GINGIVAL ULCERATIONS IN A PATIENT WITH ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA: A case report and literature review.

A 40-year-old female patient was admitted to the Department of Oral Medicine due to oral ulcerations. Oral ulcerations were present on vestibular mucosa above teeth 21, 22, 25 and 26 and were 1 cm in diameter, and also around teeth 45 and 46. The patient had prolonged neutropenia due to therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome that progressed to therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia. Initially, the patient was successfully treated with polychemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Unfortunately, many toxic complications ensued, such as peripheral neuropathy, dilated cardiomyopathy and therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome/therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia. The onset of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome was less than six months after initiation of chemotherapy treatment, which was rather early, but cytogenetic changes (monosomy 5 and 7) were consistent with the diagnosis. Upon admission to our Department, microbiological swabs were obtained and were all negative, while x-ray finding showed that ulcerations did not have dental cause. Biopsy was not obtained as the patient had severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. While viral and fungal swabs were negative, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was cultured from the oral cavity. Thus, differential diagnoses are listed in this report. Neutropenic ulcerations did not heal albeit extensive medicamentous oral and systemic treatments were applied and the patient died.

Periodontal diseases.

Periodontal diseases comprise a wide range of inflammatory conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth (the gingiva, bone and periodontal ligament), which could lead to tooth loss and contribute to systemic inflammation. Chronic periodontitis predominantly affects adults, but aggressive periodontitis may occasionally occur in children. Periodontal disease initiation and propagation is through a dysbiosis of the commensal oral microbiota (dental plaque), which then interacts with the immune defences of the host, leading to inflammation and disease. This pathophysiological situation persists through bouts of activity and quiescence, until the affected tooth is extracted or the microbial biofilm is therapeutically removed and the inflammation subsides. The severity of the periodontal disease depends on environmental and host risk factors, both modifiable (for example, smoking) and non-modifiable (for example, genetic susceptibility). Prevention is achieved with daily self-performed oral hygiene and professional removal of the microbial biofilm on a quarterly or bi-annual basis. New treatment modalities that are actively explored include antimicrobial therapy, host modulation therapy, laser therapy and tissue engineering for tissue repair and regeneration.

Repigmentación melánica de la melanosis gingival: revisión sistemática / Melanin repigmentation of gingival melanosis: systematic review

La melanosis gingival o pigmentación melánica fisiológica es definida como una alteración caracterizada por un cambio en la coloración de la encía, en la cual la encía adquiere una tinción oscura ocasionada por una acumulación de melanina. Objetivo El propósito de esta revisión fue evaluar la literatura actual sobre el grado de repigmentación gingival luego del tratamiento de la melanosis. Material y método Búsqueda detallada en las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane y Embase para obtener la información sobre las técnicas de tratamiento y resultados posoperatorios de cada procedimiento quirúrgico. Resultados De los 219 artículos identificados inicialmente, 22 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión (reportes de casos, series de casos, ensayos clínicos y revisiones sistemáticas). Las técnicas con el escalpelo evidenciaron una repigmentación al cabo de 3 meses a 3 años y las técnicas con el uso de láser diodo entre 18-24 meses. Las técnicas de criocirugía, electrocirugía, laser Er:YAG y láser Nd:YAG evidenciaron escasa o nula repigmentación. Conclusión La repigmentación melánica es más común en las técnicas que utilizan el escalpelo, siendo el rango de recurrencia entre 3 meses a 3 años. La heterogeneidad de los estudios limita la realización de un metaanálisis con respecto a los resultados de tratamiento de la melanosis gingival.

Gingival melanosis or physiological gingival melanin pigmentation is a disorder that causes a change in the colour of the gums, which acquire a dark stain caused by an accumulation of melanin Objective The purpose of this review was to assess the current literature on treatment of gingival melanosis and assessing the degree of gingival repigmentation. Material and method A detailed search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases for information on treatment techniques and post-operative results of each surgical procedure. Results Of the 219 articles initially identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria (case reports, case series, clinical trials, and systematic reviews). Scalpel techniques showed a repigmentation after 3 months - 3years, and techniques using laser diode between 18-24 months. Techniques with cryosurgery, electro-surgery, Er: YAG laser and Nd: YAG laser showed little or no repigmentation. Conclusion Melanin repigmentation is more common in techniques that use the scalpel, with recurrences ranging from between 3months and 3years. The heterogeneity of the studies limited the performing of a meta-analysis on the results of treatment of gingival melanosis.

