• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 1980

The mandibular canal must be considered carefully during the surgical treatment, especially surgical extraction of the impacted tooth and intraosseous implant, because it contains the important inferior alveolar nerve and vessels. The author investigated the curvature of the mandibular canal and its relation to the mandibular molars and positional realtion between the mental foramen and the mandibular premelors in orthopantomogram. The materials consisted of 441 orthopantomograms divided four groups; Group Ⅰ consisted of 56 males and 44 females from 1 to 6 years of age, Group Ⅱ consisted of 58 males and 45 females from 7 to 12 years of age, Group Ⅲ consisted of 65 males and 33 females from 13 to 18 years of age, Group Ⅳ consisted of 86 males and 54 females over 19 years of age. The results were as followings; 1. The curvature of mandibular canal was 144.50° in Group Ⅰ, 144. 29° in Group Ⅱ, 148.11° in Group Ⅲ, 147.33° in Group Ⅳ. 2. The curvature of mandibular canal was located most frequently on the area between mandibular 1st molar and mandibular 2nd molar in Group Ⅰ (42%) and on the mandibular 2nd molar area in Group Ⅱ (54%), Group Ⅲ (59%), Group Ⅳ (53%). 3. The position of mental foramen was most frequently below the mandibular 1st premolar in Group Ⅰ (58%), between the mandibular 1st premolar and the 2nd premolar in Group Ⅱ (62%), Group Ⅲ (47%), and below the mandibular 2nd premolar in Group Ⅳ (58%).

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.318-323
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• 2017

Objectives: Mandibular angle reduction or reduction genioplasty is a routine well-known facial contouring surgery that reduces the width of the lower face resulting in an oval shaped face. During the intraoral resection of the mandibular angle or chin using an oscillating saw, unexpected peripheral nerve damage including inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage could occur. This study analyzed cases of damaged IANs during facial contouring surgery, and asked what the basic standard of care in these medical litigation-involved cases should be. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 28 patients with IAN damage after mandibular contouring from August 2008 to July 2015. Most of the patients did not have an antipathy to medical staff because they wanted their faces to be ovoid shaped. We summarized three representative cases according to each patient's perceptions and different operation procedures under the approvement by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul National University. Results: Most of the patients did not want to receive any further operations not due to fear of an operation but because of the changes in their facial appearance. Thus, their fear may be due to a desire for a better perfect outcome, and to avoid unsolicited patient complaints related litigation. Conclusion: This article analyzed representative IAN cutting cases that occurred during mandibular contouring esthetic surgery and evaluated a questionnaire on the standard of care for the desired patient outcomes and the specialized surgeon's position with respect to legal liability.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implication of third molars in postoperative complications of mandibular angle fracture with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: Data were collected on patients who presented with mandibular angle fracture at our Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery between January 2011 and December 2015. Of the 63 total patients who underwent ORIF and perioperative intermaxillary fixation (IMF) with an arch bar, 49 patients were identified as having third molars in the fracture line and were followed up with until plate removal. The complications of postoperative infection, postoperative nerve injury, bone healing, and changes in occlusion and temporomandibular joint were evaluated and analyzed using statistical methods. Results: In total, 49 patients had third molars in the fracture line and underwent ORIF surgery and perioperative IMF with an arch bar. The third molar in the fracture line was retained during ORIF in 39 patients. Several patients complained of nerve injury, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), change of occlusion, and postoperative infection around the retained third molar. The third molars were removed during ORIF surgery in 10 patients. Some of these patients complained of nerve injury, but no other complications, such as TMD, change in occlusion, or postoperative infection, were observed. There was no delayed union or nonunion in either of the groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the non-extraction group and the retained teeth group regarding complications after ORIF. Conclusion: If the third molar is partially impacted or completely nonfunctional, likely to be involved in pathologic conditions later in life, or possible to remove with the plate simultaneously, extraction of the third molar in the fracture line should be considered during ORIF surgery of the mandible angle fracture.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.113-119
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• 2015

