Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a surgical technique that promotes new bone formation by gradually pulling apart bone segments using a specialized distraction device. Initially developed for orthopedic surgery, DO was introduced into craniofacial surgery in the 1990s and has since been widely applied in the treatment of mandibular hypoplasia and jaw defect reconstruction. This paper reviews the fundamental principles, technical aspects, indications, advantages, and disadvantages of mandibular distraction osteogenesis, and discusses different distraction modes, including unifocal, bifocal, and trifocal distraction. The advantages of DO include the avoidance of bone grafting, minimal surgical trauma, and simultaneous soft tissue expansion. However, its long treatment duration and associated complications remain challenges for broader clinical application. In the future, the integration of imaging navigation and artificial intelligence is expected to enhance surgical precision and treatment stability.

Objective: To investigate the effect of N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) gene on the polarization of mouse macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Mouse monocyte line RAW264.7 cells were cultured in vitro and induced by polarization, and the expression level of NAT10 was observed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The NAT10 inhibitor Remodelin hydrobromide was used to inhibit the expression of NAT10, and its effect on the polarization of RAW264.7 cells was observed. A model of periodontitis was established using silk thread ligation, while Remodelin hydrobromide was injected simultaneously. The mice were randomly divided into control group, periodontitis group, control medication group and periodontitis medication group. After 7 days, their mandibles were taken for RT-qPCR, micro-CT analysis and histological staining. Results: NAT10 was highly expressed in mouse M2 macrophages. Compared with the control group, the periodontitis group showed decreased NAT10 expression in alveolar bone tissue, along with reduced proportions of NAT10-positive cells in the furcation area and lower percentages of NAT10/F4/80 double-positive cells. The concentration gradient experiment showed that 10 μmol/L Remodelin hydrobromide had the best inhibition efficiency. After adding Remodelin hydrobromide, the expression of M1 macrophage-associated genes increased and M2 macrophage-associated genes decreased in RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of NAT10 expression enhanced alveolar bone destruction in a mouse model of periodontitis; the proportion of CD86-positive cells at the root bifurcation increased; the proportion of CD163-positive cells decreased. Conclusion: The expression of NAT10 significantly increased in RAW264.7 cells after M2 polarization, and significantly decreased in the mouse periodontitis alveolar bone. Inhibiting the expression of NAT10 can promote M1 polarization of macrophages, inhibit M2 polarization, and notably exacerbate alveolar bone destruction in mice with periodontitis.

Objective: To investigate the effect of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) on alveolar bone remodeling after mandibular ramus osteotomy. Methods: The rat model of unilateral mandibular ramus osteotomy was established in vivo , and the rats were divided into the surgical group and the sham surgical group. Mouse RAW264.7 cells were induced to differentiate into osteoclasts and divided into normoxia group, hypoxia group, hypoxia + knockout (KO) group, hypoxia + siNC group, hypoxia + siLDHA group. The number of osteoclasts and LDHA expression levels in the local alveolar bone were detected using tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and immunofluorescence staining. The effects of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) on LDHA expression in osteoclasts under hypoxic conditions were assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and TRAP staining. The impact of LDHA expression levels on the expression of osteoclast-specific genes was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. Results: The osteoclasts in alveolar bone were active after mandibular ramus osteotomy, and the level of LDHA in alveolar osteoclasts increased after operation. Under hypoxic conditions in vitro, LDHA expression in osteoclasts was significantly increased compared to the normoxia group, and osteoclast differentiation capacity was also enhanced. Compared to the hypoxia group, the expression of osteoclast-specific genes was suppressed in the hypoxia + siLDHA group. Conclusion: LDHA after mandibular ramus osteotomy can accelerate alveolar bone remodeling by promoting osteoclast formation.

