Discriminatory performance of the pulpal inflammatory biomarkers; Interleukin-8 and TNF-α in patients with symptoms indicative of reversible and irreversible pulpitis: A diagnostic accuracy study.

AIM: The success of vital pulp treatment (VPT) procedures is dependent on an accurate diagnosis of the pulpal inflammatory condition. Compared with current subjective pulpal diagnostic tests, inflammatory molecular biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis represent potential objective indicators of the degree of pulpal inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify level of inflammatory biomarkers - Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and TNF-α in patients diagnosed with reversible pulpitis (RP), irreversible pulpitis (IR) and normal pulp (NP) and investigate their diagnostic accuracy in differentiating between healthy and inflamed conditions. METHODOLOGY: This prospective, cross-sectional study enrolled 72 patients aged 14-53 years with extremely deep carious lesions after establishing a clinical diagnosis of RP (n = 42), symptomatic IR (n = 22) and NP (n = 8). 50 µL of pulpal blood sample was collected from all the patients using a micropipette after pulpal exposure. The level of IL-8 and TNF-α was assessed in pg/mL using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to establish the association between IL-8/TNF-α level and degree of pulp inflammation. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was carried out to calculate area under the curve (AUC) for RP versus IR. Cut-off values were established using Youden's index. RESULTS: IL-8 and TNF-α levels differed significantly between RP and IR groups (p ≤ .001). The median value of IL-8 in RP and IP groups was 259.8 pg/mL [187.5-310.0] and 1357.8 pg/mL [1036.7-2177.6] respectively. The AUC-ROC curve for RP versus IR was 0.997 with 95.5% sensitivity and 99.76% specificity. The median value of TNF-α in RP and IR groups was 75.4 pg/mL [62.7-95.8] and 157.6 pg/mL [94.1-347.3]. The AUC-ROC curve for TNF-α was 0.812 with a sensitivity and specificity of 59.1% and 92.1%, respectively. IL-8 and TNF-α levels were below detection levels for all NP samples. CONCLUSION: This study showed that pulpal blood could provide an excellent medium for establishing pulpal diagnosis under extremely deep carious lesions. The selected cytokines, IL-8 and TNF-α, demonstrated excellent discriminatory performance for reversible and irreversible pulpitis. Future studies should correlate the IL-8/TNF-α levels with VPT treatment outcomes.

Molecular biomarkers for objective assessment of symptomatic pulpitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory biomarkers are potentially useful targets for pulpal diagnostic tests that can identify pulp status and predict vital pulp treatment (VPT) outcome, however, their accuracy is unknown. OBJECTIVES: (1) Calculate sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of previously investigated pulpitic biomarkers; (2) Determine if biomarker levels discriminate between clinical diagnoses of pulpitis based on the presence or absence of spontaneous pain (3) Evaluate if biomarker level can predict VPT outcome. METHODS: Searches: PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid SP, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus in May 2023. INCLUSION: prospective and retrospective observational studies and randomized trials. Participants were humans with vital permanent teeth and a well-defined pulpal diagnosis. EXCLUSION: deciduous teeth, in vitro and animal studies. Risk of bias was assessed with modified-Downs and Black quality assessment checklist. Meta-analysis was performed using bivariate random effect model in Meta-DiSc 2.0 and RevMan and the quality of the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS: Fifty-six studies were selected, reporting >70 individual biomolecules investigating pulpal health and disease at the gene and protein level. Most studies were of low and fair quality. Among the biomolecules investigated, IL-8 and IL-6 demonstrated a level of diagnostic accuracy with high sensitivity, specificity and DOR to discriminate between healthy pulps and those exhibiting spontaneous pain suggestive of IRP (low-certainty evidence). However, none was shown to have high DOR and the ability to discriminate between pulpitic states (very low certainty evidence). Limited data suggests high levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 correlate with poorer outcomes of full pulpotomy. DISCUSSION: The inability of identified molecular inflammatory markers to discriminate between dental pulps with spontaneous and non-spontaneous pain should shift the focus to improved study quality or the pursuit of other molecules potentially associated with healing and repair. CONCLUSIONS: Low-quality evidence suggests IL-8 and IL-6 demonstrated level of diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between healthy pulps and those exhibiting spontaneous pain. There is a need for standardized biomarker diagnostic and prognostic studies focusing on solutions that can accurately determine the degree of pulp inflammation. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021259305.

