Objectives: This systematic review of case reports and case series aims to identify the types of necrotic alterations caused by desomorphine ("Krokodil") and the diagnostic methods used in such cases.

Material and Methods: An advanced search was conducted on 30 January 2025 in the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases using the selected keywords and MeSH terms. The research was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 54 records were identified and screened for eligibility. After meticulous evaluation by two independent reviews, 15 articles were included in this systematic review.

Results: Of the included 251 cases, 247 discussed osteonecrosis of the facial bones. Three out of the four cases discussing limb necrosis presented a high risk of bias. The most commonly used paraclinical diagnostic methods were: radiological examination (radiographs, cone-beam computed tomography, etc.), histopathological examination, microbiological tests, and blood tests. Other less common methods included scintigraphy and C-terminal telopeptide tests. This systematic review did not identify enough cases discussing desomorphine-associated skin lesions.

Conclusions: Desomorphine ("Krokodil") is a dangerous drug that causes different local and systemic damages, including soft-tissue lesions and bone necrosis. Future studies should focus on the distribution of the necrotic lesions according to the affected tissues/organs, and the possible correlation between the drug use period and the clinical findings.

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the characteristics of patients hospitalized with severe infections after tooth removal.

Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical and dental records of patients hospitalized with severe infections after tooth removal from their hospitalization and their dental records preceding their hospital admission. Descriptive statistical methods were applied.

Results: Of 109 patients included in the study, the majority (84%) of patients were above 25 years with a mean age of 42.8 (SD 19.6) years. The extracted teeth were most often surgically removed, and indications for extraction were predominantly a pathological condition in the dental or surrounding tissues. Only one patient had prophylactic antibiotics administered before surgical removal of the tooth. Surgical extraction of a mandibular third molar preceded hospitalization in sixty-three patients (58%) and a distoangular position was the most common (36%). Patients who had a mandibular third molar removed were significantly younger (P = 0.006) and had no comorbidities (P = 0.002) in contrast to those with any other tooth removed.

Conclusions: Patients developing severe infections after tooth removal are characterized by the extraction of mandibular third molars, pathologic conditions related to the teeth removed, and absence of prophylactic antibiotics during the procedure.

Objectives: The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess weight loss in kg following orthognathic surgery focusing on gender, type of surgery, employment, and living arrangements, as effect modifiers.

Material and Methods: Patient weights were measured at four points during their trajectory; two weeks preoperatively, week one, week three, and week eight postoperatively. Additionally, the registered nurse collected the following information: (1) patient age; (2) gender; (3) status of employment; (4) type of surgery; and (5) living arrangement.

Results: Mean weight loss of 3.35 kg (95% CI [confidence interval] = 3.07 to 3.62, P < 0.001), 3.56 kg (95% CI = 3.23 to 3.89, P < 0.001), and 2.79 kg (95% CI = 2.36 to 3.21, P < 0.001) for week 1, 3 and 8. Higher weight loss was observed in males 3.81 kg (95% CI = 3.31 to 4.31) compared with females 3 kg (95% CI = 2.71 to 3.29) at week 1 (P = 0.01). Highest weight loss following bimaxillary surgery was observed at week 1 (P = 0.00) and week 8 (P = 0.04).

Conclusions: Postoperative proportional weight loss is observed in all patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Being male and having bimaxillary surgery predicts for a higher weight loss. Patients who had bimaxillary procedures showed greater weight loss compared to those who had a single jaw procedure, possibly due to longer surgery times, increased facial swelling and restricted mouth opening. Interestingly, living arrangements seemed to have an effect on weight loss at week 3, suggesting that social support may influence nutritional status.

Objectives: This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of intra-examiner and inter-examiner bone loss measurements in cone-beam computed tomography images over time, on patients with peri-implant defects using two cone-beam computed tomography software programs: 3D Slicer and Dolphin Imaging.

Material and Methods: Baseline images were oriented based on implant location and aligned with the palatal or Go-Me plane. Two CBCT volumes were imported and superimposed using landmark-based and surface-based methods, with accuracy assessed through 3D and 2D matching. Measurements of implant diameter, length, and bone thickness at 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm intervals were taken at two-time points by three independent examiners, with reliability assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients.

Results: Twenty measurements per 14 cases were evaluated. Each examiner conducted 1,120 measurements with a cumulative total of 3,360 measurements assessed. Significant differences in measurement times were observed, with 3D Slicer requiring more time for superimposition tasks (P < 0.001). Both software programs, however, demonstrated high reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.80) in inter- and intra-examiner agreement across various bone measurements.

Conclusions: Findings emphasize that the high reliability observed with the software and superimposition techniques is directly linked to the calibration and training exercises conducted with the examiners before the study. Dolphin’s Imaging automated superimposition was significantly faster than 3D Slicer’s manual approach, 3D Slicer offered superior image quality and better differentiation of bone outlines. Both software demonstrated effectiveness in delivering consistent and reproducible measurements, with significant implications for clinical and research applications in implant dentistry.

Objectives: This cross-sectional observational study aims to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Lithuanian dentists and dental hygienists and determine the most affected body areas.

Material and Methods: An anonymous survey was carried out from October 20, 2024, to December 5, 2024. The questionnaire was distributed online to Lithuanian specialists - dentists and oral hygienists. A total of 382 professionals were included in this survey. Chi-square test, its degrees of freedom was used for the analysis of variables.

Results: The study involved 382 participants who reported experiencing pain in the neck (65.7%), shoulders (59.7%), and lower back (58.1%) in the past 12 months, while only 4.5% did not experience any discomfort. Based on the study data, 19.4% of respondents were unable to perform their regular work due to problems related to pain in certain areas during the last 12 months. In addition, 49.5% of specialists had never consulted a physiotherapist or doctor about their condition during the past year. As many as 20.7% of respondents stated that they were completely physically inactive, and 18.1% engaged in low-intensity physical activity.

Conclusions: Overall, dentists and dental hygienists in Lithuania face a significant prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in their profession. Considering the magnitude of this issue, it is essential to implement university-level preventive education programs that provide dental professionals with comprehensive ergonomic knowledge.