Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

What Factors Influence Hospital Admission for Mandible Fractures in Emergency Departments Across the United States?

Brendan W. Wu, Mia M. Joseph, Vasiliki Karlis, Kim E. Goldman — 2026-05-21

Facial trauma surgeons consulted by emergency departments (EDs) for mandible fractures must decide whether hospital admission is warranted. While admission may allow for closer monitoring and expedited surgery, many patients present with clinically stable injuries for which outpatient management is feasible.

ADVERSE EVENTS RELATED TO SUBMENTAL AESTHETIC LIPOSUCTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2026-05-21

Aesthetic submental liposuction (ASL) is a widely performed procedure for lower facial and anterior neck contouring. Despite its clinical acceptance, there is no clear consensus regarding the frequency and characteristics of ASL-related adverse events.

Does a brochure reduce dental anxiety in patients undergoing third molar extraction? A randomized clinical trial

2026-05-20

Dental anxiety frequently compromises patient cooperation and outcomes during third molar extraction prompting use of non-pharmacological strategies such as detailed written information. Evidence on reducing preoperative anxiety remains inconsistent warranting further randomized studies.

Nd:YAG and Diode Laser Biostimulation in Infraorbital and Inferior Alveolar Neurosensory Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Study

Yaşar Tolga KAYIM, Nilüfer ÖZKAN, Nihat AKBULUT, Tuğrul KIRTILOĞLU — 2026-05-20

Neurosensory deficits affecting inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and infraorbital nerve (ION) are expected side effects of bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Photobiomodulation using neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and diode lasers has been proposed to accelerate nerve regeneration; however, evidence with standardized functional outcome measures remains limited.

Factors Affecting Prolonged Intubation and Difficult Airway After Odontogenic Infection

2026-05-14

Odontogenic infections can rapidly become life threatening as a result of airway obstruction. This is further complicated by severe trismus and postoperative edema.

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons’ Position Paper on the Management of the Clinically Negative Neck (cN0) in cT1N0 and cT2N0 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

2026-05-14

Management of the N0 neck is a challenging clinical decision. Most of the literature relied upon for clinical decision-making are studies with subjects being treated for cT1/cT2 N0 disease.

The Pre-DIT Technique: A Fascicle-Specific Dual-Plane Approach for Correcting and Preventing Paradoxical Masseteric Bulging After BoNT-A Injection

2026-05-14

Paradoxical masseteric bulging (PMB) is an uncommon but clinically relevant complication following masseter BoNT-A injection. From mid-2024 onward, four cases of PMB were identified among patients treated at our department, with onset typically occurring within the first week after injection. Dynamic ultrasonography consistently demonstrated persistent contraction of the superficial fascicle while the deep fascicle remained fully inhibited, challenging the prevailing assumption that PMB results from insufficient deep-plane diffusion across the deep inferior tendon (DIT).

Vertical Maxillary Movement is Associated with Incisal Display in Orthognathic Surgery

Michael D. Han, Andy Shimchuk, Emilie Dosoudil, Michael Miloro — 2026-05-14

Maxillary incisal display (MID) is a key feature in orthodontic and orthognathic surgical planning that critically impacts esthetics, and forms the basis for the vertical positioning of the maxilla. In orthognathic surgical planning, several approaches are taken to position the maxilla to determine the MID, but little evidence exists in the relationship between maxillary movement and MID.

Risk factors for postoperative complications and mortality in deep neck infections

2026-05-13

Complications of infections in maxillofacial surgery are correlated with the spread of infection to deep neck spaces.

Is Music an Alternative to Diazepam for Reducing Anxiety in Third Molar Surgery? A Randomized Split-Mouth Clinical Trial

2026-05-13

Preoperative anxiety is common in patients undergoing third molar surgery, and is associated with increased stress and discomfort. Controlling anxiety during dental procedures is an important clinical goal.

Comparative Efficacy of Intra-Articular Adjuvants Following Double-Needle Arthrocentesis for Intra-Articular Pain and Dysfunction: A Network Meta-Analysis

Gowri Sivaramakrishnan, Kannan Sridharan, Mohammed Abdulla AlMuharraqi — 2026-05-13

Double-needle arthrocentesis (DA) is an established minimally invasive treatment; however, the additional clinical benefit of intra-articular injection (IAI) adjuvants remains uncertain.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Severe Complications of Odontogenic Infections

Brendan W. Wu, Wilson Li, Peter Rekawek, Vasiliki Karlis, Kenneth Fleisher — 2026-05-13

Odontogenic infections can spread beyond the oral cavity into potential spaces of the head, neck, and thorax. Identifying predictors for these severe complications can improve early risk stratification and guide timely intervention.

Do Patients with Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate Require More Postoperative Opioids Following Le Fort I Osteotomy?

2026-05-12

Le Fort I (LFI) osteotomies in patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) present unique challenges. It is unclear if these patients require distinct postoperative pain management.

Are Patient-Specific Implants Accurate in Bimaxillary Advancement Surgery Entailing Three-Piece Le Fort I? A Randomized Controlled Trial

2026-05-11

The use of patient-specific implants (PSI) in orthognathic surgery was shown to produce accurate results for single-piece Le Fort I. However, the literature lacks evidence on the accuracy of PSI for segmental Le Fort I.

Temporomandibular Joint Replacement is Associated With Improved Quality of Life: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Arshi Munjal, Russell Williams, Taylor DeLaura, Peter Quinn, Eric Granquist — 2026-05-08

Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is indicated for patients with advanced joint pathology or ankylosis who have failed nonoperative therapies. Although TMJR is known to improve pain and function, its impact on quality of life (QoL) remains incompletely characterized.

Association of Total and Bioavailable Vitamin D With Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: A Case–Control Study

Gulsum Feyza Turkes, Dilara Nur Sengun, Omer Faruk Kocamaz — 2026-05-07

Antiresorptive agent (ARA) therapy may cause medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), following dentoalveolar surgery. Vitamin D, an essential element for bone metabolism, may be a risk factor associated with MRONJ.

Decompression Fails to Achieve Clinically Meaningful Volumetric Reduction in Glandular Odontogenic Cysts

2026-05-07

Glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs) are rare, aggressive lesions, and the effect of decompression on their volume has not been systematically studied.

Factors Associated With Surgical Outcomes in Medial Orbital Wall Fracture Reconstruction With Absorbable Plates

Bei Li — 2026-05-07

Preoperative imaging factors associated with absorbable plate reconstruction outcomes for medial orbital wall fractures are not well-established. The role of muscle cone integrity on computed tomography (CT) has not been systematically evaluated.

Predictors of New-Onset Anxiety or Depression Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandible Fractures

2026-05-07

Maxillofacial trauma may result in psychosocial morbidity.

SlicerOrbitSurgerySim: An Open-Source Platform for Virtual Registration and Quantitative Comparison of Preformed Orbital Plates

Chi Zhang, Braedon Gunn, Andrew M. Read-Fuller — 2026-05-05

Poor adaptation of orbital implants remains a major contributor to postoperative complications and revision surgery. Although preformed orbital plates are widely used to reduce cost and operative time compared with customized implants, surgeons currently lack publicly available tools and standardized metrics to quantitatively compare plate fit across vendors, sizes, and patient anatomy. We developed SlicerOrbitSurgerySim, an open-source extension for the 3-dimensional Slicer platform that enables interactive virtual registration, evaluation, and comparison of multiple preformed orbital plates in a patient-specific virtual planning environment.

How Often is Speech Surgery Recommended After Le Fort I Advancement in Patients With Preoperative Borderline Velopharyngeal Insufficiency?

David L. Best, David C. Thean, Roseanne E. Clark, Bonnie L. Padwa — 2026-05-04

Children with repaired cleft lip and palate (CLP) often develop maxillary hypoplasia requiring Le Fort I (LF1) advancement. Patients with preoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) are at high risk for worsening velopharyngeal function after LF1 advancement, while those with normal preoperative function are at low risk. However, speech outcomes in patients with preoperative borderline VPI are poorly understood.

Is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Experience Associated With Antibiotic Prescribing to Medicare Beneficiaries?

2026-05-04

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons prescribe antibiotics for a spectrum of procedures and clinical indications. However, it is unclear whether surgeon experience is related to antibiotic prescribing patterns.

Simultaneous Orthognathic Surgery and Condylectomy for Active Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia: Indications and Outcomes of a Single-Stage Protocol

2026-05-04

Active unilateral condylar hyperplasia (AUCH) leads to progressive facial asymmetry and occlusal imbalance and may coexist with preexisting skeletal discrepancies. In such cases, a single-stage approach combining condylectomy and orthognathic surgery can address both pathological growth and the associated dentofacial deformity.

