Healing and long-term prognosis of root-fractured permanent teeth: a retrospective longitudinal study.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate permanent teeth with post-traumatic transversal root fractures, for their initial healing modality, the effect of candidate predictors and their long-term prognosis. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective longitudinal clinical study was conducted to evaluate records from patients bearing transversal root fractures in permanent teeth in order to radiographically assess short-term healing and non-healing events in the fracture line, their prognostic factors and their relationship with long term outcomes. The inter-fragmentary tissues were classified as healing: hard tissue (HT), connective tissue (CT) or connective tissue and bone (CT + B) and non-healing: interposition of granulation tissue (GT). A competing risk survival analysis was conducted to estimate the hazards of healing and non-healing events in the short-term and the effect of demographic, clinical, and treatment variables was assessed using the subdistribution regression model (Fine & Gray). RESULTS: Radiographic findings showed 61.4% of healing in the short-term being strongly influenced by the presence and type of concomitant injuries to the coronal fragment. Teeth with concomitant crown fractures (sHR 24.38, 95% CI [3.16-188.3], p = 0.0022), luxations with dislocations (sHR 10.58, 95% CI [1.37-81.9], p = 0.0240) and subluxations (HR 9.66, 95% CI [1.14-81.7], p = 0.0370) were more likely to present non-healing of root fractures in the short-term. The healing rate in the long-term was of 75.9%, most of them with interposition of bone and connective tissue. Kappa statistics demonstrated an overall agreement of 67.1% between short and long-term healing patterns, in special HT and CT + Bone modalities. CONCLUSION: Healing at the fracture site was the most frequent outcome, both in the short-term and in the long-term. Short-term healing modality was strongly influenced by the presence and type of concomitant injuries to the crown fragment, being the worst prognosis observed in root-fractured teeth with concomitant crown fractures, followed by concomitant luxations with dislocation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Post-traumatic transversal root fractures have a positive prognosis supporting therefore, a more conservative approach for these teeth before considering more radical treatments.

A retrospective cohort study of pulp prognosis in luxated permanent teeth: a competing risk analysis.

AIM: The present retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate luxated permanent teeth for pulp prognosis and risk factors. METHODOLOGY: Case records and radiographs of 224 patients, involving 427 luxated permanent teeth, referred for treatment at the Dental Trauma Center-School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, (DTC-SD-UFMG) from 2014 to 2022, were assessed for pulp prognosis classified as vitality, necrosis and pulp canal obliteration (PCO). A competing risk survival analysis estimated the hazards of the three outcomes, and the effect of demographic, clinical and treatment variables was tested using a cause specific Cox regression model. RESULTS: Pulp vitality was found in163 teeth (38.2%), pulp necrosis in 120 teeth (28.1%) and 55 teeth (12.9%) developed PCO. Pulp vitality decreased in the presence of concomitant crown fractures (HR 0.38 95% CI [0.2-0.8] p = 0.006). The risk of pulp necrosis (HR 0.62 95% CI [0.4-0.96] p = 0.03) was lower in cases with open apices but increased with concomitant crown fractures (HR 4.0 95% CI [2.6-6.1] p = 0.001) and intrusions (HR 2.3 95% CI [1.2-4.1] p = 0.007). Lateral or extrusive luxations (HR 3.0 95% CI [1.3-6.9] p = 0.001) and open apices (HR 2.4 95% CI [1.2-4.7] p = 0.01) showed higher rates of PCO. CONCLUSION: Type of luxation, the diameter of the apical foramen, and the presence of concomitant crown fractures were main determinants of pulp prognosis after luxation injuries in permanent teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pulp prognosis after tooth luxation is dependent on the presence and direction of tooth displacement together with infection control. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Prevalence of dental, oral, and maxillofacial traumatic injuries among domestic violence victims: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Domestic violence (DV) encompasses a series of abusive behaviors, perpetrated in a family environment, against individuals of all ages and genders. Injuries to the head, neck, and face are frequent findings among victims of abuse, negatively impacting their quality of life. Although oral and maxillofacial injuries (OMFI) and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are commonly diagnosed among DV victims, their prevalence is still unknown. This systematic review was aimed to assess the prevalence of OMFI and TDI among victims of DV. METHODS: The protocol of the review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023424235). Literature searches were performed in eight electronic databases, up to August 7th, 2023. Observational studies published in the Latin-roman alphabet and reporting the prevalence of OMFI and/or TDI were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool, checklist for prevalence studies, was used for quality assessment. Results were presented as qualitative and quantitative syntheses. RESULTS: Seventeen studies, totaling 12,375 victims of domestic violence, were included. Meta-analyses showed an overall prevalence of 29% (95% CI: 15%-48%, I2 = 99%) and 4% (95% CI: 1%-10%, I2 = 98%) for OMFI and TDI, respectively. Higher pooled prevalence for OMFI (41%, 95% CI: 13%-46%, I2 = 99%) was demonstrated in samples with only women. OMFI was less prevalent (20%) among DV victims under 18, while TDI was lower among adults (1%). Hospital samples presented higher pooled prevalence of OMFI (32%), and forensic data from fatal victims presented higher prevalence of TDI (8%). CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of OMFI and TDI in DV victims was 29% and 4%, respectively. Women victims of DV presented higher rates of OFMI (41%) and TDI (6%).