Objective: To investigate whether long intergenic non-coding RNA-EPS (lincRNA-EPS) affects microglial inflammatory response induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides (P.g-LPS). Methods: Mouse microglia cell lines (BV-2 cells) were stimulated with P.g-LPS in vitro and the expression changes of lincRNA-EPS were detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). BV-2 cells were transfected with plasmids to construct lincRNA-EPS overexpressed BV-2 cells. The effects of lincRNA-EPS overexpression on P.g-LPS-induced migration ability of BV-2 cells were observed by cell scratch assay, and the expression changes of inflammation-related genes interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (Arg1), nuclear factor kappa B protein family member p65 (NF-κB p65) and phosphorylated p65 (pp65) were detected by RT‐ qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. The subcellular localization of p65 in BV-2 cells was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Results: The expression of lincRNA-EPS was down-regulated after in vitro P.g-LPS induction of BV-2 cells (P<0.05). Overexpression of lincRNA-EPS significantly inhibited the P.g-LPS-induced migration of BV-2 cells and the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS (P<0.05). In contrast, the expression of Arg1 was up-regulated at resting state (P<0.05). After overexpression of lincRNA-EPS, the expression of total p65 in BV-2 cells was not significantly changed, while the p65 in the nucleus and pp65 expression were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that lincRNA-EPS can attenuate the inflammatory response of BV-2 cells stimulated by P.g-LPS in vitro by inhibiting the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of the modified socket-shield technique (MSST) in the immediate implant placement of single teeth in the anterior esthetic zone, and to discuss the related technical points. Methods: Five cases of immediate implant placement using MSST in the anterior esthetic zone from December 2022 to December 2023 were reviewed. The alveolar bone remodeling around implants was evaluated by imaging analysis. The esthetic effect of peri-implant soft tissue was evaluated by pink esthetic score (PES). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the patients' subjective evaluation of the postoperative reaction (pain, swelling, etc.), the final repair effect and the whole treatment process. Results: Radiographic analysis showed that all implant sites achieved good osseointegration. The average vertical change of the labial alveolar bone of the implant at 6 months postoperatively was (0.18±0.15) mm. The average horizontal changes of labial alveolar bone at 2, 4, and 6 mm apical to the implant shoulder were (0.39±0.17), (0.18±0.23), (0.22±0.18) mm, respectively. The average change of alveolar bone width at implant shoulder level was (0.10±0.10) mm. The average PES score was (12.40±1.34) points, and satisfactory esthetic results were obtained in all implant sites. The VAS score showed that the subjective satisfaction of patients was high. Conclusion: The application of MSST in immediate implant placement in the anterior aesthetic area can effectively maintain the bone volume and soft tissue contour around the implant, and is a feasible technical solution for aesthetic area implant restoration.

Objective: To investigate the application and efficacy of a temporary screw and steel wire traction technique during reduction surgery for mandibular condylar neck fractures. Methods: A total of eight patients with condylar neck fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation in our department between June 2023 and May 2024 were selected for this study. The operative time for condylar fracture reduction was recorded, and postoperative follow-up was conducted for six months to assess the recovery of mouth opening and occlusal relationships. Results: All patients successfully underwent surgery, with an average reduction and fixation time of 50 minutes. At the six-month follow-up, significant improvements in mouth opening and occlusal relationships were observed. Conclusion: The temporary screw and steel wire traction technique effectively facilitates the reduction of mandibular condylar neck fractures, and its operation is less restricted by the surgical approach for condylar fractures.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of kangfuxin liquid combined with metronidazole in patients with impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) extraction. Methods: A total of 100 patients who underwent IMTM extraction surgery at our hospital from January 2022 to May 2023 were enrolled. They were divided into 3 groups according to different wound treatment regimens: Group A (packing with gelatin sponge) with 34 cases; Group B (kangfuxin liquid + gelatin sponge) with 30 cases; Group C (kangfuxin liquid + metronidazole + gelatin sponge) with 36 cases. The clinical data of the patients were collected. The chi-square test was used to compare granulation tissue coverage rates, dry socket syndrome and the incidence of complications 7 days after surgery. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the number of patients with limited opening 24 hours after surgery. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 24 hours after surgery, degree of facial swelling 24 hours after surgery, healing time of alveolar socket, height of alveolar bone, gray value of bone mineral density, width of alveolar bone, generic quality of life inventory-74 (GQOLI-74) scores. Results: Compared with group A, the VAS scores, the degree of facial swelling, the number of patients with grade Ⅲ limited opening 24 hours after the operation in Group B, and the healing time of the alveolar socket, the complete coverage rate of granulation tissue in the alveolar socket 7 days after the operation were significantly improved (P<0.05). Group C was superior to Group A and Group B in all the above indicators (P<0.05). The incidence of dry socket and other complications in Group B were lower than those in group A (P<0.05), while those in Group C were lower than those in both Group A and Group B (P<0.05). Three months after the operation, the alveolar bone heights in all three groups were lower than those before the operation (P<0.05), but those in Group B and Group C were higher than those in Group A (P<0.05). The gray values of bone mineral density were all higher than those before the operation (P<0.05), among which Group B was higher than Group A, and Group C was higher than both Group A and Group B (P<0.05). Seven days after the operation, the GQOLI-74 scores of all three groups were higher than those before the operation (P<0.05). The GQOLI-74 score of Group B was higher than that of Group A, and that of Group C was higher than that of Group A and Group B (P<0.05). Conclusion: Kangfuxin liquid combined with metronidazole can effectively promote the recovery of patients after IMTM extraction, prevent the occurrence of complications such as dry socket, and reduce the alveolar bone absorption to some extent.

