Misdiagnosis of an Odontogenic Infection as a Skin Lesion: The Diagnostic Dilemma.

Extraoral sinus tracts of endodontic origin might be confused for a variety of dermatological conditions. Differential diagnosis of this clinical condition plays an essential role in providing appropriate clinical care because misdiagnosis is the most prevalent cause of prolonged therapy and healing failure. As a result, every cutaneous sinus structure affecting the face or neck should be investigated for dental issues. Its diagnosis can sometimes be difficult until the treating clinician examines the potential of a dental cause. Once an appropriate diagnosis has been established, definitive treatment, consisting of root canal therapy or tooth extraction, to remove the primary source of infection is a straightforward and successful operation.

Successful Intentional Replantation of a Severely Compromised Tooth Using 3 Types of Phototherapy: A Case Report.

Background: Intentional replantation (IR) is an emerging and cost-effective last-resort treatment for persistent apical periodontitis. Adjunctive phototherapy for IR aims to improve the management of challenging cases by enhancing disinfection, stimulating healing and promoting regeneration. Objective: We report a novel phototherapy-assisted IR protocol conducted on a compromised lateral incisor with an extensive periapical infection (Ø > 10 mm) in a 68-year-old diabetic male. Methods: The IR protocol involved pre- and postoperative photobiomodulation (660 nm, 0.2 J/cm2, 60 sec/site), antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of the root surface (660 nm, 0.6 J/cm2, 30 sec, methylene blue photosensitizer), and Er:YAG root and socket debridement (2940 nm, 21 J/cm2, 30 sec). The total time from extraction to replantation was 14 min 35 sec. Results: The tooth at 3.5-year follow-up remained clinically functional with radiographic resolution of the infection indicating a successful reimplantation. Conclusions: This case report demonstrated that an adjunctive phototherapy IR protocol can effectively treat a compromised tooth with extensive periapical infection.

Negative pressure pulmonary edema following laryngospasm after dental abscess: A case report.

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE), also known as post-obstructive pulmonary edema, is a rare and life-threatening condition. It occurs when a person breathes against an obstructed glottis, causing negative thoracic pressure in the lungs. This negative pressure can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, resulting in pulmonary edema. The obstructed glottis might be caused by laryngospasm, which occurs when the muscles around the larynx involuntarily spasm and can lead to complete upper airway occlusion. This report shares the case of a 33-year-old woman hospitalized for periapical dental abscess, facial swelling, and shortness of breath. The patient exhibited signs of poor oral hygiene. After the exacerbation of her symptoms, she showed signs of asphyxia and decreased oxygen saturation, which led to her intubation. Imaging revealed bilateral pleural effusion and patchy ground glass opacities favoring NPPE. After three days of treatment with diuretics and other conservative measures, her condition was alleviated, and she was extubated. Laryngospasm in the presence of a dental abscess is uncommon. Identification of imaging favoring NPPE in this setting is even more rare. In cases of laryngospasm, prompt intubation is crucial. Therapy with diuretics and other conservative measures can effectively treat NPPE following laryngospasm.

Prevalence of acute periapical abscesses in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

AIMS: Head and neck cancer is a serious condition affecting the life of patients. Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat such conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses (PAs) in patients who received radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on acute PAs and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) diagnosis with or without a history of radiation therapy (RAD) was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. All cases were diagnosed for acute PAs by calibrated dentists for patients admitted to urgent care. The odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence of acute PAs and its association with a history of OPC with or without RAD were then calculated. Adjustment for comorbidities such as diabetes, smoking and gingival and periodontal diseases was also done. The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of OPC was significantly higher as compared to the general hospital patient population (OR 2.92, 95%CI, p < .0001). Males were more affected than females and whites were more affected than African Americans and other ethnicities. The prevalence for PAs in patients with a history of OPC and RAD was higher and the difference in prevalence was statistically significant (OR 3.61, 95%CI, p < .0001). Whites were more affected than African Americans by more than 3.5-fold. Adjustment for diabetes comorbidly affected mainly the OPC + RAD group, however, the difference remained statistically significant. Adjustment for smoking and gingival and periodontal disease reduced the OR but the difference remained statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of OPC and RAD may suggest an association between these conditions warranting a meticulous medical and dental examination.

Anti-inflamatórios no tratamento de infecções odontogênicas: revisão da literatura / Anti-inflammatories in the treatment of dental infections: review of the literature