Diagnostic potential and future directions of matrix metalloproteinases as biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid of oral and systemic diseases.

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is a physiological fluid and an inflammatory serum exudate derived from the gingival plexus of blood vessels and mixed with host tissues and subgingival plaque flows. In addition to proteins, GCF contains a diverse population of cells, including desquamated epithelial cells, cytokines, electrolytes, and bacteria from adjacent plaques. Recently, matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs), which are endopeptidases that are active against extracellular macromolecules, in GCF have been revealed as potential utility biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of oral and systemic diseases, thereby facilitating the early evaluation of malignancy risk and the monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are specific inhibitors of matrixins that participate in the regulation of local activities of MMPs in tissues. This review provides an overview of the latest findings on the diagnostic and prognostic values of MMPs and TIMPs in GCF of oral and systemic diseases, including periodontal disease, pulpitis, peri-implantitis and cardiovascular disease as well as the extraction, detection and analytical methods for GCF.

Paediatric dental pain and infection during the COVID period.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus pandemic, paediatric patients will still likely present with dental pain and infection. In order to streamline care at King's College Hospital (KCH), Paediatric Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) have developed a collaborative working approach allowing patients to be treated effectively and to streamline patient care in the absence of easy access to general anaesthetic facilities. METHOD: Presenting complaints, treatment need and the treatment received were recorded for all paediatric patients presenting with dental pain and infection in the "lockdown" period (23rd March- 14th June) during "normal" working hours and "out of hours" to either paediatric dentistry or OMFS. RESULTS: 420 calls were triaged which converted to 67 patients seen face-to-face for oro-facial pain and infection. 41% of children were treated successfully under Local anaesthetic alone, only 13% required a general anaesthetic (GA) in the "lockdown" period. The vast majority of patients had antibiotics prescribed prior to attendance (80%). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the demographic, presenting complaints and treatment need of patients who presented to KCH during the lockdown period with dental pain and infection. The majority were able to be treated without needing for GA facilities. This paper highlights how a collaborative approach between paediatric dentistry and OMFS can help streamline patient care and is a model which can be adopted by other units in the event of further "lockdowns".

Oximetría de pulso y su eficacia para diagnosticar vitalidad pulpar / Pulse oximetry and its use in diagnosing pulp vitality

Objetivo: Identificar y analizar en la literatura científica reciente el uso de la oximetría de pulso como método diagnóstico de vitalidad pulpar. Metodología: En este trabajo se llevó a cabo una revisión de la literatura en las plataformas de PubMed y Google Académico, en la cual se analizó el uso de la oximetría de pulso en el diagnóstico y monitoreo odontológico del estado pulpar. Resultados: Después de una exhaustiva revisión, y de acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se analizaron 21 artículos. La mayoría de los trabajos consideran la oximetría de pulso un método alternativo de diagnóstico indoloro, seguro y eficaz; sin embargo, la adaptación de un instrumento de uso exclusivo odontológico es necesaria para una medición exacta de la saturación de oxígeno en la pulpa dental. Los avances tecnológicos en el campo clínico de la odontología nos han llevado a la búsqueda de nuevas técnicas diagnósticas clínicas para mejorar la atención y los tratamientos de los pacientes que acuden día con día a recibir una consulta odontológica. Conclusiones: En los últimos años la oximetría de pulso ha demostrado ser una herramienta de diagnóstico eficaz para el diagnóstico de la vitalidad pulpar. El análisis de los artículos incluidos en esta revisión concluye que la oximetría de pulso es una técnica innovadora que puede ser utilizada como una herramienta diagnóstica adyuvante en el diagnóstico de la vitalidad pulpar (AU)