Traumatismos dentários na rede social Instagram: um estudo exploratório / Dental trauma on Instagram: an exploratory study / Traumatismos dentoalveolares en Instagram: un estudio exploratorio

Estudo exploratório realizado entre 14/02/2021 e 06/03/2021, visando mapear e caracterizar os perfis sobre traumatismos dentários no Instagram, analisar as publicações quanto ao teor e à qualidade do conteúdo, como também examinar a interação e a prática comunicativa. Foram incluídos 25 perfis que apresentavam baixa audiência e pequena atividade, considerando-se o número de seguidores, a frequência de atualização e o número de publicações. Dezoito perfis eram brasileiros e estavam vinculados a projetos de extensão de Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES). Realizou-se a análise de 13 posts dos três perfis ativos, e verificou-se que eles estavam em conformidade com os protocolos da Associação Internacional de Traumatologia Dentária. As práticas comunicativas eram informacionais não se configurando como espaços de aprendizagem colaborativa. Redes sociais on-line constituem-se atualmente em estratégias importantes para a divulgação científica e a participação cidadã, mas os limites e os desafios do seu uso devem ser levados em conta no planejamento das ações de comunicação institucional em saúde pública

Exploratory study made from 14/02/2021 to 06/03/2021, aiming to map and characterize the profiles about dental trauma on Instagram, besides analyzing the posts according to its content and quality, interac-tions and communicative practice. Twenty-five profiles were included and presented low audience and low activity, considering the number of followers, updating frequency and number of posts. Eighteen of these profiles were Brazilian and had links with Universities Extension Projects. Thirteen posts were analyzed on the three active profiles, and it was verified that they were in conformity to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). The communicative practices were international, not being configured as collaborative learning spaces. Social media are important strategies to scientific communication and citizen participation, but limits and challenges of its use must be considered on the planning of institutional public health communication

Estudio exploratorio realizado entre el 14/02/2021 y el 06/03/2021, con el objetivo de mapear y caracteri-zar perfiles sobre trauma dental en Instagram, además de analizar publicaciones sobre contenido y calidad del contenido, interaciones y la práctica comunicativa. Se incluyeron 25 perfiles que tenían baja audiencia y poca actividad, considerando el número de seguidores, frecuencia de actualización y número de publica-ciones. Dieciocho perfiles eran brasileños y estaban vinculados a proyectos de extensión de Instituciones de Educación Superior. Se realizó un análisis de 13 publicaciones de los tres perfiles activos y se verificó que cumplían con los protocolos de la Asociación Internacional de Traumatología Dental. Las prácticas comunicativas fueron informacionales, no configuradas como espacios de aprendizaje colaborativo. Las redes sociales constituyen estrategias importantes para la divulgación científica y la participación ciuda-dana, pero los límites y desafíos de su uso deben ser tomados en cuenta a la hora de planificar acciones de comunicación institucional en salud pública

Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in emergency dental services: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in emergency dental services. METHODS: Seven electronic and two grey literature databases were searched, up to December 2021, for studies that reported the TDI prevalence among dental emergencies. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for prevalence studies, and The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach were used to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence respectively. The R software was used to perform a proportion meta-analysis on a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence and respective 95% CI. RESULTS: From a total of 1476 studies identified after excluding duplicates, 38 met the inclusion criteria, and another five were identified through hand searching, summing 43 included observational studies with a total sample of 209099 individuals searching for emergency dental care. The overall pooled prevalence of TDI was 15.4% (95% CI: 11%-21%, I² = 100%). Paediatric dental emergency services and age group from 0 to 21 years presented the highest prevalence, 29% (95% CI: 22%-38%, I² = 99.5%) and 24% (95% CI: 15%-35%, I² = 98%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall pooled prevalence of TDI in emergency dental services was 15.4%, and 24% in the age group under 21 years. Considering the impact of prompt and correct emergency care in the long-term prognosis of TDI, such knowledge is relevant to organize emergency healthcare and support public policies in this area.

