Differential diagnosis of cystic lesions in the floor of the mouth is of paramount importance, as the recommended surgical techniques vary depending on the anatomical position of the lesions. The intraoral approach is preferred for those lesions that do not extend beyond the mylohyoid muscle boundaries; this leads to a satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcome.

Lingual nerve injury, a well-described complication of third molar removal, may result in permanent lingual sensory deficit leading to symptoms including lost or altered sensation, inadvertent tongue biting, and the development of unpleasant neuropathic pain, with consequent impaired quality of life. We analysed outcomes of a prospective case series to determine whether direct anastomosis of the lingual nerve results in improved sensory recovery and reduced neuropathic pain, and whether delayed surgery is worthwhile. In 114 patients who underwent nerve repair at our nerve injury clinic following damage sustained during mandibular third molar removal, sensory deficit was assessed before and after surgery using a questionnaire and visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess pain, tingling, and discomfort. Neurosensory tests were utilised to evaluate light touch, pin-prick, and two-point discrimination thresholds. Subjectively, 94% patients felt their sensation had improved following nerve repair, with significant reductions in the incidence of tongue biting (p < 0.0001), impaired speech (p < 0.0001), and neuropathic pain (p = 0.0017). Quantitative neurosensory data showed highly significant improvements in light touch, pin-prick, and two-point discrimination (all p < 0.0001), and VAS scores for pain (p = 0.0145), tingling (p < 0.0025), and discomfort (p < 0.0001) were significantly reduced. Patients with high levels of pain preoperatively (VAS > 40) showed highly significant reductions in pain (p < 0.0001). No correlation was found between surgical outcome and patient's age or delay until surgery. Lingual nerve repair results in good sensory outcomes and significant improvements in the incidence and degree of neuropathic pain, even when delayed.

Orthokeratinized odontogenic cysts (OOC) are developmental odontogenic cysts characterised by an orthokeratinized stratified squamous epithelial lining. They were originally believed to be part of the spectrum of Odontogenic Keratocyst, but are now considered to be a distinct entity. They are rare, making up approximately 1% of all odontogenic cysts and they usually occur singly. In this paper we present two new cases of multiple OOCs, and compare them to previous case reports of multiple lesions. The clinical and pathological features are discussed, along with possible diagnostic pitfalls.

No abstract

Jaw reconstruction is necessary for a variety of reasons including neoplastic disease, traumatic injuries, infective/inflammatory lesions, and congenital defects. Such defects can be a significant handicap for patients leading to physiological and psychological morbidity. Maxillofacial bone reconstruction remains challenging for the reconstructive surgeon; yet it has evolved significantly over recent years. The current state of the art reconstruction is via the use of vascularized osseous flaps. Modern developments in regenerative medicine propose a future for stem cells in the regeneration of bone for jaw defects. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of the current methods of reconstruction and advances in the field of tissue engineering is of interest to dental clinicians.