Articaine in Oral and Maxillofacial Anesthesia: What Does High-Level Evidence Reveal About Nerve Block and Infiltration Strategies?

Rafael Dascanio, Francisco Groppo, Mutlu Özcan, Camila Batista da Silva Candido — 2026-05-04

Local anesthesia is a cornerstone of office-based oral and maxillofacial surgical practice, but achieving predictable anesthesia in mandibular procedures remains a persistent clinical challenge.

Cystic and Neoplastic Lesions in Pericoronal Follicles of Asymptomatic Third Molars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2026-04-30

The management of fully impacted and asymptomatic third molars remains a matter of debate. Significant histological alterations have been reported in follicles with a normal pericoronal space on radiographic examination.

Percutaneous Minimal Access Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Zygomatic Arch in Zygomatic Complex Fractures: A Simple and Effective Technique

Anand Gupta, Anish Poorna T, Viraj Nitin Khismatrao, Gurvanit Kaur Lehl — 2026-04-21

Fixation of the zygomatic arch (ZA) in zygomatic complex fractures is often avoided because traditional approaches are extensive and pose a risk to the facial nerve. The percutaneous minimal-access approach for open reduction and internal fixation of ZA offers a simple, effective alternative, while ensuring stable fixation. Unlike conventional hemicoronal or preauricular techniques, it avoids large incisions, reduces scarring, and preserves the facial nerve. Key advantages include shorter operative time, reduced hospital stay, improved cosmetic outcomes, and minimal additional equipment, making it cost-effective.

Effect of Biopsy on MRI Accuracy in Preoperative Assessment of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

2026-04-21

The effect of biopsy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement accuracy in preoperative assessment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remains unclear.

Efficacy of Custom-Made Zirconia Sheet Versus Polytetrafluoroethylene as a Non-resorbable Barrier in Maxillary Alveolar Ridge Augmentation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2026-04-19

While titanium-reinforced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Ti-ePTFE) represents the most widely used nonresorbable barrier for large alveolar defects in guided bone regeneration (GBR), custom-designed zirconia membranes present a viable alternative.

Redundant Computed Tomography in Maxillofacial Trauma: A National Analysis of Frequency and Predictors Following Interfacility Transfer

2026-04-19

Duplication of computed tomography (CT) imaging following interfacility transfer for trauma is a well-established systems level inefficiency. However, the incidence and drivers of repeat imaging have not been examined within the maxillofacial trauma demographic.

Sensory Outcomes Following Nerve Tape Sutureless Neurorrhaphy for Reconstruction of Lingual and Inferior Alveolar Nerve Discontinuities

Timothy W. Neal, Yotom Rabinowitz, John R. Zuniga — 2026-04-18

Trigeminal nerve repair with microsuture techniques provides predictable functional sensory recovery (FSR) outcomes. Recently, Nerve Tape (Biocircuit Technologies, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia), a new sutureless peripheral nerve repair device, has been introduced.

Differentiation Between Dental Follicle and Dentigerous Cyst in Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Prospective Cohort Study

Nazife Tuba Telcioğlu, Mehtap Muğlali, Rabia Tül Adeviye Çankaya — 2026-04-18

Impacted mandibular third molars may be associated with pericoronal tissues that can undergo cystic transformation. Distinguishing dental follicles (DFs) from dentigerous cysts (DCs) based solely on radiographic findings is often unreliable, highlighting the importance of histopathological evaluation for accurate diagnosis and management.

Relationship Between Expansion Magnitude and Relapse in Multi-Segment Le Fort I Osteotomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Rachel Macdonald, Melih Motro, Michael Gunson, Leslie Will — 2026-04-18

Maxillary transverse deficiency is commonly addressed through multisegment Le Fort I osteotomies. Whether greater expansion magnitudes result in greater relapse remains uncertain, because the existing literature primarily reports relapse of procedures with dental expansion of <4 mm.

Can Disc Perforation in Subjects With Intra-Articular Pain and Dysfunction Be Managed Arthroscopically?

2026-04-17

Disc perforation represents an advanced stage of temporomandibular joint degeneration, and the optimal arthroscopic treatment remains controversial.

Clinical Factors Influencing Postoperative Airway and Nutritional Management After Microvascular Tongue Reconstruction for Oral Cancer

2026-04-13

Microvascular free flap reconstruction is a standard approach after oncologic tongue resection, but postoperative airway and nutritional support can delay recovery and impair quality of life. Risk factors for prolonged tracheostomy dependence and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube requirement after isolated tongue reconstruction remain poorly defined.

Mandibular Interforaminal Ridge Reorientation for Osteogenic Reinforcement for Knife-Edge and Hourglass Mandibles in the Anterior Region: A Technical Note

2026-04-13

Severely narrow interforaminal mandibular ridges with knife-edge or hourglass morphology may compromise implant placement despite preserved vertical height. This technical note describes the Mandibular Interforaminal Ridge Reorientation for Osteogenic Reinforcement technique, a same-site approach in which a crestal cortical segment is mobilized and reoriented outward to create a contained tunnel for particulate grafting under a titanium-reinforced dense polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. The surgical workflow includes controlled osteotomies, stabilization of the mirrored segment, tunnel grafting, and tension-free closure.

Poor Compliance With Radiotherapy Was Associated With Worse Survival Outcome in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Jing Li Leong, Wan-Tsun Tsai, Ching-Chih Lee — 2026-04-10

Compliance with radiotherapy (RT) is associated with therapeutic efficacy and long-term prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Is Endoscopic Treatment of Sagittal Craniosynostosis in Children Aged 6 to 9 Months an Effective Approach for Delayed Presentations?

Vincent Aquino, Alondra Arias, Caleb Morales, David Yates, Ziyad Makoshi — 2026-04-10

Endoscopic approaches to sagittal craniosynostosis are typically used in children <6 months because of more predictable outcomes with postoperative helmet therapy. For children presenting at 6 months or older, surgeons usually opt for open repair for more predictable correction.

Liposomal Bupivacaine Reduces Opioid Use Following Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Karen He, Michael R. Delong, Mia Joseph, Brent Whiting, Wayne H. Ozaki — 2026-04-09

Third molar extraction is one of the most common procedures associated with initial opioid exposure in adolescents. Exparel (liposomal bupivacaine) offers a potential strategy to reduce opioid use.

Do Patient-Specific Distractors and Cutting Guides Reduce Operative Time in Infants Undergoing Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis?

2026-04-09

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a surgical treatment for upper airway obstruction in infants with micrognathia. Recent advances in computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have enabled the use of patient-specific cutting guides and distractors; however, limited data exist regarding the effect of patient specific hardware on MDO operative time.

Closed Reconstruction of Depressed Frontal Sinus Fractures: An Innovative Technique

Mohsen Naraghi, Jazmin Kazravan, Amirhossein Babaei — 2026-04-09

This article describes a novel technique for reconstructing a frontal sinus fracture that minimizes the risks associated with conventional approaches. In this study, we report a patient presented with a depressed frontal sinus fracture following a car accident. Through a small (5 mm) sub-brow incision, a freer elevator was inserted beneath the fractured fragments to elevate them. A 16-gauge venous catheter was then introduced horizontally from the medial aspect of the bone, exiting at the lateral side.

What is the Revision Rate for Alloplastic Total Joint Replacement? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2026-04-09

Alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a reliable option for end-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease, yet revision surgery may still be required for infection, loosening, or heterotopic ossification. As each surgical intervention adds exponentially to the risk of facial nerve injury, assessing risk of revision is essential for surgical planning and patient counseling.

The Effectiveness of Decompression in Ameloblastoma Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2026-03-31

There is a critical trade-off in ameloblastoma management: balancing the significant tissue-preserving benefits of decompression treatment against its potential for higher recurrence compared to radical resection.

Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Facial Bone Tissue Regeneration: An Overview of the Present

2026-03-25

Tissue engineering, particularly utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), represents a rapidly advancing strategy for craniofacial bone regeneration. While traditional autologous bone grafting remains the standard, its widespread application is severely limited by donor site morbidity, prolonged recovery, and inconsistent results.

Quantifying 3-Dimensional Soft-to-Hard Tissue Response After Class III Orthognathic Surgery: A Hybrid Cone-Beam Computed Tomography–Stereophotogrammetric Analysis

Alaz Enez, Nur Altıparmak, Berat Serdar Akdeniz, Sıdıka Sinem Akdeniz — 2026-03-24

Accurate prediction of postoperative soft tissue behavior remains a critical challenge in Class III orthognathic surgery. However, existing estimates of soft-to-hard tissue correspondence are largely derived from 2-dimensional analyses or single-modality imaging, limiting their ability to characterize region-specific soft tissue responses after bimaxillary correction.

