EndoscopicAssisted Surgery in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
What is Endoscopic-Assisted Surgery?
Endoscopic-assisted surgery is an advanced and minimally invasive technique utilized in oral and maxillofacial surgery to address complex conditions with precision and reduced recovery times. This cutting-edge approach employs a small camera, or endoscope, which allows surgeons to visualize intricate areas of the face, jaw, and skull through small incisions.
Where is Endoscopic Surgery Used in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Endoscopic-assisted surgery is versatile and applied in various procedures, including:
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery: Used to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders with minimal invasion.
- Facial Trauma Repair: Assists in the precise fixation of facial fractures with minimal incisions. By using this approach, skin incisions can often be avoided, thereby reducing skin scarring and the risk of facial nerve injury.
- Treatment of Cysts and Tumors: Enables the safe removal of cysts and benign tumors in sensitive regions.
- Sinus Surgery: Enhances the management of maxillary sinus conditions.
- Removal of Impacted or Displaced Teeth: Effectively manages complex cases, such as displaced third molars in hard-to-reach areas like the infratemporal fossa.
What are the Advantages of Endoscopic-Assisted Surgery?
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional open surgeries, endoscopic-assisted procedures require smaller incisions, resulting in minimal scarring and reduced post-operative discomfort.
- Enhanced Visualization: The high-definition visualization provided by the endoscope enables surgeons to navigate and treat challenging anatomical areas with greater accuracy.
- Faster Recovery: With less tissue disruption, patients often experience quicker healing and shorter hospital stays.
- Reduced Risks: The precision of this technique minimizes the risk of complications, such as damage to surrounding nerves and tissues.
Dr. Özgür Erdoğan’s experience with endoscopic-assisted surgery began during his fellowship at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Freiburg University,Germany in 2009. It was here that he was introduced to the potential of using endoscopy in oral and maxillofacial procedures. Initially, Dr. Erdoğan utilized endoscopic-assisted techniques primarily for fracture repairs, where the minimally invasive approach proved invaluable in achieving precise and reliable outcomes while minimizing patient discomfort. Over time, he extended its application to other areas of oral surgery. The photographs shows a moment during one of Dr. Erdoğan’s procedures: the endoscopic-assisted removal of a displaced maxillary third molar from the infraorbital fossa.
Publications by Dr. Özgür Erdoğan
You may find Dr. Erdoğan’s publications on Endoscopic Asissted Surgery subject below.
1. Transoral endoscopic assisted reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar neck fractures with short condylar segment. Journal of Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2024 Aug;52(8):914-921. (Abdelazeem MH, Cakir M, Erdogan O)
2. Transoral Endoscopic-Assisted Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Fractures in Children. Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. 2023 May;81(5):566-574. (Abdelazeem MH, Aboelela S, Erdogan O)
3. A modified endoscopic technique for the repair of isolated orbital floor fractures. European Journal of Plastic Surgery 43, 491–494. 2020 (Abdelazem MH, Erdogan O)
4. Endoscopically Assisted Transoral Gap Arthroplasty of the Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis in a Pediatric Patient. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 2018 Sep;29(6) (Abdelazeem MH, Erdogan O, Awad TA)
Digitally Guided Implant Surgery
Digitally Manufactured Surgical Guide Fitting
Postoperative Radiograph Showing Correct Implant Positions
Execution of the Procedure with the Surgical Guide
Digital surgical guides for dental implant surgery bring a new level of precision and predictability to the procedure. These guides are custom-made based on 3D imaging and advanced planning software, ensuring implants are placed with optimal accuracy, minimizing risks, and enhancing patient safety. With digital guides, the placement process is faster, less invasive, and requires smaller incisions, leading to reduced discomfort and quicker healing times. Additionally, digital planning allows for better visualization of complex anatomy, enabling personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This technology elevates the quality and outcomes of dental implant procedures, making it an ideal choice for patients seeking the best in dental care.
Execution of the Procedure with the Surgical Guide
Postoperative Radiograph Showing Correct Implant Positions
Execution of the Procedure with the Surgical Guide
Dental implant surgery with digital surgical guides begins with a detailed 3D scan of the patient’s mouth, allowing for precise visualization of the jawbone, nerves, and other critical structures. Using specialized software, the ideal implant placement is planned digitally, considering the patient’s specific anatomy and prosthetic requirements. Once the plan is finalized, a custom guide is 3D-printed, designed to fit securely in the patient’s mouth. During surgery, this guide directs the placement of the implant to match the exact planned position, angle, and depth. This approach enhances accuracy, reduces the need for large incisions, and streamlines the procedure, promoting faster recovery and more predictable outcomes.
Postoperative Radiograph Showing Correct Implant Positions
Postoperative Radiograph Showing Correct Implant Positions
Postoperative Radiograph Showing Correct Implant Positions
Digital surgical guides are particularly indicated for complex implant cases, where precise positioning is critical, such as in patients with limited bone structure, proximity to nerves, or aesthetic demands in the front teeth. They are also ideal for full-arch reconstructions and cases with multiple implants, ensuring accuracy and minimizing complications. As technology advances, the future of these guides looks promising. Enhanced AI-driven planning, improved materials, and seamless integration with digital workflows will make surgical guides even more adaptable, efficient, and accessible. With ongoing innovation, digital guides are set to become a standard in implant dentistry, ensuring high precision and superior patient outcomes.
Assisted Eruption of Impacted Teeth by Orthodontic Traction
In this case, we treated impacted teeth by carefully extracting specific teeth and applying orthodontic traction bands to the impacted teeth. This approach guides the impacted teeth to gradually move into their proper positions within the jaw. The images show the initial placement, the process, and the successful eruption of the teeth. This method not only preserves natural teeth but also helps achieve functional alignment without extensive surgical intervention.
Sinus Floor Elevation with Simultaneous Implant Placement
Before the Surgery
The patient was admitted for a full mouth restoration. He requested crown restorations for the front teeth and implant-supported crowns for the back areas. One challenging condition was the limited bone volume available in the left and right upper jaw.
After the Surgery
Under general anesthesia, bone deficiencies in the right and left upper jaw were corrected in a single session using sinus floor elevation with a lateral window approach. Implants were placed simultaneously, with three additional implants positioned in the lower jaw.
NEW SMILE DESIGNED AND GENERATED
Initial Appearance
Initial Appearance
Initial Appearance
The patient shows a gummy smile, where excessive gum tissue is visible while smiling, along with crooked front teeth that lack proper alignment and symmetry. These issues affect both the aesthetic appeal and the functionality of the smile.
Final Appearance
Initial Appearance
Initial Appearance
The after photo reveals a stunning transformation achieved through advanced treatment. Gingivoplasty was performed to reshape and balance the gum tissues, creating a more proportionate and natural gumline. The front teeth were restored with Emax crowns, designed using Digital Smile Design. This approach ensured precise planning and a cust
The after photo reveals a stunning transformation achieved through advanced treatment. Gingivoplasty was performed to reshape and balance the gum tissues, creating a more proportionate and natural gumline. The front teeth were restored with Emax crowns, designed using Digital Smile Design. This approach ensured precise planning and a customized aesthetic outcome, delivering a beautifully aligned and confident smile.