Faculty Bibliography

Aging in the upper third of the face manifests as rhytids and ptosis of the frontal, glabellar, and brow regions. Frown lines may occur even in younger individuals as a result of habitual or dynamic forehead muscular hyperactivity. Multiple treatment options have been advocated to address forehead rhytids and brow ptosis. This article reviews 3 of the more commonly used treatment options: collagen, botulinum toxin, and surgical forehead lifting. Additionally, an algorithm is proposed as a guideline for selecting the most appropriate option for a given condition.

A calcified alloplast was evaluated as a gap-filling material around implants placed immediately into fresh extraction sockets. Periodontal measurements and computed tomography scans were obtained to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the alloplast when compared with demineralized freeze-dried bone. To determine whether this alloplast would be a suitable grafting material, 14 patients were selected to evaluate the extraction socket as a model for routine histologic confirmation of the efficacy and biocompatibility of bone substitutes. The results of this study showed the following: (1) human extraction sockets can be models for the study of bone/implant interaction; (2) the alloplast was well tolerated and demonstrated no inflammation through histologic evaluation of core biopsies; (3) the alloplast was a suitable material when used as a gap-filling graft in sockets around immediately placed implants; and (4) dental computed tomography scans and periodontal measurements around grafted implants 6 months after the procedure provide valuable clinical information about graft healing and osteointegration.

An unusual case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension, which resulted in complete dehiscence of the floor of the middle cranial fossa, is reported. An overview of the current literature and a discussion of the diagnosis and surgical management of synovial chondromatosis are presented.

This report details a pilot study of the maxillomandibular fixation screw. A longer study with a greater number of patients will allow for better evaluation of this technique.

The international normalized ratio, or INR, was introduced in 1983 by the World Health Organization, or WHO, Committee on Biological Standards to more accurately assess patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. The INR mandates the universal standardization of prothrombin time. This article describes the method used to calculate INR, as well as its clinical relevance to the practice of dentistry.

The classification, pathophysiology, and treatment of angioedema is reviewed. An overview of acquired and hereditary angioedema is presented with an interesting case report that illustrates the importance of recognition and perioperative management of hereditary angioedema to prevent a potentially fatal outcome.