[Acute apical abscess and associated factors in patients during the covid-19 pandemic in a health center in Acapulco, Mexico.] / Absceso apical agudo y factores asociados en pacientes durante la pandemia de covid-19 en un centro de salud de acapulco, méxico.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of acute apical abscess and identify associated factors in patients of a health center from Acapulco, Mexico. Material and methods: Epidemiological study that collected clinical records of patients during the period of october 2021. Sociodemographic and housing information was collected, as well as personal pathological and non-pathological history and a record of the diagnosis of the periapical lesion based on its clinical characteristics issued by the operator on duty. Through multivariate analysis, a factor associated with acute apical abscess was identified with the odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval as estimators of the strength of association with CIETmap statistical software. Results: The 37% (32/87) of patients were diagnosed with the infection. In terms of gender, females were the most affected with a proportion of 56% (18/32). The most common cause was caries with 72% (23/32). The right upper second premolar was the most affected tooth with 25% (8/32). One associated factor was identified, age 36 to 62 years (ORa=3.54; CI95%a=1.27 -16.62). Conclusion: The morbidity rate of the infection was moderate, and it is a common pathology in stomatological emergency consultations, so it is important for the professional in charge of the area to manage it clinically. It will be important to implement oral health education strategies aimed at different age groups to raise awareness of the cariogenic process and its consequences.

Factors Influencing Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment Outcomes in Mandibular Second Molars: A Retrospective Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Analysis.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the influence of the root canal morphology and various treatment variables on the outcomes of root canal treatments (RCTs) in mandibular second molars, assessed through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Methods: A total of 150 CBCT images were examined, comprising 100 cases of persistent endodontic infections and 50 of previously treated root canals with normal apices in the mandibular second molars. CBCT was utilized to evaluate the root canal configuration, the radiographic quality of coronal restorations and treated canal systems, and the presence of periapical lesions. Statistical analyses were performed to explore the correlations between these factors. Results: The presence of a C-shaped root canal configuration did not demonstrate a significant correlation with periapical lesions (p = 0.05). Factors influencing endodontic treatment outcomes included missing canals (p = 0.018), underfilling or overfilling (p = 0.045), and inadequate coronal restoration (p = 0.006). Missing a canal was identified as the variable most significantly associated with periapical lesions (OR = 3.103). Inhomogeneous root canal obturation was more commonly observed in C-shaped root canals (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Regardless of the root canal morphology of mandibular second molars, successful RCT depends on thorough disinfection to eliminate any untreated canals, precise three-dimensional filling of the canals at the correct working length, and a securely sealed coronal restoration to prevent leakage.

The Effect of Lasers on the Healing of Periapical Lesion: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Endodontic treatment of teeth with periapical lesions presents more clinical difficulty. Various lasers in several methods are used in endodontics, and most of them are utilized as an adjunctive protocol in order to reduce the bacterial load of the root canal system. Improved disinfection plays a crucial role in enhanced and accelerated healing of periapical lesions. This review aims to summarize studies assessing the effect of lasers on periapical lesion healing. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (ISI) online databases were searched, with no publication year or status restriction, for relevant articles on April 2023. Clinical studies evaluating the effect of laser application on the periapical lesion of patients using radiographic assessment were considered eligible for inclusion. Results: Eight studies were included after carefully screening the obtained articles, first by their title and abstract and then by their full texts. Diode (4), Er, Cr: YSGG (3), and Nd: YAG (1) lasers were used with output powers that varied from 0.75 to 2 watts. Photodynamic therapy was employed in two studies, and in other studies, the root canal system was directly irradiated. Irradiation of the root canal system was adjunctive to standard preparation in all studies. The healing of the teeth treated with lasers was not inferior to those conventionally treated. In all of the included studies, laser application outperformed the standard cleaning and shaping protocol; however, this improved or faster healing was not statistically significant in most studies. Conclusion: Lasers might expedite and improve the healing process of periapical lesions. Since lasers enhance the quality of cleaning of the root canal system, it is hard to point out the exact mechanism of it. Further investigations are needed to realize the effectiveness of this treatment modality and to discover the underlying biological concepts.

