-PURPOSE: Nanomaterials are suitable candidates for coating of titanium based (Ti-based) dental implants due to their unique properties. The objective of this article is to summarize the application of nanoparticles as Ti-based implant coating materials in order to control and improve the implant success rate with focus on enhanced osseointegration and antimicrobial purposes. METHOD: This review was conducted using electronic databases and MeSH keywords to detect associated scientific literature published in English. RESULTS: The reviewed articles exhibited that a significant progress in research has occurred in the case of nanomaterial-based coatings for dental implants. Coating of Ti surfaces with nanoparticles can improve soft tissue integration and osteogeneration that leads to improved fixation of implants. Furthermore, osteoconductive nanoparticles induce a chemical bond with bone to attain good biological fixation for implants. Surface modification of implants using antibacterial properties can also decrease the potential for infection, and certainly, present improve clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the reported success, more clinically and in vivo information on the nanoparticle-based implant coatings will add to the successful application of the device in the clinic.

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BackgroundMonocortical miniplate fixation is an accepted and reliable method for internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures. Although placement of a second miniplate may theoretically provide more stability; however, the clinical importance of this issue remains controversial.ObjectivesThe present study assessed the postoperative complications and outcomes associated with the fixation of mandibular angle fractures using 1 and 2 miniplates in patients with favorable mandibular angle fractures.Patients and MethodsA prospective study of 87 patients (73 males, 14 females) with favorable mandibular angle fractures was done. In the first group, a 4-hole miniplate was placed at the superior border through an intraoral approach. In group 2, patients were treated with 2 miniplates, one placed at the superior border (similar to group 1) and the other on the lateral aspect of the angle at the inferior border through an intraoral and transcutaneous approach using a trocar. Postoperative complications including malocclusion, malunion and sensory disturbances associated with surgery, additional maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) by means of an arch bar and wires for a longer period (for delayed union) and infection were assessed in patients of both groups up to 12 months postoperatively. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test.ResultsIn the single miniplate group, 25 patients showed lip numbness associated with surgery (55.6%), 22 patients required additional use of MMF (48.9%) and 3 patients developed infections (6.7%). In the double miniplate group 20 patients showed lip numbness associated with surgery (47.6%), 18 patients required additional use of MMF (42.9%) and 1 patient developed infection (2.4%). None of the patients in either group showed malocclusion or malunion. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding overall complication rate.ConclusionsIn this study, use of one miniplate or two miniplates for treatment of favorable mandibular angle fractures was associated with a similar incidence of complications. Thus, it seems that the use of two miniplates in this setting may not be warranted, nor cost-efficient.

Inadequate data are available on the global epidemiology of mucormycosis, mainly derived from the evaluation of specific population groups. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is an invading and fatal mycosis, particularly among diabetic patients. In the present study, patients hospitalised in Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz, from 2007 to 2017, were evaluated. The hospital information system (HIS) was used to collect the records of the patients. A total of 42 patients with a diagnosis of mucormycosis were included in the study, 40 cases (95%) of which had a diagnosis of the rhinocerebral form. Of these 40 patients, 21 (52.5%) and 19 (47.5%) were male and female, respectively. Seven cases (17.5%) of rhinocerebral mucormycosis were due to dental procedures. The most predisposing factor in the patients was diabetes with 36 (90%) cases. In our study, the role of tooth extraction in patients with uncontrolled diabetes was identified as an important factor. It may show the important role of dentists in preventing of the disease in diabetic patients.

The interpositional arthroplasty in TMJ ankylosis patients using either a temporalis muscle and facial flap or a dermal graft would yield a comparable and almost satisfactory clinical outcome.