Evaluation of the Effects of Dental Implants on Oral Lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dental implants impress oral lesions, and to evaluate the nature of their effect on the lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search was done via Google and PubMed for articles (including case reports and literature reviews) containing the keywords 'oral squamous cell carcinoma' (OSCC), 'oral lichen planus' (OLP), 'lichenoid contact reaction' (LCR), 'osseointegrated implants', and 'dental implants' , in the last 10 years (2002-2012). RESULTS: The study included 24 articles involving patients with dental implants, and some oral lesions (e.g. oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma) or with a history of lesions. In these publications, there is evidence suggesting the possibility of emergence, exacerbation, recurrence, or even malignant transformation of the oral lesions after implant placement in some cases. CONCLUSION: Based on our review of the literature, implant treatment does not seem to be completely safe under any circumstances, but may have some complications in subjects with certain diseases (e.g. oral lesions, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, allergic reactions, etc.). Therefore prior to treatment, patients should be fully informed of the risks. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Implant treatment is best done with caution in patients with cancer or mucocutaneous disorders.

Oral pre-trigeminal neuralgia pain: clinical differential diagnosis and descriptive study results.

AIMS: To better quantify oral pre-trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) symptoms, attempt to identify PTN symptoms that could reliably differentiate between PTN and odontogenic tooth pain, and determine whether an anesthetic test would reliably differentiate these disorders. METHODOLOGY: This was accomplished through a survey of symptom recall for 49 trigeminal neuralgia patients who had PTN tooth and/or gum pain. RESULTS: The variability of oral PTN symptoms, factors that worsened or improved them, and how dental anesthesia affected them, explain the reason for variations found in the literature. A throbbing pain quality is not in the literature, but present for 63% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: No specific PTN symptom would reliably differentiate PTN from odontogenic tooth pain. The results also suggest that an anesthetic test would not be totally reliable for differentiating these disorders. A protocol is provided that should help practitioners identify the tooth pain source when there is no dental pathology.

Prolonged gingival cold allodynia: a novel finding in patients with atypical odontalgia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine atypical odontalgia (AO) patients with extraoral quantitative sensory testing (EQST) and an intraoral mucosal cold test. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-one subjects with AO and 18 control subjects underwent EQST for electrical and thermal pain and detection thresholds. Cold was applied to painful mucosal areas in AO patients and randomly in control subjects. RESULTS: Electrical pain thresholds were higher in AO patients than in control subjects in the same dermatome affected by the pain (P = .03), but no significant differences were observed in electrical detection thresholds and heat pain and detection thresholds at other sites. Cold application was painful in control and AO subjects, but duration of pain sensation was significantly longer in AO patients (P = .019 in contralateral side; P = .029 in affected side). CONCLUSIONS: The finding of extended painful aftersensation following cold application in AO patients supports the involvement of central mechanisms. The cold test is clinically easy to apply and of clinically significant value.

Gingival capillary changes and oral motor weakness in juvenile dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the orofacial involvement in JDM, and evaluated the possible association of gingival and mandibular mobility alterations with demographic data, periodontal indices, clinical features, muscle enzyme levels, JDM scores and treatment. METHODS: Twenty-six JDM patients were studied and compared with 22 healthy controls. Orofacial evaluation included clinical features, dental and periodontal assessment, mandibular function and salivary flow. RESULTS: The mean current age was similar in patients with JDM and controls (P > 0.05). A unique gingival alteration characterized by erythema, capillary dilation and bush-loop formation was observed only in JDM patients (61 vs 0%, P = 0.0001). The frequencies of altered mandibular mobility and reduced mouth opening were significantly higher in patients with JDM vs controls (50 vs 14%, P = 0.013; 31 vs 0%, P = 0.005). Comparison of the patients with and without gingival alteration showed that the former had lower values of median of cementoenamel junction (-0.26 vs -0.06 mm, P = 0.013) and higher gingival bleeding index (27.7 vs 14%, P = 0.046). This pattern of gingival alteration was not associated with periodontal disease [plaque index (P =0.332) and dental attachment loss (P = 0.482)]. The medians for skin DAS and current dose of MTX were higher in JDM with gingival alteration (2.5 vs 0.5, P = 0.029; 28.7 vs 15, P = 0.012). A significant association of lower median manual muscle testing with a reduced ability to open the mouth was observed in patients with JDM than those without this alteration (79 vs 80, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The unique gingival pattern associated with cutaneous disease activity, distinct from periodontal disease, suggests that gingiva is a possible target tissue for JDM. In addition, muscle weakness may be a relevant factor for mandibular mobility.