Risk Factors for Survival in Pediatric Maxillofacial Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Ge Zhang, Shengcai Wang, Guoxia Yu, Yan Su, Zhikai Liu, Xin Ni — 2026-03-20

Maxillofacial rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare and poorly defined subset of pediatric head and neck RMS. Its anatomical complexity and overlap between parameningeal and nonparameningeal sites pose significant challenges in risk stratification and treatment.

Area Deprivation Index and Social Determinants of Health: Association With Loss to Follow-Up After Facial Trauma Surgery

2026-03-19

Postoperative loss to follow-up in facial trauma patients is a persistent challenge potentially linked to adverse outcomes. However, factors associated with loss to follow-up remain poorly characterized.

Antidepressant Prescription Use Correlated With Increased Complications Following Mandibular Fracture Surgery

2026-03-17

Mental health factors are increasingly recognized as contributors to postoperative outcomes.

Risk of Postsurgical Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury in At-Risk Patients Based on Tomographic Imaging Features: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2026-03-13

Reported risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury following mandibular third molar surgery varies widely and is typically presented without stratification by tomographic risk factors, limiting individualized risk assessment and surgical planning.

Preoperative Etoricoxib Reduces Postoperative Pain and Improves Functional Recovery in Third Molar Extraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2026-03-13

Though postoperative acute pain following third molar extraction impairs patient satisfaction and increases health care costs, evidence regarding the efficacy of the highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor etoricoxib for preemptive analgesia in this setting remains unclear.

Pediatric Maxillofacial Fractures: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis of 549 Cases With Emphasis on Facial Injury Severity Score Validation and COVID-19 Impact

Süleyman Çeçen, Menekşe Kastamoni Başkan, Güzin Yeşim Özgenel, Selçuk Akin — 2026-03-12

Pediatric maxillofacial fractures (PMFs) represent a distinct clinical entity due to their unique features. However, objective tools that inform surgical decision-making and stratify risk in PMF remain limited. In particular, the clinical utility of the Facial Injury Severity Score (FISS) in predicting management strategies and outcomes, as well as its behavior during extraordinary periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic, remains unclear.

Time to Functional Sensory Recovery Following Mental Nerve Skeletonization

Frijo Xavier, Manish J. Raghani, Santhosh Rao — 2026-03-11

Mental nerve skeletonization is commonly required during intraoral open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular parasymphysis and body fractures, yet objective, time-based data on functional sensory recovery (FSR) remain limited.

Is Same-Day Discharge Safe Following Orthognathic Surgery?

2026-03-10

Outpatient orthognathic surgery has garnered increasing interest amid rising health care costs and the growing adoption of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. However, the safety of same-day discharge remains unclear.

Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol for Temporomandibular Joint Replacement: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Arshi Munjal, Russell Williams, Peter Quinn, Eric Granquist — 2026-03-10

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are guidelines designed to improve postoperative outcomes for patients. Although ERAS protocols are associated with improved outcomes in orthognathic, head and neck cancer, and maxillofacial trauma surgeries, their utility following temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) remains unclear.

Digital Planning and Patient-Specific Implants Facilitate Accurate Conventional Sub-Cranial Le Fort III Advancement

Jeffrey S. Marschall — 2026-03-10

Syndromic craniosynostosis is characterized by multisuture fusion, midface hypoplasia, and, frequently, extracranial anomalies. In these patients, transcranial monobloc/facial bipartition or subcranial Le Fort III osteotomy is typically used to achieve total midface advancement. Presented here is a case of conventional subcranial Le Fort III osteotomy in a 15-year-old patient with Apert syndrome using digital planning and patient-specific implants. The accuracy of this procedure was assessed by digitally overlaying the postoperative computed tomography scan onto the preoperative surgical plan.

Did the Affordable Care Act Increase Medicaid Coverage for Isolated Facial Trauma? A National Cohort Study

2026-03-02

Patients with facial fractures are disproportionately uninsured or underinsured, creating a substantial economic burden for trauma systems. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) significantly expanded Medicaid eligibility, its effect on insurance coverage among adults with facial trauma remains poorly defined.

Pregnancy and Motherhood During Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency

Dongdan Guo, Vicky Yau, Hunter Martin — 2026-03-02

Despite increasing gender diversity across health care, disparities persist in surgical subspecialties. Women comprise 19% of surgeons in the United States, yet represent 11% of the nearly 8,000 active members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), excluding retired or candidate fellows. One potential deterrent to pursuing a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) and completing residency training is the perception that OMS demands are incompatible with pregnancy and early parenthood.

Outcome of Concomitant Maxillary Sinusitis Following Surgical Treatment for Maxillary Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Huixia Xu, Ting Cao, Jinyuan He, Jiahao Kou, Chenxi Jiang, Guowen Sun — 2026-03-02

The incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is increasing, and maxillary MRONJ is frequently complicated by maxillary sinusitis, which may lead to severe complications if not adequately controlled.

The Presence of Temporomandibular Disorder is Associated With an Elevated Risk of Concomitant Sleep Apnea

Ali Moradi, Sahand Samieirad, Reza Shakiba, Saleh Dadmehr, Ricardo Grillo — 2026-03-01

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are prevalent conditions that frequently co-occur. It remains unclear if the presence of TMD is more likely to be associated with an increased risk of OSA.

Does Pain Localization in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders Discriminate Between Myogenous and Arthrogenous Sources?

2026-02-25

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common, yet distinguishing myogenous from arthrogenous pain remains challenging.

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation After Fibula-Free Flap Reconstruction of the Jaws

2026-02-25

Prosthodontic rehabilitation (PR) after fibula-free flap (FFF) reconstruction of maxillomandibular defects remains clinically challenging, and understanding factors that enhance or detract from achieving PR is critical to improving outcomes.

Minimally Invasive Resection of a Compound Odontoma Assisted by an Autonomous Oral Robot: A Case Report of Technical Innovation

Xinzhao Chen, Yue Wang, Guang Zeng, Kai Jiao — 2026-02-23

This report describes the first clinical application of an autonomous oral robot for minimally invasive resection of a compound odontoma in a 16-year-old female, thereby filling a gap in both reported cases and standardized protocols. Oral examination and cone-beam computed tomography of the right mandible revealed a retained second deciduous molar, a congenitally missing first premolar, and a compound odontoma. The results of pulp vitality tests for the right mandibular second premolar and first molar were consistent with control teeth.

Clinical Outcomes, Survival, and Complications of Customized Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing 3-Dimensional–Printed Titanium Subperiosteal Implants

2026-02-23

Rehabilitation of severely atrophic jaws remains a clinical challenge. Customized CAD/CAM 3D-printed titanium subperiosteal implants have re-emerged as an alternative to extensive bone augmentation.

Effect of Sagittal Maxillary Rotation on Inferior Scleral Exposure in Class III Maxillary Deficiency

Muazzez Suzen, Abdullah Ozel, Mine Cihan Munevveroglu, Sina Uckan — 2026-02-23

Inferior scleral exposure (ISE) is an important determinant of periorbital esthetics and overall facial harmony. While effects of linear maxillary movements are documented, influence of sagittal-plane maxillary rotational vectors on ISE remains insufficiently investigated.

Surgical Management of Relative Chin Prominence in Class II Malocclusions

2026-02-23

Relative chin prominence is commonly observed in certain Class II malocclusion morphotypes, particularly in deep bite and Class II Division 2 patterns. Despite mandibular retrusion, soft tissue volume and anterior mandibular rotation can produce a prominent chin appearance. This esthetic paradox presents a challenge for surgical planning and is currently not addressed by standardized management protocols.

The Prognostic Value of Preoperative Fibrinogen and Its Combination With Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Wulikaixi Yasen, Wen Jiang, Kuang He, Yi-Ning He, Rong-Hui Xia, Xiang-Zhen Yan — 2026-02-20

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a poor prognosis. The prognostic value of fibrinogen (Fib), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and their combined F-PLR (Fibrinogen-PLR) score in OSCC remains uncertain.

Factors Associated With Oral Epithelial Dysplasia in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders

2026-02-18

Potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) carry an increased risk of malignant transformation, which may vary according to patient-specific characteristics.

Presence of Air in Odontogenic Infections: Implications and Outcomes

2026-02-16

With early surgical intervention and targeted antibiotics, most head and neck odontogenic infections resolve with low morbidity and mortality. However, these infections can be life-threatening due to airway obstruction, necrotizing fasciitis, mediastinitis, cerebral abscess, and sepsis among other severe complications.