Lesions Misdiagnosed as Endodontic Pathosis: A Narrative Review.

In daily practice, clinicians come across certain radiographic abnormalities which may or may not be asymptomatic. This abstract discusses radiographic abnormalities encountered by clinicians in daily practice, some of which resemble endodontic lesions. Prompt attention is crucial as these lesions can be benign or malignant. The article emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis for accurate identification of periapical pathosis.

The outcome of combined use of iRoot BP Plus and iRoot SP for root-end filling in endodontic microsurgery: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Root-end filling is important for the clinical outcome of endodontic microsurgery. Our previous study showed that combined application of iRoot BP Plus Root Repair Material (BP-RRM) and iRoot SP Injectable Root Canal Sealer (SP-RCS) in root-end filling exhibited better apical sealing as compared to the application of BP-RRM alone. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of the combined use of BP-RRM and SP-RCS on the prognosis of teeth with refractory periapical diseases after endodontic microsurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 240 teeth with refractory periapical diseases scheduled for endodontic microsurgery were randomly divided into BP-RRM/SP-RCS group (n = 120) and BP-RRM group (n = 120). The patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after endodontic microsurgery. Pre- and post-operative clinical and radiographic examinations were performed to evaluate the treatment outcome. The 1-year success rate of endodontic microsurgery in BP-RRM/SP-RCS and BP-RRM groups was compared by Chi-square test. Factors that might impact the prognosis were further analyzed using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: A total of 221 teeth completed the 12-month follow-up. The 1-year success rates of the BP-RRM/SP-RCS and BP-RRM groups were 94.5% (104/110) and 92.8% (103/111), respectively. The combined use of BP-RRM and SP-RCS achieved a clinical outcome comparable to BP-RRM alone (P = 0.784). Tooth type (P = 0.002), through-and-through/apico-marginal lesion (P = 0.049), periodontal status (P < 0.0001), and Kim's lesion classification (P < 0.0001) were critical factors associated with the 1-year success of endodontic microsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of BP-RRM and SP-RCS is a practicable method for root-end filling in endodontic microsurgery with a satisfactory 1-year clinical outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combined application of BP-RRM and SP-RCS in EMS is an effective root-end filling method with a satisfactory 1-year clinical outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052174).

A system for automatic classification of endodontic treatment quality in CBCT.

OBJECTIVES: An evaluation of the effectiveness of a new computational system proposed for automatic classification, developed based on a Siamese network combined with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), is presented. It aims to identify endodontic technical errors using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The study also aims to compare the performance of the automatic classification system with that of dentists. METHODS: One thousand endodontically treated maxillary molars sagittal and coronal reconstructions were evaluated for the quality of the endodontic treatment and the presence of periapical hypodensities by three board-certified dentists and by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist. The proposed classification system was based on a Siamese network combined with EfficientNet B1 or EfficientNet B7 networks. Accuracy, sensivity, precision, specificity, and F1-score values were calculated for automated artificial systems and dentists. Chi-square tests were performed. RESULTS: The performances were obtained for EfficienteNet B1, EfficientNet B7 and dentists. Regarding accuracy, sensivity and specificity, the best results were obtained with EfficientNet B1. Concerning precision and F1-score, the best results were obtained with EfficientNet B7. The presence of periapical hypodensity lesions was associated with endodontic technical errors. In contrast, the absence of endodontic technical errors was associated with the absence of hypodensity. CONCLUSIONS: Quality evaluation of the endodontic treatment performed by dentists and by Siamese Network combined with EfficientNet B7 or EfficientNet B1 networks was comparable with a slight superiority for the Siamese Network. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CNNs have the potential to be used as a support and standardization tool in assessing endodontic treatment quality in clinical practice.

Inflammatory Lesions of the Jaws.