Teething symptoms in the first year of life and associated factors: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence and management of teething symptoms during the first year of life and associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: 500 children were recruited at birth. Research assessments including structured interviews, anthropometric measurements and dental examination were carried out after birth, at 6 months and at one-year of age. The primary outcome of this study was defined as the occurrence of one or more teething symptoms within the first year of life, as reported by the mother. RESULTS: Teething symptoms were reported in 73% of the children analyzed (273/375). The symptoms most frequently reported were irritability (40.5%), fever (38.9%), diarrhoea (36.0%) and itching (33.6%). Dentists had little influence on the management of symptoms and self-medication to relieve them was a common practice. The risk of reporting teething symptoms was higher for children from nuclear families (p = 0.040) and for children from families with higher income (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Teething symptoms were highly reported in this population. Pediatric dentists should be accessible and provide adequate orientation when symptoms can be managed at home or immediate referral to health services when more serious diseases are suspected.

Las enfermedades periodontales como infecciones bacterianas / Periodontal diseases as bacterial infection

Las infecciones periodontales son un conjunto de enfermedades localizadas en las encías y estructuras de soporte del diente. Están producidas por ciertas bacterias provenientes de la placa bacteriana. Estas bacterias son esenciales para el inicio de la enfermedad, pero existen factores predisponentes del hospedador y microbianos que influyen en la patogénesis de la enfermedad. La microbiota bacteriana periodontopatógena es necesaria pero no suficiente para que exista enfermedad, siendo necesaria la presencia de un hospedador susceptible. Estas enfermedades se han clasificado en gingivitis, limitadas a las encías y periodontitis, extendidas a tejidos más profundos. La clasificación de las enfermedades periodontales ha ido variando a lo largo de los años y es en el International Workshop for a Clasification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions, en 1999, cuando se aprueba la clasificación que se expone en este trabajo. En él, se hace una revisión global de los diferentes cuadros de las enfermedades periodontales. Posteriormente, se propone el empleo de antibioterapia de utilización sistémica como la amoxicilina, amoxicilina-clavulánico y metronidazol como primera opción de tratamiento coadyuvante de estas enfermedades (AU)

The periodontal disease is conformed by a group of illnesses affecting the gums and dental support structures. They are caused by certain bacteria found in the bacterial plaque. These bacteria are essential to the onset of illness; however, there are predisposing factors in both the host and the microorganisms that will have an effect on the pathogenesis of the illness. Periodontopathogenic bacterial microbiota is needed, but by itself, it is not enough to cause the illness, requiring the presence of a susceptible host. These diseases have been classified as gingivitis, when limited to the gums, and periodontitis, when they spread to deeper tissues. Classification of periodontal disease has varied over the years.The one used in this work was approved at the International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions, held in 1999. This study is an overview of the different periodontal disease syndromes. Later, the systematic use of antibiotic treatment consisting of amoxicillin, amoxicillinclavulanic acid, and metronidazole as first line coadjuvant treatment of these illnesses will be reviewed (AU)

Melanosis gingival: reporte de caso / Gingival melanosis: a case report

Se presenta un caso de melanosis gingival severa en una paciente de 16 años, se revisa la etiología, fisiopatología y tratamiento de esta variante anatómica. Se describe la técnica realizada en la paciente a través de medios rotatorios y cicatrización por segunda anatómica que puede presentarse con relativa frecuencia en nuestro medio.

It is reported a clinical case of gingival melanosis in a female 16 years old patient. Etiology fisiopathology and treatment are discussed. It is described which technique is performed in this patient using rotatory media and second intention healing Gingival melanosis is an anatomical variation, which could be reported with high frequency in our country.

Exéresis de las lesiones hiperplásicas de la cavidad bucal. Estudio retrospectivo de 128 casos / Removal of hyperplastic lesions of the oral cavity. A retrospective study of 128 cases