Infecções odontogênicas são processos patológicos de grande importância na rotina odontológica. Seu tratamento pode constituir um desafio para profissionais e ser motivo de muita discussão. Anti-inflamatórios para casos de infecção severa são rotineiramente utilizados por alguns profissionais para amenizar sintomas agudos, como dor, edema, trismo, disfagia, disfonia e dispneia. Porém, alguns estudos indicam desvantagens do uso desses medicamentos no tratamento das infecções. Uma revisão da literatura foi realizada com o objetivo de responder se indivíduos acometidos por infecção odontogênica grave apresentam melhora do quadro com o emprego de anti-inflamatórios não-esteroidais ou esteroidais quando se avalia tempo de internação hospitalar, dor, edema, trismo, entre outros aspectos. Em dezembro de 2023, a base de dados eletrônicos PubMed/MEDLINE foi acessada e termos específicos indexados no Mesh e DeCS foram utilizados para a busca. Poderiam ser incluídos estudos observacionais, ensaios clínicos ou revisões que correspondessem à pergunta foco. Ao fim do processo de seleção de artigos, quatro foram incluídos. Outros dois artigos foram encontrados em lista de referências de artigos primariamente selecionados. Um estudo transversal relatou agravos em infecções odontogênicas entre paciente que fizeram uso de anti-inflamatórios. Um segundo e um terceiro estudos transversais não relataram diferenças nos desfechos quando compararam o uso e o não uso de anti-inflamatórios. Porém, o segundo detectou um maior consumo de antibióticos por aqueles pacientes que foram medicados com anti-inflamatórios. Uma auditoria reportou baixo índice de prescrição de corticoides no tratamento de infecções odontogênicas em rotinas de centros de saúde, exceto em casos de severidade, como na presença de dispneia e disfagia. Uma revisão que objetivou relatar o uso de anti-inflamatórios em infecções odontogênicas, não sugeriu qualquer influência desses medicamentos no tratamento. Por último, uma revisão sistemática incluiu pesquisas e relatos de caso que avaliaram os efeitos de corticoides em infecções profundas em espaços cervicais, epiglotite, supraglotite, celulite orbitária e periorbitária, faringite e abscesso peritonsilar. Resultados positivos foram encontrados, porém nenhum dos estudos incluídos relataram desfechos baseados em infecções odontogênicas. Portanto, sugere-se que o uso de anti-inflamatórios pode ocultar sinais inflamatórios da infecção, retardando seu correto diagnóstico e tratamento, resultando um prognóstico não favorável. Corticoides em alta dose por curto período de tempo é visto como adjuvante no tratamento de infecções cervicofaciais severas, principalmente quando vias aéreas estão comprometidas.

Odontogenic infections are pathologic processes of great importance in the dentistry routine. Its treatment may be a challenge for professionals and it may be the subject of discussion. Usually, some professionals prescribe anti-inflammatories for severe cases of infection to alleviate acute symptoms, such as pain, edema, trismus, dysphagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea. However, some studies indicate disadvantages of using these medications to treat infections. A review of the literature was conducted to answer whether individuals affected by severe odontogenic infection improve their condition with the use of non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when evaluating length of hospitalization, pain, edema, trismus, among others aspects. In December 2023, the electronic database PubMed/MEDLINE was accessed and specific terms indexed in the Mesh were used for the search. Observational studies, clinical trials or reviews that correspond to the focus question could be included. At the end of the article selection process, four studies were included. Two other articles were found in the reference list of primarily selected articles. A cross-sectional study reported worsening of odontogenic infections among patients who used anti-inflammatories. A second and third cross-sectional studies reported no differences in outcomes when comparing the use and non-use of anti-inflammatories. However, the second detected a greater consumption of antibiotics by those who were treated with anti-inflammatories. An audit reported a low rate of prescription of corticosteroids in the treatment of odontogenic infections in the routine of dental offices, except in severe cases, such as in the presence of dyspnea and dysphagia. A review that aimed to report the use of anti-inflammatories in odontogenic infections did not suggest any influence of these medications on the treatment. Finally, a systematic review included researches and case reports that evaluated the effects of corticosteroids on deep neck infections, epiglottitis, supraglottitis, orbital and periorbital cellulitis, pharyngitis and peritonsillar abscess. Positive results were found, but none of the included studies reported outcomes based on odontogenic infections. Therefore, it is suggested that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs may hide inflammatory signs of the infection, delaying its correct diagnosis and treatment, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis. High-doses corticosteroids for a short period of time are seen as an adjuvant in the treatment of severe cervicofacial infections.

Case report of an extra-oral cutaneous sinus tract of endodontic origin in a patient with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Extraoral cutaneous sinus tracts (EOCST) are often misdiagnosed due to their unexpected appearance without history of odontogenic pain, discomfort, or cellulitis. Diagnosis can be further confounded in those with sensory processing difficulties since patients can have a hypersensitivity to sensory input, but simultaneously demonstrate hyposensitivity and indifference toward pain. EOCST misdiagnosis and resultant mismanagement can lead to multiple surgical excisions, biopsies, and elongated antibiotic regimens, with eventual lesion recurrence. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 19-year-old white male with autism spectrum disorder in the period of transitional dental care presented with a history of a chronic EOCST. The patient required sedation for evaluation, biopsy, and was initially managed by infectious disease under the impression of an actinomycosis infection. The patient completed a twelve-month course of antibiotic therapy with subsequent lesion re-occurrence. Eventually, the diagnosis of an EOCST of dental origin was confirmed. It was determined that pulpal necrosis was due to localized dental trauma of the lower left central incisor, as a result of a self-injurious behavior. Root canal treatment eventually led to the resolution of the lesion. It took three years from initial clinical presentation for the resolution of the lesion. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Collaboration between the medical and dental healthcare team in diagnosis and treatment planning for a patient with special needs is essential to ensure prompt and appropriate care for this patient group.