Impact of Quad-Helix Expansion and Bone Grafting on Speech in Children With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

2026-02-16

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) affect maxillofacial growth, dentoalveolar development, and speech outcomes. Interventions like maxillary arch expansion using a bonded quad-helix (xBQH) and secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) are common. Still, their specific impact on speech outcomes, independent of speech therapy, remains underexplored.

Computed Tomography–Based Custom Cutting Guide Enables Safe Buccal Corticotomy in the Presence of a Buccal Neurovascular Bundle

Akinori Takeshita, Sho Katsura, Yoshihiro Morita, Narikazu Uzawa — 2026-02-16

Conventional extraction of deeply impacted mandibular teeth often requires extensive bone removal, increasing the risk of nerve injury when the neurovascular bundle is positioned buccally. Although buccal corticotomy can enhance access and visibility, it is typically contraindicated in such cases due to the high risk of nerve damage. We present the successful extraction of a deeply impacted mandibular third molar with a buccally positioned inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle using a computed tomography–based custom cutting guide.

Identifying Malignant Transformation Risk of Dysplastic Oral Lesions Using the S100A7 Biomarker Signature–Based Assay

2026-02-16

Despite the progression and acceptance of personalized tests in other disease indications, no clinically adopted, personalized molecular tests exist to manage and/or treat oral epithelial dysplasia. An emerging digital prognostic platform shows promise in estimating the risk of malignant transformation of dysplastic oral lesions.

Foundations for Long-Term Implant Success

Michael S. Block — 2026-02-13

Patients receiving implant-borne prostheses require functional, esthetic, and long-term success. The importance of this review is to document with literature-based evidence, 6 core determinants that are associated with long-term success, and minimize the risks for implant failure. The objective is to provide surgeons with a list to clinically achieve that can be implemented to provide long-term functional and esthetic results.

New In-Continuity Neck Dissection Technique for Locally Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Case Series

Xuewei Jia, Xiaomeng Wang, Fayu Liu, Changfu Sun — 2026-02-10

For advanced-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), in-continuity neck dissection should be the recommended treatment approach. However, when the primary lesion within the oral cavity is large, or even involves portions of the alveolar process necessitating marginal mandibulectomy, the traditional technique presents relative operational difficulties. Moreover, there is a high risk that cancer cells may be left behind in the neck and surrounding areas during retraction. We describe an in-continuity neck dissection technique that delivers cervical lymph nodes through a tunnel within the mandible into the oral cavity.

Establishment and External Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Maxillary Fractures Combined With Basilar Skull Fractures

Yutong Sun, Meng Wu, Wei Zhang, Jiawu Liu — 2026-02-10

Maxillary fractures rarely cause death alone; when combined with basilar skull fractures, they indicate high-energy craniofacial trauma and are often accompanied by severe intracranial, airway, and systemic injuries.

Stereophotogrammetry as a Precise and Accurate Method for Facial Analysis in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery

2026-02-10

Stereophotogrammetry is a promising tool for orthognathic surgical planning. However, its application in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) still requires validation.

Intraoperative and Postoperative Complications Associated With Maxillary Sinus Augmentation

2026-02-06

Maxillary sinus lift procedures are commonly used to augment bone in the posterior maxilla, with complication profiles varying according to surgical technique and patient- and site-related factors.

Is Osteotome Type Associated With Lateral Nasal Wall Separation and Nasal Mucosal Integrity in Le Fort I Osteotomy?

Emine Fulya Akkoyun, Taha Pergel, Doğan Dolanmaz — 2026-02-05

Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy involves surgical manipulation near critical anatomical structures, including the lateral nasal wall (LNW), which may lead to complications such as improper bone separation and nasal mucosal perforation.

Age and Risk of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury After Removal of Lower Third Molars Close to the Mandibular Nerve

2026-02-03

Extraction of lower third molars (3 Ms) carries a risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury. Anatomical proximity is a well-known risk factor, although the effect of patient age remains insufficiently explored.

Three-Dimensional Morphological Evaluation of the Maxillary Sinus in Individuals With Cleft Lip and Palate and Skeletal Malocclusion

Elif Betül Yıldırım, Çağrı Erdoğdu, Gülsün Akay, Yeliz Kılınç — 2026-02-02

Maxillary sinus morphology plays a crucial role in surgical planning and postoperative outcomes in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Anatomical variations may affect sinus development and may differ from non-CLP.

Do Cannabis Users Require More Anesthesia During Third Molar Removal Under Intravenous General Anesthesia When Compared to Nonusers?

Kanvar S. Panesar, Charles Smith, Zhehao Zhang, Thomas B. Dodson, Andrea Burke — 2026-02-02

Cannabis users (CUs) may have higher intravenous general anesthetic (IVGA) requirements. It is unclear how cannabis exposure correlates with anesthetic requirements.

Connector-Assisted Repair of Transected Inferior Alveolar and Lingual Nerves Using Photochemical Tissue Bonding

2026-02-02

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and lingual nerve (LN) injury are recognized complications of oral and maxillofacial trauma or surgical procedures, often requiring subsequent microsurgical repair. This study explores the potential of photochemical tissue bonding (PTB), a light-activated technique that forms molecular crosslinks between collagen molecules, to seal a commercial nerve connector in place for IAN and LN nerve repair.

Histopathological Margins and Recurrence Risk in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Is 3 mm Enough?

2026-02-02

Among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), achieving adequate histopathological resection margins is critical to reduce recurrence risk. Although a ≥5 mm margin is the accepted standard, recent discussions suggest that smaller margins, such as ≥3 mm, may offer comparable oncologic outcomes.

Compared to Intravenous Injection of Midazolam, Does Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Provide Adequate Sedation for Dentoalveolar Surgery?

Jingmei Yang, Yanzheng Liu, Zhanfei Liang, Chaojing Lv — 2026-01-28

Conscious sedation is crucial for managing anxiety and ensuring safety during dentoalveolar surgery. The efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a sedative agent in this context remains unclear.

Effect of Preoperative Botulinum Toxin A on Pain and Opioid Consumption After Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy

Kevin E. Lung, Jason Adam, Clayton Davis, Matthew Fay, Daanesh Zakai — 2026-01-27

Postoperative pain management due to muscular tension and spasm following mandibular advancement surgery can be clinically challenging. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has demonstrated analgesic and muscle-relaxant properties in various medical applications, but its role in acute postoperative pain control in orthognathic procedures remains unclear.

Epidemiology of Facial Fractures Encountered in the Emergency Department Setting in the United States: An Update of Nationwide Estimates

2026-01-22

Facial fractures cause morbidity and involve intense resource use. Over the last two decades, several societal developments such as enactment of the Affordable Care Act and the COVID-19 pandemic occurred that could have potentially impacted facial fracture care.

Economic Burden of Inpatient Odontogenic Infections in the United States

2026-01-22

Odontogenic infections represent a significant yet preventable cause of health care expenditure in the United States. However, their economic burden is not well defined.

Evaluation of the Association Between Body Mass Index and Facial Anthropometric Measurements: A Cross-Sectional Study

Rishika Chopra, Shruti Gupta, Anita Hooda — 2026-01-22

There are notable differences in facial morphology between obese individuals and those of normal weight. A person's body mass index (BMI) is a key factor, affecting the thickness of facial soft tissues.

Is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Experience Associated With Opioid Prescribing to Medicare Beneficiaries?

2026-01-20

Opioid prescribing by oral and maxillofacial surgeons has decreased in recent years in the context of educational and policy interventions. The impact of recent interventions on prescribing habits of surgeons across different experience levels is not well understood.

Among Patients With Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Does Timing of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Affect Survival?

Aaron Hui, Bita Fathipour, Mohamed El-Rabbany, Kevin C. Lee, Jasjit K. Dillon — 2026-01-20

Prior studies have investigated postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) timing and its impact on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. However, the effect of timely initiation of PORT among the subset of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) patients has not been reported.

Digital Workflow for Customized Nasal Conformers in Cleft Lip Repair

2026-01-19

This report presents a digital workflow for fabricating a unilateral customized nasal conformer to achieve nasal symmetry, reduce relapse, and maintain airway patency following unilateral cleft lip repair. A silicone impression of the infant's nose and lip was obtained and scanned to produce an standard tessellation language (STL) file, which was processed in 3-Matics software. The conformer was designed by mirroring the normal nostril and applying a 1-mm offset, with incorporated suture holes for intraoperative fixation, and then 3D printed in polymethylmethacrylate.

Is Body Mass Index an Independent Risk Factor for Peri-Implantitis?

2026-01-19

Peri-implantitis is a biologic complication of implant therapy that compromises long-term function and esthetics. With obesity rising globally, determining whether body mass index (BMI) independently contributes to peri-implantitis is critical for identifying at-risk patients and improving implant success.

