Diagnosis and Management of Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin.

The anatomic proximity of maxillary posterior teeth to the maxillary sinus provides a natural conduit for the spread of dental pathology into the maxillary sinus. This diffusion results in the development of sinus disease attributable to endodontic pathology, and is termed "maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin" (MSEO). Ultimately, suspicion of odontogenic causes of sinus disease should come as a relief to the provider and patient alike as the conditions are very treatable by noninvasive means with high expected success. This article reviews the diagnosis and management of odontogenic sinusitis with an emphasis on CBCT imaging as part of the interdisciplinary diagnostic workup. Illustrative cases documenting the treatment of MSEO are also presented.

Incidental CBCT Findings: The Importance of Reading the Whole Image.

The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging often elicits changes in both diagnostics and treatment plans when incorporated into endodontic workups. In endodontic practice, CBCT scans enable detection of periapical pathology before it is apparent on traditional 2-dimensional intraoral radiographs. The visualization provided by CBCT scans can help clinicians confirm suspected diagnoses, including but not limited to periapical pathology, traumatic tooth displacement, and vertical root fracture. This article discusses the use of CBCT imaging in the field of endodontics with an emphasis on its utilization to identify incidental findings, which can introduce complexities to a diagnosis and yield valuable information to enhance the scope of care for the patient.

Emergency protocol in the dental clinic: Assessing medical emergency training requirements and guidelines for dentists.

BACKGROUND: Medical emergencies are an unavoidable reality affecting dental practices. This review synthesizes and examines the guidelines offered by governmental and professional organizations. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: Licensing agencies and professional associations were chosen as organizations of focus based on legal authority, high professional regard, or both. International and interprofessional organizational counterparts were chosen as points of comparison. In total, 11 organizations were examined. Guidelines reported were compiled by examination of documents published on official agency websites and in associated peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: Guidelines for the handling of medical emergencies in the dental clinic vary in level of detail and scope among sources. Licensing agencies provide basic requirements for training, encouraging oral health care providers to develop and integrate their own emergency response plans. Professional associations provide extensive detail on instruction in medical emergency management. Both licensing agencies and professional associations provide lists of emergency medications and equipment, with varying levels of instruction on drug maintenance and organization. Professional associations emphasize regular review of training and office emergency drills. CONCLUSION: Oral health care professionals are provided with basic and required elements of medical emergency training by licensing agencies. They may seek out recommended, but not required, instruction from professional associations. Although guidance is provided, literature on protocol instituted in dental practices is limited. Further research is necessary to determine the oral health care community's approach to emergency management. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Providers must be prepared to handle medical emergencies that they encounter. Accessible and understandable guidelines are crucial to safe dental practice.