Objective: To identify and analyze in the recent scientific literature the use of pulse oximetry as a diagnostic method for pulp vitality. Methodology: In this work, a literature review was carried out on the PubMed and Google Scholar platforms in which the use of pulse oximetry in the dental diagnosis and monitoring of pulp status was analyzed. Results: After an exhaustive review and in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed. Most of the studies consider pulse oximetry an alternative method of painless, safe and effective diagnosis, however, the adaptation of an instrument for exclusive dental use is necessary for an exact measurement of the oxygen saturation in the dental pulp. Technological advances in the clinical field of dentistry have led us to search for new clinical diagnostic techniques to improve the care and treatment of patients who come every day to receive a dental consultation. Conclusions: In recent years, pulse oximetry has proven to be an effective diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of pulp vitality. The analysis of the articles included in this review concludes that pulse oximetry is an innovative technique that can be used as an adjunct diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of pulp vitality (AU)

Accuracy of the dental pulp sensibility test using cold spray for the diagnosis of pulp diseases: an observational clinical study

The dental pulp sensibility test is one of the main auxiliary resources for the diagnosis of pulp pathologies, and its accuracy is still debatable. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated the accuracy of the pulp sensibility test (PST) using cold spray (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) for the diagnosis of pulp diseases and determined the effect of individual and clinical variables on the reliability of this test. The paper was designed following the STROBE statement. Sixty patients with indications for primary endodontic treatment were selected and examined from August 2017 to July 2018. Data collection was performed through interviews, clinical/radiographic examinations and the PST. The results of the cold test, along with data on sex, age, the tooth type regarding the root number, and the presence of restorations and caries, as well as the recent consumption of analgesics, were recorded. The presence of bleeding within the pulp chamber was used as the gold standard to compare with the clinical diagnosis and to identify the true-positive, false-positive, true-negative, and false-negative responses. The accuracy of PST achieved in subgroups of individual and clinical variables was compared using the chi-square test with a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). The PST with the use of cold spray showed a sensitivity of 0.88, a specificity of 1.00, a positive predictive value of 1.00, a negative predictive value of 0.86, and an accuracy of 0.93. The accuracy of the cold spray was not affected by individual or clinical variables. The PST with the use of cold spray is an accurate and reliable method for determining the diagnosis of pulp diseases, especially in cases of pulp vitality or irreversible pulpitis.

Screening of dental and sinus infections in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased risk of infections. Screening for oral (dental and/or sinus) infection could be proposed before biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) initiation but is not systematically recommended. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of oral infection in RA patients requiring bDMARDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a monocentric retrospective study. We included patients with RA and active disease requiring bDMARDs. Dental infection and sinusitis were assessed by a stomatologist and otorhinolaryngologist after clinical, panoramic dental X-ray and sinus CT evaluation. Factors associated with oral infections were analysed in uni- and multivariate models, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 223 RA patients (79.4% women, mean disease duration 8.9 ± 8.6 years). The mean age was 54.4 ± 10.9 years and mean Disease Activity Score in 28 joints 5.5 ± 2.6. Systematic dental screening revealed infection requiring treatment before bDMARDs initiation in 46 (20.9%) patients. Sinusitis was diagnosed by the otorhinolaryngologist in 33 (14.8%) patients. Among the 223 patients, 69 (30.9%) had dental and/or sinus infection. On univariate analysis, active smoking was associated with increased probability of oral infection (OR = 2.16 [95% CI 1.02-4.57], P = .038) and methotrexate with reduced probability (OR = 0.43 [95% CI 0.23-0.81], P = .006). On multivariate analysis, no RA variables were associated with oral infection. CONCLUSION: In our study, asymptomatic oral infection was confirmed in one third of RA patients.

Importancia semiológica del dolor durante etapas de un proceso inflamatorio pulpar / Semiological importance of pain during the stages of a pulpal inflammation process