This article defines the fascial and spatial anatomy of the suprahyoid neck region, delineates the role of CT and MR imaging, discusses the inflammatory conditions of the jaws and adjacent spaces and their clinical symptomatology, and illustrates the appearance of these conditions.

COVID-19 Severity in Patients With Apical Periodontitis: A Case Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: Apical periodontitis (AP) has been associated with systemic inflammatory biomarkers that have also been associated with COVID-19 severity. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the presence of apical periodontitis could be associated with increased risk of COVID-19 complications. METHODS: A case control study (N = 949) was performed using the medical and dental records of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the State of Qatar between March 2020 and February 2021. Cases comprised COVID-19 patients (n = 63) who experienced complications (death, intensive care unit admissions, mechanical ventilation), and controls were COVID-19 patients (n = 886) who recovered without such complications. The presence of periapical apical periodontitis was assessed on the radiographic records taken prior to COVID-19 infection. Associations between apical periodontitis and COVID 19 complications were analysed using logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and medical factors. Blood biomarkers were assessed in both groups and compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: COVID-19 complications were found to be associated with the presence of apical periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.72; 95% CI, 1.30-5.68; P = .008). Blood analyses revealed that COVID-19 patients with apical periodontitis had higher levels of white blood cells and haemoglobin A1c than the patients without apical periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of apical periodontitis could be associated with increased risk of COVID-19 complications.

Lesões periapicais de origem não-endodôntica: uma revisão integrativa

O objetivo deste trabalho foi elencar quais são as principais lesões periapicais que não têm origem a partir da necrose pulpar. Para tanto, realizou-se uma revisão integrativa da literatura, com busca nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (MEDLINE) e Bibliografia Brasileira de Odontologia (BBO). Os descritores utilizados foram "doenças periapicais" e "diagnóstico diferencial", combinados com o operador booleano "AND". Foram encontrados 42 artigos que responderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. A análise dos estudos incluídos mostrou que as principais lesões periapicais de origem não endodôntica são o queratocisto odontogênico e o ameloblastoma. Embora a prevalência de lesões periapicais não endodônticas seja baixa, é importante estar atento aos possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais, visto que as lesões que mais apareceram na literatura se tratam de patologias localmente agressivas e potencialmente mutiladoras. Ademais, a conduta do profissional que se depara com qualquer tipo de lesão periapical que apresente comportamento fora dos padrões de normalidade deve ser a realização de biópsia e análise histopatológica.

The aim of this study was to list the main periapical lesions that do not originate from pulpal necrosis. An integrative literature review was carried out, with a search in the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (MEDLINE) and Bibliografia Brasileira de Odontologia (BBO) databases. The keywords used were "periapical diseases" and "differential diagnosis", combined with the boolean operator "AND". 42 articles were found that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis of the included studies showed that the main periapical lesions of non-endodontic origin are the odontogenic keratocyst and the ameloblastoma. Although the prevalence of non-endodontic periapical lesions is low, it is important to be aware of possible differential diagnoses, since the lesions that most appeared in the literature are locally aggressive and potentially mutilating pathologies. In addition, the conduct of the professional who is faced with any type of periapical lesion that presents behavior outside the normal range should be to perform a biopsy and histopathological analysis.

The Potential Clinical Applications of a Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip for the Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing of Enterococcus faecalis-Associated Endodontic Infections: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review evaluated the potential clinical use of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology in the identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of E. faecalis in endodontic infections. The search methodology employed in this review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Multiple scientific databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and SCIELO, were utilized, along with exploration of grey literature sources. Up to September 2023, these resources were searched using specific keywords and MeSH terms. An initial comprehensive search yielded 202 articles. Ultimately, this systematic review incorporated 12 studies. Out of these, seven aimed to identify E. faecalis, while the remaining five evaluated its susceptibility to different antibiotics. All studies observed that the newly developed microfluidic chip significantly reduces detection time compared to traditional methods. This enhanced speed is accompanied by a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, and sensitivity. Most research findings indicated that the entire process took anywhere from less than an hour to five hours. It is important to note that this approach bypasses the need for minimum inhibitory concentration measurements, as it does not rely on traditional methodologies. Microfluidic devices enable the rapid identification and accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. faecalis, which are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment in endodontic infections.

