To effectively address breastfeeding issues for neonates and mothers, one must understand the physiology of breastfeeding and the anatomical components involved in sucking, swallowing, and respiration. This study compared the tongue position and movement of neonates with tongue ties versus healthy controls during sucking. A new objective ultrasonography diagnostic approach was also introduced for the orofacial region. This retrospective study evaluated B-mode and M-mode ultrasonography images from 30 neonates clinically diagnosed with tongue tie, and a control group of 30 neonates. B-mode ultrasound images were used to examine several characteristics to locate the nipple in the oral cavity during breastfeeding. Anatomic M-mode ultrasound images were used to assess tongue movement during sucking. The nipple moved farther from the intersection of the hard and soft palates during the sucking cycle in the ankyloglossia group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, neonates with ankyloglossia have a lower capacity to lift the anterior tongue toward the palate when sucking (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in tongue movement metrics between the two groups (p > 0.05). Our findings were consistent with earlier research. The novel measurement method will offer a new perspective on breastfeeding.

Background/Objectives: The effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the nasal and pharyngeal airways in children remains uncertain. This retrospective study utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess the changes in ventilation parameters caused by RME in children. Methods: Pre- and post-RME cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 20 patients (4 males, mean age 13 ± 2 years) treated with RME for maxillary transverse insufficiency were evaluated. The RME treatment was conducted using two distinct techniques: tooth-borne and tooth-bone-borne. CFD simulations were used to investigate the airflow conditions (pressure and velocity) in the whole upper airway, nasal airway, and maxillary sinus. Morphological alterations and variations in ventilation parameters before and after RME treatment were statistically compared. The extent of changes in the morphological and ventilatory characteristics of the upper airway, depending on the type of RME, was assessed. Additionally, changes in the ventilation conditions of the upper airway, nasal airway, and maxillary sinus after RME treatment were statistically analyzed. Statistical analyses using IBM SPSS v22 (New York, USA) software included paired t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests, intraclass correlation coefficients, and coefficients of variation (p < 0.05). Results: The CFD study revealed a notable reduction in both air flow velocity and pressure after the RME treatment (p < 0.05). A statistically significant increase was seen in the parameters used to assess the morphological changes following RME treatment, including nasal width, anterior and posterior nasal cross-sectional area, intermaxillary and intermandibulary molar width, and oropharyngeal airway width (p < 0.05). Regarding the change in airway ventilation, there was no statistically significant difference between tooth-borne and tooth-bone-borne RME treatments (p > 0.05). Conclusions: RME not only treats orthodontic issues in childhood but also increases airflow, which enhances ventilation. CDF is an effective method for the detection of ventilation improvement.

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Background: Tongue-tie and upper lip-tie have been linked to breastfeeding difficulties; however, traditional evaluation tools rely on subjective assessments. Ultrasound imaging enables objective assessment of infant sucking dynamics. Research Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of tongue-tie and upper lip-tie on sucking function in newborns, using ultrasound imaging and other evaluation tools. Methods: This comparative observational study with short-term follow-up included 67 newborns (25 with tongue-tie, 21 with upper lip-tie, and 21 controls) and their mothers. Oral examinations were conducted during the hospital stay, prior to discharge. The maxillary labial frenulum was evaluated using the Kotlow classification, and the lingual frenulum was assessed with the Tongue Tie and Breastfed Infants (TABBY) tool. Sucking function was examined using ultrasound imaging between postnatal Days 5 and 15. Breastfeeding was evaluated via the LATCH tool, and maternal nipple pain was rated using a numeric scale. A 1-month follow-up call gathered data on feeding status, nipple pain, and surgical interventions. Results: No significant differences in LATCH or nipple pain scores were found across groups. Ultrasound measurements in the tongue-up position showed significantly lower anterior tongue height in the tongue-tie group. In the same position, intraoral space depth was reduced significantly in the upper lip-tie group. Anterior tongue height correlated negatively with maternal nipple pain in the tongue-tie group (r = -0.49, p = 0.014). Conclusion: Tongue-tie and upper lip-tie do not always lead to observable breastfeeding problems. Ultrasound imaging offers valuable insights into subtle sucking dysfunctions not captured by clinical assessment.

Zirconia implants offer acceptable osseointegration in pre-clinical studies and may present clinical advantages in aesthetics, plaque affinity and biocompa

Purpose: Advancements in technology have driven a shift towards digital techniques alongside conventional screening methods in dental radiology and across medical disciplines. This study aims to compare the efficacy of two radiographic techniques, periapical radiography and digital subtraction radiography, in assessing bone recovery processes. Materials and Methods: Sixty mandibular premolar and molar regions in eighteen chronic periodontitis patients undergoing flap surgery were examined pre- and post-operatively using both periapical radiographs and digital subtraction radiography. Periodontal surgery outcomes were monitored by recording periodontal index, pocket depth, and gingival recession preoperatively (baseline) and at the 3rd and 6th months postoperatively. Standardized parallel periapical radiographs and via digital subtraction radiography images were analyzed by different observers to evaluate changes in alveolar bones and assess surgical outcomes. Results: Results showed significant reductions in index values and pocket depths, along with an increase in gingival recession. Intraobserver consistency was found to be good and fair, while interobserver consistency was poor across the 0-3, 3-6, and 0-6 month periods. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated a statistically significant increase in digital subtraction radiography data compared to conventional radiography in defect recovery throughout the follow-up period. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the digital subtraction radiography technique is more efficient in detecting minimal changes in mineralised tissues that cannot be clearly traced by conventional radiographic techniques. Keywords: Chronic Periodontitis, Dental, Digital Subtraction