Oral Surgery & Oral Pathology Flashcards
What are the 2 main forms of Anti-resorptive medications?
How do they differ in:
- Method of Action?
- Method of Administration?
- Half life?
- Bisphosphonates
- RANKL Inhibitors (Denosumab)
Both indicated for: Osteoporosis, Cancer or bone disorders (e.g. Pagets)
Method of Action:
Both inhibit bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity
B = via osteoclast apoptosis
R = via inhibition of RANKL (normally stimulates osteoclast function)
Method of Administration:
- *B** = Oral (often once a week) or IV (6 monthly or yearly)
- *R** = Subcutaneous (6 monthly)
Half-life:
- *B** = Longer half-life (~10 years) & binds to bone
- *R** = Shorter half-life () & does NOT bind to bone
What are 5 functions of the maxillary antrum?
- Lighten the skull
- Moistens inhaled air
- Warms inhaled air
- Voice resonance
- Immunological function for upper respiratory tract
What is the definition of an abscess?
Its aetiology is bacterium, what are the 3 main routes of entry?
A pathological cavity filled with pus and lined by a pyogenic membrane.
Bacterial entry via:
- Apical foramen
- PDL
- Bloodstream (“Anchoresis”)
What are the following flap names?
- Envelope (One-sided)
- Triangular (Two-sided)
- Trapezium (Three-sided)
- Semi-lunar
- Y-Incision
- Pedicle
Aspirin:
- What is the MOA?
- How does its affect differ to other NSAIDs?
- What is our OS management for patients taking Aspirin?
- Anti-platelet, inhibits thromboxane A2 via COX-1 pathway inhibition
- Causes IRREVERSIBLE platelet changes (lasting platelet 7-10day lifespan)
- Nothing - Don’t interupt/alter medication. Can treat with cautionary measures (e.g. limiting area/earlier in week) & local haemostatic measures
How many times a day are each NOAC usually taken?
According to SDCEP Guidelines, what instructions should be given to the patient (pre/post-op)?
Rivaroxaban - ONCE
Apixaban - TWICE
Dabigatran - TWICE
Edoxaban - ONCE
Once a day?
Morning = Delay morning dose & take 4hr after haemostasis
Evening = Take evening dose as normal (as long as 4hr after haemostasis)
Twice a day? MISS morning dose & take evening dose as normal (as long as 4hr after haemostasis)
What is the management for a patient with Acute Osteomyelitis? (6)
- URGENT OM/OS referal
- Empirical antibiotics (broad-spec antibiotics, e.g. Benzylpenicillin, Clindamycin and Metronidazole)
* N.B. Clindamycin has good bony penetration but risk of C. difficle → severe diarrhoae* - Pus sample taken
- Specific target antibiotics
- Debridement
- Long-term antibiotics 2+ weeks (Out Patient Antimicrobial Therapy, OPAT)
SDCEP says INR within 72hr is acceptable if patient has stable INR history - specifically, what does this mean?
A patient who does not require weekly INR checks & hasnt had any INR readings above 4 in the last 2 months
The first stage of infection spread is Cellulitis, what is this and what would be observed?
(Think appearance & bacterium present)
Cellulitis = Infection spread to connective tissue → Soft tissue oedema
- Redness
- Shiny
- Fluctuant (but this depends on amount of fluid present)
- Non-suppurative
- Usually streptococcus
What are the 5 aims of surgical extraction?
(THINK: Why raise flap? Why remove bone? Why suture?)
- Remove tooth (duh)
- Improve vision
- Create application point for elevation
- Minimise trauma
- Promote healing (via debridement and sutures)
In taking a good post-XLA pain history what should you ask?
What probing questions may you ask about symptoms?
SOCRATES (duh)
- When did the pain start (how many days after XLA)?
- Is it getting worse?
- Is there any foul smell/taste? - Dry socket or pus
- Is there limited mouth opening
- Is there any swelling
- Systemic features - Fever, temporature or malaise?
What are the 6 main stages involved in surgical tooth extraction?
