Objectives: The aim of this single-blinded randomized controlled trial was to test the hypothesis of no difference in long-term oral health-related quality of life following surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar with advanced platelet-rich fibrin (test) compared with natural socket healing (control).

Material and Methods: Eighty patients were randomly allocated to test or control. Patient demographic, mouth opening, wound heling, and neurosensory function were assessed at enrolment (T0), 10 days (T1), 30 days (T2), and one-year (T3) after surgery. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated by OHIP-14 and SF-36 questionnaires.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between test and control in patient demographic, mouth opening, and wound heling at T0-T3, as well as oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) at T1, T2, and T3 (P = 0.35; P = 0.086; P = 0.19), or SF-36 at T3 (P = 0.85). OHIP-14 score was significantly higher at T1 compared with T0 in test and control (P < 0.001), indicating impaired OHRQoL immediately after surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar, whereas OHIP-14 score was significant lower in test and control at T3 compared with T0 (P < 0.001), indicating improved long-term OHRQoL. SF-36 score was significantly higher at T3 compared with T0 in control (P = 0.009), indicating improved OHRQoL, while test revealed no significant difference (P = 0.79).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar is associated with long-term improvement in oral health-related quality of life. However, application of advanced platelet-rich fibrin in the extraction socket does not have a beneficial effect on oral health-related quality of life compared with natural socket healing.

Objectives: The purpose of this split-mouth randomized clinical trial is to compare implant primary and secondary stability over 90 days following site preparation with electromagnetic osteotomes or osseodensification burs.

Material and Methods: Nineteen patients received two identical implants in contralateral posterior maxillary sites. Test sites were prepared with electromagnetic osteotomes (EO), and control sites were prepared with osseodensification burs (ODB), reaching the same osteotomy diameter. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was recorded at implant placement and after 7, 14, 21, 28, 60 and 90 days. Surgical time, final insertion torque and eventual complications were recorded. Radiographic marginal bone levels were assessed at surgery (T0), prosthesis delivery (T1), and 1 year after loading (T2).

Results: Median final insertion torque did not differ significantly in the two techniques (EO: 58 [IQR 23] Ncm; ODB: 61 [IQR 21.5] Ncm; P = 0.15). Baseline implant stability quotient (ISQ) was significantly higher in ODB sites (75.19 [SD 4.95]) than in EO sites (70.66 [SD 6.03]) (P = 0.004). Mean ISQ values were significantly higher in the ODB group at all timepoints (P < 0.05). Marginal bone levels showed no significant differences between techniques at T1 or T2, and final insertion torque was the only variable significantly associated with initial bone remodeling (P = 0.016). All inserted implants were in function at T2.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this randomized controlled trial conducted in posterior maxillary sites with low bone density, osseodensification burs resulted in significantly higher implant stability, as measured by ISQ values at placement and during early healing, compared with electromagnetic osteotomes, despite similar insertion torque values. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between insertion torque and early radiographic changes in marginal bone levels, independent of the preparation technique.

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the prevalence of the canalis sinuosus, its anatomical variations, and the relationship between its opening sites and the anterior teeth in the Lithuanian population.

Material and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans including the full maxillary arch of adult patients was performed. The canalis sinuosus (CS) presence, distribution, opening diameter, and distances to surrounding anatomical landmarks were measured and compared by side, sex, and age groups using CS 3D Imaging software (Carestream Inc.).

Results: Among 200 CBCT scans, CS was identified in 73% of subjects (365 canals), with bilateral presentation in 63% and predominantly palatal openings (96.7%). Most canals measured < 1 mm (88.7%) and median CS diameter was significantly greater on the right than on the left (0.78 [SD] vs. 0.7 [SD] mm; P = 0.034). Males exhibited significantly larger CS diameters and greater CS-nasal cavity floor and CS-buccal cortical bone distances bilaterally (P < 0.05). CS was most frequently located in the central and lateral incisor regions. No significant association was observed between CS location and sex or between age groups and CS dimensions or location; however, unilateral occurrence was more frequent in the age group of 18 to 30 years (P = 0.002).

Conclusions: The canalis sinuosus is a frequent anatomical structure in the anterior maxilla, most often presenting bilaterally with palatal openings. Sex-related differences were observed, whereas age showed no significant effect on canal dimensions.

Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro experimental study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of One Curve™ (Micro-Mega) and NeoNiTi™ (Neolix) during the preparation of simulated canals with severe curvature.

Material and Methods: A total of 120 resin blocks with simulated double-curved canals were randomly divided into two groups and prepared using One Curve™ and NeoNiTi™ files, following manufacturer guidelines. Each set of files cleaned and shaped five canals, was sterilized after each use, and had deformation occurrences recorded. The files were used until fracture, and failure time was measured with a digital stopwatch to calculate the number of rotations before fracture. The lengths of broken file segments were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed using an independent t-test.

Results: Deformation occurred in 1 (8.33%) and 5 (20.83%) of One Curve™ and NeoNiTi™ A1 files, respectively (P < 0.05). The average number of rotations until fracture for NeoNiTi™ A1 was significantly lower than that of One Curve™ files (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in fractured segment lengths between the two groups.

Conclusions: One Curve™ files demonstrated superior resistance to cyclic fatigue compared to NeoNiTi™ A1 files in double-curvature canals, suggesting their potential advantage in clinical applications requiring enhanced durability.

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective observational study was to analyse the soft tissue response in patients with cleft lip and palate undergoing maxillary advancement and its correlation with hard tissue changes.

Material and Methods: A cephalometric analysis and comparison of pre- and postoperative lateral cephalometric radiographs was performed using Dolphin Imaging software (Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions). A total of 261 lateral cephalometric radiographs (preoperative, immediate postoperative and 6 months postoperative) from 87 patients with cleft lip and palate who underwent maxillary advancement (Le Fort I osteotomy) were analysed. Maxillary advancement was measured and patients were categorized by advancement magnitude. Statistical analysis involved comparison of soft tissue changes across different advancement groups.

Results: Overall, significant increases were observed in overjet, overbite, upper lip length, and facial harmony, while nose size decreased. The highest soft/hard tissue ratios were observed with advancements ≤ 5.0 mm. Soft tissue changes were minimal for advancements ≤ 5.0 mm but more pronounced for larger advancements. No significant correlation was found between cephalometric variables and maxillary advancement.

Conclusions: Maxillary advancement significantly influences soft tissue changes in patients with cleft lip and palate. Smaller advancements result in minimal soft tissue changes, while larger advancements impact lip thickness and incisor exposure.