Factors Affecting the Periapical Status of Root-Filled Canals: A Cross-Sectional Study at the Undergraduate Level.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the influence of multiple factors on the periapical status of endodontically treated (ET) teeth. METHODS: The patients were clinically and radiographically reevaluated after root canal therapy. The quality of the root-filled canals, coronal restorations, intraradicular posts, dental caries, and periodontal parameters were associated with the teeth's periapical status. RESULTS: The 122 patients provided 154 ET teeth; 97.4% teeth were asymptomatic, and 75.5% had a normal periapical status. The percentage of perfect, satisfactory, and deficient root-filled canals was of the order of 41.6%, 46.1%, and 12.3%, respectively. The percentage of adequate and inadequate coronal restorations was 31.2% and 68.8%, respectively. A total of 14.9% teeth had intraradicular posts, and 29.2% had cavitated carious lesions in the dentin. Gingival bleeding was observed in 31.8% of teeth, and dental biofilm was visible in 58.4%. A total of 11.7% showed pathologic tooth mobility, and 22.1% teeth were diagnosed with periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Carious lesions, gingival bleeding, and tooth mobility were significantly associated with the occurrence of periapical lesions in root-filled canals.

Strategy for apexification of wide-open apex associated with extensive periapical lesion in a weakened root.

This case report describes successful apexification for a challenging case involving a 30-year-old man, who suffered from dental trauma involving tooth No. 7 (which had occurred several years earlier) and recently experienced acute periapical abscess in this region. Radiographic analysis revealed incomplete root formation, a wide-open apex, thin root canal walls, and an extensive periapical lesion. Chemomechanical debridement was performed gently using K-files and irrigation with a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. The root canal was filled with a calcium hydroxide paste, which was replaced periodically. At 18 months post-treatment, an apical barrier tissue and significant reduction of periapical radiolucency were observed; at that time, the entire root canal was filled with gray mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). At a follow-up 16 months later, the tooth had normal function and periapical repair was complete.

Radiographic parameters of quality of root canal fillings and periapical status: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to radiographically evaluate the relationship between the quality parameters of root canal fillings (apical extension, homogeneity, and taper) and periapical status. In addition, groups of teeth and complicating factors of endodontic treatment were assessed. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study assessed the quality and periapical status of root-filled canals in a 4- to 7-year follow-up period. Each parameter was dichotomized into ideal and altered conditions. A root-filled canal with an ideal condition for all 3 parameters was considered perfect, whereas the loss of 1 or more ideal conditions defined satisfactory or deficient fillings, respectively. The periapical statuses at baseline and follow-up were classified as normal, slight widening of the apical periodontal ligament, or periapical lesion. RESULTS: A total of 291 root-filled canals were evaluated. The prevalence of perfect, satisfactory, and deficient fillings was 54.6%, 37.5%, and 7.9%, respectively (P < .05). The periapical status at follow-up showed normal, slight widening of the apical periodontal ligament, or periapical lesion in 69.8%, 19.2%, and 11% of the roots, respectively (P < .05). The multivariate logistic regression showed that only preoperative periapical lesions (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-7.03) and altered tapers (odds ratio, 3.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-9.24) were significantly associated with postoperative periapical lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic parameters of the quality of root-filled canals showed a significant relationship with the periapical status. Nevertheless, an altered taper was the main factor associated with the maintenance or development of periapical lesions after 4- to 7-year follow-up period.

Protocolo de atenção à saúde bucal para gestantes na Estratégia Saúde da Família da " Casa da comunidade Serrinha" em Gouveia - MG

A gravidez é um período de alegria e ansiedade na vida de uma mulher e é caracterizada por várias alterações fisiológicas em seu corpo. A cavidade bucal também passa por mudanças, sendo essencial o conhecimento destas pelo dentista para um cuidado diferenciado das gestantes nas unidades de saúde. A Equipe de Saúde Bucal deve atuar juntamente com os demais profissionais da Equipe de Saúde da Família, para garantir atenção integral à saúde da gestante, incluindo a atenção odontológica no pré-natal. Na Unidade Básica de Saúde "Casa da Comunidade Serrinha" do município de Gouveia/MG não existe um protocolo para a padronização do atendimento odontológico durante a gravidez. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi elaborar um protocolo de atenção à saúde bucal para gestantes, baseado em evidências científicas, visando o seu acompanhamento durante todo o período gestacional. Para a elaboração do protocolo foram pesquisados trabalhos publicados na literatura e protocolos já implantados em outros municípios, consulta em bancos de dados, além da obtenção de dados do município. Como resultado, obteve-se a elaboração de um protocolo misto, dividido em um protocolo para organização do atendimento e um protocolo clínico-odontológico para gestantes, que aborda as ações em saúde bucal adequadas para cada período, além de ações educativas a serem realizadas em grupos de gestantes.