RESUMEN Introducción: Existe la tentativa de realizar un diagnóstico del proceso inflamatorio pulpar, basado en el aspecto histopatológico, el cual es irreal pues no se puede comparar estos hallazgos con los clínicos. Resulta más objetivo y confiable, analizar las características del dolor que expresa la evolución pulpar en cada etapa y establecer un diagnóstico certero que permita precisar el tipo de tratamiento. Objetivo: Interpretar el curso de un proceso inflamatorio pulpar a través de las variables asociadas a estímulos nociceptivos. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre las variables en relación con el dolor y su asociación con un estado inflamatorio pulpar. Se analizaron 24 artículos científicos en relación con el dolor pulpar, se escogieron 15 por ser los más afines al propósito perseguido, y todos corresponden a los últimos 5 años, publicados en revistas internacionales y nacionales. PubMed se utilizó como fuente fundamental de búsqueda; otras bases de datos también consultadas fueron Lilacs, Hinari y Medline. Análisis e integración de la información: Las condiciones pulpares se clasifican como: pulpitis reversible, transicional, irreversible y pulpa necrótica. La semiología del dolor se sustenta en cuatro variables básicas asociadas a los estímulos nociceptivos que son: cualidad del dolor pulpar puede ser punzante o continuo, su curso intermitente o continuo, su localización limitado a una región de la boca, irradiado y referido, y su intensidad considerada como leve, moderado o severo. Conclusiones: Las variables asociadas a los estímulos nociceptivos revisten importancia semiológica, pues permiten valorar las manifestaciones dolorosas por las que transita un proceso inflamatorio pulpar(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Attempts have been made to diagnose the pulpal inflammatory process based on its histopathological features, but to no avail, for these findings cannot be compared with clinical results. It would be more objective and reliable to analyze the characteristics of the pain expressing the pulpal evolution at each stage and establish an accurate diagnosis allowing the choice of the type of treatment to be indicated. Objective: Interpret the course of a pulpal inflammatory process through variables associated to nociceptive stimuli. Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted about the study variables with respect to pain and its association to a pulpal inflammatory state. A total 24 scientific papers were analyzed which dealt with pulpal pain, of which 15 were selected for being the most closely related to the goal pursued and having been published in international and national journals in the last five years. PubMed was the main source searched, while other databases such as Lilacs, Hinari and Medline were also consulted. Data analysis and integration: Pulpal conditions are classified into reversible, transitional, irreversible pulpitis and necrotic pulp. Pain semiology is based on the following four basic variables associated to nociceptive stimuli: pulpal pain quality (sharp or continuous), course (intermittent or continuous), location (limited to a region in the mouth, radiating or referred) and intensity (mild, moderate or severe). Conclusions: The variables associated to nociceptive stimuli are semiologically important, for they make it possible to evaluate the painful manifestations gone through by a pulpal inflammatory process(AU)

Urgência em Endodontia: diagnóstico e tratamento em casos de pulpite irreversível sintomática / Urgency in Endodontics: Diagnosis and Treatment in Cases of Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

Objetivo: discutir sobre o diagnóstico e a conduta terapêutica em casos de urgência endodôntica em dentes que apresentam pulpite irreversível sintomática. Material e Métodos: realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica de estudos publicados nos últimos 5 anos (2015- 2020) por meio de busca nas bases de dados: PubMED, BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) e Scielo (Scientific Eletronic Library). Para a pesquisa, foram utilizados os seguintes descritores: Pulpite Irreversível (Irreversible Pulpitis), Tratamento (Treatment), Dor (Pain) e Endodontia (Endodontics). Resultados: O diagnóstico é um passo fundamental no tratamento das urgências e emergências de origem endodôntica, pois é a partir do correto diagnóstico que será instituído o tratamento correto, reestabelecendo o conforto do paciente. Quando o profissional dispõe de tempo suficiente para realizar a remoção do tecido pulpar e o preparo do canal radicular, esse é o tratamento de escolha para os casos de pulpite irreversível sintomática, o qual pode ser realizado em sessão única ou em múltiplas sessões. Quando o profissional não dispõe de tempo suficiente para realizar o tratamento endodôntico convencional, a opção de tratamento é realizar apenas o atendimento de urgência para retirar o paciente do quadro de dor aguda presente, e em um momento futuro realizar o tratamento endodôntico completo. Conclusão: As urgências endodônticas sempre estão presentes nos consultórios odontológicos, os profissionais devem estar sempre preparados para realizar um correto diagnóstico e tratamento para cada caso, trazendo assim conforto ao paciente.