Successful Treatment of Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia With Topical Imiquimod

Luke Tzagournis, Rekha Reddy — 2026-01-19

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is a rare and clinically aggressive form of oral leukoplakia with a high rate of malignant transformation and recurrence. Given its aggressive clinical behavior, surgical excision has traditionally been the primary treatment modality. The effectiveness of topical chemotherapeutics in treating potentially malignant oral lesions has recently become a topic of considerable debate. Herein, we report the treatment outcome of a middle-aged female patient who declined surgical intervention and was instead managed solely with topical imiquimod, a Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist.

Life Beyond Surgery: Postoperative Quality of Life in Patients With Cleft Lip/Palate

Songtao Tan, Xingang Wang, Zhichao Zhai, Jiaqi Zhao, Tao Song, Di Wu — 2026-01-15

Cleft lip/palate (CL/P) affects patients' appearance, function, and mental health. The CLEFT-Q is the first condition-specific tool to assess quality of life (QoL) in CL/P patients, yet limited data exist on postoperative outcomes, especially in nonwestern populations.

Comparison of Curettage and Active Surveillance in the Treatment of Idiopathic Bone Cavities of the Jaw

Yu-Ju Huang, Shi-Tong Liu, Mu-Qing Liu, Yang Liu, Masih Safa, Jia-Zeng Su — 2026-01-14

Idiopathic bone cavities (IBCs) of the jaw may resolve spontaneously, creating controversy over optimal management (curettage vs active surveillance).

Does Drug Type Influence Surgical Outcome in MRONJ? A Comparison of Denosumab and Zoledronate

2026-01-14

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe adverse effect of antiresorptive therapy, and optimal surgical management remains challenging. Understanding whether drug type affects outcomes is clinically relevant for treatment planning.

From Algorithm to Operatory: How Reliable Is Artificial Intelligence in Educating Patients on External Sinus Lifting?

2026-01-09

Large language models (LLMs) such as Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT; OpenAI, San Francisco, CA) and Claude (Anthropic, San Francisco, CA) are increasingly used by patients seeking information about surgical procedures, including external sinus lifting. However, the accuracy, quality, and readability of these artificial intelligence (AI)-generated explanations remain uncertain.

Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Osteoradionecrosis

2026-01-05

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a severe adverse effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. Despite advances in radiation techniques and surgical management, reliable predictors of ORN prognosis remain lacking.

Does the Surgical Approach Influence Masseter Muscle Contractility in Patients With Unilateral Mandibular Condylar Fractures?

Subham S. Agarwal, Ekta Khandelwal, Santhosh Rao, Frijo Xavier, Virat Galhotra — 2026-01-05

Surface electromyography provides an objective, noninvasive method for assessing masseter muscle function and postoperative recovery following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular condylar fractures.

Assisted Removal of Impacted Supernumerary Teeth Using HoloLens 2 and Mixed Reality

Shi-lin Liu, Ming Li, Fang-qian Zhang, Wen Ma — 2026-01-02

This technological innovation introduces a mixed reality-based system using HoloLens 2 for surgical removal of impacted supernumerary teeth. The technology superimposes 3-dimensional virtual models reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral scan data onto the actual surgical field, providing real-time visual guidance for precise localization. This innovative approach enables minimally invasive procedures while eliminating the expenses and limitations associated with traditional surgical guides.

Assessment and Validation of a Predictive Model for Severe Ocular Injuries Associated With Orbital Wall Fractures

2026-01-02

Severe ocular injuries (SOI) can occur in orbital wall fractures and may be overlooked in acute care. Recognition of factors associated with SOI may improve patient outcomes.

The Kindred Reference Form: A New Paradigm for Assessing Facial Morphology in Patients With Deformities

Yasmine Soubra, Rohan Dharia, Daeseung Kim, Jaime Gateno — 2025-12-29

Normative reference models are essential for assessing facial form, yet existing databases, stratified by ethnicity, age, and sex, have significant limitations, including incompleteness and lack of applicability for mixed-heritage patients. We propose a new paradigm, the Kindred Reference Form, which derives personalized reference morphology from a patient's nondeformed relatives. This framework provides an individualized normative standard overcoming the limitations of population datasets and proposing a new direction for patient-specific surgical planning in facial deformities.

Leech Therapy in the Head and Neck

Gabrielle Moen, Jasjit Dillon — 2025-12-15

Leech therapy has been used in medicine since ancient times for varying indications. More recently, it has come back into favor for treating venous congestion of surgical sites; however, there is limited data on the number of leeches and application techniques for the head and neck region compared with other anatomical subsites.

Clinical Application of Augmented Reality in TMJ Arthroscopy: A Case Series

David Ahn, Brandon Strong, Shae Bryant, Darin Johnston — 2025-12-12

This case series evaluates the clinical application of augmented reality (AR) in temporomandibular joint arthroscopy, with a focus on improving accuracy in initial and secondary portal placement. Five patients underwent AR-assisted arthroscopy using preoperative CT-based virtual planning and intraoperative holographic visualization with the Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Xironetic's IntraOpVSP system. The AR interface enabled real-time alignment of surgical instruments with planned trajectories, resulting in successful joint access and completion of all intended procedures.

Core-Needle Biopsy May be Associated With Superior Diagnostic Utility and Improved Outcomes Compared to Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology in Major Salivary Gland Cancer

Dongbin Ahn, Jihye Kwak, Kyu-Yup Lee, Joseph Califano — 2025-12-11

Preoperative identification of major salivary gland (MSG) cancers is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies. However, whether fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or core-needle biopsy (CNB) should be the preferred first-line diagnostic modality remains controversial.

Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism Following Oral and Maxillofacial Cancer Surgery With Free Flap Reconstruction

Limeng Wu, Qi Li, Zhaoyu Zhu, Sihao Li, Zhihui Zhu, Tao Zhang — 2025-12-11

Patients with oral maxillofacial cancer who undergo tumor resection and simultaneous free flap reconstruction face an increased risk of developing postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the precise incidence, specific risk factors, and optimal diagnostic parameters in this surgical context remain unclear.

Several Immune Checkpoint Regulators Are Associated With Poor Prognosis in Salivary Duct Carcinoma Patients

Yuan Feng, Kai Qian, Kai Guo, Mengjia Fei, Tuanqi Sun, Zhuoying Wang — 2025-11-28

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options, and immune checkpoint inhibitors may offer novel therapeutic alternatives.

RETRACTED: Quadrangular Cartilage Disarticulation Septoplasty: A Biomechanical Approach to Nasal Septal Deviation

Khaled Al Tabaa, Benoît Faucon, Benjamin Verillaud, Florian Chatelet — 2025-09-10

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier policy on Article Correction, Retraction and Removal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/article-withdrawal).This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief.The article is a duplicate of a paper that has already been published in Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique, volume 70 (2025) in press. DOI 10.1016/j.anplas.2025.09.007. Redundant publications overweigh the relative importance of published findings and distort the academic record of the authors.

AAOMS Author Disclosure forms

2026-05

Editorial Board Page

2026-05

Masthead

2026-05

(ISSN 0278-2391) is published monthly by Elsevier Inc, for the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Elsevier Inc., 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices.

May 2026 AAOMS News and Announcements

2026-05

Second dues notices were mailed in January to those who have yet to renew for the 2026 membership year. Professional staff previously sponsored for allied staff membership were included on the first and second notices for oral and maxillofacial surgeon members. Staff memberships not renewed by February 28 were dropped.

Are In-Person Meetings Still Desirable?

Tara Aghaloo — 2026-05

As a surgery resident, I always looked forward to the annual AAOMS meeting and other in-person educational conferences. Now as a practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon, these meetings provide so much more than just presenting or hearing the latest research, pondering clinical guidelines and trends in the field, and learning about new technologies. Interaction with past and present colleagues, staying motivated to improve our clinical practice, providing a break from the routine office or institution, and even meeting icons in the field, are other reasons to participate and attend annual conferences.

Arterial Neck Vascularity at Recipient Site: A Key Criterion for Successful Free Flap Tissue Transfer

Abdulrahman Hesham, Gulshan Sunavala-Dossabhoy, D. David Kim, Abdulrahman Hesham — 2026-05

Free flap tissue transfers are widely used in reconstruction of the head and neck region. Based on reconstruction needs, the flap can be of soft tissue such as skin, muscle, and fascia, or osteo-cutaneous.

Tumor Biomarker, TLK1B, a Criterion for Elective Neck Dissection in the Surgical Management of HNSCC

Sagar Khanna, D. David Kim, Gulshan Sunavala-Dossabhoy, Sagar Khanna — 2026-05

Tumor cells actively change their microenvironment to support growth, and the invagination of new blood and lymph vasculature plays an important role in cancer cell growth and spread. Lymph node involvement is often the first clinical sign of metastasis, and the presence of tumor cells in lymph nodes is a key predictor of poor cancer treatment outcome. Despite advances in cancer treatment, occult metastasis and inherent treatment-resistance of tumor cells are suggested reasons for the persistently poor outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients.

