Accuracy of Different Imaging CBCT Systems for the Detection of Natural External Radicular Resorption Cavities: An Ex Vivo Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of 3 different systems of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the detection of natural external root resorption (ERR) cavities using microtomography as the gold standard. METHOD: A sample of 126 ex vivo teeth were submitted to a microtomography examination to verify the presence/absence of ERR cavities. Then, they were divided into the control group: 85 teeth that did not present with an ERR cavity; and experimental group: 41 teeth that presented with 1 or more ERR cavities. The size of the natural ERR cavities varied from 2.46 mm3 to 3.11 mm3, which corresponded to cavities of 1.67 mm and 1.81 mm in diameter, respectively. The teeth were placed on a dry human mandible for scanning in each of the 3 protocols with different voxel sizes: 0.25 mm, 0.20 mm, and 0.166 mm. RESULTS: The accuracy of the 3 protocols evaluated in this study are listed in decreasing order: 60.3% for a voxel size of 0.20 mm, 56.7% for a voxel size of 0.166 mm, and 46.7% for a voxel size of 0.25 mm; these are smaller values than previous studies have obtained using artificial ERR cavities. Statistically significant results were not found among the 3 CBCT protocols that were used (P > .05), and the receiver operating characteristic curve shows the small differences found between the protocols. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that CBCT presents, for natural ERR, lower sensitivity and specificity values than those detected in previous studies of artificial cavities. The results demonstrate that natural ERR is neither easily observed nor accurately located by CBCT, as previous studies using artificial ERR indicated.

Management of Multiple Dental Trauma: Case Report with Eight-Year Follow-up.

This case report documents the clinical approach adopted for two maxillary incisors with intrusion and horizontal root fracture in the middle third after trauma. The proposed procedures involved maintaining pulp vitality and periodontal stability of the fractured teeth with 8 years of follow-up.

Accuracy of Digital Periapical Radiography and Cone-beam Computed Tomography for Diagnosis of Natural and Simulated External Root Resorption.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of digital periapical radiography and cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging in the detection of natural and simulated external root resorptions (ERRs) with micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging as the reference standard. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six teeth were scanned using the SkyScan 1172 micro-CT scanner (Bruker microCT, Kontich, Belgium), and the images were evaluated using NRecon software (Bruker microCT). After micro-CT imaging, the teeth were divided into 3 groups: control, 42 teeth that did not present any ERR cavities; natural, 42 teeth that presented 1 or more ERR cavities; and artificial, 42 teeth without ERRs but perforations were created to simulate the cavities. Ortho-, mesio-, and distoradial digital periapical radiographs and CBCT images were obtained, and the images were evaluated by 2 double-blinded qualified radiologists. RESULTS: The sensitivities and specificities for the radiographic and tomographic methods were 78.18% and 97.27% and 59.52% and 97.62%, respectively. Within the individual groups, both methods had lower sensitivity and specificity for natural and artificial resorptions, and the differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT imaging was the best method for the detection of ERRs. Only 74.5% of natural ERR gaps were observed on the digital periapical radiographs and 94.5% on CBCT imaging; in the artificial group, this number increased to 81.8% and 100%, respectively. The configuration of the natural ERR gaps is different from those artificially simulated and is much more difficult to observe.

Absorbed doses in salivary and thyroid glands from panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography

Abstract Introduction: Panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) are very important in the diagnosis of oral diseases, however patients are exposed to the risk of ionizing radiation. This paper describes our study aimed at comparing absorbed doses in the salivary glands and thyroid due to panoramic radiography and CBCT and estimating radiation induced cancer risk associated with those methods. Methods Absorbed doses of two CBCT equipment (i-CAT® Next Generation and SCANORA® 3D) and a digital panoramic device (ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH® OP200D) were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters loaded in an anthropomorphic phantom on sublingual, submandibular, parotid and thyroid glands. Results Absorbed doses in the i-CAT® device ranged between 0.02 (+/-0.01) and 2.23 mGy (+/-0.03), in the SCANORA™ device ranged from 0.01 (+/-0.01) to 2.96 mGy (+/-0.29) and in the ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH® OP200D ranged between 0.04 mGy and 0.78 mGy. The radiation induced cancer risk was highlighted in the salivary glands, which received higher doses. The protocols that offer the highest risk of cancer are the high resolution protocols of CBCT equipment. Conclusion CBCT exposes patients to higher levels of radiation than panoramic radiography, so the risks and benefits of each method should be considered. The doses in CBCT were dependent on equipment and exposure parameters, therefore adequate selection minimizes the radiation dose.

