Norbert Jakse

Background: This study examines the correlation between extreme weather events and acute endodontic treatment-related emergency visits (AET-related EVs). Methods: A total of 11,541 AET-related EVs at the Medical University Graz from January 2016 to August 2022 were analyzed using a distributed lag non-linear model. Extreme weather was defined as conditions beyond the 5th or 95th percentiles, and relative (RR) and cumulative risks (cRR) were assessed over 14 days. Results: High temperatures (>21 °C) increased AET-related EVs (cRR 1.41 [1.20–1.65], p < 0.001), while cold spells reduced cRR (0.81 [0.68–0.96], p = 0.014). Prolonged humidity around 65% raised cRR to 1.38 (1.21–1.59, p < 0.001). Heavy precipitation elevated cRR (1.24 [1.04–1.46], p = 0.016). Lower wind speeds were linked to a reduced cRR of EVs within four days following a single weather event (minimum of 0.86 [0.75–0.99], p = 0.032), and within four, seven and 14 days after prolonged low wind speeds (minimum of 0.69 [0.58–0.83], p < 0.001). Three-day low atmospheric pressure increased RR after seven days (1.04 [1.01–1.08], p = 0.014), while a single event reduced cRR by one day (0.78 [0.63–0.95], p = 0.016). Conclusions: Extreme weather events significantly influence AET-related EV rates, with various conditions affecting risk differently. Potentially causative pathophysiological mechanisms need to be researched.

Background: Intraoral radiography in the right-angle technique is the standard procedure to examine the peri-implant bone level in implant follow-up and implant-related studies. For the implementation of the right-angle or parallel technique, mostly ready-made image receptor holders are used. The aim of this experimental study is to analyze changes in the measurement of standardized peri-implant defects caused by a deviation in the position of the image receptor. Methods: Eleven Xive^® implants (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany) were placed in bovine bone, and peri-implant defects of varying depths were created. The preparations were fixed in a specially made test stand, and intraoral radiographs were taken using the right-angle technique with standard film holders at various horizontal and vertical projection angles. Defect measurement was carried out with the imaging software Sidexis 4 V 4.3 (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany). Results: With increasing angular deviation, larger deviations between the measured and the real extent of the defect occurred. Vertical tilting caused significant distortion, while horizontal rotation showed less effect. Conclusion: Intraoral radiography only provides a valid representation of the peri-implant bone level for follow-up or as a tool in implant-related studies if a reproducible projection direction is assured.

Background: Neurosensory deficits are one of the major complications after impacted lower third molar extraction leading to an impaired patient’s quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of neurosensory deficits after lower third molar extraction and compare it radiologically to the corresponding position of the inferior alveolar nerve. Methods: In a retrospective study, all patients who underwent impacted lower third molar extraction between January and December 2019 were compiled. Therefore, clinical data as well as preoperative radiological imaging were assessed. Results: In total, 418 patients who underwent lower third molar extractions (n = 555) were included in this study. Of these, 33 (5.9%) had short-term (i.e., within the initial 7 postoperative days) and 12 (1.3%) long-term (i.e., persisting after 12 months) neurosensory deficits documented. The inferior alveolar nerve position in relation to the tooth roots showed apical position in 27%, buccal position in 30.8%, lingual position in 35.4%, and interradicular position in 6.9%. Conclusions: A statistically significant increased incidence of neurosensory deficits occurs when the inferior alveolar nerve is directly positioned lingually to the tooth roots (p = 0.01).

Digital workflows have become integral in orthodontic diagnosis and therapy, reducing risk factors and chair time with one-visit protocols. This study assessed the transfer accuracy of fully digital planned insertion guides for orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) compared with freehanded insertion. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) datasets and intraoral surface scans of 32 cadaver maxillae were used to place 64 miniscrews in the anterior palate. Three groups were formed, two using printed insertion guides (A and B) and one with freehand insertion (C). Group A used commercially available customized surgical templates and Group B in-house planned and fabricated insertion guides. Postoperative CBCT datasets were superimposed with the planning model, and accuracy measurements were performed using orthodontic software. Statistical differences were found for transverse angular deviations (4.81° in A vs. 12.66° in B and 5.02° in C, p = 0.003) and sagittal angular deviations (2.26° in A vs. 2.20° in B and 5.34° in C, p = 0.007). However, accurate insertion depth was not achieved in either guide group; Group A insertion was too shallow (−0.17 mm), whereas Group B insertion was deeper (+0.65 mm) than planned. Outsourcing the planning and fabrication of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing insertion guides may be beneficial for certain indications; particularly, in this study, commercial templates demonstrated superior accuracy than our in-house–fabricated insertion guides.

Autotransplantation of a mature tooth usually leads to pulpal necrosis. Root canal treatment is recommended to prevent related inflammatory complications a few weeks after surgery. Extraoral root-end resection may facilitate reperfusion and obviate root canal treatment, but cannot be pictured with conventional dental radiography at this point in time. In the case of a lower mature transplanted molar, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging proved to be a feasible method for visualizing pulp revascularization just 4 weeks after autotransplantation. Consequently, root canal treatment was obviated. Nevertheless, the tooth had to be extracted 18 months postoperatively due to external cervical root resorption, probably caused by the extraction trauma. This allowed the histological processing and examination of the newly generated intracanal tissue. Uninflamed fibrovascular connective tissue was found, while odontoblasts or cementoblast-like cells were absent. These findings indicated that it was most likely stem cells from the bone marrow and the periodontal ligament that drove the regeneration.

