• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.186-190
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• 2017

A surgical approach involving the retromolar trigone, posterolateral maxilla, and pterygoid region is the most challenging in the field of maxillofacial surgery. The upper cheek flap (Weber-Ferguson incision) with subciliary extension and the maxillary swing approach have been considered as alternatives; however, neither approach provides sufficient exposure of the pterygoid region and the anterior portion of the mandibular ramus. In this report, we describe two cases in which a lower cheek flap approach was used for complete tumor resection in the retromolar trigone and the anterior mandibular ramus. This approach allows full exposure of the posterolateral maxilla and the pterygoid region as well as the retromolar trigone without causing major sensory disturbances to the lower lip. A mental nerve anastomosis after tumor resection was performed in one patient and resulted in approximately 90% sensory recovery in the lower lip. The lower cheek flap approach provides adequate exposure of the posterolateral maxilla, including the pterygoid, retromolar trigone, and mandibular ramus areas. If the mental nerve can be anastomosed during flap approximation, postoperative sensory disturbances to the lower lip can be minimized.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.367-373
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• 2018

Background: Fear of local anesthesia (LA) is a significant impediment to dental care as many patients delay or avoid treatment to avert pain. Computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system (CCLAD), with constant and controlled rate of flow, present a painless alternative. The present study aimed to compare anxiety and pain perceived with conventional and computerized systems, for different stages of anesthesia delivery when administering various nerve blocks. Methods: One hundred patients requiring bilateral LA participated in the study. One side was anesthetized using one system and the contralateral side was anesthetized using the other, in two separate appointments. Patients assigned anxiety scores on a 5-point scale and used the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain determination at needle insertion, during delivery of anesthetic solution, immediately after injection, and at the end of the periodontal procedure. Each patient's preference for the delivery system of future injections was also recorded. Results: Patients reported significantly lower anxiety levels with CCLAD compared to the syringe. Significantly lower mean VAS scores for anesthesia deposition, pain immediately after, and at the end of the periodontal procedure were also noted. However, pain at needle insertion was comparable between the two systems, with no statistical significance. Overall, 64.4% patients preferred CCLAD for future anesthesia. Conclusion: Lower pain perceived with CCLAD and higher preference for the system suggest that CCLAD should replace conventional syringes to allow pain-free dental treatment.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.209-215
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• 2019

Background: Pain is an unpleasant sensation ranging from mild localized discomfort to agony and is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms in oral surgery. Usually, local anesthetic agents and analgesics are used for pain control in oral surgical procedures. Local anesthetic agents including lignocaine and bupivacaine are routinely used in varying concentrations. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 0.25% and 0.5% bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in infraorbital nerve block. Methods: Forty-one patients undergoing bilateral maxillary orthodontic extraction received 0.5% bupivacaine (n = 41) on one side and 0.25% bupivacaine (n = 41) on the other side at an interval of 7 d. The parameters evaluated for both the bupivacaine concentrations were onset of action, pain during procedure (visual analog scale score [VAS]), and duration of action. The results were noted, tabulated, and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The onset of action of 0.5% bupivacaine was quicker than that of 0.25% bupivacaine, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.306). No significant difference was found between the solutions for VAS scores (P = 0.221) scores and duration of action (P = 0.662). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between 0.25% bupivacaine and 0.5% bupivacaine in terms of onset of action, pain during procedure, and duration of action. The use of 0.25% bupivacaine is recommended.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.200-204
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• 2023

Although in counterpart, the sphenopalatine artery (SPA), has been well described in the medical literature, the sphenopalatine vein (SPV) has received scant attention. Therefore, the present anatomical study was performed. Additionally, we discuss the variations, embryology, and clinical significance of the SPV. Adult cadaveric specimens underwent dissection of the SPV. In addition, some specimens were submitted for histological analysis of this structure. The SPV was found to drain from the sphenoidal sinus and nasal septum. Small tributaries traveled through the nasal septum with the posterior septal branches of the SPA and nasopalatine nerve. The SPA and SPV were found to travel through the sphenopalatine foramen and another tributary was found to perforate the medial plate of the pterygoid process and to connect to the pterygoid venous plexus which traveled lateral to the medial plate of the pterygoid process. The vein traveled through the posterior part of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity with the posterior lateral nasal branches of the SPA and the lateral superior posterior nasal branches of the maxillary nerve. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomical study on the SPV in humans. Data on the SPV provides an improved anatomical understanding of the vascular network of the nasal cavity. Developing a more complete picture of the nasal cavity and its venous supply might help surgeons and clinicians better manage clinical entities such as posterior epistaxis, cavernous sinus infections, and perform endoscopic surgery with fewer complications.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.375-385
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• 1992