Enhancing the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Blockade in HNSCC with Intratumoral Cytokine Therapy

2026-05

FDA-approved cancer immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have generated excitement for treating a wide variety of tumor types, but they induce durable responses in only 15-20% of HNSCC patients, in large part due to the immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is known for its pro-inflammatory effects as a potent activator of innate (NK cell) and adaptive (cytotoxic T cell) anti-tumor immunity but has well-documented toxicity when administered systemically in clinical trials.

Investigating Site Predilection of Nonunion of Fibula Free Flaps in Segmental Mandibular Reconstruction in Oncology Patients

2026-05

The fibula free flap (FFF) is a commonly used technique for reconstructing defects in the head and neck, extremities, and other regions. While generally successful, complications such as non-union of the fibular graft pose a significant challenge, leading to functional impairment and requiring additional surgical interventions. The incidence and risk factors for non-union in fibula free flap procedures, however, remain incompletely understood. The objective of the study was to evaluate prevalence of non-union at the interface between the native mandible and fibula graft in mandibular defects reconstructed using fibula free flaps.

Variability in the Management of Oral Leukoplakias Based on Clinical Appearance

2026-05

The primary goal in the management of oral leukoplakia is to minimize the risk of malignant transformation, while avoiding unnecessary morbidity from invasive treatment. However, broad consensus on both risk-stratification and management of these lesions remains elusive. While physical characteristics such as texture and heterogeneity are known to be independent risk factors for malignant transformation, such determinations are inherently subjective. Furthermore, most treatment algorithms are centered around histologic findings and do not consider morphology.

Predictors of Nonsentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Cutaneous Melanoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2026-05

Although completion lymph node dissection (CLND) is not routinely performed for a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) anymore, adjuvant therapy depends on the risk factors available from SLN biopsy, including the risk of nonsentinel node metastases (NSNM). A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in an attempt to identify risk factors that could be used to predict the risk of NSNM.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk and Subjective Sleep-related Quality of Life After Orthognathic Surgery

2026-05

The appropriate and safe management of the airway is an essential component of peri-operative surgical planning in head and neck oncologic surgery. Open surgical tracheostomy is the standard and traditional approach to airway management in patients undergoing oral cavity oncologic resection and neck dissection. This has potential associated morbidity and delayed post operative recovery. The development of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols encourages consideration of whether tracheostomy is an absolute requirement for all patients in this cohort.

Impact of Timing of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy on Survival in Patients with Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma

2026-05

Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines advise starting postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) within 6 weeks of surgery for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to improve survival outcomes. However, in the subset of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), the impact of the time to initiation of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) on survival has been understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether starting PORT within 6 weeks of surgery as opposed to at 6-12 weeks improves survival among patients with OCSCC.

Why are Physicians Missing the Diagnosis of Oral Cancer? A Systematic Review

Ashleigh Weyh, Emilie Grodman, Jeyda Turker, Nicholas Callahan, Ashleigh Weyh — 2026-05

The overall survival rate of oral cancer is approximately 50% for all stages, and like other cancers, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lesions significantly improves the prognosis. A missed or delayed diagnosis can have significant negative outcomes on overall prognosis, as well as medicolegal implications for the provider.

An Alternative Technique for Reconstruction of Sagittal Craniosynostosis: The Retained Midline Strut

2026-05

Open cranial vault remodeling for the treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis comes with the risk of numerous postoperative and intraoperative complications. The potential for resulting turricephaly in the long-term is well-described, and the need for blood transfusions and plating complications remain pervasive concerns. With the advent of resorbable plates and virtual surgical planning there has been a cost increase associated with these procedures. We present our technique which retains a peninsular midline bony strut to increase the stability of the reconstruction while simultaneously reducing blood loss, cost, postoperative turricephaly, and plating complications.

How Often is Hardware Removed After Orthognathic Surgery?

Mark A. Green, Mark A. Green — 2026-05

Fixation for orthognathic operations has evolved over the years, particularly with the incorporation of patient-specific hardware. One desired characteristic of orthognathic hardware is that it can remain in place and does not need to be removed. The purpose of this study is to examine the rate of hardware removal following orthognathic surgery and identify factors that contribute to removal.

Does Tranexamic Acid Reduce the Need for Hypotensive Anesthesia Within Orthognathic Surgery? A Prospective Study

Timothy M. Weber, Brendan Squier, Brian E. Kinard, Timothy M. Weber — 2026-05

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that has demonstrated utility in decreasing blood loss in orthognathic surgery when used in conjunction with concomitant hypotensive anesthesia, but it has not been studied in the setting of normotensive anesthetic conditions. Due to hypoperfusion risks with hypotensive anesthesia, it is imperative to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in the absence of hypotensive anesthesia as TXA’s utility to decrease blood loss may potentially make hypotensive anesthesia an unnecessary risk.

Endoscopy-Assisted Craniectomy in 33 Infants with Multi-Suture Craniosynostosis

2026-05

A relatively small subset of patients with craniosynostosis present with multi-suture-involvement. This study describes our experience utilizing minimally-invasive endoscopy-assisted craniectomy in conjunction with post-operative orthotic molding in infants affected by multi-suture craniosynostosis.

An Interdisciplinary Cleft Feed and Grow Clinic: Growing Babies for Surgery

2026-05

Newborn babies with a cleft lip and/or palate benefit from speech-language/feeding therapy and nursing support, prior to surgical intervention. Specialty feeder bottles, lactation support, and parent support is provided by the speech-language pathologist and nursing. These babies often have infant reflux, difficulties with weight gain, formula or breast milk difficulties, amongst other issues. Support from Pediatric GI and dietitians may be needed, which can require an extra visit for families.

Is Same-Day Discharge Safe for Outpatient Orthognathic Surgery?

2026-05

The primary objective of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of same-day discharge for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. We compared the rate of postoperative complications, emergency department (ED) visits, and return to the operation room (OR) within 30 days between outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) settings. The aim was to validate the adoption of outpatient surgical protocols aligned with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines, which are designed to reduce hospital stays and accelerate recovery without jeopardizing patient safety.

Preliminary Assessment of Modified Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy for Patients with Sagittal Craniosynostosis

Claudia Dukler, Evan Welliver, Izabela Tarasiewicz, Joshua Stone, Claudia Dukler — 2026-05

Craniosynostosis occurs in 1/2500 newborns, with 40%-60% of nonsyndromic cases occurring in the sagittal suture. This premature fusion results in a dolichocephalic or scaphocephalic head shape. Surgical correction is typically performed using cranial vault reconstruction or endoscopic strip craniectomy and postoperative orthosis based on the presenting age of the patient. We describe a modification to the standard endoscopic surgical technique and assess its efficacy using the cephalic index, a well-defined measure of cranial morphology.

3-Dimensional Comparison of Maxillary Positioning with Segmental Le Fort I Osteotomies Using Three Fixation Techniques

Caitlin B.L. Magraw, Emilie R. Grodman, Emilie R. Grodman — 2026-05

Accurate positioning of the maxilla is essential to achieve ideal outcomes during orthognathic surgery. Since the introduction of rigid internal fixation, the maxilla has traditionally been positioned intraoperatively using an occlusal splint and fixated with stock hardware. The introduction of Patient Specific Implants (PSI) has allowed surgeons to become less dependent on the use of an occlusal splint. However, many PSI and associated cutting guides have large footprints and require substantial soft tissue dissection.

The Impact of Buccal Fat Pad Utilization on Fistula Formation in Primary Palatoplasty

John F. Caccamese, Maggi Kreisheh, Jordan Gabriele, Jordan Gabriele — 2026-05

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of buccal fat pad (BFP) in primary palatoplasty repair and evaluate postoperative palatal fistula outcomes.

Optimization of Post-Operative Pain Following Orthognathic Surgery with Personalized Opioid Prescription and Tapering Protocols

2026-05

Orthognathic surgery is associated with significant postoperative pain, typically managed with opioids. In the context of the opioid crisis, optimizing prescribing practices is essential to reduce excess medication while maintaining effective pain control.