- Plan access (flap design)
- Raise mucoperiosteal flap
- +/- Bone removal
- +/- Sectioning of tooth - Start at furcation and go to burs depth (avoid drilling through whole tooth, may cause lingual nerve damage - use space created for elevation_
- Debridement/Irrigation - Saline +/- haemostatic agent
- Wound closure with sutures
What are 5 signs of Mandibular fracture?
“Mandibles Open Now Tallulah Says”
- Mobility
- Occlusion change
- Numbness of lower lip (IAN)
- Trismus
- Sublingual haematoma (blood seen under tongue)
What is the definition of MRONJ?
Following this, what are the 4 diagnostic features that must be met?
MRONJ (Medication-Related Osteoonecrosis of the Jaw)
Severe adverse reaction to anti-resorptive or anti-angiogenic drugs → Exposed bone or bone that can be probed through an intra or extra-oral fistula in the maxillo-facial region which has persisted over 8 weeks in a patient with history of taking the above drugs and NO history of radiotherapy or obvious metastatic jaw disease.
Diagnostic Criteria:
- Currently or previously taking anti-resorptive or anti-angiogenic medication
- Exposed bone or bone that can be probed through intra or extra-oral fistula - persisting over 8 weeks
- No history of radiotherapy
- No obvious metastatic jaw disease
What are the gross characteristics of a benign oral lesion?
(e.g. size/shape) - 6
- Encapsulated
- Rounded
- Small (smaller than malignancies)
- Slowed growth
- Rare ulceration or bleeding
- Can produce hormones (e.g. in endocrine tissues)
What are 7 indications for removal of cysts or benign soft tissue lesions?
- Pain
- Infection
- Altered function
- Pressure on adjacent structures
- Weakening of adjacent structures
- Continuous growth
- Poor aesthetics
What are 4 radiographic signs that show close proximity of 3rd molar to ID nerve (/linked with ID nerve damage)?
- Interruption or Loss of white tramline (most common)
- Darkening of the root (“Banding”)
- Diversion of ID canal
- Narrowing of canal
What is the difference between primary & secondary haemostasis?
How can both be adversely affected?
PRIMARY = Platelet aggregation
- Failure in Platelet production (“Thrombocytopenia)
* Bone marrow failure, Congenital disorders or Megakaryocyte depression (e.g. via chemotherapy, infections or drugs - alcohol/heparin/thiazide diuretics)* - Failure in Platelet function
* Von Willebrand’s Disease (reduced/defective vWF) or drugs - NSAIDs (via COX-1)/ Clopidogrel (via ADP)* - Failure in Platelet survival
* Autoimmune, HIV-associated, Malaria, Lymphocytic leukaemia or Drugs - Aspirin/Cytotoxics/Valproate*
SECONDARY = Coagulation pathway into fibrin clot
- CONGENITAL (Haemophilia A/B or vWD)
- ACQUIRED (Anti-coagulant medications, Vit K deficiency, Liver disease or Large volume blood transfusions)
What are the different drugs that are implicated in MRONJ (4)?
How can they be placed into 2 main catagories?
- *1) Anti-resorptive**
- Inhibit bone resorption (impaired osteoclast function)*
-
Bisphosphonates
E.g. Zoledronate (IV) or Alendronate (Oral) -
RANK-L inhibitor
E.g. Denosumab (subcutaneous) - *2) Anti-angiogenic**
- Inhibit blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)*
-
VEGF Inhibitor
E.g. Bevacizumab (IV) -
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
E.g. Sunitinib (Oral)
What is Osteomyelitis?
What are the 5 risk factors?
Osteomyelitis = Inflammation of the medullary bone due to mixed bacterial Infection
- Radiotherapy
- Trauma
- Bisphosphonates
- Bone diseases (e.g. Pagets or Osteoporosis)
- Immunodeficiency (including malnutrition, systemic corticostroids , DM & age extremeties)
What is a “Guardsman’s Fracture”?
Fracture of the right and left mandibular condyle
Also presents with chin laceration from impact
What are some signs & symptoms of MRONJ?