[Maxillary sinus lesions and their association with apical lesions observed by cone beam computed tomography. A retrospective cross-sectional study]. / Lesiones del seno maxilar y su asociación con lesiones apicales observadas por tomografía computarizada de haz cónico. Un estudio transversal retrospectivo.

Introduction: Through cone beam computed tomography, alterations in the maxillary sinuses, such as opacities, space occupation and thickening of the mucosa, can be observed. Some factors contribute to this thickening, standing out among dental factors, periodontitis, apical pathology and endodontic treatments. Objective: To evaluate the association between changes observed in the maxillary sinuses and apical lesions using cone beam computed tomography. Materials and methods: It was a descriptive study with a retrospective and cross-sectional, correlational, field, non-experimental design. The sample consisted of 115 tomographic volumes obtained using Planmeca ProMax 3D Classic equipment (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland). The presence/absence of endodontic treatment in the present posterior teeth, presence/absence of periapical lesion associated with these teeth, the size of the periapical lesion, presence/absence of alteration in the maxillary sinus and its thickness were evaluated. Results: Apical lesions were observed that averaged a size of 3.32 ± 1.82 mm, and almost half (44.35%) presented between 2 and 4 mm in size. The main alteration of the maxillary sinus that was observed was the thickening of the mucosa (58.26%). The average thickness of the thickening of the sinus mucosa was 3.51 ± 1.78 mm, with 72.17% of the cases with thickening greater than 2 mm. Conclusion: There was an association between the changes observed in the maxillary sinuses and apical lesions. The larger and closer the lesion was to the sinus, the greater the thickening of the sinus mucosa.

Tratamento Endodôntico de Dente com Calcificação Radicular Pós-Trauma: Relato de Caso Clínico / Endodontic Treatment Of Teeth With Post-Trauma Root Calcification: Case Report

A calcificação do canal radicular é um processo que pode ocorrer posteriormente a um traumatismo dentário ou que pode se desenvolver lentamente em decorrência do envelhecimento dentário fisiológico. É caracterizada pela deposição de tecido duro tanto na câmara pulpar como no canal radicular. Essa condição pode ser diagnosticada através de radiografias periapicais e tomografia computadorizada. Em alguns casos, pode estar associada à necrose pulpar e presença de lesão periapical, e o tratamento pode ser considerado bastante complexo. Este relato de caso clínico aborda o tratamento endodôntico do elemento 21, sintomático, com obliteração do canal radicular e necrose pulpar como sequela de um traumatismo dentário. Após a realização de todos os exames, foi dado o diagnóstico de periodontite apical crônica, sendo proposto o tratamento endodôntico convencional. A maior dificuldade encontrada foi a localização da entrada do canal radicular. Inúmeras radiografias foram realizadas a fim de evitar desvios. Somente ao final do terço médio foi possível localizar a entrada do canal radicular e dar prosseguimento ao tratamento, utilizando a técnica coroa-ápice e medicação intracanal à base de hidróxido de cálcio durante as sessões. Foi possível realizar a obturação do canal radicular quando a paciente se mostrou assintomática. Obteve-se sucesso na realização da técnica, e, após a conclusão do caso, foi possível observar remissão dos sintomas. Após um período de acompanhamento de 6 meses e, posteriormente, de 3 anos, foi possível observar cicatrização dos tecidos periapicais

