FDG-PET/CT for oral focus assessment in head and neck cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare oral and maxillo-mandibular inflammatory foci on standard oral radiographs (OPT, periapical radiograph) with available fluorine-18-labelled fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) data and to discuss whether additional metabolic information derived from FDG-PET/CT can support oral care specialists when performing oral focus examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 23 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent FDG-PET/CT and panoramic and periapical radiography in close succession before first-line radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were included in this exploratory retrospective study. Periapical lesions and marginal periodontal inflammation on FDG-PET/CT scans and standard oral radiographs were analysed and compared with regard to metabolic activity on FDG-PET/CT in comparison to recorded clinical symptoms and radiological scores. Additionally, inflammatory maxillo-mandibular pathologies were analysed using FDG-PET/CT. RESULTS: The maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) in FDG-avid marginal periodontal sites could not be conclusively associated with the radiologically recorded severity of marginal bone loss, but a potential positive correlation was identified. No association was found either between the metabolic activity of periapical lesions and their extent, as recorded on standard oral radiographs, or regarding clinical symptoms (percussion test). Most maxillo-mandibular pathologies did not show increased FDG uptake. CONCLUSIONS: FDG-PET/CT provided additional metabolic information that can help clinicians identify lesions with increased inflammatory activity. The incorporation of available oral FDG-PET/CT findings into the primary oral focus assessment may allow for more accurate oral focus treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FDG-PET/CT provides valuable metabolic information for oral care specialists. The detection of inflammatory oral processes using FDG-PET/CT facilitates treatment.

Autogenous bone augmentation from the zygomatic alveolar crest: a volumetric retrospective analysis in the maxilla.

BACKGROUND: Autogenous bone augmentation is the gold standard for the treatment of extended bone defects prior to implantation. Bone augmentation from the zygomatic crest is a valuable option with several advantages, but the current literature for this treatment is scant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the increase in bone volume after locoregional bone augmentation using autogenous bone from the zygomatic alveolar crest as well as the complications and success rate. RESULTS: Analysis of the augmented bone volume in seven patients showed a maximum volume gain of 0.97 cm3. An average of 0.54 cm3 of autogenous bone (SD 0.24 cm3; median: 0.54 cm3) was augmented. Implantation following bone augmentation was possible in all cases. Complications occurred in three patients. CONCLUSION: The zygomatic alveolar crest is a valuable donor site for autogenous alveolar onlay grafting in a locoregional area such as the maxillary front. Low donor site morbidity, good access, and its suitable convexity make it a beneficial choice for autogenous bone augmentation.

Use of a xenogeneic collagen matrix on extraction sockets: a new approach in ARONJ prevention (in german) / Plastische Deckung von Extraktionsalveolen mit einem xenogenen Bindegewebstransplantat

Antiresorptive drugs are increasingly used for the treatment of osteoporosis, various bone pathologies and malignant tumors. Antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) is a relevant complication, especially in nonhealing extraction sockets. Prescription of antibiotics in combination with a safely guaranteed closure of the extraction socket is considerably reducing the risk of ARONJ development. Full mucosal coverage usually requires the formation of a full thickness flap, which involves periosteal disclosure of the remodeled bone. In this new approach, primary wound closure is performed by covering the extraction socket with a xenogeneic collagen matrix. Ultimately, elevation of a periosteal flap and additional exposure of the surrounding alveolar bone is avoidable. The technique is exemplified on a patient case with a perennial anti resorptive medication history.

Success rate 1 year after apical surgery: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was the retrospective analysis of the outcomes of teeth treated with apical surgery after a 1-year follow-up period. Furthermore, potential factors associated with the success rate were investigated. METHODS: All patients were treated at the Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery at the University of Zurich between 2010 and 2017. To be eligible for inclusion, all patients were required to have undergone apical surgery with a retrograde root-end filling, and a 1-year follow-up examination at the University of Zurich. Treatment success at the 1-year follow-up time-point was defined as an absence of clinical complaints and radiographically determined healing. Parameters that were analysed included tooth localisation, periapical index of the preoperative lesion, administration of antibiotics, smoker status, histopathology of the apical lesion, radiographically determined sufficiency of root canal treatment pain and clinical signs of inflammation at the initial examination. RESULTS: A total of 81 teeth fulfilled all the inclusion criteria. At the 1-year follow-up, 91.4% of the teeth exhibited successful clinical and radiographic healing. The type of tooth was significantly associated with the success of the surgery (p = 0.006), but radiological severity of periapical inflammation, lesion histopathology, administration of antibiotics, smoker status, the quality of the root canal treatment, and preoperative pain and clinical signs of inflammation were not. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that apical surgery with retrograde root-end filling is a reliable therapy for the preservation of teeth. Furthermore, there are limited factors that affect the treatment outcome.