Objetivos: Este trabajo pretende, en base a nuestra experiencia, valorar y discutir las indicaciones, ventajas e inconvenientes de la exéresis de los épulis de la cavidad bucal con el láser de dióxido de carbono (CO2) respecto al láser de Erbio:YAG (Er:YAG), el láser de diodo y el bisturí frío.Material y método: Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo de un grupo de 120 pacientes en los que se extirparon 128 épulis con el láser de CO2, láser de Er:YAG, láser de diodo y bisturí frío. Se realizaron controles postoperatorios a los 7, 15 y 30 días para comprobar la cicatrización y la evolución de la herida y a los 3, 6 y 12 meses verificando si se había producido o no la recidiva de la lesión.Resultados: Según las características clínicas y etiopatogénicas de las lesiones extirpadas, se han formado dos grupos: las lesiones hiperplásicas gingivales (77 casos) y los épulis fisurados (51 casos). La localización más frecuente de las hiperplasias gingivales fue la mandíbula (51.9%). Se encontró que la hiperplasia fibrosa fue el diagnóstico histopatológico más frecuente con 49 casos (63.6%). El porcentaje de recidiva tras su extirpación fue del 9,1%, de los cuales 5 casos eran hiperplasias fibrosas. Sólo hubo un caso de lesión maligna que fue diagnosticada de carcinoma de células escamosas infiltrante.Por otro lado, de los 51 épulis fisurados tratados, el 58.8% se encontraban en el maxilar superior. Éstos fueron diagnosticados histológicamente como hiperplasias fibrosas, recidivando en el 19.6% de los casos.Conclusiones: Aunque las diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas utilizadas en la extirpación del épulis de la cavidad bucal son correctas, en nuestra opinión, el láser de CO2 es el tratamiento de elección, ya que ofrece ventajas tanto intra como postoperatorias. Por otro lado, es indispensable analizar histopatológicamente toda lesión de la cavidad bucal para establecer un diagnóstico de certeza

Aims: Based on our accumulated experience, the present study evaluates and discusses the indications, advantages and inconveniences of oral cavity epulis resection using the carbon dioxide laser (CO2) versus the Erbium:YAG laser (Er:YAG), diode laser and surgical scalpel.Material and methods: A retrospective study has been made of 120 patients involving the removal of 128 epulis lesions with the CO2 laser, Er:YAG laser, diode laser and surgical scalpel. Postoperative controls were carried out after 7, 15 and 30 days to evaluate healing and wound evolution, and after 3, 6 and 12 months to assess possible relapse.Results: Two groups were defined, based on the clinical and etiopathogenic characteristics of the excised lesions: gingival hyperplastic lesions (77 cases) and fibromatous hyperplasia (51 cases). The lower jaw was the most frequent location of gingival hyperplasia (51.9%). Fibrous hyperplasia was the most common histological diagnosis (49 cases; 63.6%). Percentage relapse following removal was 9.1%, of which 5 cases corresponded to fibrous hyperplasia. Only one malignancy was identified, corresponding to infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma.On the other hand, of the 51 treated cases of fibromatous hyperplasia, 58.8% were located in the upper jaw. These were histologically confirmed to be fibrous hyperplasia, with relapse in 19.6% of the cases.Conclusions: Although the different surgical techniques used for removal of epulis of the oral cavity are appropriate, we consider the CO2 laser to be the treatment of choice, since it offers a number of both intra- and postoperative advantages. On the other hand, all oral lesions require histological study to establish a firm diagnosis

The roles of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-2 in the regression of pregnancy pyogenic granuloma.

OBJECTIVES: The molecular mechanism for the regression of pregnancy pyogenic granuloma after parturition remains unclear. It has been proposed that, in the absence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) causes blood vessels to regress. Therefore, we investigated the roles of Ang-2 and VEGF in the regression of pregnancy pyogenic granuloma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the transcription of Ang-2 were tested in endothelial cells by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. A total of 15 specimens, including granulomas taken from five gravidas during pregnancy, five after parturition, and five from normal gingiva were compared by immunoblot assays for their relative expressions of Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, VEGF, and beta-actin. Double staining, immunohistochemistry for Ang-2, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling for apoptotic cells, were used to evaluate their regression. Finally, a fibrin gel culture system was used to investigate whether the withdrawal of VEGF and addition of Ang-2 could cause newly grown microvessels to regress. RESULTS: TNF-alpha upregulated the expression of Ang-2 in all endothelial cell types tested. The protein levels of Ang-2 and Tie-2 were highest in the granulomas in pregnancy, followed by those after parturition and normal gingiva, while Ang-1 and beta-actin exhibited no significant differences. The amount of VEGF was high in the granulomas in pregnancy and almost undetectable after parturition. Double staining on granulomas after parturition revealed more apoptotic cells and less Ang-2 than did those in pregnancy. In the fibrin gel assay, VEGF alone or in combination with Ang-2 could protect microvessels from apoptosis, while Ang-2 alone had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a lack of VEGF is associated with apoptosis of endothelial cells and regression of granuloma. The roles of Ang-2 require additional study.

