Surgical management of compound odontomas: piezoelectric surgery or rotary instruments? A clinical study.

Background: Odontomas are odontogenic tumors with a clinicopathological heterogeneity and a variable biological behavior. They usually are asymptomatic and can be discovered by routine radiographic investigations. This study aims to examine and compare intra- and postoperative consequences associated with use of piezosurgery and conventional rotary instruments for the removal of these oral lesions.

Methods: Clinical and histological data of 120 consecutive patients with a mean age of 22 years and 1 month (age range from 19 years and 1 month to 25 years and 3 months) with compound odontomas, diagnosed by biopsy, were assembled. Of a total of 120, 100 oral lesions were placed in the anterior region of the maxilla; of these, 50 were extracted through traditional rotary instruments (GROUP 1) and 50 with piezoelectric surgery (GROUP 2). The remaining 20 oral masses took place in the posterior area of the same bone; of these, 10 were extracted through traditional rotary instruments (GROUP 1a) and 10 with piezosurgery. (GROUP 2b). The piezoelectric cutting device was (Mectron Medical Technology) with MT1-10 insert, pump level 4, vibration level 7. Finally, pain, swelling, and surgical time evaluation were measured 24-48-72 hours after the intervention.

Results: As regards the mean time of surgery, in Group (1 and 1a) were 12 minutes, while in Group (2 and 2a) were 18 minutes. Regarding surgery, the osteotomy of the cortical bone was performed in all cases. As regards the measure of bone saved, calculated through a surgery gauge, it was greater of 3.2 mm in Group (2 and 2a) than in Group (1and 1a). The main of facial swelling in both Groups (1 and 1a) was 5.82 mm and 2.23 mm for the Groups (2 and 2a) immediately after surgery.

Conclusions: Piezosurgery produced less postoperative discomfort about the swelling. It is an effective technique in daily surgical practice, especially as regards the safety of soft tissues, bone, and nerves.