Orthodontic appliances for skeletal anchorage are becoming increasingly more common in clinical practice. Similarly, different terms such as mini-implants, microimplants, and miniscrews have been used. There is a wide array of appliances currently on the market, in different designs and sizes, diameters, degree of titanium purity, and surface treatment.