International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Research

Current Issue Volume 9 Issue 4 (July-August 2026)

    • Handedness, Lesion Laterality and Surgical Outcomes in Intracranial Neurosurgical Patients in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
      Abstract: Background: Handedness reflects cerebral lateralization and may serve as a practical indicator of hemispheric dominance, particularly in resource-limited neurosurgical settings. However, its clinical relevance among neurosurgical patients in sub-Saharan Africa remains underexplored.
      Objective:To determine the distribution of handedness and evaluate its relationship with lesion laterality and surgical outcomes among intracranial neurosurgical patients in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
      Methods: This retrospective descriptive and analytical study included patients managed for intracranial neurosurgical conditions between January 2021 and December 2025. Data on demographics, handedness, diagnosis, lesion laterality, surgical intervention, and outcomes were extracted from clinical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with associations assessed using appropriate inferential statistical test such as the chi-square test.
      Results: Among 329 patients, 85.1% were right-handed, 11.2% left-handed, and 3.7% mixed-handed. Left hemispheric lesions were most frequent (46.5%). Although right-handed patients more commonly had left-sided lesions, the association between handedness and lesion laterality was not significant (χ² = 3.98, p = 0.68). Of 222 surgical patients, 65.3% improved, and mortality was 5.0%. Postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly across handedness groups (χ² = 5.21, p = 0.52).
      Conclusion: Handedness distribution mirrors global patterns. While it reflects general cerebral lateralization, it does not significantly influence short-term surgical outcomes.


      Keywords: Cerebral lateralization, Handedness, Intracranial neurosurgery, Lesion laterality, Surgical outcomes



        • “Comparative evaluation of efficacy of calcium silicophosphate putty versus particulate xenograft in maxillary sinus augmentation procedure”
          Abstract: Background Dental implant placement in edentulous ridges is a predictable treatment modality. However, implant placement in the posterior maxilla is often challenging due to post-extraction bone resorption, maxillary sinus pneumatization, poor bone quality, and increased occlusal forces. Maxillary sinus elevation procedures are commonly performed to overcome these limitations and facilitate successful implant rehabilitation. Objectives:To clinically and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of calcium silicophosphate putty (NovaBone™) and particulate xenograft as grafting materials in maxillary sinus elevation procedures.
          Methodology: Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Sinus elevation procedures were performed under local anesthesia, and graft materials were placed according to the study protocol. Patients were followed postoperatively at 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, and 1 month. Clinical assessments were carried out on the 1st, 7th, and 14th postoperative days, while radiographic evaluation was performed after 1 month to assess changes in bone height and density.
          Results: A statistically significant increase in bone height was observed following sinus elevation with particulate xenograft, with a mean gain of 9.8 ± 1.21 mm. The newly formed bone demonstrated greater density than the pre-existing bone, achieving a mean radiographic density of 759 ± 211 Hounsfield Units in sites grafted with xenograft after sinus membrane elevation.
          Conclusion: All implants placed in the augmented sites were successfully rehabilitated. Particulate xenograft demonstrated a significant increase in both bone height and bone density following maxillary sinus elevation, indicating its effectiveness as a grafting material for implant site development in the posterior maxilla.



            • Comparative Evaluation of Bone Regeneration - With and Without Simvastatin after surgical removal of bilateral impacted third molar-A split mouth randomized clinical trial
              Abstract: Background: Third molar extraction is very common procedure performed in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Loss of bone on the second molar is a common concern. Thus, preservation or augmentation of the alveolar bone or ridge after extraction is advantageous. Bone regeneration is a complex process of bone formation similar to normal fracture healing and bone remodelling . Three essential component for bone to successfully repair are osteoinduction , osteogenesis , and the osteoconductive matrix .
              Objectives: To assess the efficacy of simvastatin in bone regeneration after the surgical extraction of Bilaterally Impacted Mandibular Third Molar with a series of intraoral periapical radiographs(IOPARS) at different intervals during healing.
              Methodology: A randomized controlled parallel-arm study was conducted on 40 patients requiring bilateral mandibular third molar removal. One extraction site (test) received 10 mg of simvastatin with gel foam, while the contralateral site (control) received gel foam alone. Bone regeneration was assessed on postoperative Day 14 and at 1 month using orthopantomogram (OPG) and intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAR). Pain scores were also evaluated at regular postoperative intervals. Bone density values were analyzed using standardized radiographic methods, and statistical significance was determined using the Chi-square test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal outcomes such as lamina dura and bone density scores.
              Results: Radiographic evaluation revealed a statistically significant increase in bone density at the simvastatintreated sites compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The mean bone density was consistently higher on Day 14 and at the 1-month evaluations in the simvastatin group. Additionally, patients in the test group reported lower pain scores at 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days, indicating a secondary anti-inflammatory benefit.
              Conclusion: The local application of 10 mg simvastatin combined with gel foam significantly enhances bone regeneration in extraction sockets and reduces postoperative discomfort. This approach may serve as a simple, cost-effective adjunct in socket preservation following third molar surgery.