May be ASYMPTOMATIC (MRONJ Stage 1) - AAOMS (2014)
Signs:
- Exposed, necrotic bone
- Gingival swelling
- Secondary Infection (+/- suppuration)
- Pain (persistent)
- Absent or delayed healing
- Pathological #
Symptoms:
- Gingival tenderness
- Halitosis
- Parasethesia
- Pathological #
How might clinical features of an abscess differ if the origin was periapical vs. periodontal?
- Periapical associated with non-vital tooth
- Periapical = history of trauma and/or caries
- Periapical = not well localised pain but TIQ painful to touch
- Periodontal = MOBILE tooth which is TTP
- Periodontal = Vital (or non)
What is the difference between acute and chronic periodontitis?
(Consider symptoms, clinical findings and radiographs)
Name 8 conditions that might affect the maxillary antrum?
- Cleft palate
- Acute/Chronic Sinusitis
- Cyst
- Tumour
- Paget’s Disease
- Fibrous Dysplasia
- Iatrogenic - Oral Antrum Communication/Fisulae or Antral fracture
What are the 3 main methods of infection spread?
Which is the most common?
- Direct (most common)
- Lymophatics
- Blood
Infection spread follows pathway of LEAST resistance
(E.g.
Periodontal abscess = Through periodontal pocket
Periapical abscess = Through thinnest cortical plate)
What are some systemic haemostatic measures which may be used in hospital (under haematologist guidance) if a patient fails to stop bleeding?
- Transexamic acid (anti-fibrinolytic)
- Desmopressin (vasopressin analogue - stimulates release of CF8, vWF & tPA)
- Fresh frozen plasma (with Clotting Factors)
- Platelet transfusion
- Antidotes: Vitamin K (Warfarin) or Andexanet alfa (Xa NOACs)
- What is the normal lifespan of a platelet?
- What cell are they produced from?
- What is the normal level of platelets?
- What level must platelets be above for (invasive) dental treatment to be carried out? (Guidelines?)
- 7-10 days
- Megakaryocytes (& activated by surface contact with damaged epithelium)
- 150-400 x109/L
- 50 x109/L (British Society for Standards in Haematology, 2013)
What are the 6 main principles of flap design in surgical extraction?
- Maintain blood supply (BROADER at BASE)
- Avoid vital structures
- Suture over bone
- Preserve papillae
- Maintain ability to extend
- Maintain ability to close site
When draining an abscess in the submandibular space, what are 4 structures you should watch out for?
How can these be avoided (where should you put your incision)?
- Facial artery
- Facial vein
- Facial nerve
- Hypoglossal
Horizontal incision (parellel to lower border of mandible) made 2 fingers width below lower border of mandible
How would you manage a patient who’s about to start taking anti-resorptive or anti-angiogenic medication?
- Pt education on MRONJ risk, dont discourage drug use
- Low incidence (0.01-0.1% in Osteoporosis & ~1% Cancer pts)*
- Thorough dental assessment:
- XLA poor prognosis unrestorable teeth
- OHI, Smoking/Alcohol cessation & Stabilisation
- Adjust/replace ill-fitting dentures
- If XLA, allow complete healing before initiation of therapy, ideally ~4weeks. (UKCB, 2019)*
- High Risk prevention:
- OHI, FV, Duraphat, F m/w, Smoking cessation & reduced recall
What are 8 indications of removal of 3rd molars?
According to what guidelines?
NICE - Guidance on Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
- Unrestorable caries
- Untreatable pulpal/periapical pathology
- Pericoronitis (1 severe or multiple episodes)
- Abscess / Cellulitis / Osteomyelitis
- Cyst / Tumour (disease of tooth follicle)
- Internal or External resorption (of TIQ or adj. tooth)
- Tooth in line of jaw surgery
- Fracture of tooth
What are 5 virulence factors for bacterium (e.g. in abscess formation)?