Evaluation of intracanal acetazolamide in late reimplanted rat teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of acetazolamide combined with different agents as intracanal medication in late reimplanted rat teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 100 Wistar rats, divided into 5 groups of 20, one of the following medications was used: Acetazolamide liquid (AL); AL with calcium hydroxide powder (ALHC); acetazolamide powder with AL; acetazolamide powder with physiological solution; and calcium hydroxide with physiological solution (control). At 30 and 60 days after reimplantation, the animals were sacrificed, tissues were processed, and cuts were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. An optical microscope was used to determine the following: percentage of inflammatory root resorption (RRI); percentage of substitute root resorption (RRS); and presence of ankylosis. The data obtained was submitted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Group ALHC had a significantly higher RRS than the control group at 60 days (P = 0.01). Group AL showed significantly less ankylosis than the other groups, including the control, at 30 days. AL showed results similar to those of the control group with respect to RRS. CONCLUSION: Acetazolamide has the potential to be an effective intracanal medication.

Maintenance of Pulp after Horizontal Root Fractures in Three Maxillary Incisors: A Thirteen-Year Evaluation.

This case report documents the clinical approach adopted for three upper incisors with horizontal root fracture in the middle or cervical third. The proposed procedures involved maintaining pulp vitality and periodontal stability of the fractured teeth with 13 years of follow-up.

Prevalence of Pathologic Findings in Panoramic Radiographs: Calcified Carotid Artery Atheroma.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of images suggestive of calcified carotid artery atheromas (ISCCAA) in panoramic radiographs of patients under dental treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 8.338 panoramic radiographs from female (n=5.049) and male (n=3.289) patients under dental treatment between 4 and 94 years of age. The panoramic radiographs were evaluated searching for ISCCAA. The obtained findings were statistically associated with sex and age. RESULTS: ISCCAA were found in 579 radiographs (6.9%). No statistically significant differences were observed between females and males (p>0.05). ISCCAA were more prevalent in patients having a mean age of 50 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The potential cases of ISCCAA that were assessed on panoramic radiographs are of utmost clinical significance because they can ensure early and correct diagnosis.

Estratégias criativas no processo ensinoaprendizagem da Radiologia Odontológica / Creative strategies in the teaching-learning of Dental Radiology

Embora tenha havido avanços na prática da Educação no Brasil, ainda se observa a ocorrência do ensino centrado na figura do professor. Um dos desafios da Educação Superior é criar novos modelos pedagógicos que promovam a capacidade criativa dos estudantes, pois existe um esgotamento do modelo tradicional de ensino. Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar qual estratégia de ensino mais favoreceu o aprendizado da Radiologia Odontológica em uma Universidade brasileira. Foi distribuído um questionário contendo 7 perguntas referentes aos métodos de ensino adotados na disciplina. Participaram 85 acadêmicos (média de idade de 20,1±1,4 anos), dos segundos semestres de 2014 e 2015. Destes, 16 do sexo masculino e 69 do feminino. Os dados foram tabulados e submetidos à análise estatística no programa SPSS™ 20.0. Observou-se que os métodos que mais favoreceram o aprendizado dos alunos e contribuíram para o aumento do interesse dos alunos foram: atividades divertidas (98,8%); aula prática (89,4%); gincana organizada pelos monitores (69,4%); apresentação oral de um artigo científico (62,4%); filme sobre tópico da disciplina (50,6%). Apesar de o ensino centrado no professor ser considerado um modelo desgastado, a aula expositiva, quando mais curta e dinâmica, foi considerada importante ferramenta para o aprendizado,segundo 87,1% dos acadêmicos. Além disso, 98,8% afirmaram que a conduta do professor faz diferença no processo nsinoaprendizagem. Concluiu-se que atividades dinâmicas foram as que mais motivaram o aprendizado dos alunos. O uso de estratégias criativas nas aulas é importante no processo educativo e demonstrou ter sido apreciado pelos alunos (AU).

While there have been advances in the practice of education in Brazil, also observed the occurrence of education centered on the teacher's figure. One of the challenges of higher education is to create new educational models that promote the creative ability of the students, because there is a breakdown of the traditional model of education. This study aimed to identify which teaching strategy most favored the learning of Dental Radiology in a Brazilian University. A questionnaire containing seven questions concerning the teaching methods adopted in the discipline was distributed. Participated 85 students (average age 20.1 ± 1.4 years), the second half of 2014 and 2015. Of these, 16 males and 69 females. Data were tabulated and submitted to descriptive analysis in SPSS ™ 20.0. It was observed that the methods that have contributed most to student learning were fun activities (98.8%); practical class (89.4%); gymkhana organized by the monitors (69.4%); oral presentation of a scientific paper (62.4%); film on the topic of discipline (50.6%). Although the student-centered teacher be considered a failed model, the lecture, when shorter and dynamic, was considered an important tool for learning second 87.1% of the students. In addition, 98.8% said that the teacher's attitude makes a difference in the teaching-learning process. It was concluded that dynamic activities were the most favored learning. The use of creative strategies in the classroom is important in the educational process and shown to have been appreciated by the students (AU).

Prevalence of bifid mandibular canals in panoramic radiographs: a maxillofacial surgical scope.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals in patients treated at the Dental Clinic of the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: The sample consisted of 3,024 panoramic radiographs from male (n = 1,155) and female (n = 1,869) patients (mean age 30 years). An experienced radiologist analyzed the panoramic radiographs according to the study of Langlais et al. (J Am Dental Assoc 110:923-926, 1985), which classifies bifid mandibular canals into four different types. RESULTS: Sixty patients (1.98 %) presented bifid mandibular canals. Specifically, 50 patients revealed bifid mandibular canals type I, while 10 patients revealed bifid mandibular canals type II. All the variations were unilateral. In addition, statistically significant results were not observed for gender distribution. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate a low prevalence of morphologic alterations of the mandibular canal in the studied population. However, the present outcome highlights the clinical relevance of investigating the radiologic morphology of the mandibular canal prior to surgical interventions.

Agreement between cone beam computed tomography images and panoramic radiographs for initial orthodontic evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the agreement between cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiographs for initial orthodontic evaluation. This study was not meant to test differences between imaging modalities or to indicate superiority of one technique. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-eight subjects with both panoramic and CBCT images were retrospectively collected. Eight observers answered 14 observational questions. The observation was repeated after 4 weeks. RESULTS: CBCT images yielded better agreement between 2 observer groups (orthodontic residents and radiologists) and better inter- and intraobserver agreement. The agreement between panoramic radiographs and CBCT scans was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: If CBCT is a priori present in a case with justified indications, it has the potential to provide valuable diagnostic information for initial orthodontic evaluation and extra information for treatment planning. The moderate agreement between panoramic and CBCT images may indicate that the nature and amount of information gained from both imaging sources is deviant.

Efetividade profilática e terapêutica do laser de baixa intensidade na mucosite bucal em pacientes submetidos ao tratamento do câncer / Prophylactic and therapeutic effectiveness of low level laser on oral mucositis in patients undergoing cancer treatment

Objetivo: o objetivo desta revisão de literatura é apresentar os diferentes protocolos clínicos randomizados utilizando o laser de baixa intensidade no manejo da mucosite bucal nos últimos 18 anos de estudo. Revisão de literatura: a mucosite bucal persiste como grande problema a ser solucionado na oncologia clínica. Esse efeito citotóxico limita a ingestão alimentar por via bucal, em razão da dor e do desconforto para mastigar e/ ou deglutir, podendo ocorrer agravamento do estado nutricional, contribuindo para aumento da morbidade e tempo de internação hospitalar, proporcionando impacto negativo na qualidade de vida do paciente oncológico e no seu tratamento. Os distúrbios na integridade e função da cavidade bucal devem-se ao fato de que a radioterapia e quimioterapia não são capazes de destruir as células tumorais sem lesionar células normais. Inúmeros tratamentos são descritos na literatura, e diversas são as metodologias para o tratamento da mucosite bucal. Ainda assim, não existe consenso acerca da melhor estratégia para prevenção e terapêutica da enfermidade. Considerações finais: vários estudos têm mostrado bons resultados com o uso do laser de baixa potência, e suas principais indicações incluem ação anti-inflamatória, analgésica e indutora da reparação tecidual. Porém, não existe até o momento um protocolo único definido desse promissor recurso a ser empregado na terapêutica dessa patologia.

ABSTRACT Objective: the purpose of this review is to present the different randomized clinical protocols using low level laser in the management of oral mucositis, in the last eighteen years of study. Literature review: oral mucositis remains a major problem to be solved in clinical oncology. This cytotoxic effect limits food intake by mouth due to the pain and discomfort in chewing and/or swallowing. Nutritional status may be aggravated contributing to increased morbidity and hospital stay, and providing negative impact on the quality of life of cancer patients, and on their treatment. Disturbances in the integrity and function of the oral cavity are due to the fact that radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not able to destroy tumor cells without damaging normal cells. Numerous treatments are described in literature and there are several methodologies for the treatment of oral mucositis, yet there is no consensus on the best strategy for prevention and therapy. Final considerations: several studies have shown good results with the use of low level laser, which main indications include anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and inducing tissue repair. However, there is no definition of a single protocol for this promising resource so far to be applied in the therapy of this pathology.

Analysis of oral complications related to cancer therapy / Análise das complicações bucais relacionadas à terapia do câncer

The side effects and adverse reactions related to cancer therapies may cause significant alterations in the oral cavity, discomfort or even severe pain in parts of the body, patient’s nutritional deficiency, delay in the administration of oncologic drugs or dose limitation, an increase of hospitalization time and of the related expenses, as well as a decrease in the patient’s quality of life. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the deleterious effects of cancer therapies in the oral cavity. Material and methods: Data was gathered from medical records of the treatment of 643 cancer patients at the São José Hospital, in Joinville, state of Santa Catarina, from January to September 2012. Among the records selected for this study, 59.41% were female patients, with a mean age of 51 to 60 years. Results: Oral complications were reported in 72.47% of the patients, and the complication with the highest prevalence was mucositis (14.62%) followed by dry mouth (10.58%). Most of the patients had not received dental care prior to the cancer treatment, and no dental record was found. Conclusions: Several different oral disorders were re¬ported as a result of cancer treatment, and a significant number of patients needed dental evaluation prior to the treatment...

Os efeitos colaterais e as reações adversas relacionadas às terapias contra o câncer podem causar alterações significativas na cavidade oral e proporcionar desconforto ou mesmo dor nos locais de tratamento, carência nutricional do paciente, atraso na administração de medicamentos oncológicos ou de limitação de dose, aumento do tempo de internação e das despesas relacionadas, bem como uma diminuição da qualidade de vida do paciente. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os efeitos deletérios das terapias contra o câncer na cavidade bucal. Material e métodos: Os dados foram obtidos a partir dos prontuários de 643 pacientes que fizeram tratamento contra o câncer no Hospital Municipal São José, em Joinville, estado de Santa Catarina, de janeiro a setembro de 2012. Resultados: Nos registros do estudo, 59,41% eram pacientes do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 51 a 60 anos. As complicações bucais foram relatadas em 72,47% dos pacientes; a complicação de maior prevalência foi a mucosite (14,62%), seguida de xerostomia (10,58%). A maioria dos pacientes (71,85%) não havia recebido atendimento odontológico antes do tratamento do câncer. Conclusão: Diversos distúrbios bucais foram reportados como efeitos colaterais da terapia oncológica, e um número significativo de pacientes necessitou de avaliação odontológica antes do tratamento...

Orthodontic treatment of a patient with dentin dysplasia type I.

Dentin dysplasia is a genetic disorder of the teeth that affects the dentin and the pulp. Type I is sometimes called "rootless teeth," because of the loss of organization of the root dentin, which often leads to a shortened root length. The purpose of this article was to present a rare clinical case of a girl who was diagnosed with dentin dysplasia type I when she was referred for an orthodontic evaluation. Panoramic and periapical radiographs showed defective root formation and areas with periapical radiolucencies in several teeth. Her Angle Class I malocclusion was successfully treated, providing esthetic and functional results, without clinical symptoms or signs of periodontitis or odontogenic infections.

Radiographic analysis of pixel intensity with aluminum step-wedgeand different spatial resolutions / Análise radiográfica da intensidade de pixel com a utilização de penetrômetro de alumínio e diferentes resoluções espaciais

Objective: To evaluate the pixel intensity and to compare it with different spatial resolutions, using an aluminum step-wedge. Methods: The sample consisted of three bone chips of two dry pig mandibles. Then, each bone chip and the aluminum step-wedge were placed on periapical radiographs in order to take the images with Ekta Speed film, with an exposure time of 0.2 seconds and focal length of 25 cm. All radiographs were scanned with spatial resolutions of 150 and 300 dpi and saved as JPEG files. The images were measured using the histogram tool provided by the Image Tool program (UTHSCSA, Texas, USA) selecting specific areas on the bone chips and on the aluminum step-wedge. Results: The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests which showed that there was no significant difference in pixel intensity between bone chips and step 3 (3.6 mmEq/Al) of the aluminum step-wedge (p>0.05). It was also observed that there were no significant differences in pixel intensity value measured on step-wedges 2 (3.3 mmEq/Al), 3 (3.6 mmEq/Al), 4 (3.9 mmEq/Al) and on the bone chips, between spatial resolutions of 150 and 300 dpi. Conclusion: Small differences in spatial resolution did not interfere with the evaluation of pixel intensity. It is recommended to measure pixel intensity on digitalized radiographs using an aluminum step-wedge as a reference density value.

Objetivo: Avaliar a intensidade de pixels de fragmentos de tecido ósseo mandibular, bem como compará-la em diferentes resoluções espaciais, utilizando um penetrômetro de alumínio. Métodos: A amostra consistiu de 3 fragmentos ósseos, provenientes de 2 mandíbulas secas de suínos. Em seguida, cada fragmento ósseo, juntamente com o penetrômetro de alumínio, foram posicionados sobre filmes radiográficos periapicais. As radiografias foram realizadas com filme Ekta Speed, tempo de exposição de 0,20 segundos e distância focal de 25 cm. Todas as radiografias foram digitalizadas com resoluções espaciais de 150 e 300 dpi e, em seguida, arquivadas em JPEG. As imagens foram medidas por meio da ferramenta histograma do programa Image Tool (UTHSCSA, Texas, USA) selecionando-se áreas nos fragmentos ósseos e no penetrômetro de alumínio. Resultados: A análise dos resultados pelos testes estatísticos ANOVA e Tukey mostrou que não houve diferença significativa de intensidade de pixel entre os fragmentos ósseos e o degrau 3 do penetrômetro de alumínio (3,6 mmEq/Al) (p>0,05). Observou-se ainda que não houve diferenças significativas dos valores da intensidade de pixel dos degraus 2 (3,3 mmEq/Al), 3 (3,6 mmEq/Al) e 4 (3,9 mmEq/Al) e os fragmentos ósseos, entre as resoluções espaciais avaliadas nesse estudo. Conclusão: Pequenas diferenças de resolução espacial não interferiram nos valores de intensidade de pixel. É recomendável medir esta intensidade com a utilização de penetrômetro de alumínio como referência para valor de densidade.

Prevalência de raiz supranumerária em caninos depacientes adultos jovens / Prevalence of supernumerary roots in mandibular canine ina young adult population

Introdução: Os dentes são estruturas duras e salientes que são compostas por polpa, dentina e esmalte e que estão implantadas nos ossos maxilares de muitos vertebrados. Anatomicamente, os dentes são divididos em duas partes, uma coroa e uma ou mais raízes. Os dentes podem apresentar raízes acessórias ou upranumerárias. O desenvolvimento de uma raiz supranumerária pode estar relacionado a trauma, pressão ou doença metabólica que afeta a bainha epitelial de Hertwig. Raízes supranumerárias podem ser totalmente desenvolvidas em tamanho e forma ou pequenas e rudimentares. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de raízes supranumerárias em caninos inferiores numa população de jovens em relação ao sexo e a localização. Materiais e métodos: Quinhentas e trinta radiografias periapicais de estudantes da Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) foram avaliadas em ambiente escuro, usando um negatoscópio e uma máscara para evitar claridade excessiva. Cada radiografia foi analisada por dois observadores previamente treinados. Os dados foram tabulados e submetidos à análise estatística. Resultados: Os resultados revelaram que a prevalência de raízes supranumerárias nos caninos inferiores foi de 15 casos (2,83%). Em relação ao sexo, a prevalência desta anomalia foi de doze casos em mulheres (80%) e três em homens (20%). Quanto à localização, seis casos foram bilaterais (40%), sendo todos em indivíduos do sexo feminino e nove casos unilaterais (60%) – seis em mulheres e três em homens. Conclusão: A ocorrência de raízes supranumerárias em caninos inferiores é baixa e acomete mais as mulheres.

Introduction: Teeth are hard and protruding structures that are composed of pulp, dentin and enamel and are implanted in the jaws of many vertebrates. Anatomically, the teeth are divided into two parts, a crown and one or more roots. The teeth may exhibit additional or supernumerary roots. The development of a supernumerary root may be related to trauma, pressure or metabolic disease that affects the epithelial sheath of Hertwig. Supernumerary roots can be fully developed in size and shape and small or rudimentary. Objective: To determine the prevalence of supernumerary roots in mandibular canine in a young adult population with regard to sex and location. Materials and methods: Five hundred and thirty periapical radiographs from students of Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) were evaluated in darkened room, using a light box and a mask to avoid excessive brightness. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of the supernumerary lower canines roots were 15 cases (2.83%). In relation to sex, the prevalence of this anomaly showed twelve cases in women (80%) and three men (20%). Six (40%) cases had their bilateral presentation and all occurred in females. Nine individuals presented unilateral occurrence (60%) – six women and three men. Conclusion: The occurrence of supernumerary roots in mandibular canine is low and affects more females.

Clinical diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical study was carried out on 145 subjects (48 males; 97 females; aged 20 to 90 years). Each subject was clinically examined, in the morning and in the afternoon, along 1 day. A focused anamnesis allowed identifying symptoms of hyposalivation, like xerostomia complaints (considered as a reference symptom), chewing difficulty, dysphagia and increased frequency of liquid intake. Afterwards, dryness of the mucosa of the cheeks and floor of the mouth, as well as salivary secretion during parotid gland stimulation were assessed during oral examination. RESULTS: Results obtained with Chi-square tests showed that 71 patients (48.9%) presented xerostomia complaints, with a significant correlation with all hyposalivation symptoms (p <0.05). Furthermore, xerostomia was also significantly correlated with all data obtained during oral examination in both periods of evaluation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients is feasible and can provide an immediate and appropriate therapy avoiding further problems and improving their quality of life.

Clinical diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical study was carried out on 145 subjects (48 males; 97 females; aged 20 to 90 years). Each subject was clinically examined, in the morning and in the afternoon, along 1 day. A focused anamnesis allowed identifying symptoms of hyposalivation, like xerostomia complaints (considered as a reference symptom), chewing difficulty, dysphagia and increased frequency of liquid intake. Afterwards, dryness of the mucosa of the cheecks and floor of the mouth, as well as salivary secretion during parotid gland stimulation were assessed during oral examination. RESULTS: Results obtained with Chi-square tests showed that 71 patients (48.9%) presented xerostomia complaints, with a significant correlation with all hyposalivation symptoms (p <0.05). Furthermore, xerostomia was also significantly correlated with all data obtained during oral examination in both periods of evaluation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients is feasible and can provide an immediate and appropriate therapy avoiding further problems and improving their quality of life.

Pênfigo e suas variações / Pemphigus and its variations

As doenças nas quais o sistema imunológico causa lesões no próprio organismo chamam-se doenças autoimunes, a exemplo do pênfigo, que é considerado um conjunto de doenças vesicobolhosas que podem acometer membranas mucosas e pele.Objetivo: apresentar uma revisão de literatura atualizada acerca do pênfigo, englobando sua conceituação e etiologia, características clínicas, formas de diagnóstico, tratamento e prognóstico.Conclusão: o pênfigo é uma enfermidade crônica autoimune que com frequência se manifesta como lesões bolhosas iniciais na mucosa bucal, afetando posteriormente outras mucosas e a pele. Além disso, apresenta uma diversidade de lesões que podem ser incluídas no seu diagnóstico diferencial, as quais devem ser detalhadamente conhecidas pelo cirurgião dentista...

Diseases in which the immune system causes lesions in the body are called autoimmune diseases, such as pemphigus, which is considered a set of vesiculobullous diseases that can affect the mucous membranes and skin.Aim: to present a review of current literature on pemphigus, including its concept and etiology, clinical features, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.Conclusion: the pemphigus is a chronic autoimmune disease that often manifests itself as early bullous lesions in the oral mucosa, subsequently affecting other mucous membranes and skin. Moreover, it presents a variety of lesions that may be included in their differential diagnosis, which must be thoroughly known by the surgeon-dentist...

Estudo comparativo da densidade óptica óssea obtida em radiografias panorâmicas e da densitometria óssea em mulheres histerectomizadas e não histerectomizadas / Comparative study of bone optical density obtained in panoramic radiographs and bone densitometry in non-hysterectomized and hysterectomized women

Introdução: O método mais adequado para avaliar as estruturas ósseas é a densitometria óssea. Com a dificuldade de se realizar esse exame, estudos vêm sendo feitos para otimizar a identificação dos indivíduos com maior potencial de risco de ter baixa densidade mineral óssea e utilizando programas e sistemas de imagens digitalizadas para uma efetiva triagem. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a densidade óssea radiográfica da mandíbula, avaliada em intensidade de pixels, de mulheres de quarenta a sessenta anos de idade, histerectomizadas e não histerectomizadas. Metodologia: A amostra foi constituída de 67 mulheres, 29 histerectomizadas e 38 não histerectomizadas. Todas foram encaminhadas para a realização do exame de densitometria e para a realização da radiografia panorâmica. A digitalização das radiografias foi feita utilizando-se um scanner de mesa equipado com leitor de transparência, cujas imagens foram arquivadas num computador com o formato TIFF. Os níveis de cinza (valores de pixels) das regiões de estudo foram analisados no programa Image Tool® 3.0 (UTHSCSA, San Antonio, Texas, EUA), com a ferramenta Histogram, por meio da qual foram mensurados os níveis de cinza das áreas selecionadas. Após a análise da densidade óssea das radiografias panorâmicas, fez-se um estudo comparativo com os graus de densidades encontrados nas radiografias de ambos os grupos. Resultados: O valor médio de pixels para o grupo não histerectomizado foi 79,61 e, para o grupo histerectomizado, de 80,81. Conclusão: No presente estudo, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos histerectomizadas e não histerectomizadas para o valor de IP (intensidade de pixel) nas radiografias panorâmicas digitalizadas.

Histological diagnosis of oral lesions with cutting needle biopsy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cutting needle biopsy in the diagnosis of solid oral lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The biopsies were carried out on seven patients who presented with solid oral lesions with sizes ranging from 2 to 6 cm. Specimens were obtained from each lesion before conventional biopsies using a cutting needle with 18-gauge x 9 cm (MD TECH, Gainesville, FL, USA). A total of 64 specimens processed by hematoxylin-eosin staining method, were obtained. Afterwards, the analysis was performed by an oral pathologist, in two different stages, with and without the clinical history of each lesion. Then, these answers were compared with the final histological diagnosis. RESULTS: Results presented by the descriptive analysis showed that the correct diagnosis using cutting needle biopsy without the clinical history of lesions was registered in 37.5% of cases, while with the clinical history in 76.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the promising results as a potential technique for biopsies and histological diagnosis of oral lesions, the cutting needle biopsy should be analyzed carefully in those cases.