Objectives: To conduct a systematic review of epidemiological literature to determine the incidence of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw occurring either spontaneously or after dental surgery, in children and adolescents diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Material and Methods: MEDLINE, HMIC and EMBASE were used to search for English-language articles published from 1946 - 2013. Inclusion criteria consisted of population based studies of children and adolescents (24 years and younger) diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, only studies which included a dental examination, and patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates were included. Articles were excluded if patients had any other co-morbidity which could affect osteonecrosis of the jaw, and those which treated patients with oral bisphosphonates only.

Results: Five studies consisting of four retrospective cohort studies and one case series were identified. Study populations ranged from 15 to 278 patients and number of subjects with osteogenesis imperfecta ranged from 15 to 221. Mean duration of intravenous bisphosphonate use ranged from 4.5 to 6.8 years. All patients were clinically examined and no patients were found to have osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Conclusions: There is no evidence to support hypothesis of causal relationship between bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta. More prospective studies on bisphosphonate use in osteogenesis imperfecta needs to be carried out.

Objectives: This study evaluated the relationship of the lingual nerve with the adjacent anatomical structures of the mandibular third molar region, influencing the dentist to be aware of the variability of these relationships.

Material and Methods: Samples of 24 human corpse half-heads were selected and divided according with the presence or absence of the mandibular third molars. The lingual nerve (LN) was explored, showing its run from the oblique line until its crossing with the submandibular gland duct. The measurements along the LN and the adjacent anatomical structures were taken at the retromolar, molar and sublingual region with the use of a digital caliper.

Results: The distance from the LN and the third molar socket, which represents the horizontal distance of the lingual plate to the nerve, on average, was 4.4 mm (SD 2.4 mm). The distance from the LN and the lingual alveolar rim, which represents the vertical relationship between the nerve and the lingual alveolar rim of the third molar socket, on average, was 16.8 mm (SD 5.7 mm). The LN has a varied topography that leaves it very vulnerable during any procedure executed in this region.

Conclusions: Unless adequate protection of the lingual nerve is acquired by following an adequate surgical technique, the lingual nerve will always be vulnerable to damage during surgical intervention or manipulation in this region.

Objectives: To investigate the static frictional resistance at the bracket/archwire interface in two recently introduced bracket systems and compare them to conventional ceramic and conventional metal bracket systems. Three variables were considered including the bracket system, archwire type and archwire angulation.

Material and Methods: Four bracket systems were tested in vitro: Self ligating ceramic, ceramic with metal slot and module, conventional ceramic with module and conventional metal with module. A specially constructed jig and an Instron testing machine were used to measure the static frictional resistance for 0.014 inches round and 0.018 x 0.025 inches rectangular stainless steel wires at 0° and 7° angulations. Main outcome measures: static frictional force at the bracket/archwire interface; recorded and measured in units of force (Newtons).

Results: Self ligating ceramic and metal slot ceramic bracket systems generated significantly less static frictional resistance than conventional ceramic bracket systems with the wire at both angulations (P < 0.05). Changing the wire from 0.014 round to 0.018 x 0.025 rectangular wire significantly increased frictional forces for metal slot ceramic and conventional metal bracket systems (P < 0.01). Increasing wire angulation significantly increased frictional resistance at the bracket/archwire interface for all four types of bracket systems tested (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Compared to conventional ceramic, self ligating ceramic and metal slot ceramic bracket systems should give improved clinical performance, matching that of conventional metal brackets.

Background: Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) is a benign jaw lesion originating from periodontal ligament tissues usually asymptomatic and diagnosed accidentally at routine dental radiographic examination. The purpose of this paper is to report three cases diagnosed as FCOD with their clinical, radiographic and histological findings.

Methods: Radiologic and clinical symptoms of three cases diagnosed as FCOD are presented. Serum alkaline phosphatase test and biopsy taken from two of the patients are discussed to eliminate the Paget’s disease.

Results: Three patients diagnosed as FCOD and called for routine follow-up. Because of no sign of infection or osteomyelitis, conservative treatment was applied.

Conclusions: Radiographic examination is significant for the diagnosis of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia, especially in the asymptomatic cases. The roles of the dentist are to ensure the follow-up of the diagnosed patients and to take the necessary measures for preventing from the infections.