This is a report of adenoid cystic carcinoma occurred in the palate in 30-year-old patient with a complaint of exophytic mass. The authors diagnosed it as adenoid cystic carcinoma by the clinical examination, radiographic findings and histopathological findings. The obtained results are as follows: 1. In clinical examination, asymptomatic exophytic mass of palate was observed. 2. In radiographic findings, soft tissue mass infiltrated the left maxillary sinus, nasal cavity, infraorbital fossa, hard palate, pterygopalatine fossa and pterygoid plate, and enhanced soft tissue mass was also observed in CT. 3. In histopathological findings, tubular and solid patterns of glandular structures were observed and the infiltration of tumor cells into the nerve fibers was also observed. 4. Two years after radical surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, the perineural spread to orbital area was observed. 5. Much longer follow-up than 5 years is needed for early diagnosis of recurrence and distant metastasis.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.227-230
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• 1999

The sphenopalatine ganglion lies behind the middle nasal concha in the sphenopalatine foramen which connects the fossa to the nasal cavity. It has sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers as well as sensory fibers which innervate the nasal cavity, palate and nasopharynx. Current indications for blockade of the sphenopalatine ganglion include the management of migraine, cluster headache and a variety of facial neuralgias. Blockage of this ganglion can be attempted when more conservative treatments have failed. If the pain relief gained through the procedure is of short duration and the blockage needs to be repeated frequently, then radiofrequency thermocoagulation should be considered. Since the sphenopalatine ganglion lies close to the maxillary nerve, neurolytics can cause facial dysesthesia, radiofrequency thermocoagulation is the preferred method for ganglionotomy. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion was done for 3 patients who suffered from postherpetic neuralgia, cluster headache, atypical facial pain respectively. Good results were obtained with the exception of the patient suffering from atypical facial pain. Although we were concerned about complications such as epistaxis, none were encountered. However it should be noted that caution must be exercised when repeatedly redirecting the cannula in the sphenopalatine fossa as serious bleeding and pronounced facial swelling may result.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.313-321
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• 2021

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a disabling disease resulting from fibrous or bony fusion of the mandibular condyle and the glenoid fossa. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are essential to prevent facial deformity and other complications. Conventional radiography has limitations in demonstrating the true extent of ankylosis. It is important for surgeons to be aware of the size and degree of bony ankylosis in order to perform complete resection of the ankylotic mass. In addition, a detailed evaluation of the relationship with adjacent vital structures such as the internal maxillary artery, inferior alveolar nerve canal, external auditory canal, and skull base are crucial to avoid iatrogenic injury. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the current imaging modality of choice for preoperative assessments. Herein, the authors propose a structured CT reporting template for TMJ ankylosis to strengthen the value of the preoperative imaging report and to reduce the rates of intraoperative complications and recurrence.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.688-702
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to investigate the revascularization and reinnervation of calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive nerves in immediately replanted rat molars. First maxillary right molars in 56 rats(35days old) were extracted and immediately replanted. The rats were killed 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 42 days after replantation and revascularization of pulpal blood vessels were examined microangiogram with korean traditional ink and reinnervation of pulpal nerve were examined immunohistochemical method using calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) antiserum. The results were as follows; 1. Revascularization and reinnervation of CGRP immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed mesial side whole pulp tissue of replanted teeth. Revascularization and reinnervation of CGRP immunoreactive fiber were made at 2days after replantation in entire pulp of replanted teeth and the distribution density of blood vessels were gradually increased according time elapsed, but did not achieve the density of control. 2. Postoperative dentin formation in replanted teeth revealed at 1week after replantaton and gradually increased according to time elapsed. 3. Revascularization and Reinnervation of CGRP immunoreactive nerve fibers were established at the same time and it seems to be closed relatationship between revascularization and reinnervation.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.560-569
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• 1999