- Number of bacterium
- Invasion mechanisms
- Evasion of host defence (e.g. capsules and proteases)
- Toxins and Enzymes (e.g. endotoxin, collagenase, hyaluronidase and fibrinolysin)
- Time & Hose response (acute/chronic)
According to SDCEP, what places a pt at “high risk” of MRONJ? (4)
- Treatment need - Cancer pt
- Previous MRONJ
- Bisphosphonate use over 5 years
- Concurrent Bisphosphonate/Denosumab use with Systemic Glucocortocoids
N.B.
Denosumab use over 9 months ago = No risk
Denosumab use within 9 months (no SG use) = Low risk
What are the 4 management goals for a patient with MRONJ?
- Prioritise oncology treatment (delay tx)
- Maintain QoL (extirpate > XLA)
- Control pain + infection (analgesics and antimicrobials)
- Prevent extension or formation of new osteonecrotic lesion
Describe how the position of a MAXILLARY POSTERIOR infection in relation to the BUCCINATOR muscle would affect the direction of spread?
ABOVE → Buccal Space
BELOW → Buccal Sulcus
For MRONJ, what are the vague dates/duration of treatment that puts a pt at higher risk if having:
- IV bisphosphonates?
- Oral bisphosphonates?
IV = 3+ infusions or 1 year
Oral = 4+ YEARS
What are 12 intra/peri-operative complications during extraction?
- Needle stick injury
- Wrong tooth XLA
- Damage to adjacent teeth or soft tissues
- OAC or displacement of root(s) into sinus
- Fractured tooth/apex (retained root)
- Swallowing/Inhalation of tooth fragment
- Fractured mandible
- Fractured tuberosity
- Fractured alveolar bone
- Haemorrhage
- Lip burn (from drill)
Describe how the position of a MANDIBULAR ANTERIOR infection in relation to the MENTALIS MUSCLE would affect direction of spread?
ABOVE Mentalis → Labial sulcus
BELOW Mentalis → Submental
(Causes swellings in these areas)
What are the clinical features you would observe/smell in a patient with Dry Socket? (4)
What would be the presenting pain history?
- Empty socket with visible exposed bone
- Erythematous and tender surrounding gingivae
- Throbbing pain
- Foul smelling odour
PAIN: Pain starting 2-3 days post-extraction and getting progressively worse
What is meant by “empirical” antibiotics in treatment of dental abscesses?
Give examples.
Antibiotics prescribed first
“Empirical” = Observation alone
E.g.
- Penicillins (Penicillin V or Amoxycillin)
- Nitroimidazoles (Metronidazole)
- Pt with penicillin allergies = Erythromycin, Clindamycin or Tetracyclin
Pus sample obtained and sent to labs. More specific antibiotic can then be prescribed to target bacterium present.
A patient comes in with an abscess/spreading infection, in what cases would you refer them to hospital? (5)
- Obstructed airway (e.g. Ludwig’s Angina)
- Rapidly spreading infection
- Systemic signs: Pyrexic, raised BP, raised WBCs, malaise and toxic appearance
- Immunocompromised/Diabetic pt
- Severe trismus
Describe how the position of a MANDIBULAR POSTERIOR infection in relation to:
- MYLOHYOID
- BUCCINATOR
would affect direction of spread?
1) MYLOHYOID
ABOVE → Sublingual
BELOW → Submandibular
Mylohyoid runs low anteriorly + higher posteriorly; so posterior infections more likely to have submandibular spread
2) BUCCINATOR
ABOVE → Buccal sulcus
BELOW → Buccal space
This is VICE VERSA for Maxillary posterior teeth!
What are 8 post-operative complications following tooth extraction?
- Pain / Bruising / Swelling
- Bleeding - Reactionary (loss of clot in first 48 hours) or Secondary (infection or bleeding disorder)
- Infection (+ spread)
- Dry socket
- Osteomyelitis
- Nerve damage
- Haematoma
- TMJ injury
What is a coronectomy? What happens?
When may it be indicated or contra-indicated?
“Intentional Partial Odontectomy”
- Crown sectioned at CEJ
- Decorination of crown
- Drill 2-4mm below crestal bone (root surface lies here and we want no enamel left in situ)
Indication: 3rd molar removal where close ID canal proximity
Contra-indication: Caries or Mobile roots
For patients at increased bleeding risk, what pre-op & peri-op procedures can be adhered to?