              Keywords: Simvastatin, Bone Regeneration, Mandibular Third Molars, Socket Preservation .



                • Early Prosthodontic Management of Mandibular Deviation Following Hemimandibulectomy Using Guide Flange and Palatal Ramp Prostheses: A Case Series
                  Abstract: Background: Mandibular discontinuity following hemimandibulectomy results in significant deviation of the residual mandibular segment, leading to impaired mastication, speech, swallowing, and facial symmetry. Early prosthodontic rehabilitation using mandibular guidance prostheses plays a pivotal role in minimizing deviation, promoting neuromuscular re-education, and restoring functional occlusion during the postoperative healing period.
                  Case Presentation:Two patients who underwent unilateral hemimandibulectomy for oral squamous cell carcinoma were rehabilitated using different mandibular guidance prostheses based on their functional ability to achieve an acceptable maxillomandibular relationship. The first patient demonstrated reducible mandibular deviation and was treated with an acrylic mandibular guide flange prosthesis. The second patient exhibited severe deviation with limited voluntary correction and was rehabilitated using a maxillary acrylic palatal ramp prosthesis. Both prostheses were fabricated as heat-polymerized acrylic guidance appliances and adjusted periodically during follow-up to accommodate progressive improvement in mandibular movements.
                  Results: After three months of rehabilitation, mandibular deviation decreased from 8 mm to 3 mm in the first patient and from 10 mm to 4 mm in the second. Both patients demonstrated improved intercuspation, masticatory efficiency, speech, and facial symmetry without prosthesis-related complications.
                  Conclusion: Early prosthodontic intervention using appropriately selected mandibular guidance prostheses effectively reduced mandibular deviation and restored functional occlusion following hemimandibulectomy. Prosthesis selection should be guided primarily by the patient's ability to voluntarily reposition the mandible rather than by the extent of the surgical defect alone.


                  Keywords: Hemimandibulectomy; Mandibular deviation; Guide flange prosthesis; Palatal ramp prosthesis; Maxillofacial prosthetics; Oral squamous cell carcinoma.



                    • Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Medical and Dental Imaging Education: A Proposed Curriculum Framework for Undergraduate Medical and Dental Students
                      Abstract: Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into medical and dental imaging, with applications ranging from image acquisition and reconstruction to image analysis, quality assurance, radiation dose optimization, and clinical decision support. Despite this rapid development, AI education remains inconsistently integrated into undergraduate medical imaging and dental curricula, and existing educational initiatives have focused predominantly on postgraduate training.
                      Objective:This teaching review aims to examine the current educational needs related to AI in medical and dental imaging and to propose an evidence-informed framework for integrating AI competencies into undergraduate education. Particular emphasis is placed on AI literacy, clinical imaging applications, image quality, radiation protection, patient safety, critical evaluation, ethics, regulation, and human–AI collaboration.
                      Methods: A structured educational literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and relevant additional sources. Publications addressing AI education, AI literacy, medical and dental imaging, radiography, curriculum development, clinical applications, image quality, radiation dose optimization, patient safety, and ethical and regulatory considerations were considered according to predefined eligibility criteria. The identified evidence was thematically synthesized to determine key educational competencies and inform the development of the proposed curriculum.
                      Results: Forty-three publications were included in the final evidence synthesis. Five overarching educational domains were identified: (1) AI and imaging foundations; (2) AI applications in medical and dental imaging; (3) image quality, radiation protection, and patient safety; (4) critical evaluation, ethics, and regulation; and (5) human–AI collaboration and future professional practice. Based on these domains, two complementary 12- module curriculum models were developed for undergraduate medical imaging and dental imaging education. The proposed framework progresses from fundamental AI literacy to clinically oriented competencies, critical appraisal of AI systems, responsible use, and professional preparedness.
                      Conclusion:Undergraduate AI education should be progressively integrated into medical imaging and dental curricula rather than treated as an isolated technical subject. The proposed framework provides an adaptable, clinically oriented educational model designed to help future imaging professionals understand, critically evaluate, and responsibly use AI-enabled technologies while maintaining image quality, radiation protection, patient safety, professional judgment, and patient-centered care. Future studies should evaluate the implementation, educational effectiveness, and adaptability of the framework across different institutions and educational settings.


                      Keywords: artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, medical imaging, dental imaging, undergraduate education, curriculum.