Khon Kaen University Dental Journal

Extraoral Maxillofacial Prosthesis Materials Part II: Polyurethane Elastomer

2024-04-12T22:07:50+07:00

Polyurethane was also employed in its production. However, there were several disadvantages to this type of material, therefore it lost its popularity. Despite having a higher tear resistance than silicone elastomer, it is still exclusively utilized for lining silicone prostheses. Although silicone materials are more widely used than other materials for the reconstruction of maxillofacial prostheses, there are many unfavorable issues that arise after use, like discoloration and degradation. Thus, the study of material characteristics and behavior is necessary to fabricate prostheses for patients with the best possible outcome.

Subcutaneous Emphysema Suddenly after Restorative Dental Treatment: A Case Report

2024-06-24T16:06:05+07:00

Subcutaneous emphysema after dental treatment is a rare complication and spontaneous recovery. However, some reports have found that the consequences were serious and life-threatening complications. In dentistry, it may appear with the use of air-driven handpieces during tooth extraction, tooth separation with a raised mucosal flap, the use of gingival retraction cords, and using air-water syringe push air into the periodontal tissue. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology of subcutaneous emphysema, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment will be a good prevention of complications. This report presents a rare occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema delivery of a class V dental restoration with a retraction cord in an upper left second molar. The tissue swelling was presented suddenly from the left infraorbital area to the left submandibular area. The expected clinical course, physical examination, diagnostic features, and treatment were discussed for the prevention of a severe complication

Factors Associated with The Revision of Alveolar Bone Grafting Using Iliac Crest Bone Grafts in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate

2024-07-11T15:50:58+07:00

Alveolar bone grafting with iliac crest bone grafts is a common corrective procedure for maxillary abnormalities in patients with cleft lip and palate. Despite its widespread use, the need for surgical revisions persists. This retrospective case-control study analyzed data from the past 12 years (2010-2021), including 30 cases requiring revision and 30 controls without such need. We examined the influence of gender, presence of oronasal fistulas, and alveolar cleft characteristics-specifically, the type and size of the cleft. Measurements were taken at three anatomic levels: cervical, middle, and apex of the tooth root, using intraoral radiographs. Results from multiple logistic regression analysis, controlling for confounding variables, showed statistically significant associations (p<0.05) with the need for revision. Notably, females were 4.82 times more likely than males to require revision (95% CI: 1.06–21.85), and the presence of an oronasal fistula increased the likelihood of repeat surgery by 8.14 times (95% CI: 1.86-35.59). Furthermore, each millimeter increase in the size of the alveolar cleft at the root apex was associated with a 1.62 times higher chance of requiring additional surgery (95% CI: 1.14-2.32). These findings underscore the importance of meticulous patient preparation and targeted surgical planning to address oronasal fistulas and cleft size, necessitating close collaboration among surgeons and orthodontists to reduce the frequency of revisions and improve post-operative outcomes.

Factors Related to The Severity of Persistent Hypoesthesia after Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy

2024-08-06T09:00:31+07:00

Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy (BSSRO) is a widely used surgical procedure for correcting mandibular deformities, often resulting in a common post-operative complication: persistent hypoesthesia in the lower lip and chin. This study aimed to identify factors that related to the severity of this hypoesthesia post-BSSRO. We retrospectively analyzed treatment records of 33 patients who underwent BSSRO at an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic between October 2019 and October 2021. Neurosensory disturbance was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and neurosensory function was objectively tested with 5-piece Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments on the lower lip and chin. Results indicated that the duration of post-operative follow-up was significantly associated with the severity of persistent hypoesthesia (P= 0.027). Moreover, intraoperative nerve encounter on the left side significantly related to the severity of symptoms, particularly in patients with normal to mild neurosensory disturbance (P = 0.014). The study concludes that extended post-operative follow-up, avoidance of intraoperative nerve exposure, and the expertise of the surgeon are key factors in reducing the severity of persistent hypoesthesia following BSSRO.