Tooth germ autotransplantation of open apices of the teeth exhibits high pulpal healing rates, whereas that of mature permanent teeth normally causes irreversible pulpal necrosis. Extraoral root-end resection (EORER) during transplantation may promote pulpal revascularization (PRV) in transplanted mature teeth and reduce endodontic treatment requirement. This study compared the primary outcomes of survival rates, PRV, and root resorption and determined relevant confounders in autotransplanted mature and immature teeth. The medical charts of consecutive patients who underwent tooth autotransplantation between January 2017 and March 2021 were evaluated. Teeth with a documented follow-up of at least 1 year were included. During the study period, 59 teeth were transplanted in 44 patients. Overall, 2 teeth were excluded owing to missing data; 57 teeth were analyzed, including 25 mature teeth additionally treated with EORER. After a mean follow-up of 21.2 ± 16.1 months, no significant differences in primary outcomes were detected. Fifty-five teeth remained in situ (96.5%), and radiological signs of root resorption were detected in 9/57 teeth (15.8%). PRV was positive in 54/57 teeth (94.7%). Surgical duration and PRV failure were significantly associated with high incidences of root resorption. Mature teeth autotransplantation with EORER yielded similar results to immature teeth autotransplantation and is a feasible treatment option. Long surgery and failed revascularization increased root resorption rates. More factors should be evaluated in larger trials with longer observation periods.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to obtain data concerning growth factor release within liquid and solid platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) matrices and to estimate the amount of potential interindividual variations as a basis for further preclinical and clinical trials. Therefore, we aimed to determine possible differences in the release of growth factors between liquid and solid PRF. Materials and Methods: Blood samples obtained from four subjects were processed to both liquid and solid PRF matrices using a standard centrifugation protocol. Five growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF; epidermal growth factor, EGF; platelet-derived growth factor-BB, PDGF-BB; transforming growth factor-β1, TGF-β1; and matrix metallopeptidase 9, MMP-9) have been evaluated at six time points by ELISA over a total observation period of 10 days (1 h, 7 h, 1 d, 2 d, 7 d, and 10 d). Results: Growth factor release could be measured in all samples at each time point. Comparing liquid and solid PRF matrices, no significant differences were detected (p > 0.05). The mean release of VEGF, TGFβ-1, PDGF-BB, and MMP-9 raised to a peak at time point five (day 7) in both liquid and solid PRF matrices. VEGF release was lower in liquid PRF than in solid PRF, whereas those of PDGF-BB and MMP-9 were higher in liquid PRF than in solid PRF at all time points. EGF had its peak release already at time point two after 7 h in liquid and solid matrices (hour 7 EGF solid: mean = 180 pg/mL, SD = 81; EGF liquid: mean = 218 pg/mL, SD = 64), declined rapidly until day 2, and had a second slight peak on day 7 in both groups (day 7 EGF solid: mean = 182 pg/mL, SD = 189; EGF liquid: mean = 81 pg/mL, SD = 70). Conclusions: This study detected growth factor release within liquid and solid PRF matrices with little variations. Further preclinical trials are needed to precisely analyze the growth factor release in larger samples and to better understand their effects on wound healing in different clinical indications.

Background: 3D printing is a rapidly developing technology in the healthcare industry and in dentistry. Its application clearly shows that this area of digital dentistry has potential for everyday usage across all fields, including prosthodontics, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and oral implantology. However, despite gaining ground, there is a lack of information about how specialists (dentists and dental technicians) use additive technology. Our research group aimed to investigate the impact of social media on additive manufacturing technology among dental specialists and their everyday usage of 3D printing. Methods: This paper investigated specialists’ everyday usage of 3D printers via an online survey (Google Forms). The survey questions aimed to discover the number of 3D printers used, the accessibility of the devices, the annual cost, and the design programs. Since specialists tend to build online communities on social media, we circulated our study questionnaire using our profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram platforms during our research. Results: A total of 120 responses were received from 20 countries, with the most significant numbers being from Hungary 23.7% (n = 27), the United States 18.4% (n = 21), and the United Kingdom 7.9% (n = 9). Most of the participants were dentists (n = 68) or dental technicians (n = 29), but some CAD/CAM specialists (n = 23) also completed our survey. The participants had an average of 3.8 years (±0.7) of experience in the 3D printing field, and owned a total of 405 printing devices (3.6 on average/person). Conclusions: The impact of social media on this research field is growing increasingly. Hence, we support specialists in joining virtual communities on professional platforms. This article intended to provide a practical overview, feedback, and direction for dentists interested in 3D printing technology. From our survey, we can conclude that additive technology is broadening dental applications and the services that we can provide for our patients.

Background: Diabetes is a well-known predisposing factor for oral diseases, so prevention in an early age is mandatory. Objective: To provide oral screening for children living with type 1 diabetes. We aimed to investigate the oral and general health indexes of T1DM children and compare these data to healthy siblings and controls. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 120 DM patients and 78 siblings, thereafter 80 DM children and 95 controls, took part. A detailed questionnaire, panoramic radiographs, and lateral cephalograms were obtained in every orthodontic consultation. We used Pearson’s chi-square test for statistical analysis and compared the data of the study and control groups. Results: The oral health values of DM children were significantly better (DMF-T 0.83–1.3) than the national average (3.8–4.5). A total of 75% (n = 60) of the children needed orthodontic treatment for orthodontic or skeletal anomalies. The prevalence of skeletal anomalies was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) than in the control group. The frequency of coeliac disease was significantly elevated compared to any literature data (1–3.5%) in the study (15%) and in the control sibling group (13%). Conclusions: Co-morbidities such as CD should get more attention as a prognostic factor for a future higher incidence of diabetes. T1DM children can be motivated and health-conscious patients with excellent oral hygiene and dental status. Orthodontic treatment can help eliminate the oral complications of DM. Special diabetes ambulances may help provide oral care for patients with DM.