Acta Universitatis Dentistriae et Chirurgiae Maxillofacialis

BACKGROUND: Dental arch deformities associated with distal extension edentulous defects exhibit a wide range of clinical patterns, varying by location and severity, which underscores the clinical relevance of this study.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of variants of distal extension dental arch defects according to their location and the severity of vertical deformation, as evaluated using panoramic radiography.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 102 panoramic radiographs from patients with distal extension dental arch defects and 54 panoramic radiographs obtained from patients after prosthodontic treatment. To assess defect location, each panoramic radiograph was divided into 4 quadrants (2 maxillary and 2 mandibular, right and left). Reference points and lines were applied to evaluate tooth position relative to these references and assess the severity of vertical dental arch deformation.

RESULTS: In prosthodontic practice, nine principal forms of distal extension dental arch defects were identified, with varying prevalence. The most common variant consisted of defects confined to a single mandibular quadrant: it was observed in 27 patients (26.47% ± 4.37%). Rare variants included defects involving 2 quadrants across both arches, either unilaterally or bilaterally. Signs of vertical dental arch deformation were identified in panoramic radiographs of 39 of 54 patients after prosthodontic treatment (72.22% ± 8.29%).

CONCLUSION: In most cases, prosthodontic treatment is performed without adequate consideration of the severity of occlusal pathology, which adversely affects the functional status of the maxillofacial system.

BACKGROUND: Changes in the bioelectric activity of muscles during any motor response are among the most sensitive indicators of their functional status. Electromyography is widely used to assess masticatory muscle function in patients with temporomandibular disorders, dentofacial anomalies, and other conditions affecting the stomatognathic system. Surface electromyography is the most commonly used method for evaluating the functional status of the masticatory muscles. However, currently available data on normal bioelectric activity values of the masticatory and cervical muscles are conflicting.

AIM: This study aimed to determine normal bioelectric activity values of the masticatory muscles at rest and during dynamic functional tests in individuals aged 18–35 years.

METHODS: A total of 35 participants (12 men and 23 women) aged 18–35 years (mean age, 24.1 ± 1.7 years) were examined. All participants had intact dental arches and orthognathic or transitional occlusal relationships. Exclusion criteria included clinical signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, periodontal disease, oral mucosal diseases, dental arch deformities, dentofacial anomalies, masticatory muscle parafunctions, use of medications affecting muscle tone, and a history of orthodontic treatment. The assessment protocol included physical examination and medical history review, surface electromyography of the masseter, temporalis, and digastric muscles, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

RESULTS: A surface electromyography protocol is presented that allows dynamic assessment of the functional status of the muscular component of the dentofacial system. Normal reference values of muscle bioelectric activity at rest and during dynamic functional tests are reported for adults aged 18–35 years. Under normal conditions, masticatory muscle bioelectric activity is symmetric. The asymmetry coefficient of muscle bioelectric activity ranges between 80% and 100%. In patients without dentofacial pathology, the bioelectric activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscles shows minimal changes from baseline during most functional tests.

CONCLUSION: Dynamic electromyography incorporating functional tests allows for objective assessment of the functional status of the muscular component of the dentofacial system and enables identification of functional disturbances.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lip fissures are highly prevalent among residents of subarctic regions and are difficult to treat and maintain in remission. These challenges are associated with damage to the stratum corneum, disruption of the lipid barrier, and inflammatory processes sustained by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. These factors impair tissue regeneration and contribute to disease recurrence.
AIM: This study aimed to improve the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of chronic lip fissures in subarctic climate.
METHODS: A total of 72 patients aged 18–55 years residing in the Murmansk region were enrolled in the prospective controlled randomized open-label study. Patients were divided into 3 groups: the main group received comprehensive therapy including physiotherapy, adhesive barrier films, vitamin and antioxidant supplementation, and topical glucocorticoid ointments; control group 1 received topical glucocorticoids and sea buckthorn oil; and control group 2 received treatment with the collagen hydrogel Emalan. Serum vitamin D levels were assessed before initiation of therapy. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated by epithelialization time and duration of remission, with 1-year follow-up.
RESULTS: The mean epithelialization time in the main group was 7.7 ± 0.3 days, which was significantly shorter than in the control groups (13.9 ± 1.5 and 16.8 ± 1.2 days). All patients in the main group achieved a therapeutic response. Remission duration in the main group (10.2 ± 0.3 months) was superior to that of the control groups (5.3 ± 0.4 and 4.7 ± 0.2 months). The findings demonstrate the high effectiveness of a comprehensive approach incorporating physiotherapy, vitamin supplementation, and topical glucocorticoid ointments.
CONCLUSION: Optimal treatment consists of comprehensive therapy with topical glucocorticoids and systemic agents, including vitamins D, A, and E and antioxidants, as well as prophylactic use of the Elabium lip balm to support the lipid barrier This approach accelerates healing and prolongs remission of chronic lip fissures in severe climatic environments.