Pre-op:
- Thorough medical history (are medications for limited time or lifetime? may be able to delay tx)
- Ask about patients previous extraction/bleeding experiences
- Plan treatment for earlier in day & week
Peri-op:
- Consider limiting initial treatment area & assessing bleeding
- Make as atraumatic as possible
What dental measures should be put in place for patients after undergoing cancer therapy?
* Enhanced prevention & reduced recall
- Awareness of increased risk of: Xerostomia, Caries, Perio, Infections, Trismus, ORN/MRONJ or Osteomyelitis
- Choose flouride-releasing restorations where possible
- Avoid XLA if possible
- Avoid denture wear if possible (if not, make atraumatic, advise good hygiene & can incorporate Nystatin into soft lining material
Awareness of neutropenic/thrombocytopenic risk - Avoid treatment & liase with oncologist if
- Platelets below 60,000/mm3
- Neutrophils below 2000/mm3
IMP EXAM Q
What are 10 risk factors for Dry Socket?
- Traumatic extraction (e.g. surgical)
- Mandibular extraction (less vascular)
- Previous dry socket experience
- Smoker
- Female
- Oral Contraceptive Pill
- Poor OH
- Periodontal disease
- Excessive vasoconstricter (e.g. LA → reduced blood supply)
- Bone disorders (e.g. Pagets)
If a patient is deemed to require/benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis for IE risk, which (2) antibiotics could be prescribed?
What instructions (pre-op & post-op) are given to the patient?
- Amoxicillin (3g) Oral Powder Sachet (1hr pre-op)
- Clindamycin (2x 300mg) Oral Capsules (1hr pre-op)
Alternatives can be given IV or Oral Suspension if pt cannot swallow
Pre-op:
Pt to bring ABx & take in the practice 1hr pre-op (can be taken at home if no previous adverse reactions to prophylaxis)
Post-op:
Warn of risk of c. difficile (seek medical attention if severe diarrhoea)
What is the OS managment for patients taking Warfarin?
DO NOT STOP TAKING WARFARIN
- Assess patients INR ideally within 24hr of surgery (at least 72hr if patient has stable INR range 2.5-3.5 +/-0.5)
- If patient’s INR is below 4; treat without interupting
- Consider: Limiting/staging treatment area, early appt day/week & local measures (5)
- If patient’s INR is above 4; delay treatment or refer to secondary care if urgent
What is the main flap design for removal of third molars? (2)
Envelope (1-sided) or Triangular (2-sided)
What are the 3 main special investigations done when suspected Osteomyelitis?
(What would you see on the radiograph - 4/5)
1) Radiograph (PA/Sectional OPG)
- “Moth-eaten” bone appearance
- Loss of trabecular pattern
- “Rarefying osteitis” - Poorly defined radiolucency
- CHRONIC ⇒ Periosteal reaction (new bone formed) & Irregular radiopacities (bony sequestra)
2) Pus sample (& used to target antibiotic therapy)
3) Blood Tests - Raised WBCs and CRP
FGDP (2020) - “+/- CBCT or MRI to rule out bone tumours”
What is the most common site for OM & why?
What are 5 clinical features in Osteomyelitis?
Which are more likely in Chronic OM?
Mandible = Most common site (less vascular)
ACUTE: “Male patient with multiple dental infections”
- Throbbing pain (more rapid onset & severe in Acute OM)
- Swelling (soft & becomes more hard due new bone formation)
- Paraesthesia of lip/chin (compression of CN Viii)
- Systemic signs:
Lymphadenopathy, Pyrexia or Malaise - CHRONIC ⇒ Localised necrotic bone +/- suppuration or bony sequestra
What are the 3 stages of abscess infection spread?
