Purpose: There is increasing new evidence that chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of tooth loss. However, these studies are still lacking. This study aimed to determine if CKD increases the risk of tooth loss. Materials and Methods: This study included 17,310 adults, aged 40 - 79 years. The data used the 6th and 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Depending on the number of teeth present, with 20 as the cut-off (PT20), they were classified as less than PT20 or more than PT20. Multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression and were used to determine the association between CKD and tooth loss. Results: PT <20 was associated with a higher prevalence of CKD and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). A higher eGFR was significantly associated with fewer tooth loss (P<0.05). After adjusting for all covariates, the odds ratio (OR) of PT20 was significantly higher in the CKD group (Men: OR=1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.02-2.00; Women: OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.01-2.01) and significantly lower for each increase in eGFR (Men: OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.85-0.95; Women: OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.84-0.93). Conclusion: Men and women with CKD are associated with tooth loss. For both men and women, CKD, as defined by the 2021 CKD-EPI, may increase the risk of having fewer than 20 present teeth. Dental professionals should be aware of the impact of various factors including CKD on a decreased number of present teeth.

When the closed-mouth impression technique is applied in patients with severe alveolar ridge resorption, it prevents excessive compression of the soft tissues around the denture border and allows a gentle, encompassing impression, thereby effectively enhancing suction in the mandibular denture. In addition, duplicating the existing denture to create a custom tray can maintain the established occlusal relationships and tooth arrangement, improving patient adaptation and shortening the treatment process. In this case report, a 76-year-old patient with severe mandibular alveolar ridge resorption underwent fabrication of a mandibular complete denture based on a functional impression obtained via the closed-mouth impression technique, aiming to enhance denture retention and stability. Because the patient's centric occlusion was unstable, the patient was first allowed to adapt to an interim denture. Subsequently, the occlusal relationship and tooth arrangement of the interim denture were directly transferred during fabrication of the final denture. For this purpose, the interim denture was scanned, and a custom tray was fabricated using a 3D printer (Asiga Max UV; Asiga, Sydney, Australia), followed by a functional impression. As a result, the new denture showed significantly improved retention and stability compared with the previous denture, and the patient expressed high satisfaction with both the functional and esthetic outcomes of the final prosthesis.

Autogenous tooth transplantation (ATT) is a surgical technique to replace missing teeth by transplanting donor teeth from the same individual. While success rates are generally high (80 - 90%), intraoperative complications including sinus membrane perforation and infection may occur, particularly in the maxillary molar region. Incorporating maxillary sinus floor elevation can help minimize these risks, especially in cases involving sinus pneumatization. However, there is limited evidence supporting the feasibility of performing this technique simultaneously with sinus floor elevation in cases of insufficient residual crest height caused by sinus pneumatization. In the present case report, a 34-year-old female patient in need of bilateral first molar extraction visited the clinic. The treatment plan included the ATT of maxillary third molars into the fresh extraction sockets of the first molar sites, combined with simultaneous lateral sinus floor elevation. After 12 months follow-up, both transplanted molars were successfully maintained without showing any patient symptoms, presenting favourable outcomes in terms of clinical and radiographic parameters. This case report presents a promising option for replacement of maxillary molar teeth with significant sinus pneumatization, though further research with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up periods is needed.

Purpose: The purpose was to review cases using a novel method in manufacturing customized fluoride trays for head and neck radiotherapy patients with limited intraoral access, using intraoral scanners and 3D printing technologies. Materials and Methods: Patients referred and treated for pre-radiotherapy dental care with limited intraoral access where stock impression trays could not be positioned within the oral cavity were prospectively chosen. Customized fluoride trays were fabricated from the reconstructed digital cast from the patient's intraoral scan data using an intraoral scanner and 3D printing the cast from the scan data. Results: A total of 15 patients presenting limited mouth opening of 20 - 30 mm or other limitations in intraoral access and in need of pre-radiotherapy dental care were chosen and treated. Traditional intraoral impressions could not be made due to inadequate mouth opening, risk of tearing of the impression material into unfavorable anatomic structures such as the maxillary sinus or a high risk of aspiration. The customized fluoride trays were efficiently and safely fabricated and delivered to the patient before initiation of radiotherapy. Conclusion: The method used in this report can be a safer and more efficient method to fabricate customized fluoride trays for head and neck radiotherapy patients.

Purpose: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) often present with pain, joint sounds, and limited mandibular function. Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that provides symptom relief through lavage of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ); however, its success largely depends on accurate needle placement. Recent advances in digital technology, including dynamic navigation systems, have enhanced the precision and safety of these procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of needle insertion during arthrocentesis performed under local anesthesia, using a dynamic navigation system as a guide. Materials and Methods: A 28-year-old female presented with bilateral TMJ pain and clicking that was unresponsive to previous splint therapy. Clinical findings included a maximum mouth opening >40 mm and a provisional diagnosis of disc derangement with reduction. Arthrocentesis of the left TMJ was performed under local anesthesia using a dynamic navigation system. The dynamic guide facilitates real-time synchronization of anatomical structures, ensuring accurate needle placement. A single-puncture technique was employed, followed by irrigation with saline and hyaluronic acid. Results: Postoperatively, the patient reported a complete resolution of pain, improved joint mobility, and no complications during follow-up. Conclusion: Dynamic navigation-assisted arthrocentesis enabled precise and safe needle insertion, contributing to successful clinical outcomes in this case. This technique offers a promising adjunct to TMJ interventions by improving the accuracy and reducing operator-dependent variability. Further studies are required to validate its clinical applicability in a broad range of patients.

Severe anterior open bite is often accompanied by a long face and mandibular retrusion, making treatment highly challenging. Since the development of skeletal anchorage, molar intrusion to correct open bite and facial esthetics have been frequently employed. This paper aims to introduce key considerations in the treatment process for patients with severe open bite and vertical excess. A 14-year-old boy presented with the complaint of a severe anterior open bite. The clinical examination revealed severe crowding and vertical skeletal excess. Additionally, a Class II molar relationship, posterior lingual crossbite and considerable anterior open bite of 7.0 mm were observed. To address the vertical skeletal excess and anterior open bite, a treatment plan involving a rapid palatal expander and molar intrusion with orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) was devised. The treatment results showed successful open bite correction and significant profile improvement.