The calcification of the root canal is a process that may occur after a dental trauma or slowly develop due to physiological dental aging. It is characterized by hard tissue deposition on both the pulp chamber and the root canal. Periapical radiography and computed tomography can be used to diagnose this condition. In some cases, it may be associated with pulp necrosis and the presence of periapical injury, and the treatment may be considered to be quite complex. This case report addresses the endodontic treatment of the central incisor, symptomatic, with root canal obliteration and pulp necrosis as a sequela of dental trauma. After all the tests, chronic apical periodontitis was diagnosed, and conventional endodontic treatment was proposed. The most significant difficulty faced was when locating the root canal's entrance. Numerous radiographs were carried out to avoid deviations. The opening of the root canal could only be found at the end of the middle third, so treatment could proceed by using the crown- down technique and intracanal medication based on calcium hydroxide during the sessions. When the patient was asymptomatic, the root canal has been filled. The accomplishment of the technique was successful, and after finishing the case, there was remission of symptoms. After a six-month follow-up period and three years, the healing of the periapical tissues was observed.

ALDH1 expression and potential clinical implications in chronic inflammatory periapical lesions

Abstract: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH-1) is a marker of stem cells in a variety of diseases, but its role in individuals with chronic inflammatory periapical lesions remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of cells with a stem cell profile based on the immunoexpression of ALDH-1 in periapical granulomas (PGs) and radicular cysts (RCs). A total of 51 cases of periapical lesions (25 PGs and 26 RCs) were subjected to immunohistochemical study. The anti-ALDH-1 antibody was applied using the immunoperoxidase technique. An immunoexpression score (intensity vs. percentage of cells) was used, with the cases being classified as low expression (score: 0 to 4) and high expression (score: 6 to 9). The Chi-square test was used with a 5% level of significance. Immunoexpression of ALDH-1 was detected in all cases of PGs and RCs. In PG cases, the expression was diffuse in connective tissue cells, with most cases exhibiting high expression (n = 18; 69.2%), while in RC cases the expression revealed focal distribution in cells of the capsule and epithelial cells of the cystic lining, with most cases classified as low expression (n = 18; 72%). Significant differences in the expression scores of ALDH-1 were observed in PGs (p = 0.003). The variable expression of ALDH-1 suggests the presence of cells with stem cell profiles in PGs and RCs. These findings suggest that periapical tissues infiltrated by chronic inflammation can recruit important cells for the repair or evolution of periapical lesions.

Apical Periodontitis Healing Following Treatment is Impacted by Root Canal Sealer Composition: An in Vivo and in Vitro Investigation

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the periapical healing following root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis (in vivo) and the cytotoxic potential of root canal sealers in vitro. Material and Methods: Apical periodontitis was induced in 60 dogs' teeth and root canals were filled with Sealapex (40 roots), EndoREZ (40 roots), intracanal dressing (20 roots), or left untreated (20 roots). After 30 and 90 days, histopathological analyses were made. In vitro, J774.1 macrophages were stimulated with root canal sealers extracts, cytotoxicity was assessed using lactate dehydrogenase assay, and qRT-PCR was used to analyze TNF-α gene expression. Results: In vivo, smaller apical periodontitis and lower inflammatory cell infiltrate were found in teeth treated with Sealapex compared to EndoREZ. In vitro, EndoREZ was cytotoxic and induced TNF-α gene expression by macrophages differently from Sealapex. Conclusion: Sealapex allowed improved tissue repair following root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis compared to EndoREZ. Synthesis of TNF-α induced by LPS was enhanced by EndoREZ, whereas Sealapex prevented pro-inflammatory gene expression (AU).

O preparo do terço cervical e médio na endodontia contemporânea / Preparation of cervical and middle thirds in contemporary endodontics

