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Background and objectives: Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) can be described as a dysfunctional remodeling of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is clinically characterized by morphological changes in TMJ including reduced ramus height, accelerated mandibular retrusion and reduced growth in juveniles. With a strong predilection towards females (90 %) within an age group of 10 to 40 years, diagnosis and management of ICR is a critical clinical challenge. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive review of diagnosis and management strategies for ICR. Materials and Methods: Literature search based on keywords relating to ICR was conducted on PubMed (Medline) database. Studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria (reports based on clinical diagnosis and management of ICR) were selected for comprehensive review. Results: 253 articles were identified through literature search. After abstract screening and full-text review, 54 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis. Diagnosis of ICR is established by combination of clinical and radiographic findings, patient history, and exclusion of all known local/systemic factors contributing to condylar resorption. Management of ICR depends on condylar activity and surgeon’s ability to preserve the articular disc and mandibular condyle, and could either be surgical or non-surgical. Surgical treatment can be either by orthognathic surgery alone or through a combination of orthognathic and TMJ surgeries. Conclusion: Based on the present review, it may be concluded that diagnosis and management of ICR requires adequate clinical understanding of the condition. Identifying the stage of ICR is important in deciding optimum treatment plan. While early-stage ICR could be managed non-surgically by orthodontic and splint therapies, advanced stage disease require simultaneous TMJ Surgery with orthognathic correction for skeletal stability. Future research should focus on elucidating underlying mechanisms of ICR, refining diagnostic criteria, and optimizing treatment protocols to enhance patient outcomes.

Background/Objectives: Locating the mandibular foramen (MF) through imaging is clinically important for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) anesthesia and mandibular ramus osteotomies. Although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is superior in imaging the mandible, an orthopantomogram (OPG) is preferred for its ease of use and availability. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digital OPG in localizing the MF, in a subset of the Middle Eastern population. Methods: Radiographic images (OPG and CBCT) of selected patients (adults, dentulous and no mandibular abnormalities) were used to locate the MF through digital measurements (mm) of the anteroposterior distance from the anterior border of the ramus (MF-AP) and the superoinferior position from the mandibular occlusal plane (MF-SI). Measurements were statistically compared between OPG and CBCT for accuracy. Differences in measurements between OPG and CBCT were compared against the anatomic location (right/left), age and biological sex, assuming a p-value < 0.05 as significant. Results: A total of 204 radiographic records (males: 100/females: 104/mean age: 34.65 ± 11.55 years) were evaluated. The measurements for the MF were MF-AP-OPG (right: 13.53 ± 2.44/left: 13.19 ± 2.25), MF-AP-CBCT (right: 13.61 ± 2.39/left: 13.36 ± 2.19), MF-SI-OPG (right: 5.25 ± 1.71/left: 5.41 ± 1.65) and MF-SI-CBCT (right: 5.59 ± 1.66/left: 5.52 ± 1.61). Measurements between OPG and CBCT were not significantly different, except for MF-SI (right) (p = 0.042). While the overall difference between OPG and CBCT (MF-AP/MF-SI) measurements showed a significant association (p < 0.01) with the anatomic location (right/left), a significant association (p < 0.05) with biological sex was observed only for MF-AP. Conclusions: Based on this study’s outcomes, digital OPG is an accurate modality to locate the MF based on anteroposterior (MF-AP) and superoinferior (MF-SI) measurements. This would be clinically beneficial for dental and oral surgeons to achieve the optimum IAN block anesthesia based on preoperative panoramic radiographs. Similarly, it would assist maxillofacial surgeons in planning mandibular orthognathic surgeries and ramus osteotomies without complications.

Background Third molar extraction is one of the most common oral surgical procedures globally. This study assessed patients’ knowledge of third molar extraction procedures. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was administered to patients (N=384) of the dental hospital at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University in the eastern province. The questionnaire covered demographic data, knowledge of third molar extraction, and patients’ perception questions. SPSS Version 24 was used for statistical analysis. Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact test were used. P-values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered statistically significant . Results According to the demographical characteristics of the patient who received 3rd molar removal surgery. As per the history of the extraction, 45% had previous 3rd molar extraction experience, whereas 55% had no previous dental surgical experience. There was no significant difference between the groups with the knowledge about the extraction (p-0.187). Patients with no previous history were more aware of the correct time for 3rd molar extraction at 27% vs 19%, respectively (P=0.046*). Patients with a previous history of third molar extraction showed significant results of knowledge in terms of taking medication prior to 3rd molar surgical procedure. Conclusion The patient with previous experience with third molar extraction showed low misconceptions. However, further studies should consider increasing the knowledge and correcting the patients’ perceptions.