Objective: To analyze the radiological factors influencing maxillary sinus floor elevation in patients from alpine region, including maxillary sinus septa, alveolar antral artery (AAA), cysts, and cyst-like lesions, and to provide a reference for surgical planning. Methods: A total of 132 patients who underwent cone beam CT (CBCT) in our department from May 2023 to March 2024 were included, with 264 maxillary sinuses evaluated. Data on gender, posterior maxillary tooth status, maxillary sinus mucoperiosteal condition, AAA, and sinus septa were collected. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to identify risk factors of pathological sinus conditions. Results: Among the 264 maxillary sinuses imaging data sets from 132 patients, 140 (53.0%) showed no abnormalities in the maxillary posterior teeth region (e.g., missing teeth, dental implants, impacted teeth, or periapical lesions). A total of 131 sinuses (49.6%) exhibited normal imaging findings, while 133 (50.4%) showed abnormalities, with mucous retention cyst (MRC) being the most common (26.5%, 70 sinuses). Maxillary sinus septa were detected in 87 sinuses (33.0%), and AAA was visible in 215 (81.4%). Chi-square and logistic regression analyses revealed that gender and posterior maxillary tooth status significantly influenced mucoperiosteal pathology (P<0.05). Missing teeth, periapical diseases, and mixed factors increased the risk of sinus pathology (P<0.05), whereas dental implants and impacted teeth did not. Conclusion: Clinically, it is recommended that, the maxillary sinus mucoperiosteal condition should be prioritized for evaluation in male patients with missing teeth and periapical lesions before sinus floor elevation.

Periodontitis often leads to irreversible damage, and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) remains the primary therapeutic strategy for reconstructing lost hard tissue and periodontal attachment. However, current GTR membranes still face multiple limitations in complex clinical applications, highlighting the urgent need for the development of advanced GTR membranes with improved performance. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in GTR membranes from four key aspects, aiming to provide insights and perspectives for the future improvement and innovation of GTR membrane design.

Dental calculus is a significant contributor to periodontal disease, making its accurate identification crucial for effective prevention and treatment. Traditional methods for identifying dental calculus have the problems of strong subjectivity and low accuracy, especially when it comes to detecting calculus in the concealed subgingival areas, which cannot meet the demands of modern clinical practice. Recently, optical detection technology has attracted widespread attention due to its non-invasive and high-sensitivity characteristics. A variety of optical techniques have provided new ideas for the identification of dental calculus, such as polarization detection, optical coherence tomography (OCT), differential reflectometry, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), and fluorescence spectroscopy systems. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) technology, particularly the combination of machine learning and deep learning with optical techniques, has significantly enhanced the level of automation and intelligence in the identification of dental calculus. This review provides the current mainstream methods for identifying dental calculus, compares and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each technology, and looks forward to the future development direction. This work aims to guide research and clinical application of dental calculus detection technologies.

From January 2017 to May 2023, our institution treated 46 patients with zygomatic-arch fractures using a periorbital mini-incision approach. Titanium plate systems were employed for rigid internal fixation in all cases. Postoperative evaluations confirmed anatomical reduction in all 46 patients. Follow-up results demonstrated that all patients achieved satisfactory facial contour recovery with no significant scar formation and excellent incision healing. This study summarizes and analyzes our clinical experience in treating these cases.

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a highly dangerous infectious disease characterized by acute onset, rapid progression, and life-threatening severity. This article reports a case of CNF with acidosis in a diabetic patient caused by pericoronitis. Based on relevant research data, we thoroughly investigate the critical role of early diagnosis of CNF in the treatment process.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease with an unknown etiology. It can involve multiple organs/systems. This is a clinical report presenting surgical treatment and reconstruction with a vascularized fibular musculocutaneous flap in an adult patient with mandibular LCH. The patient was diagnosed with diabetes insipidus (DI) after surgery. Based on relevant literature, the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies of LCH are systematically discussed in this article.