Blood supply rather than nerve supply implies pulp vitality. To evaluate pulp vitality clinically, electric pulp test and thermal test which are based on sensory nerve response have been used in addition to many auxiliary data such as past dental history, visual inspection, radiographic examination, percussion, palpation and transillumination test. However, reactivity of the nerves to the stimulation is not synonymous with normalcy. Therefore measurement of pulpal blood flow using a laser Doppler flowmeter became a new trial to test the pulp vitality. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate normal pulpal blood flow level of maxillary teeth in adult to provide a guideline in determining the vitality of dental pulp. Pulpal blood flow was measured in maxillary central and lateral incisors, canines, first and second premolars and first molars of seventy nine adults of 22 - 30 years old using a laser Doppler flowmeter (PeriFlux 4001, Perimed Co., Stockholm, Sweden, 780 nm infrared laser, 1mW). For directly-made splints, silicone rubber impressions were taken directly from the mouth. For indirectly-made splints, alginate impressions were taken from the mouth and stone cast were made. After making depressions on the buccal surfaces of the cast teeth to indicate the hole positions, second impressions with vinyl polysyloxane putty were taken from the cast. Holes for the laser probes were made at the putty impressions 4mm above the gingival level. Laser probe (PF416 dental probe, 1.5mm) was inserted in the prepared hole and the splint was set in the mouth. After 10 minutes of patient relaxing, pulpal blood flow was recorded for 5 minutes on each tooth. The recorded flow was saved in the computer and calculated with a software 'Perisoft' version 5.1. Pulpal blood flow was also recorded in six teeth of five individuals with no response to electric pulp test and cold test, with periapical radiolucency, or with history of root canal treatment to compare with nonvital teeth. The difference between the mean flow values of each group of teeth were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range test. The results were as follows: 1. The average pulpal blood flow values of all the tested teeth of each location were between 9 - 16 Perfusion Unit. Pulpal blood flow value was highest in maxillary lateral incisors, followed by first premolars, second premolars, canines, central incisors, and then first molars (p<0.01). 2. In six anterior teeth, indirectly-made splint group showed higher pulpal blood flow values than directly-made splint group (p<0.01). In posterior teeth, however, there was no significant flow value difference between directly-made splint group and indirectly-made splint one (p>0.05). 3. Teeth with vital pulps showed higher signal values than teeth with nonvital pulps (p<0.01), and the flow photographs showed heartbeat-synchronous fluctuations and vasomotions, while those were absent in non vital tooth.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.447-453
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• 2010

The hemifacial microsomia is characterized by variable underdevelopment of the craniofacial skeleton, external ear, and facial soft tissues. So, patients with hemifacial microsomia have an occlusal plane canting and malocclusion with facial asymmetry. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) with an intraoral or extraoral device is a technique using tension to generate new bone with gradual bone movement and remodeling. DO has especially been used to correct craniofacial deformities such as a hemifacial microsomia, facial asymmetry, and mandible defect that could not adequately be treated by conventional reconstruction with osteotomies. It has a significant advantage to lengthen soft and hard tissue of underdeveloped site without bone graft and a few complication such as nerve injury or muscle contracture. A 13-years old girl visited our clinic for the chief complaint of facial asymmetry. She had a left hypoplastic maxilla and mandible, occlusal plane canting and malocclusion. We diagnosed hemifacial microsomia and lanned DO to lengthen the affected side. Le Fort I osteotomy, left mandibular ramus and symphysis osteotomy were performed. The internal distraction devices fixed with screw on maxillary and mandibular ramus osteotomy sites. External devices were adapted to lower jaw for DO on symphysis osteotomy site and to upper jaw for rapid maxillary expansion (RME). At 7days after surgery, distraction was started at the rate of 1mm per day for 13days, and after 4months consolidation periods, distraction devices were removed. Simultaneous multiple maxillo-mandibular distraction osteogenesis with RME resulted in a satisfactory success in correcting facial asymmetry as well as occlusal plane canting for our hemifacial microsomia.