Introdução: o tratamento endodôntico representa a terapia que trata as doenças pulpares e periapicais. O sucesso desse tratamento pode estar relacionado com o preparo do terço cervical e médio e a sua realização ou não contempla uma das vertentes da Endodontia contemporânea. Objetivo: identificar a prevalência de endodontistas que realizam o preparo cervical e médio, assim como as principais repercussões dentárias causadas por essa etapa, relacionando-as com instrumentos elencados neste estudo. Metodologia: trata ­ se de uma pesquisa observacional transversal que avalia, através de formulário online, a prevalência de endodontistas que realizam o pré-alargamento cervical e médio. O formulário foi enviado entre os dias 1º e 30 de junho de 2021, pela plataforma Google Forms. A amostra foi composta por 102 endodontistas de ambos os gêneros. O formulário apresenta questões de gênero, idade e questionamento sobre tempo de formação e trabalho. Resultados: verificou-se que 93,1% dos entrevistados alegaram realizar o preparo cervical e médio e a maioria, 67 respondentes, não acreditam que ele tem relação com o enfraquecimento dental. Para tal procedimento, a instrumentação rotatória é a mais utilzada com 54,9%. Conclusão: o preparo cervical e médio é uma etapa operatória presente na maioria dos tratamentos endodônticos e sua realização pode estar relacionada com o enfraquecimento dental, no entanto, isso não promove o insucesso do tratamento e, de acordo com os entrevistados, os instrumentos rotatórios são os mais utilizados para essa etapa.

Introduction: Endodontic treatment represents therapy that treats pulp and periapical diseases. The success of this treatment may be related to the preparation of the cervical and middle thirds and its realization or not contemplates one of the aspects of contemporary Endodontics. Objective: identify the prevalence of endodontists who perform cervical and middle preparation, as well as the main dental repercussions caused by this stage, relating them to the instruments listed in this study. Methodology: this is a cross-sectional observational study that assesses, through an online form, the prevalence of endodontists who perform cervical and mid-swelling pre-enlargement. The form was sent between June 1st and June 30th, 2021, by the Google Forms platform. The sample consisted of 102 endodontists of both genders. The form presents issues of gender, age and questions about training and work time. Results: it was found that 93.1% of respondents claimed to perform cervical and middle preparation and the majority, 67 respondents, do not believe that it is related to dental weakening. For this procedure, rotary instrumentation is the most used with 54.9%.Conclusion: cervical and middle preparation is an operative step present in most endodontic treatments and its performance ay be related to dental weakening, however, this does not promote treatment failure and, according to respondents, rotary instruments are the most used for this step.

Associação entre a periodontite apical e as doenças cardiovasculares: uma revisão da literatura / Association between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: a review of the literature

Objetivo: o presente estudo tem como objetivo revisar os dados disponíveis na literatura para verificar se a periodontite apical (PA) é um fator de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares (DCVs). Materiais e Métodos: foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados do Pubmed e Google Acadêmico sobre a possível associação da PA com o desenvolvimento de problemas cardiovasculares. Após os critérios de seleção, foram incluídos 8 artigos científicos para serem detalhadamente abordados. Revisão de literatura: embora a PA seja um processo inflamatório local, sua patogênese pode influenciar no desenvolvimento de complicações sistêmicas. Partindo do princípio que uma resposta inflamatória localizada é capaz de acarretar à liberação e ativação de mediadores pró-inflamatórios sistêmicos, como as citocinas interleucinas e fatores de necrose tumoral, alguns autores sugerem uma possível associação entre a PA crônica e as DCVs, devido o potencial de surgimento de danos endoteliais e formação de ateromas. Discussão: embora ainda seja questionável a correlação existente entre lesões inflamatórias periapicais e doenças sistêmicas, devido principalmente ao descrédito em que o assunto era tratado no passado e na quantidade limitada de informações conclusivas disponíveis atualmente, os dados revisados neste trabalho propõem que existe uma associação positiva entre a PA e as DCVs, podendo-se verificar uma maior prevalência de PA em pacientes com problemas cardiovasculares. Conclusão: tem-se disponível cientificamente uma quantidade limitada de achados. Portanto, sugere-se a realização de mais pesquisas sobre o tema, objetivando a busca por evidências relevantes e bem fundamentadas sobre esta associação.