Avaliação do conhecimento dos ortodontistas sobre movimentação ortodôntica em dentes traumatizados / Evaluation of orthodontists' knowledge concerning orthodontic movement in traumatized teeth

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento dos ortodontistas inscritos na Associação Brasileira de Ortodontia e Ortopedia Facial ­ Seção Minas Gerais (ABOR/MG) sobre a movimentação ortodôntica de dentes traumatizados. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de um questionário eletrônico desenvolvido na plataforma Google Forms® e enviado via e-mail. O questionário foi baseado no trabalho de Tondelli et al.1 (2010), composto por 21 questões objetivas, o qual foi dividido em 3 partes: a parte 1 abordou os dados demográficos dos participantes; a parte 2 coletou informações a respeito do conhecimento sobre traumatismo dentoalveolar e a parte 3 buscou avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais em relação à movimentação ortodôntica de dentes traumatizados. A amostra consistiu de 93 (32%) de 289 ortodontistas registrados na ABOR/MG que responderam voluntariamente ao questionário, sendo 52,7% do sexo masculino e 47,3% do sexo feminino. Quanto à formação, a maioria (58,1%) apresentava o curso de Especialização concluído, 34,4% tinham concluído Mestrado ou Doutorado. A maior parte da amostra tinha mais de 10 anos de exercício da Ortodontia (50,5%). Do total, 53,8% afirmaram que praticam exclusivamente Ortodontia em seu consultório e 91,4% responderam que já atenderam pacientes com traumatismo dentário. No entanto, 21,5% afirmaram que apenas às vezes perguntam sobre história prévia de dentes traumatizados. O tipo de trauma com respostas mais assertivas foi avulsão (95,7%), enquanto subluxação, foi a que teve menos respostas adequadas (75,3%). A maioria dos ortodontistas possui um nível de conhecimento considerado satisfatório em relação às classificações de traumas dentários. Porém, a conduta em relação à movimentação ortodôntica destes dentes ainda é inadequada e uma maior capacitação desses profissionais torna-se necessária para levar ao correto tratamento e ao melhor prognóstico do paciente com traumatismo dentário (AU)

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of orthodontists of the Brazilian Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics Association ­ Minas Gerais section (ABOR/MG) in relation to orthodontic movement of traumatized teeth. The research was conducted with an electronic questionnaire answered through the Google Forms® platform and sent to the participants by e-mail. A number of 21 objective questions, based on Tondelli's et al.1 (2010) work, were divided into 3 parts: the profile data of the professionals composed part 1; part 2 collected information on the knowledge of dentoalveolar trauma; and part 3 evaluated the professional's knowledge in relation to the orthodontic movement of traumatized teeth. The sample of the study was a total of 289 orthodontists registered in the ABOR/MG association: 93 of these answered the questionnaire (32%), in which 51% were men and 49% were women. In terms of professional qualification and education, most participants (58,1%) had Specialization and 53,8% had more than 10 years of experience in the area of Orthodontics. In total, 53,8% declared having practiced exclusively Orthodontics in their clinics and 91,4% have already treated patients with dental trauma. However, 21,5% affirmed that only sometimes they ask the patients about the previous trauma history. The type of trauma with the most correct answers was avulsion (95,7%) and subluxation was the lesion with the lowest number of adequate response (75,3%). Most orthodontics has a level of knowledge in regard to dental trauma considered to be satisfactory. On the other hand, their conduct in orthodontic movement is inadequate and more capacitation and training of these professionals are necessary for the correct treatment and prognosis of the traumatized patient. (AU)

Acolhimento na Faculdade de Odontologia da UFMG: humanização no atendimento dos pacientes / Welcoming Services at the School of Dentistry of UFMG: humanizing care in patient access