Objective: to discuss the diagnosis and therapeutic management in cases of endodontic urgency in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Material and Methods: a bibliographic review of studies published in the last 5 years (2015-2020) was carried out by searching the databases: PubMED, BVS (Virtual Health Library) and Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library). For the research, the following descriptors were used: Irreversible Pulpitis, Treatment, Pain and Endodontics. Results: The diagnosis is a fundamental step in the treatment of urgencies and emergencies of endodontic origin, as it is from the correct diagnosis that the correct treatment will be instituted, reestablishing the patient's comfort. When the professional has enough time to remove the pulp tissue and prepare the root canal, this is the treatment of choice for cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, which can be performed in a single session or in multiple sessions. When the professional does not have enough time to carry out the conventional endodontic treatment, the treatment option is to perform only emergency care to remove the patient from the present acute pain condition, and at a future time to carry out the complete endodontic treatment. Conclusion: Endodontic emergencies are always present in dental offices, professionals must always be prepared to carry out a correct diagnosis and treatment for each case, thus bringing comfort to the patient.

Pulpitis crónica hiperplásica. presentación de un caso / Pulpitecrônica hiperplásica. apresentação de um caso / Chronichyperplastic pulpitis. case report

Se presentó un caso en la Clínica Estomatológica Ramón Guevara Montano de Baracoa, provincia Guantánamo, con diagnóstico de pulpitis hiperplásica a nivel del segundo premolar superior derecho (diente 15). El diagnóstico se realizó siguiendo los principios del método clínico y con apoyo de los medios auxiliares de diagnóstico. Se realizó biopulpectomía y la paciente evolucionó de forma satisfactoria al ser respetados los principios básicos de la endodoncia: diagnóstico, instrumentación biomecánica y obturación del conducto radicular en longitud y amplitud(AU)

A case at the Ramón Guevara Montano Stomatology Clinic in Baracoa, Guantánamo province, with diagnosis of hyperplastic pulpitis at the second upper right premolar (tooth 15) was presented. The diagnosis was made following the principles of the clinical method and support of diagnostic aids. Biopulpectomy was performed and the patient progress was satisfactory being respected the basic principles of endodontics: diagnosis, biomechanical instrumentation and closed of the canal or root in length and width(AU)

Um caso na Clínica de Estomatologia Ramón Guevara Montano em Baracoa, província de Guantánamo, com diagnóstico de pulpite hiperplásica no nível do segundo pré-molar superior direito (dente 15) foia presentado. O diagnóstico foi feito seguindo os princípios do método clínico e com o apoio de auxiliares de diagnóstico. A biopulpectomia foi realizada e o paciente evoluiu satisfatoriamente, respeitando-se os princípios básicos da endodontia: diagnóstico, instrumentação biomecânica e obturação do canal radicular em comprimento e amplitude(AU)

Pulp Inflammation Diagnosis from Clinical to Inflammatory Mediators: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Similar to other tissues, the dental pulp mounts an inflammatory reaction as a way to eliminate pathogens and stimulate repair. Pulp inflammation is prerequisite for dentin pulp complex repair and regeneration; otherwise, chronic disease or pulp necrosis occurs. Evaluation of pulp inflammation severity is necessary to predict the clinical success of maintaining pulp vitality. Clinical limitations to evaluating in situ inflammatory status are well-described. A molecular approach that aids clinical distinction between reversible and irreversible pulpitis could improve the success rate of vital pulp therapy. The aim of this article is to review inflammatory mediator expression in the context of clinical diagnosis. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases for articles published between 1970 and December 2016. Only published studies of inflammatory mediator expression related to clinical diagnosis were eligible for inclusion and analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-two articles were analyzed. Two molecular approaches were described by study methods, protein expression analysis and gene expression analysis. Our review indicates that interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase 9, tumor necrosis factor-α, and receptor for advanced glycation end products expression increase at both the gene and protein levels during inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical irreversible pulpitis is related to specific levels of inflammatory mediator expression. The difference in expression between reversible and irreversible disease is both quantitative and qualitative. On the basis of our analysis, in situ quantification of inflammatory mediators may aid in the clinical distinction between reversible and irreversible pulpitis.

Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging analysis of dental pulp inflammatory diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy let characterize the macromolecular composition and distribution of tissues and cells, by studying the interaction between infrared radiation and matter. Therefore, we hypothesize to exploit this analytical tool in the analysis of inflamed pulps, to detect the different biochemical features related to various degrees of inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IR maps of 13 irreversible and 12 hyperplastic pulpitis, together with 10 normal pulps, were acquired, compared with histological findings and submitted to multivariate (HCA, PCA, SIMCA) and statistical (one-way ANOVA) analysis. The fit of convoluted bands let calculate meaningful band area ratios (means ± s.d., P < 0.05). RESULTS: The infrared imaging analysis pin-pointed higher amounts of water and lower quantities of type I collagen in all inflamed pulps. Specific vibrational markers were defined for irreversible pulpitis (Lipids/Total Biomass, PhII/Total Biomass, CH2 /CH3 , and Ty/AII) and hyperplastic ones (OH/Total Biomass, Collagen/Total Biomass, and CH3 Collagen/Total Biomass). CONCLUSION: The study confirmed that FTIR microspectroscopy let discriminate tissues' biological features. The infrared imaging analysis evidenced, in inflamed pulps, alterations in tissues' structure and composition. Changes in lipid metabolism, increasing amounts of tyrosine, and the occurrence of phosphorylative processes were highlighted in irreversible pulpitis, while high amounts of water and low quantities of type I collagen were detected in hyperplastic samples.

Enfermedades pulpares y periapicales en pacientes sistémicamente comprometidos en el Centro de Salud de Uayma, Yucatán, México / Pulp and periapical diseases in systemically compromised patients: Health Center of Uayma, Yucatan, Mexico

Introducción: el diagnóstico preciso de las enfermedades pulpares y periapicales es una fase en que se evalúan los factores sistémicos y locales. La diabetes es un ejemplo de enfermedad sistémica crónica degenerativa. En México en el 2012, se reportaron 418 797 casos, así como otras enfermedades asociadas, como son la hipertensión arterial y la insuficiencia renal. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de enfermedades pulpares o periapicales en pacientes sistémicamente comprometidos que acudieron al Centro de Salud de Uayma, Yucatán, México durante el 2013. Métodos: estudio descriptivo observacional. El universo fue de 689 pacientes. El muestreo fue no probabilístico, por conveniencia de 100 pacientes de 18 y más años de edad que presentaron alguna enfermedad sistémica y enfermedad pulpar o periapical. Bajo un consentimiento informado y voluntario se realizó, previa evaluación médica por el galeno adjunto, una historia dental, evaluación de los signos y síntomas de dolor, pruebas pulpares (térmicas y eléctricas), palpación y percusión y abordaje diagnóstico con tinción/transiluminación, así como la toma, examinación e interpretación de las imágenes radiográficas periapicales para confirmar el diagnóstico de enfermedades periapicales. Para el procesamiento de los datos se empleó la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: el 67 por ciento presentó enfermedades pulpares o periapicales. Se analizaron 106 órganos dentales, 41,5 por ciento manifestaron enfermedades pulpares y 58,5 por ciento periapicales; entre estas la más prevalente fue el absceso dentoalveolar crónico con 45,2 por ciento. La enfermedad sistémica que prevaleció fue la diabetes mellitus con 38 por ciento, la cual se presentó acompañada con hipertensión en 17 por ciento y con epilepsia en el 1 por ciento. De estos pacientes con diabetes mellitus, la enfermedad más frecuente fue la periapical con 53,6 por ciento. Conclusiones: en el paciente sistémicamente comprometido existe una frecuencia alta de las enfermedades pulpares y periapicales. La presencia de estas manifestaciones puede ser consecuencia de una respuesta de la pulpa dental ante la ausencia de un tratamiento odontológico oportuno y de la condición sistémica del paciente(AU)

Introduction: accurate diagnosis of pulpal and periapical diseases is a phase in which systemic and local factors are evaluated. Diabetes is an example of chronic degenerative systemic disease. In 2012, there were 418 797 cases as well as other associated diseases, such as hypertension and renal failure in Mexico. Objective: to determine the frequency of pulpal and periapical diseases in systemically compromised patients who attended the Health Center Uayma, Yucatan, Mexico in 2013. Methods: observational and descriptive study was conducted. The universe of study was 689 patients. A non-probabilistic, convenience sampling of 100 patients aged 18 and older, which had some kind of systemic disease and also pulpal or periapical disease. With the voluntary informed consent and a prior medical evaluation by the attending physician, a dental history, the assessment of pain signs and symptoms of pain, pulp testing (thermal and electrical), palpation and percussion and diagnostic approach with staining/transillumination were made as well as radiographic periapical images were taken, analyzed and interpreted to confirm the diagnosis of periapical diseases. Summary statistics was used for data processing. Results: sixty-seven percent of patients had pulpal or periapical diseases. One hundred and six dental organs were analyzed, 41.5 percent showed pulpal diseases and 58.5 percent periapical diseases, being the chronic dentoalveolar abscess with 45.2 percent the predominant one. Prevailing systemic disease was diabetes mellitus with 38 percent of cases, accompanied with hypertension in 17 percent and epilepsy in 1 percent of patients. In the diabetic patients, the most common disease was the periapical one for 53.6 percent. Conclusions: the systemically compromised patient faces highly frequent pulpal and periapical diseases. They may result from the response of the dental pulp to the lack of timely odontologic treatment and the systemic condition of the patient(AU)