Aim: The present study aims to review the data available in the literature to verify whether apical periodontitis (AP) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Materials and Methods: a search was carried out in the databases of Pubmed and Google Scholar about a possible association of AP with the development of cardiovascular problems. After the selection criteria, 8 scientific arti-cles were included to be analyzed in detail. Literature Review: although BP is a local inflammatory process, its pathogenesis can result in the development of systemic complications. Assuming that a localized inflammatory response is capable of causing the release and activation of systemic pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin cytokines and tumor necrosis factors, some automatic effects are a possible association between a chronic AP and CVDs, due to the potential for the emergence of en-dothelial damage and atheroma. Discussion: although the correlation between periapical inflammatory lesions and systemic diseases is still questionable, mainly due to the discredit in which the subject was treated in the past and the limited amount of conclusive information currently available, the data reviewed in this paper propose that there is a positive association between AP and CVDs, with a higher prevalence of AP in patients with cardiovascular problems. Conclusion: a limited amount of findings are scientifically available. Therefore, it is suggested to carry out more research on the subject, aiming the search for relevant and well-grounded evidence on this association

Estado de la enseñanza del diagnóstico de afecciones pulpares y periapicales centrada en el método clínico / Status of the pulp and periapical disorders diagnosis teaching focused on the clinical method

RESUMEN Fundamento: la enseñanza del diagnóstico de las afecciones pulpares y periapicales se enmarca como un contenido esencial del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la asignatura de Operatoria Clínica, para cumplir las funciones principales declaradas en el perfil profesional del modelo de formación del estomatólogo general en Cuba. Objetivo: determinar el estado actual de la enseñanza del diagnóstico de afecciones pulpares y periapicales en la asignatura de Operatoria Clínica de la carrera de Estomatología. Métodos: investigación observacional, descriptiva y de corte transversal realizada en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos sobre una población conformada por 8 docentes y los 37 estudiantes de tercer año del curso 2017-2018. Se utilizó una guía para observar de forma directa cómo se realiza la enseñanza del diagnóstico de las afecciones pulpares y periapicales y se aplicó una encuesta a profesores y estudiantes con preguntas cerradas. Resultados: se evidenció como fortaleza que predomina la educación en el trabajo como forma organizativa y existen referencias de la enseñanza del método clínico en la carrera de medicina. Se constataron limitaciones en el claustro respecto a las categorías docentes, científicas y años de experiencia; limitado aprovechamiento de la caracterización de los estudiantes y sus resultados así como deficiente aplicación de las acciones esenciales correspondientes a la etapa diagnóstica del método clínico y prevalencia del papel autoritario del docente. Conclusiones: aún existen limitaciones en la enseñanza actual del diagnóstico de las afecciones pulpares y periapicales en la población objeto de estudio.

ABSTRACT Background: the teaching of the pulp and periapical diseases diagnosis is defined as an essential content of the teaching-learning process in the Clinical Operative subject, to fulfill the main functions declared in the professional profile of the general stomatologist training model in Cuba. Objective: to determine the current state of pulp and periapical disorders teaching diagnosis in the Stomatology career Clinical Operative subject. Methods: observational, descriptive and cross-sectional research carried out at the Cienfuegos University of Medical Sciences on a population of 8 teachers and 37 third-year students of the 2017-2018 academic year. A guide was used to directly observe how the teaching of the diagnosis of pulp and periapical diseases is carried out and a survey was applied to teachers and students with closed questions. Results: it was evidenced as a strength that education at work predominates as an organizational form and there are references to the clinical method teaching in the medical career. Limitations were found in the faculty with respect to the teaching and scientific categories and years of experience; limited use of the students characterization and their results as well as deficient application of the essential actions corresponding to the diagnostic stage of the clinical method and prevalence of the teacher authoritarian role. Conclusions: still limitations in the diagnosis of pulp and periapical diseases current teaching of the population under study.