A Política Nacional de Humanização (PNH) foi criada em 2003 pelo Ministério da Saúde, em meio ànecessidade de se ampliar o convencional modelo sanitário baseado no eixo doença-cura para um modelo que abordasse, de maneira coletiva, a família e a comunidade. A modificação das estratégias de atuação/atendimento e da gestãodo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)tornou-se, então, uma prioridade. O objetivo desse artigo foi relatar a implementação das práticas de acolhimento para os usuários que buscam atendimento clínico na Faculdade de Odontologia daUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais(FAO-UFMG). A partir dacriação do projeto de extensão "Acolhimento e Orientação ao Usuárioda FAO-UFMG",em agosto de 2017, dados quantitativosrelacionados à queixa principal e encaminhamento dos pacientes foram coletadosdas fichas clínicas específicas do projeto.Da análise desses dados, foi possível perceber que os usuários passaram a ser atendidos de forma mais humanizada, acolhedora, respeitosa e com maior qualidade, tendo sua trajetória terapêutica mais bem delineada. As ações implementadastambém repercutirampositivamentena logística de funcionamento do setor responsável pela recepção dos pacientes, nocuidado prestado pelos profissionais envolvidos na atenção à saúdee no aprendizadodos alunos, contribuindo para a consolidação do projeto,pautado nos pilares da extensão (AU).

The National Humanization Policy was created in 2003 by the Ministry of Health. This policy emerged due to the need to expand the health model based on the disease-healing axisclassification, to a model that collectively addressed the family and the community, respecting the context in which they live and theirlife experiences.Consequently, this led tothe change inthe action/attendance strategies and the SUS management becominga priority. The aim of this article was to report the implementation of welcoming practices for users seeking clinical care at the Schoolof Dentistry of Federal University of Minas Gerais (FAO-UFMG). Based onthe creation of the extension project "Welcomingand User Guidance ofFAO-UFMG,"in August 2017, quantitative data related to the main complaint and referral of patients were collected from the specific clinicalfiles of the project. Analysis of these datamade itpossible to note that users beganto be cared for in a morehumanized, welcoming, and respectfulmanner, with higher quality, and improved delineation of their therapeutic trajectory. The actions implemented also had a positive impact on theoperationallogistics of the sector responsible for receiving patients, on the care provided by the professionals involved in health care and on student learning, thereby contributing to the consolidation of the project, based on the pillars of extension (AU).

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in replanted teeth with external root resorption: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in replanted permanent teeth with external root resorption (ERR). DESIGN: The present cross-sectional study included 42 patients with replanted permanent teeth, presenting with progressive forms of ERR, and referred for extraction according to the rehabilitation treatment plan or due to root fractures. The control group consisted of 12 healthy premolars, from 5 patients with good periodontal health and no radiographic evidence of root resorption, referred for extraction for orthodontic reasons. Root fragments were processed soon after extraction, and the supernatant was collected to measure matrix metalloproteinase 2/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2/TIMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-9/TIMP-2) complexes through a double-ligand enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Case groups with external inflammatory root resorption (EIRR) or external replacement root resorption (ERRR) showed significantly higher levels of MMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-9/TIMP-2 complexes than the control group. Additionally, comparisons between the case groups demonstrated that the MMP-2/TIMP-2 complex also had significantly higher levels in the ERRR group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 participate in the pathobiology of both types of ERR. In addition, the higher levels of MMP-2/TIMP-2 complex in the ERRR group support common modulation mechanisms with physiological bone turnover.

Pulp healing in immature replanted permanent teeth: A competing risk analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Tooth displacement during avulsion causes total rupture of the pulp's neurovascular supply. Revascularization and pulp healing may occur in immature teeth, which gives rise to the recommendation that root canal treatment may not be required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors for the pulp's response after replantation of young permanent teeth. METHODS: Records from 117 patients with 133 replanted permanent immature teeth were reviewed, and pulp outcomes were classified as healing (hard tissue deposition on the dentinal walls followed by narrowing of the pulp lumen or ingrowth of bone-like tissue inside the pulp canal) or non-healing (pulp necrosis with infection). The effect of clinical and demographic co-variates on the hazards of both outcomes was assessed performing a competing risk model. RESULTS: Pulp necrosis with infection was diagnosed in 78.2% of the teeth, and healing was observed in 12.8% of the teeth. A total of 12 teeth (9.0%) were censored due to prophylactic removal of the pulp or severe external root resorption caused by eruption of adjacent canines. The cs-Cox model demonstrated that the hazards of pulp healing increased in teeth with extra-alveolar periods <15 min (csHR: 7.83, 95% CI 1.76-34.80, p = .01), while the hazards of pulp necrosis with infection decreased (csHR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.92, p = .04). Teeth replanted with Moorrees' stages 4 and 5 of root development had higher hazards of pulp necrosis with infection than teeth with stage 2 of root development (csHR: 2.23, 95% CI 1.11-4.50, p = .03; csHR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.40-5.95; p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Pulp healing rarely occurred after replantation of young permanent teeth being associated with short extra-alveolar periods <15 min. Early stages of root development decreased the hazards of pulp necrosis with infection.