Background: The inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is the most common anesthetic techniques in dentistry; however, its success rate is low. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between IANB failure and mandibular skeletal characteristics Methods: In total, 693 cases of lower third molar extraction (n = 575 patients) were examined in this study. The ratio of the condylar and coronoid distances from the mandibular foramen (condyle-coronoid ratio [CC ratio]) was calculated, and the mandibular skeleton was then classified as normal, retrognathic, or prognathic. The correlation between IANB failure and sex, treatment side, and the CC ratio was assessed. Results: The IANB failure rates for normal, retrognathic, and prognathic mandibles were 7.3%, 14.5%, and 9.5%, respectively, and the failure rate was highest among those with a CC ratio < 0.8 (severe retrognathic mandible). The failure rate was significantly higher in the retrognathic group than in normal group (P = 0.019), and there was no statistically significant difference between the other two groups. Conclusions: IANB failure could be attributable, in part, to the skeletal characteristics of the mandible. In addition, the failure rate was found to be significantly higher in the retrognathic group.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.66-73
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• 2015

Objectives: To assess the validity of the vertical tube-shift method using intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR) for determining the relationship between the mandibular third molar roots and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Fifty impacted mandibular third molars were analyzed using the IOPAR vertical tube-shift method and CBCT. The relationship of the IAN canal to the impacted mandibular third molar was recorded as buccal, lingual or in line with the apex and was compared with CBCT findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the vertical tube-shift method in depicting the relationship (buccal/lingual/in line with the apex) of the IAN canal to the third molar root apex was calculated. Results: The sensitivity and specificity PPV and NPV of the IOPAR vertical tube-shift technique was found to be highest for a lingual relationship (100%) followed by buccal (94.4%, 92.3%, 97.1%, and 85.7%) and in line with the apex relationship (88.9%, 95.0%, 80.0%, and 97.4%) of the IAN canal with the third molar root apex, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between the IOPAR vertical tube-shift method and the CBCT with a P-value <0.01. Conclusion: The vertical tube-shift method can be used as an effective diagnostic tool in assessing the relationship of the IAN canal to the third molar root apex with high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.339-347
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• 2018

Background: There are many techniques of inferior alveolar nerve block injection (IANBI); one among them is the computer-assisted intraosseous injection (CAIOI). Here we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of CAIOI with $Quicksleeper^{(R)}$ in mandibular third molar surgery. Methods: This study is a clinical, single-blind, randomized, split-mouth, controlled trial including 25 patients (10 males and 15 females, mean age 21 years). The patients underwent surgical removal of bilateral mandibular third molars with two different IANBI techniques. One side was injected using $Quicksleeper^{(R)}$, and the other side was injected using a conventional IANBI. Both techniques used one cartridge (1.7 ml) of 1:100,000 epinephrine 4% articaine. A supplementary injection was used if necessary. All volumes of anesthetic agent used were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon test. Results: This research showed that CAIOI has faster onset and shorter duration of action than IANBI (P < 0.05). The pain was similar in both techniques. In the CAIOI group, one-third of the cases could be completed without additional anesthesia. The remaining two-thirds required minimal supplementary volume of anesthesia. The success rates were 68% for CAIOI and 72% for IANBI, respectively. Conclusion: CAIOI is an advantageous anesthetic technique. It can be used as an alternative to conventional IANBI for mandibular third molar surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.183-189
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• 2021

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and recovery of inferior alveolar nerve dysfunction (IAND) in mandibular fractures. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. Clinical neurosensory testing was done preoperatively and the IAND was categorized as mild, moderate or severe. Postoperatively, neurosensory testing was repeated at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and every 3 months thereafter. Results: A total of 257 patients with 420 fractures were included in the study with a mean age of 31.7 years. Body fractures (95.9%) had the highest incidence of IAND, followed by the angle fractures (90.1%) and symphysis fractures (27.6%). The condyle and coronoid fractures did not have any IAND and hence were excluded from further study. After eliminating those cases, 232 patients remained in the study with 293 fractures. The overall prevalence of IAND in fractures occurring distal to the mandibular foramen was 56.3%. The changes until 1 week were minimal. From 1 month to 6 months, there was a significant reduction in the severity of IAND. A significant number of cases (60.0%) were lost to follow-up between 6 and 9 months. At 6 months, 23.9% of cases still had some form of IAND and 95.0% of the symphysis, 59.0% of the angle and 34.8% of the body fractures with IAND had become normal. Conclusion: This study documents the reduction in the degree of severity of IAND in the first six months and provides the basis for future studies with longer periods of follow-up.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.792-796
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• 2006