Enfermedades gingivales de origen inmune / Gingival disorders of immune origin

Por razones complicadas de esclarecer, los mecanismos defensivos inmunes e inflamatorios del organismo pueden perder control y mostrar daños al tejido propio. En boca, particularmente en la región gingival, estos tipos de disfunciones pueden manifestarse acompañando a un proceso general, como lesiones restringidas a la región bucal o como lesiones heráldicas de posteriores manifestaciones floridas. En esta revisión son presentados los cambios clínicos, discutidos los posibles mecanismos inmunopatológicos y sugeridos algunos métodos de diagnóstico y manejo, de pénfigo vulgar, penfigoide benigno de las mucosas, penfigoide cicatrizal y liquen plano (AU)

Clinical periodontal findings and microflora profiles in children with chronic neutropenia under supervised oral hygiene.

BACKGROUND: This is the first known case report that used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method to help identify the oral microflora in patients with chronic neutropenia. In this study, we report clinical periodontal findings and microflora profiles of 2 children, 1 with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN, Kostmann type) and 1 with cyclic neutropenia (CN). METHODS: The SCN patient had severe gingivitis, whereas the patient with CN had mild gingivitis in the gingival margins. Monthly oral cleaning instruction and review were performed without subsequent periodontal therapy. Oral hygiene conditions remained satisfactory and visible plaque was scarce, despite the persistence of mild gingivitis. Under supervised oral hygiene, we examined the presence of periodontal pathogens from patient plaque samples. RESULTS: By a PCR-based method, Prevotella nigrescens, Bacteroides forsythus, Campylobacter rectus, and Capnocytophaga gingivalis were detected in the SCN patient and P. intermedia, C. rectus, C. gingivalis, and C. sputigena in the CN patient, suggesting the existence of periodontal pathogens. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and C. ochracea were not found in either patient. CONCLUSIONS: Use of 1% povidone iodine solution and local antibiotic application under supervised oral hygiene were helpful to improve gingival conditions in patients with chronic neutropenia.

Observations on a new collagen barrier membrane in 16 consecutively treated patients. Clinical and histological findings.

BACKGROUND: Space-maintaining capacity, cell disclusive potential, and stability over time are crucial factors to achieving sufficient bone augmentation with membrane barriers. The case series presented here assessed a new collagen barrier used in bone augmentation. Clinically, the healing pattern, especially in cases of secondary healing, was studied. METHODS: Soft tissue healing was documented by photographs, and the size of the dehiscences calculated by image analysis. The measurements were performed on digitized photographs. During reentry, barrier remnants were dissected and histologically evaluated. RESULTS: The mean value for dehiscences was 35.5 mm2; all dehiscences healed within 4 weeks after the exposure became evident. The difference was statistically significant between the week 2 and week 6 visits (P = 0.008) for each previously exposed site. The histologic observation of barrier remnants revealed direct apposition of fibrous and bone tissues on the membrane surface. CONCLUSION: In cases of membrane exposure, gingival dehiscences always disappeared in the following weeks without affecting the healing process. Histologic results showed barrier stability over a 6-month period, promoting bone regeneration.

An overview of delayed passive eruption.

The condition of delayed or altered passive eruption exists in adults when the gingival unit remains positioned on the convex prominence of the enamel rather than at or in proximity to the cementoenamel junction. Treatment protocol is based on periodontal, esthetic, and prosthetic considerations. In addition, the gingival/osseous relationship becomes important for proper diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness of the pathognomonic signs and symptoms of delayed passive eruption so that appropriate treatment can be rendered.

Por qué se retrae el margen gingival de las restauraciones y cómo prevenirlo? / Why does the gingival margin of restorations retracts and how to prevent it?

Una situación por demás desagradable en las consultas de mantenimiento o de control es cuando se observa la visibilidad del margen de las coronas provocadas por la retracción de la encía. No cabe duda que el mayor empeño fue empleado para ocultar dicha terminación, ubicando adecuadamente el margen de la preparación, sin embargo, el defecto por demás frecuente se produce. Veamos qué maniobras, qué situaciones se deben evitar o qué acciones se deben realizar para que a largo plazo no se produzca la tan temida retracción. Podemos enumerar las posibles causas: 1- Comenzar la toma de impresión con la encía inflamada. 2- Lesión periodontal a causa de la placa bacteriana. 3- Maniobras operatorias incorrectas. a) Ubicación inadecuada del margen gingival. b) Invasión del espacio biológico. c) Incorrecta toma de impresión. 4- Apresuramiento en la toma de las impresiones. 5- Uso incorrecto de los elementos de higiene. 6- Anatomía ósea subyacente que predispone a los cambios de posición del margen gingival