Comparison between immediate and delayed post space preparations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the effects of immediate and delayed post space preparation on apical sealing. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Two independent authors conducted a systematic search (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and other databases, until February 2020) and a risk of bias evaluation. Only in vitro studies that compared the effects of immediate and delayed post space preparations on apical filling and adhesion of the post were eligible. RESULT: Of the 742 articles retrieved, 32 were included. Most of the studies used single-rooted human teeth and rotary files for root canal preparation, a single-cone technique for the filling protocol, and rotary instruments for post space preparation. Various delayed preparation times were evaluated: 8-72 h, 5-30 days (mainly 7 days), and 4 months. In nine studies, the delayed groups showed more apical leakage, while four studies reported more leakage in the immediate groups; ten studies found no significant difference. One study found more bacterial penetration in the delayed group, whereas three studies showed no significant difference. One study reported more voids in the delayed group, while another found no such difference. Three studies showed better post-bond strength in the delayed group, one in the immediate group, whereas three found no significant difference in post-bond strength. Three studies employing varied sealers for root canal fillings were considered for meta-analysis. Two subgroup analyses were also performed (one concerning the use of resin-based sealers (AH Plus), another for zinc oxide-eugenol-based sealers). The results of the meta-analysis showed that a delayed post space preparation led to a significantly higher apical leakage than an immediate preparation (mean difference = 0.41 mm, confidence interval = 0.24-0.59, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Delayed post space preparation seems to negatively influence apical sealing; however, further studies are needed to determine the influence of the timing of post space preparation on the other parameters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Immediate post space preparation may be the safest clinical choice to prevent apical leakage.

DNA Methylation patterns of immune response-related genes in inflammatory external root resorption.

Inflammatory external root resorption (IERR) is a pathological process defined by the progressive loss of dental hard tissue, dentin, and cementum, resulting from the combination of the loss of external root protective apparatus and root canal infection. It has been suggested that healing patterns after tooth replantation may be influenced by the genetic and immunological profiles of the patients. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the DNA methylation patterns of 22 immune response-related genes in extracted human teeth presenting with IERR. Methylation assays were performed on samples of root fragments showing IERR and compared with healthy bone tissue collected during the surgical extraction of impacted teeth. The methylation patterns were quantified using EpiTect Methyl II Signature Human Cytokine Production PCR Array. The results revealed significantly higher hypermethylation of the FOXP3 gene promoter in IERR (65.95%) than in the bone group (23.43%) (p < 0.001). The ELANE gene was also highly methylated in the pooled IERR sample, although the difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.054). Our study suggests that the differential methylation patterns of immune response-related genes, such as FOXP3 and ELANE, may be involved in IERR modulation, and this could be related to the presence of root canal infection. However, further studies are needed to corroborate these findings to determine the functional relevance of these alterations and their role in the pathogenesis of IERR.

Imaging diagnosis of external root resorption in replanted permanent teeth.

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiographs (PR) in diagnosing external root resorption (ERR) in human permanent teeth replanted after traumatic avulsion. The samples comprised 39 permanent maxillary incisors replanted after traumatic avulsion. Digital PR and CBCT images were taken from each tooth and independently examined by 2 calibrated examiners to assess the ERR activity regarding type and extension. The degrees of agreement between both imaging examinations were determined by the mean global agreement index using SPSS software. The two imaging examinations diverged greatly in the diagnosis of the type of ERR since CBCT identified more cases as inflammatory ERR and PR as replacement ERR. A discordance level of 69.2% was observed between the two methods in the diagnosis of the type of ERR when CBCT for mesial and distal (MD) surfaces was considered and 61.5% when CBCT for mesial, distal, buccal and lingual (MD/BL) was considered. Likewise, CBCT and PR differed regarding the ERR index. PR examinations classified most cases as moderate or severe (69.2%), while CBCT examinations classified more cases as mild either in the MD surfaces analysis (41.4%) or in the analysis of the MD-BL surfaces (51.3%). In conclusion, the present results highlight a discrepancy between CBCT and digital PR performance in the diagnosis of different types and extent of ERR in replanted teeth.