Change of saliva composition with radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the physiological and microbiological changes of saliva from patients with head and neck cancer during and after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). DESIGN: In this prospective clinical trial saliva samples and oral candida swabs were collected from patients receiving IMRT due to head and neck cancer (examination group). The first measurement was scheduled before radiotherapy, the other measurements during and after radiotherapy up to a one year follow-up. Additionally samples from healthy controls were collected over six weeks. Salivary flow rate and pH were measured. Microbiological analysis of cariogenic and periodontopathogenic taxa was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and oral Candida spp occurrence was evaluated by swab tests. RESULTS: 11 patients and 19 controls were included. The salivary flow rate and the unstimulated pH of the examination group were significantly reduced during radiotherapy compared with the measurement before radiotherapy and to the control group. Total bacteria, streptococci and lactobacilli numbers slightly increased after radiotherapy, resuming baseline levels after one year. Mutans streptococci, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola were barely detectable, whereas Tannerella forsythia slightly increased following radiotherapy. No differences in Candida levels were observed in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary changes in quantitative, qualitative and microbial composition occur during and after radiotherapy, with resumption of the measurements towards baseline levels after one year. While low levels of cariogenic and periodontopathogenic species were detected, the lower pH and salivary flow combined with increased numbers of aciduric and acidogenic lactobacilli corroborates a higher risk for caries, necessitating prevention.

Antimycotics in dental routine ­ an update / Antimykotika im zahnärztlichen Alltag. Ein Update

Aim of this paper is to give an overview about topical and systemic therapy options for the oral candidiasis. The clinical presentation of oral candidiasis is mostly white, easily wiped off coatings or erythematous efflorescences, with several subtypes. Antifungal therapy is indicated in case of clinical symptoms or as prevention for immune-compromised patients. In addition, local or systemic factors should be revealed and improved. An appropriate oral hygiene is essential for the treatment and prevention of possible reinfection.

Radix occulta in antro.

Due to the anatomical proximity between the maxillary sinus and the teeth of the upper jaw, dislocation of tooth fragments or entire teeth into the sinus may occur during tooth extraction. Following the verification of such a foreign body within the sinus, its removal and the coverage of the oro-antral communication should be performed immediately for the prevention of possible sinus infection. In 2D-radiographic imaging, foreign bodies may not be located in the proper radiographic planes of an OPT or may be superimposed by other structures, complicating precise diagnosis. In such cases, 3D-imaging by CBCT is helpful. The present case report describes a female patient, being referred at our clinic for radiographic imaging and consecutive operative removal of a radix being dislocated into the right maxillary sinus. This radix relicta could be visualized by 3D-CBCT imaging. Consecutively, it was removed.

Effect of sodium, amine and stannous fluoride at the same concentration and different pH on in vitro erosion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects 0.5% and 1% sodium, amine and stannous fluoride at different pH on enamel erosion in vitro. METHODS: Bovine enamel samples were submitted to a cyclic de- and remineralisation for 3 days. Each day, the samples were exposed for 120 min to pooled human saliva and subsequently treated with one of the fluoride solutions for 3 min: amine fluoride (AmF, 0.5% and 1% F(-)), sodium fluoride (NaF, 0.5% and 1% F(-)), each at pH 3.9 and 7.0, and stannous fluoride (SnF(2), 0.5% and 1% F(-)), at pH: 3.9. Additionally, two groups were treated with fluoride-free placebo solutions (pH: 3.9 and 7.0) and one group served as control (no fluoridation). Ten specimens each group were inserted in a so-called artificial mouth and eroded six times daily with hydrochloric acid (pH 2.6) for 90 s each intermitted by exposure to artificial saliva (1h). After 3 days, enamel loss was analyzed profilometrically and evaluated statistically by ANOVA. RESULTS: Only the acidic 0.5% and 1% SnF(2) and 1% AmF solutions were able to reduce erosive enamel loss significantly, while all other solutions and placebos did not differ significantly from the control. Between the acidic SnF(2) and the 1% AmF solutions no significant differences could be detected. CONCLUSION: At the same concentrations, acidic SnF(2) and AmF may be more effective than NaF to protect enamel against erosion.