Endodontic Treatment of Hypertaurodontic Mandibular Molar Using Reciprocating Single-file System: A Case Report.

Taurodontism is a developmental tooth disorder characterized by lack of constriction in the cementoenamel junction and consequent vertical stretch of the pulp chamber, accompanied by apical displacement of the pulpal floor. The endodontic treatment of teeth with this type of morpho-anatomical anomaly is challenging. The purpose of this article is to report the successful endodontic treatment of a hypertaurodontic mandibular molar using a reciprocating single-file system.

Prevalence of endodontic diseases: an epidemiological evaluation in a Brazilian subpopulation

Aim: To determine the prevalence of pulp and periradicular diseases in a Brazilian subpopulation, correlating the prevalence with sex, age and most affected teeth. Methods: Data collected from medical records of patients treated at the Clinic of Specialization in Endodontics of the Federal University of Pernambuco between 2003 and 2010. The following variables were recorded for each patient: sex, age, affected teeth and diagnosed endodontic disease. Using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, the collected data analysis was set at a 5% significance level. Results: From all the treated teeth, 57% were diagnosed with pulp diseases, with the symptomatic irreversible pulpitis being the most prevalent (46.3%), while among the diagnosed periradicular diseases (43%), chronic apical periodontitis was the most prevalent (81%). Pulp diseases were detected in men and women in an unequal mode (p=0.008). Subjects under 40 years old had higher prevalence of pulp disease (p=0.286), and patients over 50 years were most affected by periradicular diseases (p=0.439). Maxillary incisors and mandibular first molars were the most affected teeth by endodontic diseases. Conclusions: In the evaluated subpopulation, the endodontic diseases were more prevalente in the maxillary incisive, affected indiscriminately individuals of different age groups and chronic apical periodontitis was the most prevalent diagnosed disease (Au)

Perception of discomfort during injection and the need for supplemental anesthesia in the intraosseous technique using 4 per cent articaine / Percepción de incomodidad durante la inyección y necesidad de anestesia suplementaria en anestesia intraósea usando articaína al 4

The authors conducted an experimental study to determine patient perception of discomfort during injection and the need for supplemental anesthesia using the intraosseous technique with 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in patients with symptomatic pulpitis in mandibular molars. At different clinical sessions, researchers used 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine to apply intraosseous injection (Group 1) or inferior alveolar nerve block (Group 2). Each technique was applied in 35 patients. In each group, the need for additional anesthesia was determined and patient discomfort during injection was assessed with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) test. In the intraosseous group, no supplemental technique was needed in 22 patients (62.85 %), and results were similar for the inferior alveolar technique (n: 23 65.71%). The intraosseous technique proved to be more comfortable than the mandibular technique (18 patients - 25.7%). This study found that the use of intraosseous technique with 4% articaine shows promising results regarding patient comfort and reducing the need for additional anesthesia.

Los autores condujeron un estudio experimental para deter minar la eficacia de la técnica anestésica intraósea usando articaína al 4% con epinefrina 1:100.000, en pacientes con pulpitis aguda en molares mandibulares. En diferentes sesiones clínicas, los miembros del equipo de investigadores usaron articaína al 4% con epinefrina 1:100.000 para inducir anestesia mandibular con la técnica intraósea (Grupo 1) o con el bloqueo del nervio alveolar inferior (Grupo 2), se aplicó cada técnica en 35 pacientes con diagnóstico de pulpitis aguda en molares inferiores. En cada grupo, se determinó la necesidad de hacer anestesia complementaria y la comodidad del paciente con un test Escala Visual Analoga. Un total de 70 pacientes fueron enrolados en este estudio (35 sujetos por grupo). En el grupo de intraósea no fue necesaria la aplicación de técnicas complementarias en 22 pacientes (31.4%), resultados similares en la técnica alveolar inferior (n: 23 32.8%). La técnica intraósea demostró ser más cómoda al compararla con técnica mandibular (18 pacientes 25.7%). Este estudio demostró que el uso de la técnica intraósea conarticaína al 4%, arrojó resultados prometedores en lo que a comodidad y reducción en la anestesia complementaria hace referencia.

Lesión endoperiodontal combinada secundaria a un traumatismo incisal / Combined endoperiodontal injury secondary to trauma incisal

Introducción: en la práctica estomatológica, es frecuente encontrar situaciones clínicas en las que, en una somera exploración, no es fácil determinar si se trata de una afección endodóntica, periodontal o una combinación de ambas, por lo que la clasificación de estas lesiones se realiza en relación con la fuente primaria de origen, que puede ser pulpar o periapical, y a partir de estas estructuras afectar al diente en su conjunto, extendiendo el proceso infeccioso, incluso hasta las crestas óseas; no existe marcada diferencia en cuanto a grupos de edades y sexo. Objetivos: el objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el caso clínico de lesión endoperiodontal combinada, secundaria a traumatismo incisal y la importancia de la radiografía para su diagnóstico. Datos del caso: paciente de sexo femenino con antecedentes de salud anterior que acude por presentar dolor y aumento de volumen de color rojo intenso en región de incisivos centrales superiores, radiográficamente aparece una lesión que involucra los tercios apicales de incisivos central y lateral, presentando vitalidad en este último. Fue tratada por el servicio de urgencia realizándosele el acceso cameral. Principales comentarios: Fue necesario realizar en una variedad de exámenes tanto clínicos como pruebas diagnósticas para la diferenciación entre las lesiones endodónticas y periodontales verdaderas. El diagnóstico definitivo solo pudo establecerse sobre la base de los hallazgos clínico-radiográficos. Se realizó un tratamiento combinado endodóntico y periodontal con un buen pronóstico(AU)

Introduction: in dental practice, it is common to find clinical situations in which, in a cursory examination, it is not clear whether this is an endodontic, periodontal or a combination of both affections, so that the classification of these lesions is performed in relation to the primary source of origin which may be pulp or periapical and from these structures affect the tooth as a whole; spreading the infection process, even the bony ridges. There are no marked difference in age groups and sex. Objectives: the aim of this paper is to present a case of combined endoperiodontal injury secondary to incisal trauma and the importance of radiography for diagnosis. Facts of the case: female patient with a history of previous health comes having pain and enlargement of deep red upper central incisor region, radiographically injury involving the apical thirds of central and lateral incisors appear, showing vitality in this one. It was treated by the emergency service by cameral access. Main comments: It was necessary in a variety of both clinical examination and diagnostic tests for differentiating between true endodontic and periodontal lesions. The definitive diagnosis could only be established on the basis of clinical and radiographic findings. Combined periodontal and endodontic treatment was performed with a good prognosis(AU)

Manejo endodóntico de un primer premolar maxilar con tres raíces / Endodontic management of a three-rooted maxillary first premolar

Objetivo: informar el manejo endodóntico de un primer premolar maxilar con tres raíces, mediante tratamiento de conductos adecuado a estos casos. Caso clínico: un paciente de sexo femenino, de 25 años de edad, se presentó a la consulta con un diagnóstico de pulpitis irreversible asintomática en la pieza 14. A partir de los hallazgos clínicos y radiográficos iniciales -que hacían sospechar una alteración en el número de conductos-, se comprobó la presencia de tres conductos radiculares. Esta situación obligó a realizar el tratamiento endodóntico con cuidados específicos para localizar todos los conductos radiculares y prevenir desgastes excesivos y/o perforaciones. Conclusión: el diagnóstico oportuno de esta variación anatómica permite establecer modificaciones en el protocolo del tratamiento de conductos, a fin de evitar el debilitamiento excesivo o, incluso, la perforación de su estrecha anatomía radicular