Survival of Replanted Permanent Teeth after Traumatic Avulsion.

INTRODUCTION: Tooth replantation is the treatment of choice for avulsion, even though its long-term prognosis shows great variability and few studies have adopted survival analysis to evaluate the fate of such teeth. The present study aimed to evaluate both the survival rate of replanted permanent teeth after traumatic avulsion as well as its clinical and demographic determinants. METHODS: Records from 576 patients treated at the Dental Trauma Clinic at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were analyzed to collect clinical and radiographic data. Kaplan-Meier curves and a multivariate Cox regression model were used to estimate the probability of replanted teeth remaining functional in the mouth and to determine prognostic factors. RESULTS: The post-replantation survival rate was 50% after 5.5 years. Immature teeth presented an increase of 51.3% in the loss rate (P = .002). Each additional year in the patient's age at the time of trauma, up to the limit of 16 years, reduced the loss rate of replanted teeth by 15% (P < .001). The storage of the avulsed teeth in milk decreased the loss rate of replanted teeth by 56.4% (P = .015) when compared with those kept dry. CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival rate after replantation of permanent teeeth was 50% after 5.5 years. Advanced stages of root development, together with the increase in the patient's age at the moment of trauma, up to the limit of 16 years, were good prognostic factors for tooth survival. The storage of avulsed teeth in milk was also associated with enhanced tooth survival after replantation.

Prevalence of traumatic orofacial and dental injury in unidentified bodies-Data from a forensic medicine institute in Brazil.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Orofacial trauma and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are serious public health problems due to their high prevalence, severe morbidity, high costs of treatment, and long-term sequelae. However, the extent of the problem may be underestimated since trauma analysis, from a forensic odontology perspective, is not widely represented in the scientific literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of traumatic orofacial injuries (TOI) and TDI in unidentified bodies and their association with the cause of death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of dental and autopsy reports of unidentified bodies admitted to the Institute of Forensic Medicine of Belo Horizonte (IFM-BH), Brazil, between 2015 and 2016. The final sample was made up of 536 bodies. Demographic data, the location where the body was found, cause of death, and the presence and type of orofacial trauma were collected. RESULTS: The mean of the estimated age of the bodies was 38 years and the median was 35 years. Most of the bodies were from males (87.5%) and were found downtown in the city of Belo Horizonte (60.4%). Violence was the most common cause of death (64%), generally by gunshot (48.7%). Bodies with an estimated age ≤35 years were eight times more likely to have died from violent causes. TOI was registered in 50.9% of the reports. TDI was observed in 10.8% of the bodies. Victims of violent death were seven times more likely to present TOI. Such association was not observed when the presence of TDI was considered. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive association between TOI and violent death in unidentified bodies.

Imaging diagnosis of external root resorption in replanted permanent teeth

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiographs (PR) in diagnosing external root resorption (ERR) in human permanent teeth replanted after traumatic avulsion. The samples comprised 39 permanent maxillary incisors replanted after traumatic avulsion. Digital PR and CBCT images were taken from each tooth and independently examined by 2 calibrated examiners to assess the ERR activity regarding type and extension. The degrees of agreement between both imaging examinations were determined by the mean global agreement index using SPSS software. The two imaging examinations diverged greatly in the diagnosis of the type of ERR since CBCT identified more cases as inflammatory ERR and PR as replacement ERR. A discordance level of 69.2% was observed between the two methods in the diagnosis of the type of ERR when CBCT for mesial and distal (MD) surfaces was considered and 61.5% when CBCT for mesial, distal, buccal and lingual (MD/BL) was considered. Likewise, CBCT and PR differed regarding the ERR index. PR examinations classified most cases as moderate or severe (69.2%), while CBCT examinations classified more cases as mild either in the MD surfaces analysis (41.4%) or in the analysis of the MD-BL surfaces (51.3%). In conclusion, the present results highlight a discrepancy between CBCT and digital PR performance in the diagnosis of different types and extent of ERR in replanted teeth.

DNA Methylation patterns of immune response-related genes in inflammatory external root resorption

Abstract Inflammatory external root resorption (IERR) is a pathological process defined by the progressive loss of dental hard tissue, dentin, and cementum, resulting from the combination of the loss of external root protective apparatus and root canal infection. It has been suggested that healing patterns after tooth replantation may be influenced by the genetic and immunological profiles of the patients. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the DNA methylation patterns of 22 immune response-related genes in extracted human teeth presenting with IERR. Methylation assays were performed on samples of root fragments showing IERR and compared with healthy bone tissue collected during the surgical extraction of impacted teeth. The methylation patterns were quantified using EpiTect Methyl II Signature Human Cytokine Production PCR Array. The results revealed significantly higher hypermethylation of the FOXP3 gene promoter in IERR (65.95%) than in the bone group (23.43%) (p < 0.001). The ELANE gene was also highly methylated in the pooled IERR sample, although the difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.054). Our study suggests that the differential methylation patterns of immune response-related genes, such as FOXP3 and ELANE, may be involved in IERR modulation, and this could be related to the presence of root canal infection. However, further studies are needed to corroborate these findings to determine the functional relevance of these alterations and their role in the pathogenesis of IERR.

Pulp canal obliteration after traumatic injuries in permanent teeth - scientific fact or fiction?

Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a frequent finding associated with pulpal revascularization after luxation injuries of young permanent teeth. The underlying mechanisms of PCO are still unclear, and no experimental scientific evidence is available, except the results of a single histopathological study. The lack of sound knowledge concerning this process gives rise to controversies, including the most suitable denomination. More than a mere semantic question, the denomination is an important issue, because it reflects the nature of this process, and directly impacts the treatment plan decision. The hypothesis that accelerated dentin deposition is related to the loss of neural control over odontoblastic secretory activity is well accepted, but demands further supportive studies. PCO is seen radiographically as a rapid narrowing of pulp canal space, whereas common clinical features are yellow crown discoloration and a lower or non-response to sensibility tests. Late development of pulp necrosis and periapical disease are rare complications after PCO, rendering prophylactic endodontic intervention useless. Indeed, yellowish or gray crown discoloration may pose a challenge to clinicians, and may demand endodontic intervention to help restore aesthetics. This literature review was conducted to discuss currently available information concerning PCO after traumatic dental injuries (TDI), and was gathered according to three topics: I) physiopathology of PCO after TDI; II) frequency and predictors of pulpal healing induced by PCO; and III) clinical findings related to PCO. Review articles, original studies and case reports were included aiming to support clinical decisions during the follow-up of teeth with PCO, and highlight future research strategies.

Pulpal response to sensibility tests after traumatic dental injuries in permanent teeth.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The assessment of pulp vitality is one of the major challenges in dental traumatology due to the temporary loss of sensibility after trauma and because of the limitations of conventional pulp tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulpal response to sensibility tests and to determine their accuracy after crown fractures and luxation injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 permanent anterior teeth from 78 patients treated at the Dental Trauma Clinic of the Federal University of Minas Gerais were evaluated. Responses to pulp sensibility tests were monitored for a minimum period of 24 months or until the diagnosis of pulp necrosis. RESULTS: At the first appointment, 68 teeth responded positively to sensibility tests, one tooth was necrotic and 52 teeth did not respond to sensibility tests but showed no other signs of necrosis. The initial lack of response was not associated with age (P = 0.18), but was related to the presence of luxation (P < 0.001). At the final appointment, 87 teeth were classified as vital and 31 were classified as non-vital. While a positive response shortly after trauma was a good predictor of vitality, a lack of response was not associated with subsequent necrosis. The final pulpal condition of the teeth that initially did not respond was associated with the type of injury, as displaced teeth tended to develop necrosis (P = 0.008). The accuracy of each sensibility test at the initial and final appointments was, respectively, 55.1% and 67.8% for the heat test, 55.9% and 77.9% for the cold test, and 57.6% and 89% for the electrical test. CONCLUSIONS: A temporary loss of sensibility was a frequent finding during post-traumatic pulpal healing, especially after luxation injuries. All sensibility tests presented low accuracy shortly after trauma. The electrical test provided the best support for pulpal diagnosis after long-term follow up. The clinician must be aware of additional signs of crown discoloration and radiographic changes before initiating endodontic treatment.