The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of palatal vault morphology and screw length on the accuracy of miniscrew insertion in dynamic computer-assisted surgery (d-CAS). Twenty-four subjects were allocated into three groups, according to their palatal vault morphology (Group A: medium; Group B: steep/high; Group C: low/flat) and the length of miniscrew used. For each subject, two miniscrews were inserted using a dynamic navigation system. To assess the accuracy of insertion, a postoperative CBCT was performed, and the pre- and post-operative scans were superimposed. Five variables were evaluated: Entry-3D, Entry-2D, Apex-3D, Apex-vertical and angular deviation. Descriptive statistics, Shapiro-wilk, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests were used for the statistical analysis. The level of significance was P ≤ 0.05. The mean angular deviation values revealed strong discrepancies amongst the groups (Group A:7.11°±5.70°; Group B:13.30°±7.76°; Group C:4.92°±3.15°) and significant differences were found regarding the Apex-3D (P = 0.036) and angular deviations (P = 0.008). A Dunn's test revealed differences in angular deviation between the medium and high/steep palate group (P = 0.004), and between low/flat and high/steep palate group (P = 0.01) but did not confirm any significant difference in the Apex-3D parameter (Group A-B P = 0.10; Group B-C, P = 0.053; Group A-C, P = 1.00). No significant differences were found regarding the length of the miniscrews. Palatal vault morphology is a factor that influences the accuracy of miniscrew insertion in d-CAS. In subjects with steep and high palatal vaults, insertion accuracy is lower when considering the angular deviation value. Miniscrew length does not influence accuracy. Although computer-guided surgery assists the clinician in preventing damage to nearby anatomical structures, individual anatomical variability is a crucial variable. In subjects with a high/steep palate, greater attention should be paid during the planning phase in order to allow for a wide margin from adjacent anatomical structures to achieve better outcomes.
Medical thermography is a non-invasive technique that allows the measurement of the temperature of the human body surface, exploiting the heat emitted by the body through the skin in the form of infrared electromagnetic radiation. Recently, smartphone-based thermography (ST) has drawn considerable attention. This scoping review (SR) aims to describe its current applications and reliability based on currently available research findings, also taking into account the medico-legal implications linked to its use. A search of the sources was conducted on multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Lilacs, Google Scholar). Based on a set of eligibility criteria, all articles deemed useful were included in the SR. Collected data, processed with descriptive statistics, are then discussed. From the initial 241 results, after duplicate removal and full-text reading based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 20 articles were classified according to the main characteristics and indications and outcomes are highlighted based on clinical evidence. The most frequently documented fields of ST are wound care management and vascular surgery. Other disciplines are less explored (dentistry, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, etc.). Practicality, operational simplicity and affordability of mobile thermographic devices are the chief strengths of this technology. Comparative studies with traditional thermal imaging methods are poor in terms of the number of patients analyzed but this technology showed high sensitivity and accuracy in the large number of patients enrolled in observational studies, encouraging the development of further operational protocols in all medical specialties. Gaining a deeper understanding of such techniques will also help settle the medico-legal issues which may arise from the clinical implementation of ST, thus appraising its reliability and safety from that perspective as well.
This report describes an innovative dynamic computer‐guided piezocision technique that integrates preoperative digital planning with real‐time intraoperative navigation to accelerate orthodontic treatment while minimizing complications. A 24‐year‐old female patient who requested short‐term orthodontic treatment underwent a minimally invasive, flapless corticotomy using a dynamic system. Preoperative optical scanning and cone‐beam computed tomography were performed for comprehensive three‐dimensional surgical planning. Intraoperatively, reference trackers were fixed and calibration was performed, enabling precise guidance. A conventional scalpel, adapted with a drill‐tag, was employed to execute fully guided soft tissue incisions, and a piezoelectric cutting insert was calibrated for corticotomy cuts. The dynamic navigation system provided continuous real‐time feedback on instrument position during the surgical procedure, guiding the surgeon regarding location, depth, and angulation, while ensuring optimal irrigation to reduce thermal risks. The fully guided dynamic piezocision technique enabled the execution of corticotomies following the planned cuts without surgical complications such as damage to dental roots or periodontal tissues. The dynamic approach allowed intraoperative adjustments and improved irrigation, reducing the risk of thermal injury. Fully guided dynamic piezocision may enhance surgical accuracy and safety compared to traditional methods by combining preoperative digital planning with real‐time dynamic navigation.
Dynamic navigation systems can improve precision and accuracy in oral surgical procedures. Odontomas are benign lesions commonly encountered in clinical practice. When asymptomatic, they are often discovered in cases of persistence of deciduous elements, and the permanent teeth fail to erupt spontaneously. The surgical removal approach is the gold‐standard treatment, but is not without risks. This case report presents a 14‐year‐old boy with an impacted upper canine in the presence of an odontoma near the roots of the permanent central and lateral incisors. The removal of the odontoma and the recovery of the canine were performed using a dynamic navigation system. Integrating the navigation system with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) allowed for precise planning and real‐time guided surgery, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and predictability. This approach highlights the potential of dynamic navigation systems not only for implant rehabilitation but also for advancing oral surgery procedures, paving the way for future developments in dentistry that can better leverage the clinical skills of operators.
12 September 2025 in American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics