Epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic analysis of oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed and treated in a single hospital in Galicia (Spain): a retrospective study with 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a common neoplasm worldwide, mostly corresponding to squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Unfortunately, its overall prognosis remains poor, with no improvement in recent decades. In this study, we have analysed the epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic characteristics of OSCC on patients of a specific Spanish region (Galicia), in order to improve its prognosis and apply effective preventive and early diagnosis measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 243 cases of OSCC, diagnosed and treated in a single hospital centre in Galicia between 2010 and 2015 (minimum of 5 years of evolution). Overall and specific survival were calculated (Kaplan-Meier) and associated variables were identified (log rank test and Cox regression). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 67 years, with the majority being male (69.5%), smokers (45.9%) and alcohol consumers (58.6%), who lived in non-urban areas (79.4%). Cases diagnosed at advanced stages entailed the 48.1% of the sample, and 38.7% of cases relapsed. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 39.9% and 46.1%, respectively. Patients who consumed tobacco and alcohol had a worse prognosis. OSCC cases referred to hospital by specialist dentists had a better prognosis, as those who were previously diagnosed with an oral potentially malignant oral disorder (OPMD) or received dental care during OSCC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In view of these findings, we conclude that OSCC in Galicia (Spain) still has a very poor overall prognosis, which is mainly related to the advanced age of the patients and the late diagnosis. Our study highlights the better survival of OSCC in relation to the referring health professional, the presence of a previous OPMD and the dental care after diagnosis. This demonstrates the importance of dentistry as a health profession involved in the early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of this malignant neoplasm.

Role of thyroid hormones in burning mouth syndrome. Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Burning mouth syndrome is an idiopathic condition characterized by burning pain in a normal-appearing oral mucosa lasting at least four to six months. In the case of secondary burning mouth syndrome is associated with local or systemic factors (such as thyroid disorders) that can cause these symptoms. The aim of this review was to study the relationship between thyroid disorders and burning mouth syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study followed the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search strategy was developed for PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Cochrane. The following combination of keywords and Boolean operators were used: Thyroid AND burning mouth; Thyroid AND burning mouth syndrome; Hypothyroidism AND burning mouth; Hypothyroidism AND burning mouth syndrome; Hyperthyroidism AND burning mouth; Hyperthyroidism AND burning mouth syndrome. The results were processed by existing free software in https://www.graphpad.com/. To evaluate the association of the categorical variables we used the Fisher test at a level of significance of p-value ≤ 0,05. As a primary summary measure the Odds Ratio (OR) has been used. To analyze the risk of bias the guidelines of the GRADE guide were used and the grade of evidence was analyzed by the guide of Joanna Briggs Institute: Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendations. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 5 studies were selected for review. The Chi-square was 10.92 and the Odds Ratio was 3.31 with respect to TSH values with p <0.0001 (Fisher's test). The population of patients with TSH alterations is increased in 80.49% and decreased in 19.51%. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that thyroid hormone abnormalities are a factor in secondary burning mouth syndrome; specially in patients with hypothyroidism.

Counselling toward reducing alcohol use, knowledge about its morbidity and personal consumption among students of medical and dental courses in north-western Spain.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is directly linked to high-risk consumption. Healthcare students have a crucial role to play in its prevention and management. The aim of this study is to analyse alcohol consumption, as well as to consider the knowledge and attitudes regarding morbidity, and the stage of change when providing assistance to quit AUD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Dentistry and Medical students using specific and validated questionnaires in an anonymous and voluntary way. Initially, 925 students were invited to participate, of them 500 were reached. RESULTS: Among them 85.9% suffered from AUD of whom 75% were women (p<0.001), and it was considered that the female gender constituted an independent risk factor (OR=2.63, CI 95% 1.55-4.45, p<0.001). The majority of the participants did not achieve the pass mark, nonetheless, the results showed improved levels of knowledge among participants in the latter years of their studies (p<0.001). Dental students demonstrated greater shortcomings in terms of their knowledge of general pathology, whereas the medical students' knowledge of oral pathologies proved worse (p<0.001). Most of students believed that identifying cases of AUD-affected patients falls within their competence, nonetheless, they believed that they do not have the necessary competencies. Among participants 58.2% were in a stage of change regarding AUD attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents presented AUD. In general, the participants' knowledge about alcohol was low. Reviewing the syllabuses and evaluating the implementation of gender-differentiated training programmes in both degrees would be considered necessary.

Association between xerostomia, oral and general health, and obesity in adults. A cross-sectional pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to analyse the association between oral and general health variables and obesity indicators with the sensation of dry mouth or xerostomia as evaluated on the Xerostomia Inventory (XI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 354 randomly selected subjects participated in this cross-sectional pilot study and completed an anonymous questionnaire. Anthropometric, clinical, and xerostomic variables were evaluated. Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used for multiple comparisons. ROC curves and multinomial logistic regression were used to determine the (OR) risk of xerostomia. RESULTS: A total of 30.7 % of respondents reported xerostomia based on XI. The dry mouth question, the XI taken as a "gold standard", showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 70.37 %, and a specificity of 83.27 % (AUC=0.768, p<0.001). Logistical regression showed the highest xerostomia OR was associated to patients with bad self-perceived health, 6.31 (CI 95% 2.89-13.80, p<0.001). In the model adjusted for tooth mobility, bone or respiratory diseases, and the consumption of anxiolytics and antidepressants, the OR was 3.46 (CI 95% 1.47-8.18, p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: a high prevalence of xerostomia was found in this cross-sectional pilot study, which was significantly more frequent in women, and increased with age. Xerostomia was associated to several systemic diseases, psychological conditions, and oral functional disorders such as tooth mobility. These preliminary results can serve as the basis for developing guidelines for the application of innovative measures designed to improve the quality of life of individuals with xerostomia.

Assessment of saliva and oral candidiasis levels 12, 24 and 36 months after radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Hyposalivation is a serious complication during radiotherapy (RT) and it is one of the major risk factors for the presence of candidiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary hypofunction during the different stages of RT, analysing its connection with the presence of candidiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 83 patients who had been diagnosed with head and neck tumours and who were undergoing RT treatment. Their salivary function was clinically analysed throughout the course of the RT treatment (before, during and after treatment) by means of the whole saliva test (WST), both unstimulated (WST-I) and stimulated (WST-II), and its relationship with candidiasis was evaluated using culture-based methods. RESULTS: The WST-I before RT was 37.24±17.36mm and the WST-II was 60.70±30.98mm, with 47% of patients testing positive for candidiasis. The prevalence of candidiasis increased up to 55.8% during RT and it returned to similar pre-RT levels at the end of treatment (45.2%). A statistical significant relationship was found between low WST-I and candidiasis in the 1st (13.58 vs 20.78mm), 3rd (18.06 vs 24.36mm), 6th (16.83 vs 24.5) and 12th (16 vs 28.74mm) months after RT; and this relationship was also detected for WST-II in the 1st (24.73 vs 41.26mm) and 3rd (27.71 vs 39.91mm) months after RT. Female sex was identified as an independent associated risk factor for mild hyposalivation before RT (OR=6.50, CI: 95% 1.77-23.93, p=0.005) and glandular hypofunction (OR=3.01, CI: 95% 1.12-8.10, p=0.029). DISCUSSION: There is a clear relation between hyposalivation and the presence of candidiasis during and after RT. Larger studies must be performed in order to further elucidate this effect.

Quality and readability of the dental information obtained by patients on Internet: criteria for selecting medical consultation websites.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study is to examine the quality of the information available for patients online with regards to the apicoectomy surgical procedure, both on general and critically selected websites. The hypothesis is that general websites has less quality than other that have been pre-selected. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search for the English term "apicoectomy" was performed online. The first 100 websites that appeared in both Google and Yahoo were analysed. Seven validated instruments were used for these two dimensions: quality (DISCERN, JAMA and EQIP), and readability (FRES, Fog Scale, FKRGL and SMOG). RESULTS: A total of 21 websites (10.5%) were selected. The readability of the websites in both groups was difficult or very difficult. With regards to the quality of the websites, the DISCERN instrument indicated an average value of 2.28 [2.14-2.39] for all of the websites, therefore indicating very low quality with serious defects; however, in the selected websites, the average quality was 3.16 [2.84-3.48], indicating potential, but not serious defects (p<0.001). There were statistically significant differences for the FRES values (p = 0.030), with a greater readability in the selected group of websites. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that it is very important for the population to become aware of and learn how to use certain exclusion criteria when selecting medical consultation websites, as in doing so, they will be able to obtain a higher quality of information from these websites.

Alveolar bone loss, platelet and glycosylated haemoglobin levels in 239 patients. A clinical study

BACKGROUND: The relation between periodontal disease and systemic pathologies is still not widespread among general practitioners. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether or not periodontal radiological diagnosis can aid the detection of blood alterations associated with acquired systemic diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross sectional study. All of the participants underwent a panoramic radiograph and a complete blood test. Morphological bone loss was considered as positive in those patients who showed radiographically more than 1 tooth with bone loss greater than or equal to the middle third of the root. The statistical analysis was performed by comparing the variables using the ANOVA or U-Mann-Whitney tests for independent samples with normal conditions. The correlation coefficient was analysed using the Pearson test. RESULTS: 239 patients were included in our study (96 men and 143 women) with an average age of 64.40 years. 59.04% of the patients were determined as morphological bone loss positive and had on average 4 teeth less than negative patients (p < 0.0001). Also the average platelet levels in positive patients were lower (p = 0.024) and mean levels of HBA1c (p = 0.009) were higher. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological bone loss parameter can be useful both for dentists and general practitioners to refer, subsequently, to periodontal specialist

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Alveolar bone loss, platelet and glycosylated haemoglobin levels in 239 patients. A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The relation between periodontal disease and systemic pathologies is still not widespread among general practitioners. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether or not periodontal radiological diagnosis can aid the detection of blood alterations associated with acquired systemic diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross sectional study. All of the participants underwent a panoramic radiograph and a complete blood test. Morphological bone loss was considered as positive in those patients who showed radiographically more than 1 tooth with bone loss greater than or equal to the middle third of the root. The statistical analysis was performed by comparing the variables using the ANOVA or U-Mann-Whitney tests for independent samples with normal conditions. The correlation coefficient was analysed using the Pearson test. RESULTS: 239 patients were included in our study (96 men and 143 women) with an average age of 64.40 years. 59.04% of the patients were determined as morphological bone loss positive and had on average 4 teeth less than negative patients (p <0.0001). Also the average platelet levels in positive patients were lower (p = 0.024) and mean levels of HBA1c (p = 0.009) were higher. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological bone loss parameter can be useful both for dentists and general practitioners to refer, subsequently, to periodontal specialist.

Patient-centered web-based information on oral lichen planus: Quality and readability.

BACKGROUND: To assess the readability and quality of web-based information available for patients about oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three major search engines (Google, Bing and Yahoo!) were used to identify websites of particular interest to the study using the search term 'oral lichen planus'. The first 100 sites of each search engine were considered for the study. The quality of the contents was evaluated using the DISCERN instrument. The Flesch-Kinkaid Reading Grade Level (FKRGL) and the Flesh Reading Ease Score (FRES) were used to assess readability. The presence of the Health on the Net (HON) seal was also evaluated. RESULTS: Following the application of the study's exclusion criteria, only 28 websites were compiled for further analysis. The median of the DISCERN instrument was 3 [2-3] which means serious or potentially important shortcoming in the quality of the information. Readability indexes pointed to a high reading difficulty (FRES: 48.14±11.22; FKRGL:11.13±2.90). CONCLUSIONS: The information provided by the Internet to the general public regarding OLP has major deficits in terms of quality, and at the same time is difficult for a comprehensive reading. Further studies are warranted to test well-produced patient-centered information on OLP.

Management options for low-dose methotrexate-induced oral ulcers: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Oral ulcers caused by methotrexate (MTX) at low doses are a known side effect of this drug. Although increasingly more patients are medicated with MTX, these painful ulcers, without traumatic origin and resistant to any type of treatment, are not usually identified by health professionals as a side effect of the medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the absence of a consensus protocol for the effective treatment of oral lesions produced by MTX, the objective of this article was to review and analyse the information from articles related to oral ulcers produced by low-dose MTX and to record the clinical management performed and the MTX dose given to the patient. Data sources - Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Participants - Patients treated with low-dose MTX (less than 25 mg/week). Interventions - Management of oral lesions caused by MTX. Study eligibility criterion, study appraisal and synthesis method: An initial search was carried out in the aforementioned databases with the terms 'methotrexate AND oral OR ulcer'. The search was carried out using both medical subject heading (MeSH) terms and a free search between January 2003 and January 2018. Of the results obtained, two independent researchers analysed abstracts that met the search criteria, that is, those that mentioned oral ulcers produced by MTX at low doses. Next, both researchers read the complete article and determined whether it met the following inclusion criteria: written in English, specified the dose of MTX prescribed for the patient and specified the protocol of action for the ulcers. A third investigator acted as a mediator in cases of dispute. Agreement was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient, with a k value of 0.82. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guide for systematic reviews was used. RESULTS: The initial search resulted in a total of 66 articles, of which 30 were selected to assess their inclusion in this study. Finally, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Using the Pierson and Newcastle-Ottawa scales and Bradford Hill criteria modified for studies of case series and "in relation to a case", 2 were rated as high quality, 2 were rated as low quality and 12 were rated as medium quality. The limitations of this study are based on the fact that all of the articles available to carry out the systematic review were "in relation to a case or series of cases", with the heterogeneity of data that this implies. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on the management of oral ulcers in the oral cavity produced by MTX at low doses is scarce due to the heterogeneity of data and the measures adopted in the selected studies. Therefore, it seems that this management is relegated to the perception of the clinician rather than to a specific protocol of action. Studies with a longer follow-up duration and larger sample size are needed to guide different health professionals on the management of these lesions.

Cutaneous, genital and oral lichen planus: A descriptive study of 274 patients.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the oral mucosa as well as the skin, genital mucosa and other sites. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the correlation between oral, genital and cutaneous lichen planus, in a sample of LP patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive study reviewed 274 clinical histories of patients, who all presented histological confirmation of lichen planus verified by a pathologist, attending research centers in Barcelona. RESULTS: A total of 40 LP patients (14.59%) presented genital lesions. Of 131 patients with cutaneous LP (47.8%), the most commonly affected zones were the body's flexor surfaces, representing 60.1% of cases. 24% of patients (n=55) related the start of the lesions with previous stress events. Of the 131 subjects with cutaneous lesions, 19% (n=25) also presented oral lichen planus (OLP). Of the total sample, 53.6% (n=147) of patients presented oral lesions. The systemic diseases most commonly associated with this patient sample were psychological problems such as stress, anxiety and depression (48%), hypertension (27%), gastric problems (12%), and diabetes (9.7%). A family history of lichen planus was found in only 2 cases (0,72%) out of the total of 274. CONCLUSIONS: Any patient with OLP should undergo a thorough history and examination to investigate potential extraoral manifestations. The fact that 37 patients with OLP in this patient series were identified with simultaneous involvement at more than one site highlights the need for thorough evaluation and multidisciplinary approaches to this disease.

Survival study of leukoplakia malignant transformation in a region of northern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia is the most common potentially malignant disorder (PMD) of the oral cavity. The objectives of this study are to determine the clinicopathologic features in a group of patients with oral leukoplakia of Northern Spain (Galicia), determining the factors associated to clinical risk and analyzing the malignant transformation of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 85 patients. We recorded sex and age, habits like alcohol and tobacco, size, clinical appearance, site, number of lesions, and presence or absence of dysplasia. We assess the association between risk factors and transformation and developed a logistic regression analysis. Finally we used the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test for the survival analysis. RESULTS: 7 patients (8.2%) had malignant transformation. The mean follow-up of the patients was 4.13 years versus 5.58 years of those who developed carcinoma. Only location and initial dysplasia have a statistically significant relationship with malignant transformation, but when applied the long rank test only the presence of dysplasia remains statistically significant(P<0,026). Oral Cancer Free Survival was 81.9% (0.150) at 11 years for the group without dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the presence of dysplasia is the only risk factor that is statistically related to the development of a carcinoma.

Relación entre enfermedad periodontal y artritis Reumatoide / Relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La periodontitis crónica y la artritis reumatoide (AR) son desórdenes inflamatorios crónicos caracterizados por la destrucción de tejidos, la reabsorción ósea y la producción de citoquinas proinflamatorias. OBJETIVOS: Analizar la relación entre ambas enfermedades y la posible influencia del tratamiento de una sobre la otra. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica acerca de la patogénesis de la AR y la EP y los aspectos relacionados. RESULTADOS: La patogénesis de ambas enfermedades muestra semejanzas notables. Bacterias periodontopatógenas, como Porphyromonas gingivalis, y mediadores inflamatorios, como el factor de necrosis tumoral y la proteína C reactiva, juegan un papel importante en la AR. La EP es un factor importante en la respuesta a la terapia en pacientes con AR. CONCLUSIONES: Ambas enfermedades tienen una patogenia común. La prevalencia de enfermedad periodontal (EP) es mayor en pacientes con AR y viceversa. Aunque el control de la EP mediante tratamiento periodontal no quirúrgico parece mejorar los signos y síntomas en ambas enfermedades, hacen falta estudios más rigurosos con mayor número de casos y de mayor tiempo de evolución

INTRODUCTION: Chronic periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic inflammatory disorders characterized by tissue destruction, bone resorption and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. OBJECTIVES: Analysed the relationship between both diseases and the possible influence of treating one disease on the evolution of the other. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bibliographical revision of the pathogenesis of RA and periodontal disease(PD) and their related aspects. RESULTS: The pathogenesis of both diseases shows remarkable similarities. Periodontal pathogenic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor and C-reactive protein, play an important role in RA. PD is an important factor in the therapeutic response of patients with RA factor. CONCLUSIONS: Both diseases have a common pathogenesis. The prevalence of periodontal disease(PD) is higher in patients with RA and vice versa. Although PD control through non-surgical periodontal treatment improves the signs and symptoms of both diseases, more rigorous studies are need

Candidiasis oral en el paciente mayor / Oral candidosis in the older patient

La candidiasis o candidosis oral es la enfermedad infecciosa ocasionada por el crecimiento de las colonias de Cándida y la penetración de las mismas en los tejidos orales cuando las barreras físicas y las defensas del huésped se encuentran alteradas. Es una infección frecuente de la cavidad oral de los adultos de edad avanzada. Aunque la incidencia real se desconoce, se sabe que existe una prevalencia aumentada en ciertas ocasiones como ocurre en ancianos, en presencia de prótesis mucosoportadas, xerostomía o en patologías asociadas frecuentemente en los mayores. Los tipos clínicos más característicos son la forma seudomembranosa y la eritematosa (palatina y lingual). Pueden tener evolución aguda o crónica según la persistencia de los factores predisponentes. También son frecuentes procesos bucales comúnmente asociados: estomatitis protética, queilitis angular, glositis romboidal y lengua vellosa. La mayor parte de las candidiasis orales tienen un diagnóstico clínico, pero ha de confirmarse demostrando la penetración de la cándida en la mucosa oral, siendo el frotis la técnica de elección. Antes de comenzar el tratamiento, debemos estar seguros que se trata de una candidiasis oral, el tipo clínico y los factores predisponentes relacionados con la infección. Empezaremos siempre eliminando estos factores predisponentes, en el adulto mayor, la polifarmacología, la xerostomía, enfermedades crónicas y el uso de prótesis mucosoportadas son situaciones frecuentes que habrá que controlar. Instauraremos medidas higiénicas bucales y posteriormente si es necesario, utilizaremos fármacos antifúngicos, comenzando siempre con formas tópicas (AU)

Oral Candidiasis or Candidosis is the infectious disease caused by the growth of colonies of Candida and penetration in the oral tissues when physical barriers and host defenses are altered. It is the most common fungal infection of oral involvement. It is a common infection of the oral cavity in elderly adults. Although the true incidence is unknown, it is known that there is an increased prevalence in certain situations in the elderly: tissue-borne prosthesis, xerostomia or disorders frequently associated. The most characteristic clinical types are pseudomembranous and erythematous (palatal and lingual) form. They may have acute or chronic evolution as the persistence of predisposing factors. They are also frequent mouth commonly associated processes: denture stomatitis, angular cheilitis, rhomboid glossitis and hairy tongue. Most oral candidiasis have a clinical diagnosis, but must be confirmed by demonstrating penetration of candida on the oral mucosa, being the preferred technique smears. Before starting treatment, we must be sure that it is an oral candidiasis, clinical type and predisposing factors associated with infection. Always start eliminating these predisposing factors in the elderly, the polypharmacy, xerostomia, chronic diseases and the use of tissue-borne prostheses are common situations which must be controlled. We will initiate oral hygiene measures and then if necessary, use antifungaldrugs, always starting with topical forms (AU)

La endodoncia en los pacientes mayores / Endodontics in older patients

La endodoncia en el paciente geriátrico es un procedimiento cada vez más habitual en la clínica odontológica. Debemos, dadas las características médicas y dentales de muchos de estos pacientes mayores, planificar correctamente los procesos instrumentales y prever las posibles dificultades que puedan surgir motivadas por conductos estrechos, cámaras pulpares calcificadas etc. En la instrumentación de estos dientes, someteremos a los instrumentos a alto estrés por torsión, motivado por la amplia superficie de contacto entre el instrumento y las paredes, por lo que será totalmente necesario la realización de una preinstrumentación rotatoria y consideramos que es una buena opción el uso del movimiento recíproco. La preparación de los conductos debe dejar un remanente dentinario suficiente, mantenimiento del foramen apical y conicidad progresiva que facilita la administración de irrigantes a lo largo de la longitud de los conductos y las fuerzas de condensación para la obturación. Como irrigantes utilizamos, de forma general, el hipoclorito de sodio al 5% a lo largo de toda la fase instrumental; y una combinación del hipoclorito con un quelante durante la irrigación preobturación que activaremos con algún dispositivo ultrasónico o de aspiración apical negativa. La obturación la realizaremos con sistemas termoplásticos que nos aportan el mejor sellado tridimensional del sistema de conductos (AU)

Endodontics in geriatric patients is an increasingly common procedure in the dental clinic. Medical and dental characteristics of these patients makes us properly plan our procedures to anticipate possible difficulties as narrow ducts, calcifications etc. Our procedures should provide for the possible difficulties that may arise cause by narrow ducts, calcified pulp chambers, etc. During the instrumentation of these teeth, we submit a high stress of torsion to our instruments, motivated by the wide surface of contact between the instrument and the walls. For these reason, it will be absolutely necessary to make a rotary preinstrumentation, then, for the final instrumentation, we must consider the alternating rotation as a good option. The canal preparation should leave one sufficient dentin remnant, maintenance of the apical foramen and the proper taper to facilitate the administration of irrigants along the length of the ducts and the forces of condensation for obturation. Asirrigants we use, in general, sodium hypochlorite 5% throughout the entire instrumental phase; and a combination of hypochlorite with a chelat or for irrigation preobturation, in this phase we will activate with any ultrasonic device or with apical negative pressure. We will make the obturation with thermoplastic systems that provide us a completely three-dimensional sealing of the root canal system (AU)

Patología oral asociada a la sequedad bucal / Oral pathology associated with dry mouth

El síndrome de boca seca es un importante problema de salud ya que ocasiona intensas alteraciones funcionales y lesiones orales de carácter orgánico. Las alteraciones funcionales son las primeras en aparecer. Existe una dificultad en la masticación, deglución, fonación y alteración en la captación del gusto. Estos problemas pueden desencadenar cambios en la alimentación e incluso comprometer el estado nutricional. Las lesiones orales de carácter orgánico provocan una alteración de la mucosa oral, aparece brillante, seca, eritematosa, sensible, friable y, en ocasiones, dolorida, facilita la aparición de caries, de evolución rápida y de localización preferentemente cervical; enfermedad periodontal; malestar con el uso de prótesis; predisposición a las infecciones, sobre todo candidiasis; halitosis e incluso manifestaciones extraorales (AU)

Dry mouth syndrome is a major health problem that causes intense functional abnormalities and oral lesions of organic nature. Functional alterations are the first to appear. There is a difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speech and impaired uptake of taste. These problem scan trigger changes in diet and even compromise nutritional status.Organic oral lesions cause analtered oral mucosa appears bright, dry, erythematous, tender, sore and sometimes friable, facilitates the development of caries, rapidly evolving and preferably cervical location, periodontal disease, discomfort with the prosthetic use, predisposition to infections, especially candidiasis, halitosis and even extraoral manifestations (AU)

Three-dimensional study of nasopalatine canal morphology: a descriptive retrospective analysis using cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: For dental implant treatment planning and placement, a precise anatomic description of the nasopalatine canal (NC) is necessary. This descriptive retrospective study evaluated dimensions of the NC and buccal bone plate (BBP) and the tridimensional association of the anatomic variants of NC, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: This study included 230 CBCTs. Sagittal slices were used for measurements of the NC and BBP and to evaluate shape and direction-course of the NC. Coronal slices were used to assess NC shape and axial slices to assess number of incisive foramina and foramina of Stenson. RESULTS: Mean NC length was 12.34 ± 2.79 mm, statistically significant differences were detected between genders (p < 0.001). Mean BBP length was 20.87 ± 3.68 mm, statistically significant differences were found for the dental status (p < 0.001) and mean BBP width was 6.83 ± 1.28 mm, significant differences were detected between genders (p < 0.001). Mean nasopalatine angle was 73.33° ± 8.11°, significant differences were found in sagittal and coronal classifications. The most prevalent canal was: cylindrical sagittal shape (48.2 %); slanted-straight direction-course (57.6 %); Ya-type coronal shape (42.4 %); and one foramen incisive with two Stenson's foramina (1-2) (50.9 %). Sagittal shape was associated with sagittal direction-course (p < 0.001). Coronal shape was associated with axial classification (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The NC anatomy is highly variable. Gender is related to the NC length and BBP width, while dental status is related to BBP length. There was an association between the different sagittal classifications of the NC and between the coronal shape and axial classification.

Quantitative determination of c-myc facilitates the assessment of prognosis of OSCC patients.

Myc genes are a family of proto-oncogenes whose proteins are implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and in regulating the activity of genes involved in cell division. The aim of the present study was to establish a quantitative description of the expression of c-myc and evaluate its relationship with other clinical and prognostic factors, as well as to establish a multivariate survival prediction model. This is a retrospective study of 68 patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We constructed a tissue microarray for investigating the expression of c-myc by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analyses were carried out, and a multivariate model that predicts survival was established. The average expression of c-myc was 50.32 (SD, 26.05) with a range from 6.60 to 99.48; similar for initial and advanced tumor stages. Non-smoking patients had higher levels of c-myc, showing statistically significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis χ2=5.975; p=0.05). We found no statistically significant relationship between the quantitative expression of c-myc and any other clinical or pathological parameters. For each unit of increase of c-myc, the risk increased by 1.15 (p<0.001; HR, 1.150; 95% CI, 1062-1245). Further study of this protein, which may have a significant diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value is warranted. Its determination can be valuable when used together with other markers to assess the prognosis of OSCC patients.

Expression of CA IX in dysplasia adjacent to surgical resection margins of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) IX is a hypoxia marker located almost exclusively in tumor cells. We analyzed the expression of this marker in dysplastic lesions adjacent to the surgical resection margin in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. We investigated 70 archived tumors, 36 of which showed dysplasia adjacent to the surgical margin. We used tissue microarray technology to perform an immunohistochemical study of CA IX expression. We found 12 (33.3%) cases of mild dysplasia (10 negative, 2 positive for CA IX), five (13.9%) cases of moderate dysplasia (3 negative, 2 positive for CA IX), 1 (2.8%) case of severe dysplasia (negative for CA IX) and 18 (50%) cases of carcinoma in situ (10 negative, 8 positive for CA IX). In cases of intense expression of CA IX in the tumor, the same distribution of positive and negative cases was observed in all degrees of dysplasia (mild, moderate, severe), although cases of carcinoma in situ tended to be CA IX positive.

Factores de riesgo y prevención del cáncer oral. Actitud del odontólogo / Risk factors and prevention of oral cancer. The attitude of the dental professional

El cáncer oral constituye un grave problema sanitario en muchos países. No sólo genera una mortalidad significativa, sino que también provoca desfiguración extensa, deterioro funcional, cambios conductuales, y problemas económicos y sociológicos. La OMS predice un continuo aumento de esta enfermedad en todo el mundo. En España, la incidencia del cáncer oral es de 12 a 15 casos/100.000 habitantes/año en varones y de 2 a 4 casos/100.000 habitantes/año en mujeres; estos resultados posicionan a nuestro país en una posición intermedia en lo que se refiere a la incidencia de cáncer oral en la Comunidad Europea. La profesión odontológica tiene un papel importante en la lucha contra el cáncer oral cumpliendo una invalorable tarea en todos los niveles de prevención. El objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar una actualización acerca de la actuación del odontólogo en la prevención primaria, secundaria y terciaria del cáncer oral (AU)

Oral cancer is a serious health problem in many countries. It not only generates significant mortality, but also causes extensive disfigurement, loss of function, behavioral changes and economic and sociological problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a continuous increase of this disease worldwide. In Spain, the incidence of oral cancer is 12 to 15 cases per 100,000 / year in males and 2-4 cases per 100,000 / year in women, these results positioning Spain in an intermediate position in relation to the incidence of oral cancer in the European Community. The dental profession has an important role in the fight against oral cancer, fulfilling an invaluable task in all levels of prevention. The aim of this paper is to present an update on the performance of the dentist in the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of oral cancer (AU)