Reducing Opioid Prescriptions in Post-Operative Primary Cleft Surgery

2026-05

Post operative pain control is often multimodality and includes a combination of medicinal and non-medicinal options. It may include over the counter pain medication such as acetaminophen and/ibuprofen, as well as an opioid such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. Non-pharmacologic interventions such as music therapy, art therapy, and distraction techniques are often used in conjunction. At our hospital Institution, post operative patients for primary cleft lip repair, primary cleft palate repair, and primary bone graft reconstruction of the cleft maxilla are routinely prescribed a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone for post-operative pain.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristic Associated with Maxillary Hypoplasia in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate

Bonnie L. Padwa, Bonnie L. Padwa — 2026-05

Maxillary hypoplasia is common in patients with cleft lip and palate. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of maxillary hypoplasia and identify associated clinical characteristics in a large cohort using a modified GOSLON yardstick.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Tissue Engineerly Versus Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction for Mandibular Continuity Defects Secondary to Benign Pathology

2026-05

The primary purpose is to compare the cost-effectiveness of immediate TE and FFF reconstruction in patients with mandibular continuity defects resulting from benign pathology. Secondary outcomes include cost per cm defect reconstructed, surgical time, hospital length of stay (LOS), and intensive care unit utilization (ICU).

Enhancing Surgical Guides: The Role of Integrated Irrigation Ports for Fibula Flap Osteotomies

2026-05

The vascularized fibula flap is widely used in the comprehensive reconstruction of large mandibular and maxillary defects, commonly including the placement of dental implants at the time of initial surgery. With the advent of virtual surgical planning (VSP), surgical guides add a dimension of predictability in fibula contouring and implant placement during free flap surgery but provide additional challenges, including difficult access for irrigation. Furthermore, because of the high level of compact bone associated with the fibula, additional friction is created when completing an osteotomy.

Factors Affecting Final Prosthetic Restoration in Immediate Endosseous Implant Placement with Osteocutaneous Free Flap Reconstruction

Amelia Wilson, Joli Chou, Dylan Salem, Lauren Friedman, Amelia Wilson — 2026-05

Restoration of dental function following ablative head and neck surgery is critical for patient rehabilitation. Immediate dental implant placement during osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction is increasingly performed, but little current literature evaluates proportion of patients who have dentition restored.

Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ) : A Novel Surgical Approach and Protocol

Eimear Mooney, Tamer Darwazeh, Conor Bowe, Gerard Kearns, Eimear Mooney — 2026-05

Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ) is a progressive, suppurative osteomyelitic condition associated with medications which are frequently prescribed for management of osteoporosis, multiple myeloma or metastatic bone disease. MRONJ can have significant effects on the quality of life for these patients. There is no universally accepted surgical treatment for management of patients with MRONJ. The purpose of this report is to describe and review a novel protocol for the management of this condition.

Validation of A Cadaveric Simulation For Osseous Free Flap Surgery

2026-05

Preclinical simulation may enhance and accelerate competency in performing osseous free flap surgery. While cadaveric dissection is considered the gold standard for preclinical surgical training, its effectiveness as a high fidelity model for osseous free flap surgery has not been validated. The objective of this study is to characterize the face, content, and construct validity of a cadaver simulation for osseous and osteocutaneous free flap surgery.

Approaches to Bone Regeneration in the Treatment of Benign Odontogenic Cystic Lesions

2026-05

Odontogenic cysts are the most common jaw lesions. They arise from tissues involved in the development of teeth and present with different degrees of bone expansion and/or resorption depending on the type.

KLS Preprosthetic Solution - Review of 25 Arches

Shahid R. Aziz, Shahid R. Aziz — 2026-05

To review one surgeon’s experience over a 12 month period with the KLS pre prosthetic solution. 25 arches were completed by the same surgeon over the course of a 12 month period (Dec 2023- Dec 2024). Of the 25 arches, were maxillary arches, were mandibular arches, and were both arches on the same patient. A total of 17 patients were treated – 9 were once arch, 8 were both arches. Indications included alveolar atrophy, pathology, or post traumatic injury.

Digital Angle Correction – Eliminating the Analog Pick Up from Jaw in a Day (JIAD) using Point of Care 3D Printing

Baber Khatib, Baber Khatib — 2026-05

Discrepancies between the virtual plan and the final position of dental implants in free fibular jaw reconstructions is well described.1-3 In the Jaw in a Day technique, to account for the difference, access openings within a premanufactured dental prosthesis are made 5-6x larger than the metal cylinders to which they attach. This is to allow passive seating of the prosthesis around the metal cylinders prior to “picking up” the final implant positions with auto/photopolymerizing resin. Further enlargement of the access openings intraoperatively may be required for passive fit, risking fracture of the prosthesis and generation of acrylic dust within the sterile field.

Does Preoperative Bisphosphonate Use Affect Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement Outcomes? A Retrospective Analysis

Mahdi Zakeri, Brian Kinard, Mahdi Zakeri — 2026-05

Total joint replacement (TJR) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a transformative surgical solution for advanced TMJ disorders. Bisphosphonates (BPs), widely prescribed for osteoporosis, have well-documented benefits in orthopedic procedures, including improved implant survival and periprosthetic bone density. However, their effect on TMJ TJR outcomes remains underexplored. This study investigates whether preoperative BP use influences functional outcomes, such as maximum interincisal opening (MIO), joint noise, diet restriction, and radiographic findings such as osteolysis, medication assisted Osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), hardware failure and screw loosening.

Tension Pneumocephalus in the Setting of Non-Displaced Occipital Bone Fracture Resulting in Bifrontal Craniotomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

2026-05

This case report presents a rare incidence of tension pneumocephalus occurring from a non-displaced fracture in a 63-year-old female, underscoring its clinical significance due to its unique etiology. Tension pneumocephalus is a potentially fatal condition characterized by the accumulation of air within the intracranial cavity, leading to elevated intracranial pressures and compression of intracranial contents followed by herniation and death. Displaced skull fractures following trauma are the leading cause of tension pneumocephalus but this can also occur, more rarely, with non-displaced fractures such as in the presenting case.

The Impact of Bite Target Location, Patient-Specific Dentition, and Craniofacial Morphology on Stress Distribution and the Effectiveness of Plating Systems in Mandibular Fracture Mechanics: Advancing Toward Improved Surgical Outcomes

Mahdi Zakeri, Adnan Shah, Mahdi Zakeri — 2026-05

Understanding mandibular biomechanics has long relied on simplified models that inadequately describe stress distribution and fracture mechanics. This study evaluates how variations in dentition and craniofacial morphology influence tension and compression zones in intact and fractured mandibles. Using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA), the research investigates stress patterns and their implications for fixation techniques.

Trauma Center Designation in Isolated Mandibular Fractures – Do Management Patterns and Outcomes Differ?

2026-05

The trauma literature suggests that treatment at a level 1 trauma center is associated with improved outcomes for a diversity of injuries. However, differences in outcomes with respect to trauma center designation are poorly studied in the facial trauma demographic.

Controversies in Occult Larynx Factures, Underreported and Overtreated? A Case Series

Melissa Amundson, Mina S. Mousa, Brittani Paige Kongola, Brittani Paige Kongola — 2026-05

Numerous publications exist on the diagnosis, work-up, treatment, and outcomes of acute larynx fractures in the trauma setting. The unifying theme on which all publications and subsequent algorithms are based “suspected laryngeal injury”. Index for suspicion is described by etiology or physical exam findings. Physical exam findings such as pain, dysphonia, stridor, cervical emphysema, bruising, edema, globus, and/or frank airway compromise are hallmarks for laryngeal injury. Etiology such as blunt or penetrating neck trauma such as hanging, strangulation, and ballistic injuries are obvious conditions where heightened awareness for larynx injury exists.

Transmasseteric Anteroparotid (TMAP) Approach to the Mandible: A Retrospective Case Series of Surgical Outcomes

2026-05

Common extraoral approaches for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular ramus and condylar process fractures are associated with potential complications, notably facial nerve and parotid gland injury. Though less commonly utilized, the transmasseteric anteroparotid (TMAP) approach has been shown in previous studies to have lower complication rates compared to similar approaches while still providing adequate access for the reduction and fixation of condylar process fractures.

Orthognathic, Pre-Shaped Stock Subcondylar Plate

Susie Lee, Aiysha Amjad, Sheridan Danquah, Daniel D. Choi, Susie Lee — 2026-05

Subcondylar fractures may be repaired through transoral and extraoral approaches. The extraoral approach is the most commonly utilized approach but has an increased risk of scarring and injury to the facial nerve and salivary gland. Transoral approaches have been shown to provide comparable clinical outcomes to extraoral approaches, but have a steeper learning curve and can be extremely challenging to achieve appropriate fracture reduction and plate alignment (1).

