Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Balance Between Innovative and Proven Procedures, Drugs and Materials, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Surgeries (ISSN 2673-4095).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 6912

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The clash between experience and modernity is a particularly delicate issue in medicine. Effective and safe treatments always encompass a balance between the old and the new. The choice between that which has been repeatedly confirmed and what is potentially better, although burdened with a higher risk, affects the course of diagnostic and therapeutic processes. Additional factors in the degree of the difficulty of procedures, the availability of medical equipment, and the cost-effectiveness further complicate the choices that, in theory, should be dictated solely by medical considerations. I consider these topics worth covering in this Special Issue, which I invite you to cocreate, with the aim of presenting the best proven practices, innovative clinical management, and prospects for the development of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
best proven vs. the latest diagnostic methods; advances in craniofacial traumatology; predictable orthognathics in the context of digitization; innovations in the treatment of temporomandibular joints; apparent stagnation in inflammation therapy; constant and developing aspects of oncology; novelties vs. traditional methods in reconstructive surgery; dental implantology: the evidence-based race of innovation; postsurgical maxillofacial prosthetics; importance and new possibilities of postoperative observation; failures necessary to share to avoid their occurrence.

Dr. Igor Tsesis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • diagnostic techniques and procedures
  • maxillofacial injuries
  • orthognathic surgery
  • temporomandibular joint disorders
  • oral and maxillofacial pathology
  • reconstructive surgery
  • iatrogenic disease

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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15 pages, 1168 KB  
Systematic Review
Comparison of Biodegradable Versus Titanium Fixation Systems in Mandibular Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Abdulaziz Zailai, Tahani Alenizi, Rakan Sbitan, Rana AlBraik, Taha Abujohar, Abdulmohsen Albraheem, Sajad Al Suliman, Raand Altayyar, Abdullah Mohammed, Abdullah Alshahrani, Ahmed Alghandour, Faisal Aldouiri and Ayman Bukhari
Surgeries 2026, 7(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries7010020 - 28 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Titanium fixation remains the gold standard for stabilizing mandibular fractures; however, associated complications often necessitate a second surgery for hardware removal. Consequently, biodegradable systems were introduced, though questions persist regarding their mechanical reliability and potential for tissue reactions. This systematic review and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Titanium fixation remains the gold standard for stabilizing mandibular fractures; however, associated complications often necessitate a second surgery for hardware removal. Consequently, biodegradable systems were introduced, though questions persist regarding their mechanical reliability and potential for tissue reactions. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and morbidity of biodegradable versus titanium osteosynthesis systems for the treatment of mandibular fractures. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. Comparative studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies, were included. The primary outcome was the rate of hardware removal; therefore, a random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate a pooled Odds Ratio (OR), while the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Results: Eight studies, including four RCTs, comprising a total of 369 patients, were included, with most studies judged to be at a high or serious risk of bias due to inadequate randomization, lack of blinding, and confounding co-interventions. The meta-analysis of four RCTs on hardware removal revealed no statistically significant difference between the biodegradable and titanium groups (pooled OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.90), with substantial and statistically significant heterogeneity observed (I2 = 66.1%). Qualitative synthesis indicated that biodegradable systems were associated with higher rates of intraoperative screw breakage and longer operative times, while rates of successful bone union were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions: Biodegradable osteosynthesis systems represent a viable alternative to titanium for mandibular fracture fixation, demonstrating similar efficacy in achieving bone union, which is counterbalanced by higher rates of screw breakage and longer operative times. The decision to use a biodegradable system involves a critical trade-off that should be designed for the specific clinical scenario. The high risk of bias and significant heterogeneity limit the certainty of these findings, underscoring the imperative for future high-quality, long-term RCTs. Full article
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9 pages, 1331 KB  
Case Report
Facelift Approach for Hemimandibulectomy and Costochondral Autologous Graft Reconstruction in a Pediatric Odontogenic Myxoma
by Alice Marzi Manfroni, Valerio Cancilla, Edlira Baruti Papa, Marjon Sako and Francesco Laganà
Surgeries 2025, 6(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries6040102 - 20 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Background: Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare, benign, but locally aggressive tumor of odontogenic mesenchymal origin. This study aims to expand current knowledge by integrating a concise literature review with a detailed case report of a surgically complex pediatric OM, treated using a [...] Read more.
Background: Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare, benign, but locally aggressive tumor of odontogenic mesenchymal origin. This study aims to expand current knowledge by integrating a concise literature review with a detailed case report of a surgically complex pediatric OM, treated using a biologically advantageous reconstructive technique. Methods: In this study, we report the case of an eight-year-old girl presenting with a large OM that caused complete disruption of the architecture of the left hemimandible. Due to the tumor’s size and bone involvement, radical resection was necessary. A modified extraoral facelift approach was employed to ensure adequate surgical access while avoiding intraoral incisions and minimizing visible scarring. Immediate mandibular reconstruction was performed using an autologous costochondral graft. Discussion: Although infrequently used in modern surgical practice, the costochondral graft offers unique advantages in pediatric patients due to its inherent growth potential and capacity for long-term biological integration. In this case, the graft allowed restoration of mandibular continuity and form with minimal donor site morbidity, demonstrating its viability even today. Conclusions: This case underlines the importance of tailored reconstructive strategies in pediatric OM. The costochondral graft provided excellent functional and esthetic results, with four-year follow-up confirming stable anatomical remodeling and bone regeneration. Full article
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20 pages, 1220 KB  
Systematic Review
The Evolving Role of Stem Cells in Oral Health and Regeneration: A Systematic Review
by Gianna Dipalma, Grazia Marinelli, Arianna Fiore, Liviana Balestriere, Claudio Carone, Silvio Buongiorno, Francesco Inchingolo, Giuseppe Minervini, Andrea Palermo, Angelo Michele Inchingolo and Alessio Danilo Inchingolo
Surgeries 2025, 6(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries6030065 - 30 Jul 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5389
Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), multipotent and immune-regulatory cells derived from tissues such as bone marrow, dental pulp, and periodontal ligament, emerged as promising agents in regenerative dentistry. Their clinical applications include endodontic tissue regeneration, periodontal healing, and alveolar bone repair, addressing [...] Read more.
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), multipotent and immune-regulatory cells derived from tissues such as bone marrow, dental pulp, and periodontal ligament, emerged as promising agents in regenerative dentistry. Their clinical applications include endodontic tissue regeneration, periodontal healing, and alveolar bone repair, addressing critical challenges in dental tissue restoration. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for open-access, English-language clinical trials and observational studies published from 2015 to 2025. Studies focusing on the application of MSCs in dental tissue regeneration were included based on predefined eligibility criteria. Results: Out of 2400 initial records, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria after screening and eligibility assessment. Most studies investigated MSCs derived from dental pulp and periodontal ligament for regenerating periodontal tissues and alveolar bone defects. The majority reported improved clinical outcomes; however, variations in MSC sources, delivery methods, sample sizes, and follow-up periods introduced methodological heterogeneity. Conclusions: MSCs show significant potential in enhancing bone and periodontal regeneration in dental practice. Nonetheless, the current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up, and inconsistent methodologies. Future large-scale, standardized clinical trials are required to validate MSC-based regenerative therapies and optimize treatment protocols. Full article
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