Purpose: After exposure of fracture site, the proximal segment must be reduced to their preinjury position for open reduction of fractured mandibular condyle. We examined the use of inter-maxillary fixation screws or titanium screws tied with stainless steel wire to assist in positioning of proximal segment. Since it enables to make a relatively small preauricular incision by not disturbing the operative field like Moule pin, we can reduce the danger of injury to the facial nerve. Methods: A preauricular approach was used for exposure, reduction, and rigid fixation in 4 cases of mandibular condylar fractures. Inter-maxillary fixation screws or titanium screws tied with stainless steel wire were used to assist in aligning proximal segment. The joints were submitted to functional exercises and postoperative radiologic and clinical follow-ups were performed. Results: No facial nerve lesions were found in all 4 cases. Radiologic follow-up showed correct reduction and fixation in all 4 cases. Clinical follow-up showed an initial limitation, but normal morbility of the condyle was achieved within 4 months after the operation, with a maximum mouth opening of $34.1{\pm}5.2mm$ after 12 months. There found no occlusal disturbances, no trismus, no lateral deviations of the mandible. Conclusion: By using Inter-maxillary fixation screws tied with stainless steel wire, it was shown that reducing the proximal segment to their preinjury position is easy to perform and it enables us to make a minimal dissection below preauricular skin incision to avoid facial nerve injury.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.39
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• pp.29.1-29.5
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• 2017

Background: The surgical extraction of the third molar is the most frequently encountered procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery and is related with a variety of complications. This study examined the efficacy of intentional partial odontectomy (IPO) in the third molars which have no periapical lesions and are located near important anatomical structures such as inferior alveolar nerve. Methods: Seven patients (four males, three females, $39.1{\pm}11.6years$), who received IPO to reduce the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury (IANI), were followed long-term. The treated teeth were horizontally impacted third molars in the mandibular left (n = 5) or mandibular right (n = 4) areas and were all ankylosed with the surrounding alveolar bone. During the IPO, the bone around the crown was removed to expose the crown, and then the tooth was resected at cement-enamel junction (CEJ). Any secondary trauma to the healthy root was minimized and remained intact after primary suture. Results: The mean follow-up time was $63.2{\pm}29.8months$, and all sites showed good bone healing after the crown removal. Also, sensory abnormality was not found in any patients after IPO. In one patient, the bone fragments erupted 4 months after IPO. In other patient, an implant placed on second molar site adjacent to the third molar that received IPO was explanted about 2 years after the patient's persistent discomfort. Conclusions: In case where high risk of IANI exists, IPO may be chosen alternatively to surgical extraction to reduce the risk of nerve damage.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.465-472
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• 2023

Background: Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) has been widely utilized in the management of trigeminal neuralgia. Despite using image guidance, accurate needle positioning into the target area still remains a critical element for achieving a successful outcome. This study was performed to precisely clarify the anatomical information required to ensure that the electrode tip is placed on the sensory component of the mandibular nerve (MN) at the foramen ovale (FO) level. Methods: The study used 50 hemi-half heads from 26 South Korean adult cadavers. Results: The cross-sectioned anterior and posterior divisions of the MN at the FO level could be distinguished based on an irregular boundary and color difference. The anterior division was clearly brighter than the posterior one. The anterior division of the MN at the FO level was located at the whole anterior (38.0%), anteromedial (6.0%), anterior center (8.0%), and anterolateral (22.0%) parts. The posterior division was often located at the whole posterior or posterolateral parts of the MN at the FO level. The anterior divisions covered the whole MN except for the medial half of the posterolateral part in the overwrapped images of the cross-sectional areas of the MN at the FO level. The cross-sectional areas of the anterior divisions were similar in males and females, whereas those of the posterior divisions were significantly larger in males (P = 0.004). Conclusions: The obtained anatomical information is expected to help physicians reduce unwanted side effects after percutaneous RFTC within the FO for the MN.