A Study of Development of Dental Practicum Course Provision for Students in Doctor of Dental Surgery Program

2024-08-30T17:31:46+07:00

This research aimed to study the current situation in the management of dental practicum courses and to identify the strategies for improving the management of dental practicum courses. The study group focused on the 3rd to 6th year dental students from the School of Dentistry, University of Phayao during the 2022 academic year who had enrolled and completed in dental practicum courses. 30 samples were voluntary included in this study with informed consent. The researchers collected data by focus group discussion during February to March, 2023, where participants were encouraged to freely express their experiences in accordance with guided discussions created by researchers. The data was then analyzed by reporting the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) and major issues were chosen for further analysis to fishbone diagrams and value chain diagrams. The results of this study were summarized that the course content is contemporary and globally applicable, supported by well-detailed manuals. Instructors are knowledgeable and specialized in their teaching topics, instructors from both full-time staffs and special instructors from other faculties provide diverse learning opportunities for students. The physical environment of the location is conducive for learning situation, and facilities such as equipment and laboratory staffs are efficient. Furthermore, the curriculum management system is up-to-date, utilizing electronic and online systems for communication and assessment. The findings of this study can be utilized to improve learning instruction by using up-to-date practical manuals, focus on the communication between learners and instructors during learning activity, ensure evenly distributed class schedules across academic years, and well-planned necessary equipment to procure suitable and cost-effective materials. These efforts will enhance the efficiency of teaching management and create long-term value.

Masking Ability and Color Stability of Resin Composites with Different Layering Techniques on Discolored Tooth at Immediate Restoration and After Thermocycling

2024-09-28T16:16:51+07:00

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the masking ability and color stability of resin composites, restored with various layering techniques on discolored tooth at immediate restoration and after thermal aging. For the materials and methods, three hundred and forty disc-shaped specimens of dentin shade and enamel shade of four brands of resin composite included Filtek Z350 XT, Harmonize, Ceram X Duo, and Estelite 𝚺 Quick were prepared with five layering thicknesses in millimeters (n=17) as followed (Dentin thickness/Enamel thickness); 0.3/0.3, 0.4/0.4, 0.5/0.3, 0.5/0.5 and 0.7/0.3. The masking ability was interpreted through the color difference of resin composites on A4-shade tooth background at immediate restoration (∆E_T0) and after thermocycling (∆E_T1), and the color stability of specimens was measured on A1-shade inherent color background (∆E_A1) using CIELab coordinates obtained from a spectrophotometer. Thermocycling was performed at 5^oC and 55^oC in distilled water for 5,000 cycles. Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s Bonferroni post hoc test, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test were used to determine the significant difference of color difference (p<0.05). The results showed that the median color difference of the layered specimens (∆E_T0, ∆E_T1, and ∆E_A1) were as follow; Filtek Z350 XT (1.52-2.00, 1.40-1.87, and 0.94), Harmonize (2.19-5.82, 2.34-5.65, and 1.36), Ceram X Duo (1.26-2.65, 2.13-2.45, and 1.28) and Estelite 𝚺 Quick (3.80-7.70, 4.07-8.10, and 1.16). ∆E_T0 and ∆E_T1 were significantly different amongst resin composites with layering technique. Moreover, thermocycling significantly affected to the masking ability and the resin composite brands affected to the color stability (∆E_A1) after thermocycling in some layering thicknesses (p<0.05). In conclusion, all resin composite brands demonstrated higher masking ability when increasing the thickness except for Filtek Z350 XT. A minimum 0.6 mm thickness of Filtek Z350 XT and Ceram X Duo, and 1.0 mm of Harmonize can mask the discolored tooth, whereas Estelite 𝚺 Quick showed unacceptable masking ability at all thicknesses. The color stability of all resin composites was clinically acceptable. Filtek Z350 XT showed the highest color stability.