Comparative Analysis of Rredicted and Actual Outcomes of Repaired Traumatic Le Fort Injuries Utilizing Virtual Planning

Caitlin B.L. Magraw, Mariah Aron, Mariah Aron — 2026-05

The use of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) has become popular for various reconstructive procedures including craniomaxillofacial traumatic injuries. CAS can restore traumatized anatomy to predicted premorbid state to help improve surgeon accuracy and efficiency. Various adjuncts can be fabricated during this process including stereolithographic models, patient-specific implants as well as guides and splints to assist with repair. The objective of this study was to compare the predicted maxillary position to the actual maxillary position in patients with traumatic Le Fort I fractures treated with CAS.

Does OMS Surgeon Experience Affect Opioid Prescriptions to Medicare Recipients?

Tim Wang, Cameron Lee, David A. Keith, Tim Wang — 2026-05

Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) have prescribed fewer opioid analgesics in recent years. These changes have occurred in the context of many governmental and Institutional interventions to promote responsible opioid prescribing. Research in other surgical subspecialities have found that surgeons’ experience, or years in practice (YIP), are associated with different opioid prescribing patterns, though this is not well studied among OMSs. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine if surgeon experience is associated with differences in opioid prescription patterns in OMS.

What Are the Characteristics of Successfully Matched Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellowship Applicants?

2026-05

The competitive nature of oral and maxillofacial surgery has led to an increase in subspecialization through fellowships. While there is a competitive application process for these positions, knowledge of the specific characteristics and qualifications of the applicants can help to ensure successful match into fellowship positions. The purpose was to evaluate characteristics of oral and maxillofacial surgery applicants who successfully match into American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons (AACMFS) fellowships.

Enhanced Stress Resilience Training for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residents

Ashley Gagnon, Shelly Abramowicz, Ashley Gagnon — 2026-05

Exposure to physical and psychological stressors result in high rates of burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and negative impacts on patient outcomes (1). Resilience and emotional regulation allow providers to maintain clinical performance and personal well-being (2). Despite an increase in rates of physician burnout, there are few preventative strategies. Mindfulness has been incorporated into surgery (3), military (4), sports (5) and leaders (6). The Enhanced Stress Resilience Training (ESRT) program was developed to provide targeted skills to teach mindfulness, combat burnout and increase physical and psychological resilience.

Timing of a Surgeon’s Retirement: Balancing Experience with Age-Related Decline

Leonard B. Kaban, Jeffrey C. Posnick, Leonard B. Kaban — 2026-05

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) reports the average age of practicing surgeons is rising, with over 40% of U.S. physicians projected to be 65 years or older within the next decade.1 Timing and extent of cognitive and technical challenges with aging vary considerably. Denying patients the expertise of an experienced practitioner may potentially deprive them of quality care.2 Here, we explore the question should surgeons contemplate stepping away from the operating room sooner to avoid the risks of retiring too late?

How Informative are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellowship Websites?

2026-05

AACMFS fellowships utilize websites in the recruitment of fellowship applicants. The growth of the AACMFS match highlights the need for accessible program information.

Negative Synergy: The Emerging Threat of Predatory Publishers and AI Papers in Dentistry

Nicholas Callahan, Michael Han, Ann E. Wiringa, Ashleigh Weyh, Nicholas Callahan — 2026-05

Greetings for the day! Like many of its biomedical counterparts, the dental literature has been susceptible to the emergence of two phenomena: the rapid expansion of predatory publishing and widespread adoption of written material developed by or with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Through a variety of techniques including flattering language, persistent communication, promises of high acceptance rates, quick publishing time and indexing in legitimate biomedical repositories, dental faculty may be lured into engagement with unscrupulous publishing entities.

Facial Trauma Suggestive of Intimate Partner Violence and a Caveat Against Overreliance on ICD Codes

2026-05

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a major public health issue worldwide. Women are more likely to the victims of violence perpetrated by a male intimate partner. Facial injuries of IPV can have a devastating impact on the victims, physically and emotionally. The purpose of the project was to determine IPV prevalence in the community, identify the high-risk population, and examine injury patterns that are indicative of IPV.

Optimization of Procedural Taxonomy for Microassessments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Trainees

Akshay Govind, Joseph Zwischenberger, Eric Dierks, Akshay Govind — 2026-05

A co-author (JZ) of this abstract first published the now widely accepted Zwisch stages of progressive surgical learner autonomy in 20131 and was involved in the development of the non-profit international consortium known as the Society for Improving Medical Professional Learning (SIMPL). The SIMPL OR app2, now in use in nearly 200 surgical programs, documents learner performance in the operating room based on level of autonomy, case difficulty, learner performance, and procedural taxonomy. These data points are known as microassessments.

Is There a Role for an APP in Your Surgical Practice? The Michigan TMJ and Orthognathic Experience

2026-05

The University of Michigan’s OMFS program currently employs six advanced practice providers (APPs), who specialize in outpatient, inpatient, and intra-operative patient care (Chinoy & Shivers, 2023). Among them, two outpatient nurse practitioners (NPs)—one specializing in adult care and the other in pediatrics—manage the majority of new and follow-up visits for TMJ and orthognathic consultations, both in-person and virtually. They play a pivotal role in patient care by conducting diagnostic assessments, ordering relevant tests (e.g., MRIs, CT scans, PSGs, labs), counseling patients on self-care, providing post-operative care (including wound care and suture removal), prescribing medications, making referrals, coordinating surgical procedures, delivering pre-surgical education, and performing specialized procedures such as biopsies, TMJ arthrocentesis, and intra-articular or muscular injections (e.g., neurotoxins and trigger point injections).

Anesthesia Simulation Training for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ASTOMS)

2026-05

Simulation-based training has been demonstrated as effective in identifying knowledge gaps in individuals and teams in a variety of settings. The aims of this study were to develop an anesthesia simulation training program (ASTOMS) to effectively teach emergency response skills in office-based anesthesia and evaluate the impact of training on participants’ self-efficacy and skill acquisition.

Online Patient Reviews of Academic Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practices in the United States

Stanton J. Pruitt, Jose M. Marchena, Stanton J. Pruitt — 2026-05

This study aimed to examine the patterns of online patient reviews of academic oral and maxillofacial surgery practices in the United States and identify common areas of dissatisfaction and praise.

RE: Can Chatbots Provide Accurate and Readable Information for Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders?

Satya Ranjan Misra, Rupsa Das, Manmath Behera — 2026-05

We read with great interest the study by Pagotto et al.1 The authors provide a timely evaluation of large language models (LLMs) in patient education. Their finding that while accuracy and empathy were comparable across models, the transformer-based autoregressive model that hallucinated nearly half (47.2%) of its references is particularly alarming.

Debt Without Recourse: The Big Beautiful Bill's Impact on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Training Pathways

Michael Baron, Andrew J. Deek — 2026-05

In light of the recently passed legislation (One Big Beautiful Bill [H.R. 1], Pub. L. No. 119-21, 2025), known as the Big Beautiful Bill, there is growing concern that certain aspects of the reform may not fully align with the needs of our training programs. Rather than addressing the systemic drivers of educational debt, the bill eliminates access to federal Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) loans without offering a meaningful alternative. Beginning on July 1, 2026, new Grad PLUS loans will no longer be issued.

RE: Association of Preoperative Nutritional Status With Outcomes in Fronto Orbital Advancement for Syndromic Craniosynostosis

Yasin Rezaie, Hossein Zare — 2026-05

I read with interest Patel et al’s study linking preoperative weight-for-length (WFL) and gastrostomy-tube (G-tube) dependency to adverse outcomes after fronto-orbital advancement in syndromic craniosynostosis.1 The focus on a syndromic cohort is an important strength because these patients have distinct feeding, airway, and comorbidity profiles, and difficulties. The study's single-surgeon series reduces technical variability while providing long follow-up that strengthens the observed associations.

When the Scalpel Forces Abstinence: Managing Nicotine Withdrawal After Maxillofacial Surgery

Anuj Jain — 2026-05

In oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS), a peculiar phenomenon often unfolds quietly in the wards—the involuntary abstinence of nicotine. A patient with a mandibular fracture wired shut, a composite resection under general anesthesia, or an orthognathic surgery patient restricted from oral intake is suddenly, and often unwillingly, stripped of nicotine. What follows is not mere irritability—it is a neurochemical revolt. While surgeons focus on airway, alignment, and aesthetics, the patient's mind is battling withdrawal.

RE: “Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valves or Mitral Valve Prolapse With Regurgitation Not Provided Prophylactic Antibiotics Potentially Risk Developing Infective Endocarditis”

Giorgia Pieretto, Ernesto Comitale, Christian Bacci — 2026-05

We read with great interest the recent Perspective by Friedlander and Couto Souza1 (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 83:1190–1191, 2025). The authors raise important ethical and clinical considerations regarding infective endocarditis (IE) prevention in dental practice. However, several interpretations appear to overstate or misrepresent the current evidence and the official recommendations of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC).