Actualización de las técnicas para el tratamiento de las recesiones periodontales / Update of techniques for the treatment of periodontal recessions

RESUMEN Introducción: A lo largo de los años se ha propuesto una notable variedad de protocolos quirúrgicos periodontales, cuyo enfoque pasó de la simple resolución de defectos de tejidos blandos a la realización de procedimientos predecibles y mínimamente invasivos. Inicialmente se usaba el injerto gingival libre. Posteriormente se han probado diversas técnicas, incluidas aquellas con sustitutos de tejidos blandos, como membranas tipo Alloderm. Hoy en día se considera el gold standard el injerto de tejido conectivo subepitelial asociado al colgajo de avance coronal. Por último, se ha examinado la técnica Pinhole, con mayor preservación de tejido y resultado más estético. Objetivos: El objetivo de esta revisión fue la comparación de técnicas actualizadas para el tratamiento de recesiones múltiples en maxilar superior e inferior. El resultado del procedimiento se evaluó en términos de cobertura radicular completa, reducción de la recesión, ganancia en altura y volumen, resultado estético, dolor postoperatorio y morbilidad del lecho donante y receptor del paciente. Material y métodos: Se realizaron búsquedas electrónicas y manuales para recopilar estudios de boca dividida, ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorios, series de casos, estudios piloto, libros de periodoncia, estudios de casos, revisiones sistemáticas y metanálisis, incluyendo los defectos de recesiónes gingivales múltiples, en maxilar y mandibular, de las cuatro clases de Miller, debido a su extensa evidencia. Resultados: Se incluyeron treinta y cuatro publicaciones y se extrajeron datos sobre el resultado de las técnicas quirúrgicas de dieciocho artículos. La evaluación clínica analizó la cantidad de cobertura radicular completa, la reducción de la recesión y la ganancia de altura y volumen, mientras que la perspectiva del paciente se expresó en términos de satisfacción estética y posibles complicaciones postoperatorias. Los procedimientos de los últimos diez años mostraron mejores resultados en todos los factores mencionados anteriormente. Conclusión: La predictibilidad y la estabilidad del tratamiento a largo plazo representan los factores que guían el proceso de elección de la técnica y que añaden valor a los procedimientos más actualizados. Se observaron progresos tanto a nivel estético, al reducir las discrepancias entre el área intervenida y el tejido circundante, como a nivel postoperatorio, al aminorar las molestias del paciente. Los desafíos propios de esta rama pronto podrían encontrar respuesta gracias a su rápida evolución, la cual permite concebir más avances.

ABSTRACT Background: Along the years, a remarkable variety of periodontal surgical protocols has been proposed, the focus of which has shifted from the mere resolution of a soft tissue defect to the performance of predictable and minimally invasive procedures. Initially, the free gingival graft was used. Subsequently, many different techniques were experimented, including those using soft tissue substitutes, such as the Alloderm membrane. Nowadays, the association of the connective tissue graft with the coronally advanced flap is considered the gold standard. Finally, the Pinhole technique, being a more conservative method in terms of tissue preservation and aesthetic outcome, was proposed. Objectives: The aim of this review was the comparison of the updated techniques for the treatment of multiple periodontal recessions, affecting both maxilla and mandible. The procedure outcome was assessed in terms of complete root coverage, recession reduction, gain in height and volume, aesthetic outcome, patient's post-operative pain and morbidity of donor and recipient sites. Material and methods: Electronic and hand searches were performed to collect split- mouth studies, randomized controlled clinical trials, case series, pilot studies, periodontal books, case studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, including maxillary and mandibular multiple gingival recession defects of all four Miller's classes, for its extensive evidence. Results: Thirty-four publications were included and data regarding the surgical techniques outcome were extracted from eighteen articles. The clinical evaluation analyzed the amount of complete root coverage, recession reduction and gain in height and volume, while the patient's perspective was expressed in terms of aesthetic satisfaction and possible postoperative complications. Procedures in the last ten years showed better results in all the above-mentioned factors. Conclusion: Procedural predictability and long-lasting treatment stability embody the factors driving the technique election process and adding value to more updated procedures. Progress was observed both at an aesthetic level, by reducing the discrepancias between the surgical region and the surrounding tissue, and at a postoperative level, by reducing patient discomfort. The challenges inherent to this branch could soon find answers thanks to its prompt evolution, which allows for further advances to be conceived.

Actualización de las técnicas para el tratamiento de las recesiones periodontales / actualization

Introducción: A lo largo de los años se ha propuesto una notable variedad de protocolos quirúrgicos periodontales, cuyo enfoque pasó de la simple resolución de defectos de tejidos blandos a la realización de procedimientos predecibles y mínimamente invasivos. Inicialmente se usaba el injerto gingival libre. Posteriormente se han probado diversas técnicas, incluidas aquellas con sustitutos de tejidos blandos, como membranas tipo Alloderm. Hoy en día se considera el gold standard el injerto de tejido conectivo subepitelial asociado al colgajo de avance coronal. Por último, se ha examinado la técnica Pinhole, con mayor preservación de tejido y resultado más estético. Objetivos: El objetivo de esta revisión fue la comparación de técnicas actualizadas para el tratamiento de recesiones múltiples en maxilar superior e inferior. El resultado del procedimiento se evaluó en términos de cobertura radicular completa, reducción de la recesión, ganancia en altura y volumen, resultado estético, dolor postoperatorio y morbilidad del lecho donante y receptor del paciente. Material y métodos: Se realizaron búsquedas electrónicas y manuales para recopilar estudios de boca dividida, ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorios, series de casos, estudios piloto, libros de periodoncia, estudios de casos, revisiones sistemáticas y metanálisis, incluyendo los defectos de recesiónes gingivales múltiples, en maxilar y mandibular, de las cuatro clases de Miller, debido a su extensa evidencia. Resultados: Se incluyeron treinta y cuatro publicaciones y se extrajeron datos sobre el resultado de las técnicas quirúrgicas de dieciocho artículos. La evaluación clínica analizó la cantidad de cobertura radicular completa, la reducción de la recesión y la ganancia de altura y volumen, mientras que la perspectiva del paciente se expresó en términos de satisfacción estética y posibles complicaciones postoperatorias. Los procedimientos de los últimos diez años mostraron mejores resultados en todos los factores mencionados anteriormente. Conclusión: La predictibilidad y la estabilidad del tratamiento a largo plazo representan los factores que guían el proceso de elección de la técnica y que añaden valor a los procedimientos más actualizados. Se observaron progresos tanto a nivel estético, al reducir las discrepancias entre el área intervenida y el tejido circundante, como a nivel postoperatorio, al aminorar las molestias del paciente. Los desafíos propios de esta rama pronto podrían encontrar respuesta gracias a su rápida evolución, la cual permite concebir más avances.

Background: Along the years, a remarkable variety of periodontal surgical protocols has been proposed, the focus of which has shifted from the mere resolution of a soft tissue defect to the performance of predictable and minimally invasive procedures. Initially, the free gingival graft was used. Subsequently, many different techniques were experimented, including those using soft tissue substitutes, such as the Alloderm membrane. Nowadays, the association of the connective tissue graft with the coronally advanced flap is considered the gold standard. Finally, the Pinhole technique, being a more conservative method in terms of tissue preservation and aesthetic outcome, was proposed. Objectives: The aim of this review was the comparison of the updated techniques for the treatment of multiple periodontal recessions, affecting both maxilla and mandible. The procedure outcome was assessed in terms of complete root coverage, recession reduction, gain in height and volume, aesthetic outcome, patient's post-operative pain and morbidity of donor and recipient sites. Material and methods: Electronic and hand searches were performed to collect split- mouth studies, randomized controlled clinical trials, case series, pilot studies, periodontal books, case studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, including maxillary and mandibular multiple gingival recession defects of all four Miller's classes, for its extensive evidence. Results: Thirty-four publications were included and data regarding the surgical techniques outcome were extracted from eighteen articles. The clinical evaluation analyzed the amount of complete root coverage, recession reduction and gain in height and volume, while the patient's perspective was expressed in terms of aesthetic satisfaction and possible postoperative complications. Procedures in the last ten years showed better results in all the above-mentioned factors. Conclusion: Procedural predictability and long-lasting treatment stability embody the factors driving the technique election process and adding value to more updated procedures. Progress was observed both at an aesthetic level, by reducing the discrepancias between the surgical region and the surrounding tissue, and at a postoperative level, by reducing patient discomfort. The challenges inherent to this branch could soon find answers thanks to its prompt evolution, which allows for further advances to be conceived.

Time assessment for final restoration of endodontically treated teeth in a university clinic setting: An observational study.

Background: The aim was to quantify the time elapsed between tooth reconstruction and the end of endodontic treatment, and to assess differences according to sex, age, and tooth group. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with patient clinical records. Data relating to patient characteristics, treated teeth, endodontic treatment, and subsequent restorative treatment were recorded. Results: For this study, 355 endodontically treated teeth by undergraduate students during 2019 were included. 24 teeth (6.76 %) were not restored, more direct (86.4 %) than indirect (13.6 %) restorations were performed, and the most frequent type of restoration was complex filling. The mean elapsed time from endodontic completion to direct restoration was 7 days, with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 90 days. For indirect restorations the mean elapsed time was 21 days. Conclusions: The median elapsed time for endodontic tooth reconstruction was 7 days (IQR = 7), however, treatment should not be considered completed until the tooth has been properly restored. In cases where an indirect restoration was also necessary, the median elapsed time was higher (21 days; IQR = 31.5).

Oral cancer awareness among dental students in a private university setting.

INTRODUCTION: There is a great deal of research on the awareness of students and professionals regarding oral cancer. The aim of this study was to find out students' opinions in their final years of dental school training who have clinic time about the importance of correct mucosal examination of the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out and a questionnaire was designed and distributed to fourth- and fifth-year dental students. The questionnaire included demographic aspects of the participants and five closed questions related to the importance given to the exploration of the soft tissues during patient visits, the importance of the university training received, their interest in continuing education on this subject, their role as dentists in early diagnosis and whether they consider themselves prepared to diagnose oral cancer. RESULTS: A total of 214 undergraduate dental students participated in the study, 24.3% fourth year and 75.7% fifth year. Moreover, 97.7% of the students considered soft tissue examination to be important or very important, 90.2% of the students surveyed considered the university training received to be important or very important and 66.4% of the students considered that the most qualified professional to diagnose an oral lesion is the dentist. CONCLUSION: In this study, most of the students felt that graduate training in oral cancer is important, as well as soft tissue examination. In addition, the majority considered that the professional most indicated to diagnose oral lesions is the dentist. However, a very small percentage felt prepared to diagnose oral cancer themselves.

Evaluation of the diagnostic ability of oral lesions on clinical images among undergraduate dental students.

INTRODUCTION: The dentist should be able to carry out systematic oral examinations of the mucosa of patients in order to diagnose any alterations at an early stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, analytical, prospective, and longitudinal study was carried out. 161 students were evaluated at the beginning of their clinical practice in their 4th year of dental school (September 2019), at the beginning and at the end of their 5th year of dental school (June 2021). Thirty oral lesions were projected, and the students were asked to provide an answer; if the lesions were benign, malignant, or potentially malignant, whether they should be biopsied and/or treated and a presumptive diagnosis. RESULTS: Significant improvement (p < .001) was obtained between the 2019 and 2021 results, in relation to the classification, need for biopsy and treatment of lesions. For differential diagnosis, no significant difference (p = .985) was obtained between the 2019 and 2021 responses. Malignant lesions and PMD obtained mixed results, with the best results corresponding to OSCC. DISCUSSION: In this study, a correct lesion classification by the students was over 50%. As for the OSCC, the results were superior to the rest of the images, reaching more than 95% correct. CONCLUSION: Theoretical-practical training from universities and continuing education for graduates in relation to oral mucosal pathologies should be further promoted.

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in Periodontology with Simulated Patient: The Most Realistic Approach to Clinical Practice in Dentistry.

The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is becoming an increasingly established assessment test in dental schools. The use of simulated patients in the OSCE makes the stations more similar to clinical practice. Therefore, the student can show their technical and clinical knowledge, and certainly, their ability to manage the patient. These sorts of tests, in which simulated patients can be included, would be used before the student started clinical practice with patients and/or at the end of the degree. The objective of this work was to describe how the periodontology station was developed using a simulated patient for students of a fifth year dentistry degree taking an OSCE test. Furthermore, a questionnaire was created to learn the perception of the students about this station and its characteristics. The fifth year students at the European University of Madrid positively evaluated this station in their examination. In addition, it was recorded that they preferred a simulated patient in their tests, rather than stations with clinical cases, images, X-rays, and presentations. It is essential that once the OSCE has been completed, the student receives a feedback to learn where they have failed and, therefore, be able to improve any of the aspects evaluated in the station.

Study Regarding the Optimal Dimension of Intraoral Bitewing Radiographs in Patients with Primary Dentition.

The aim of this study was to determine the optimum dimensions of a radiographic plate to allow correct visualization of dental tissues and correct fit in the oral cavity of children with deciduous dentition. A quasi-experimental clinical study was carried out in children of both sexes aged between 3 and 5 years. The study variables were the complete visualization of the dental structures, the surveillance of ischemia on soft tissues, stimulation of the gag reflex, and acceptance of the radiographic plate by the pediatric patient through a validated visual analogue scale that measures anxiety. The data obtained were subjected to a descriptive and comparative statistical analysis carried out for both study phases. A total of 80 children participated in the study. The optimal dimensions obtained for the radiographic plate were 19.5 mm in height and 27.3 mm in width. Visualization of the dental tissues during both phases was not statistically significant (p = 0.412). However, there were statistically significant differences regarding the presence of ischemia, gag reflex, and child rejection (p < 0.001). A smaller radiographic plate allows correct visualization of the coronal dental tissues without causing rejection, ischemia, or gag reflex in patients in the deciduous dentition.

Assessment of Clinical Parameters of Dental Anxiety during Noninvasive Treatments in Dentistry.

Dental anxiety is a matter of interest for the dentist since an anxious patient is a potential source of complications in the dental office. The main objectives of this study are to describe the correlation between dental anxiety levels and the values of physiological parameters related to dental anxiety and to study the evolution of blood pressure and heart rate over time during noninvasive dental treatments, i.e., not requiring local anesthesia. A descriptive, longitudinal, and prospective observational study was designed. The study population consisted of 200 patients who attended a university clinic for dental treatment without local anesthesia. The patients were asked to complete the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale. Afterward, blood pressure and heart rate were measured by means of a digital sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure and heart rate were taken throughout the procedure on four occasions. Most of the patients showed mild dental anxiety (5 [IQR: 3] points on Corah Dental Anxiety Scale). Significant but weak correlations were found between the level of dental anxiety and heart rate (Spearman rho: 0.166 and 0.176; p = 0.019 and 0.013; 3 min before and after treatment, respectively), as well as between the level of dental anxiety and the duration of treatment (Spearman rho: 0.191 3 min; p = 0.007). As for the evolution of physiological parameters, all patients showed a progressive decrease in values at different time points during treatment. When the types of treatment were evaluated separately, it was observed that there were statistically significant differences between them with respect to the level of dental anxiety (p = 0.006).

Adaptation of clinical subjects in Dentistry to virtual environments during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Spanish University: A case study.

INTRODUCTION: The evolution of the pandemic has generated a crisis in all areas, also including the faculties of dentistry. We detail how the teaching guides for clinical subjects have been adapted in the Department of Clinical Dentistry at the Universidad Europea of Madrid, moving to a 100% online environment. USUAL DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL PRACTICES IN THE DDS DEGREE OF UEM: Students in the fourth and fifth year of DDS degree take the courses "Introduction to Clinical Practice" and "Supervised Practice." Within the framework of continuous assessment, different systems and procedures are used to evaluate knowledge, skills or competences. CURRICULAR ADAPTATION DURING THE PERIOD OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: It was necessary to adapt the practical contents to virtual contents. 35% of the course (12 weeks) was adapted to a 100% online environment. Several activities were carried out that could be evaluated in real time, including lectures, clinical cases and resolution of multidisciplinary dental treatments. DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL PRACTICES IN HEALTH EDUCATION IN OTHER INSTITUTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC: A narrative review was conducted to identify how this situation has been addressed in other institutions and countries; finding that similarly, it has been possible to establish monitoring of clinical practices in a virtual environment. An online questionnaire was conducted to the fourth and fifth year students of DDS degree to stablish the acceptance of the adaptation during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of online training for the development of clinical practice, a system has been established to ensure appropriate clinical training for undergraduate students in dentistry. Some of the developments were well accepted by the students.

Terapia fotodinámica para el tratamiento de lesiones orales potencialmente malignas / Photodynamic therapy for treatment of potentially malignant oral lesions

La terapia fotodinámica (TFD) es un método tópico, no invasivo y selectivo para lesiones orales potencialmente malignas, el objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es el de revisar la evidencia científica existente sobre el empleo de la terapia fotodinámica (TFD) en el tratamiento de dichas lesiones orales. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Pubmed, limitando la búsqueda a los últimos 20 años. Se incluyeron 24 artículos entre estudios y reportes de casos. Utilizando diferentes fuentes de luz para la activación del fotosensibilizante acumulado en las células a tratar, prácticamente todos los estudios revisados encontraron buenos resultados, clínicos y estéticos, con efectos adversos leves (dolor) y con reducciones tanto de la incidencia como de la gravedad de las lesiones orales encontradas.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a topical, non-invasive and selective method for potentially malignant oral lesions. The aim of this article is to present a literature review of the scientific evidence for the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of these oral lesions. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, limiting the search to the last 20 years. Finally, 24 articles including studies and case reports were selected. Using different light sources for the activation of the photosensitising agent accumulated in the cells to treat, practically all of the studies reviewed showed good clinical and aesthetic results, with minor adverse effects (pain) and with reductions in both incidence and severity of the oral lesions found.

[Diabetes and periodontitis: A bidirectional relationship]. / Diabetes y periodontitis: una relación bidireccional.

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, a defect in insulin action or a combination of both. Periodontitis is now considered a chronic localized infection of the oral cavity that can trigger inflammatory host immune responses at local and systemic levels, and can also be a source of bacteremia. It is now known that periodontitis has an influence on the pathogenesis of certain systemic diseases. The biological relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease is well documented. In the mid-90s sufficient scientific support for the association between diabetes and periodontitis was published, and periodontitis was designated as the sixth complication of diabetes. There have been studies that show an improvement in both clinical and immunological parameters of periodontitis and glycemic control in long-term diabetes after treatment of periodontal disease. In addition, scientific evidence confirms that poorer glycemic control contributes to a worse periodontal condition. The interplay between the 2 conditions highlights the importance of the need for a good communication between the internist and dentist about diabetic patients, considering always the possibility that the 2 diseases may be occurring simultaneously in order to ensure an early diagnosis of both.

[Side effects of drugs on the oral cavity]. / Reacciones adversas a medicamentos en la cavidad oral.

Although drugs are the most powerful therapeutic tools we have for improving the quality of life of the population, their use is not free of adverse effects. Today there are many polymedicated patients, and it is difficult to find the cause of their adverse effects that increase exponentially when more than 4 drugs are combined. There are a large number of drugs that can result in numerous adverse effects in the oral cavity. The most common are xerostomia, altered taste, gingival enlargement and mucositis caused by cancer treatment. We also review other disorders of the salivary glands, oral mucosal changes, pigmentations, halitosis, osteonecrosis, opportunistic infections and bleeding diathesis.

[Use of laser for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer]. / Utilización del láser para la prevención y el tratamiento de la mucositis oral inducida por quimioterapia y radioterapia de cabeza y cuello.

One of the complications of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is oral mucositis. Since the low energy laser is one of the most frequently recommended interventions by authors and international societies, the aim of this study is to review the scientific evidence on the use of lasers as a preventive and therapeutic in oral mucositis associated with treatment of cancer. We performed a literature search in PubMed and The Cochrane Collaboration Library, limiting the search to the last 20 years. We finally included 29 articles that contained 30 studies. Low energy laser phototherapy seems a promising intervention in both the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis associated with cancer treatment. Virtually all studies reviewed showed good results with no adverse effects and reductions in both incidence and severity of mucositis in all types of cancer treatments.

[Tranexamic acid gel in patients treated with oral anticoagulants]. / Aplicación de un gel de ácido tranexámico en pacientes tratados con anticoagulantes orales.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients treated with oral anticoagulants have increased susceptibility to bleeding, and therefore any surgical medical procedure and especially oral surgery requires a therapeutic approach that minimizes bleeding effects in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The working hypothesis was based on studies of local application of tranexamic acid after maxillofacial interventions as effective therapeutic alternative for the prevention and control of bleeding. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of the application of a gel solution tranexamic acid after tooth extraction in anticoagulated patients in terms of healing time and degree of healing. RESULTS: The results indicate that application of tranexamic acid gel is very effective for consistency and maintenance in the place of action and shows its efficacy as a procoagulant material. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a gel solution of tranexamic acid in oral anticoagulants patients ameliorates healing time and the bleeding time within the first 48-72 h.

[Clinical manifestations of hematological non-neoplastic diseases in Dentistry]. / Manifestaciones clínicas de las hemopatías no neoplásicas en Odontología.

Systemic disease can cause clinical manifestations in the oral and maxillofacial area, which is important to recognize because it could be the first symptom of an undiagnosed illness. There are different oral signs that could suggest the clinician a blood disorder, such as pallor, petechiae, ecchymosis, ulcerations, gingival hypertrophy or spontaneous gingival bleeding. In addition, blood disorders will determine the dental management of these patients and the protocol for limiting possible complications that may arise due to the treatment itself. This paper reviews the oral manifestations and dental management of non-neoplastic alterations of red cells, white cells and hemostasis, with emphasis on two-way relationship that must exist between the dentist and the patient's hematologist for making a treatment plan.

[Relationship between odontogenic infections and infective endocarditis]. / Infecciones orales y endocarditis infecciosa.

Revised guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis published by national and international associations in the last years do not support the indiscriminate use of antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures. However, some of them still recommend its use in high-risk patients before dental treatments likely to cause bleeding. Given the high prevalence of bacteremia of dental origin due to tooth-brushing, mastication or other daily activities, it appears unlikely that infective endocarditis from oral microorganisms can be completely prevented. A good oral health status and satisfactory level of oral hygiene are sufficient to control the consequences of the systemic spread of oral microorganisms in healthy individuals. However, caution is still needed and prophylactic antibiotics must be administered to susceptible or medically compromised patients. This review briefly outlines the current concepts of odontogenic bacteremia and antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing dental treatment.

Case report of necrotizing sialometaplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a rare inflammatory necrotizing reactive process that can involve minor and major salivary glands. Gland tissue ischaemia has been proposed as the aetiology. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old woman was referred with a 1-week history of bilateral painful swelling of the palate, with the development of two deep ulcers after the first 3 days. Ulcer edges were elevated but not indurated, and the bases had a necrotic appearance. An incisional biopsy of the margin of one ulcer confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing sialometaplasia. The ulcers spontaneously healed within 8 weeks without treatment. DISCUSSION: The clinical and histological similarity between this entity and a malignant lesion implies a risk of unnecessary or inadequate treatment. This case illustrates the need for an incisional biopsy to be analyzed by an experienced pathologist to establish a correct diagnosis.

Odontogenic infections in the etiology of infective endocarditis.

Revised guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis published by the American Heart Association in 2007 do not support the indiscriminate use of antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures. However, they still recommend the use of prophylaxis for high-risk patients before dental treatments likely to cause bleeding. Given the high prevalence of bacteremia of dental origin due to tooth-brushing, mastication or other daily activities, it appears unlikely that infective endocarditis from oral microorganisms can be completely prevented. A good oral health status and satisfactory level of oral hygiene are sufficient to control the consequences of the systemic spread of oral microorganisms in healthy individuals. However, caution is still needed and prophylactic antibiotics must be administered to susceptible or medically compromised patients. This review briefly outlines the current concepts of odontogenic bacteraemia and antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing dental treatment.