STAGE 1: CELLULITIS
Oedema as infection spreads to connective tissue
- Red & shiny
- Fluctuant (but varied firmness dependent on amount of fluid present
- Often non-suppurative (except at source)
- Often Streptococci seen
STAGE 2: SUPPURATIVE (“PUS-PRODUCING”)
Pus produced from centre of lesion
Dependent on: Gravity, Muscle activity and Pressure
STAGE 3: GANGRENE
What is the management of Dry Socket?
- Reassure (right tooth taken out, non-serious and will resolve)
- Irrigate with saline (or CHX) under LA
* SDCEP (2013) Management of acute dental problems - “No evidence in favour of CHX use, not recommended”* - Place Alvogyl (LA, Iodine & Eugenol) or ZOE dressing
- Pt Advice - Good OH, avoid smoking and adequate analgesia
- Review appt (after few days and can be done over the phone)
What are the 4 NOACs?
What clotting factor do they affect & how can their anti-coagulant effect be measured?
How often are they taken?
What is their onset (all same) & half life
- RIVAROXABAN (OD) - Factor Xa (meausured by PT) & 5-13hr half life
- APIXABAN (BD) - Factor Xa (measured by anti-Xa assay) & ~12hr half life
- DABIGATRAN (BD) - Factor II (measured by aPTT) & ~13hr half life
- EDOXABAN (OD) - Factor Xa
All have short onset (2-4hr)
What are the advantages (3) and disadvantages (6) of Enucleation?
ADVANTAGES:
- Complete cyst lining obtained for histology
- Cavity closed - Reduced infection risk
- Little aftercare needed
DISADVANTAGES:
- Cavity clot may become infected
- Haemorrhage risk
- Large cyst removal → Weakened jaw
- Potential damage to adjacent structures or apicies of vital teeth
- Primary closure prevents visual inspection of cyst cavity
- Incomplete removal → Recurrence
What differences exist between Acute and Chronic Osteomyelitis for:
- prevalence?
- pain/clinical presentation?
- management?
CHRONIC osteomyelitis is more common!
Clinical presentation:
- Acute = Dull, throbbing pain
Chronic = LESS painful and LONGER LASTING - Chronic = Localised necrotic bone +/- suppuration & sequestra
Management:
- OS/OM referral (urgent for acute)
- Empirical antibiotics, take pus swap and target antibiotics
- Debridement
- Long term (2+ weeks ) out patient antibiotics (OPAT)
Chronic [Above] and:
Debridement, Corticotomy +/- Antibiotic bead placement (e.g. Gentamicin)
What are 6 blood tests that may be done in hospital if a patient fails to stop bleeding?
- Full Blood Count - platelets? anaemia?
- Prothrombin time (PT) - extrinsic pathway
- Activated partial prothrombin time (aPPT) - intrinsic pathway
- Specific clotting factor assays
- Liver & kidney function tests
- INR (for patients on Warfarin)
What are 3 considerations for removal of 3rd molars which are NOT covered in NICE guidelines?
- Distal caries in 7’s (mesially impacted 8’s)
- GA - If pt undergoing GA and 8’s likely to later become symptomatic
- Non-functional 8’s → Over-eruption and trauma
What are 7 causes of a dental abscess ?
(Think about routes of entry)
- Caries
- Non-vital tooth
- Trauma
- Deep periodontal pockets (via lateral canals)
- Blood stream (“Anchoresis”)
- Extension of periapical infection from adjacent teeth
What preventative measures should be put in place for a patient about to undergo cancer therapy?
What guidelines are useful for this?
RCS/BSDOH - “The Oral Management of Oncology Patients Requiring Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and/or Bone Marrow Transplantation”
- Full dental check: Stabilisation, Restorations & XLA poor prognosis teeth (ideally 3wk before cancer therapy commences, at least 10 days)
- Enhanced provention (DBOH) & reduced recall
- Educate pt on side effects of radio/chemo therapy (mucositis, xerostomia, increased infection & caries risk)
- Denture OH (ideally dont wear, if worn ensure no trauma, cleaned & removed at night)
- Dietary advice alongside dietician (pt may be prescribed a high calorific diet, ensure dietary advice does not conflict with this - can advise use of straws/water or mw between food intake)