Prevalência de lesão periapical radiolúcida nos pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren primária / Prevalence of radiolucid periapical injury in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome

Introdução: Pacientes com Síndrome de Sjögren Primária (SSP) apresentam maior incidência de cárie dentária. Como consequência da cárie, podem ocorrer lesões periapicais radiolúcidas (LPR). Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de LPR nos pacientes com SSP e caracterizar radiologicamente os dentes associados às LPR. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes com SSP, recrutados em uma Clínica de Reumatologia (HUCAM-ES), que foram submetidos, inicialmente, a um questionário socioeconômico e avaliação clínica do fluxo salivar. Posteriormente, radiografias foram obtidas por um sistema digital intrabucal, com posicionador para a técnica periapical do paralelismo. Realizou-se a estatística descritiva por meio da média e desvio-padrão para as variáveis quantitativas, e frequências absoluta e relativa para as variáveis qualitativas. Realizou-se o teste qui-quadrado com IC95% e o teste t de Student para comparação dos pacientes com e sem lesão periapical. Resultados: No total, 24 pacientes fizeram parte do estudo, todos do sexo feminino (20 - 71 anos). O número médio de dentes/paciente foi de 23,3 ± 3,1, com prevalência de LPR dentária de 7,86%. Do total de pacientes, 70,8% tinham pelo menos uma LPR. Na comparação dos dentes com e sem LPR, os dentes com LPR apresentaram maior porcentagem de canal tratado e cárie. Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados, pode-se concluir que as LPR encontradas nos pacientes com SSP são uma condição frequente, principalmente quando associadas a dentes com canal(is) obturado(s) (AU).

Introduction: Patients with Primary Sjögren Syndrome (PSS) have a higher incidence of dental caries. As a conse- quence, radiolucent periapical lesions (RPL) may appear. Objective: To determine the prevalence of RPL in patients with PSS and to radiologically characterize the teeth associated with RPL. Methodology: Cross-sectional study involving patients with PSS, recruited at the Rheumatology Clinic (HUCAM-ES), who were initially submitted to a socioeconomic questionnaire and clinical evaluation of salivary flow. Subsequently, radiographs were obtained by a digital intraoral system with positioner for the periapical parallelism technique. Descriptive statistics were calculated by the mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables, and absolute and relative frequencies for qualitative variables. Chi-square test with 95% CI and Student t test were applied to compare patients with and without periapical lesion. Results: Over-all, 24 patients participated in the study and all were females (20-71 years). The mean number of teeth per patient was 23.3±3.1, with prevalence of dental RPL of 7.86%. Among all patients, 70.8% had at least one RPL. When comparing teeth with and without RPL, teeth with RPL showed higher percentage of treated canal and caries. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that RPL in patients with PSS is a frequent condition, especially when associated with teeth with obturated root canals (AU).

The clinical application of ultrasonic root canal intermittent irrigation in endodontic vascular reconstruction / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of ultrasonic root canal intermittent irrigation in endodontic vascular reconstruction.Methods:32 young permanent teeth with pulp and periapical lesions were randomly divided into two groups ( n=32): experimental group was treated with ultrasonic root canal intermittent irrigation and the control group was rinsed with sodium hypochlorite root canal. The changes of periapical lesions and root development were evaluated by preoperative and postoperative clinical symptom observation and radiograph examination, and the clinical effect of endodontic vascular reconstruction was discussed. The time of inflammation control was discussed by analyzing the starting point from the first diagnosis to the date of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) coverage. Results:The clinical symptoms of the 16 affected teeth in the experimental group and the control group disappeared, the periapical lesions were eliminated, and the root continued to develop. In the experimental group, root formation was observed in 13 of the affected teeth, with a success rate of 81.25% and a reduction rate of 18.75%. In the control group, root formation was observed in 10 of the affected teeth, with a success rate of 62.5% and a reduction rate of 37.5%. There was no difference in the effective rate between the experimental group and the control group ( P>0.05). The control time of inflammation was (28.44±5.98)days in the experimental group and (34.13±7.17)days in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasonic root canal intermittent swabbing applied to pulp revascularization can achieve good clinical effect and shorten the time of inflammation control.