Genetic polymorphism of interleukins 6 and 17 correlated with apical periodontitis: A Cross-sectional study

Abstract Interleukins 6 and 17 act in bone resorption in the presence of infections of endodontic origin for host defense. Genetic polymorphisms may be associated with increased bone loss, represented by areas of large periapical lesions. This study aimed to verify the frequency of interleukin 6 and 17 gene polymorphism in patients with asymptomatic apical periodontitis or chronic apical abscess and to verify the existence of correlations between periapical lesion area with age, gender, and presence of the polymorphism, in the studied population, in the state of Pernambuco. A population consisting of thirty diagnosed individuals was included. The area of the lesions was measured in mm². Genomic DNA was extracted and genotyping was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism for interleukin 6 (rs 1800795) and interleukin 17 (rs 2275913). Fisher's exact, chi-square, and odds ratio tests were used. A logistic regression analysis was also performed using sex, age, and the presence of polymorphism as covariates, in addition to linear regression to test the relationship between age and lesion area. All tests used a significance level of 0.05% (p ≤0.05%). There was no statistical significance in the occurrence of large areas of periapical lesions correlated with age, sex, and diagnosis, nor in the distribution of alleles in the polymorphism of interleukins 6 and 17 in the studied groups. The frequency of homozygous and heterozygous polymorphism was high. The polymorphism of these interleukins is not correlated with the increase in the areas of asymptomatic periapical inflammatory lesions.

Resumo As interleucinas 6 e 17 atuam na reabsorção óssea na presença de infecções de oriegem endodôntica para defesa do hospedeiro. Polimorfismos genéticos podem estar associados ao aumento da perda óssea, representada por áreas de lesões periapicais grandes. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a frequência do polimorfismo dos genes interleucina 6 e 17 em pacientes com periodontite apical assintomática ou abscesso apical crônico e verificar a existência de correlações entre área de lesão periapical com idade, sexo e presença do polimorfismo, na população estudada, no estado de Pernambuco. Foi incluída uma população constituída por trinta indivíduos diagnosticados. A áreas da lesões foram medidas em mm². O DNA genômico foi extraído e a genotipagem realizada por Polimorfismo de Comprimento de Fragmento de Restrição de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase para interleucina 6 (rs 1800795) e interleucina 17 (rs 2275913). Os testes exato de Fisher, qui-quadrado e odds ratio foram utilizados. Uma análise de regressão logística também foi realizada usando sexo, idade e presença de polimorfismo como covariável, além de regressão linear para testar a relação da idade e área da lesão. Todos os testes utilizaram um nível de significância de 0,05% (p ≤0.05%). Não houve significância estatística na ocorrência das áreas grandes de lesões periapicais correlacionadas com idade, sexo e diagnóstico nem nas distribuições de alelos no polimorfismo das interleucinas 6 e 17 nos grupos estudados. A frequência de polimorfismo homozigoto e heterozigoto foi alta. O polimorfismo dessas interleucinas não está correlacionado ao aumento das áreas das lesões inflamatórias periapicais assintomáticas.

Microbial isolates and antibiotic sensitivity in patients hospitalized with odontogenic infections at a tertiary center over 10 years.

Objectives: This study investigated causative strains and their antibiotic sensitivity in patients who were hospitalized for maxillofacial odontogenic infections at a tertiary center in South Korea over the past 10 years with the aim of providing guidelines for the selection of appropriate empirical antibiotics. Materials and Methods: Patients with head and neck fascial space abscesses due to odontogenic infections who underwent incision and drainage surgery with pus culture tests between 2013 and 2022 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dankook University Hospital were included. The bacterial isolates and antibiotic sensitivity of each strain were analyzed for 2013-2022, 2013-2017, and 2018-2022. The affected fascial spaces were classified into primary, secondary, and deep neck spaces. Results: In the 192 patients included in this study, 302 strains were detected. Viridans streptococcus had the highest frequency (51.7%), followed by Prevotella spp. (16.9%), Staphylococcus spp. (5.6%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.6%). The identification rate of viridans streptococcus significantly increased from 41.8% in 2013-2017 to 60.9% in 2018-2022. Viridans streptococcus showed an antibiotic sensitivity of 80.5% to ampicillin; the sensitivity to penicillin antibiotics decreased over the study period. Antibiotic susceptibility was approximately 94% for third-generation cephalosporins. K. pneumoniae, which was identified at a high percentage in patients with deep neck space infection, showed increasing antibiotic resistance to most antibiotics over the study period. Conclusion: Viridans streptococcus was identified in head and neck fascial space abscesses with the highest frequency. Empirical antibiotics should be effective against this strain; penicillin antibiotics are considered inappropriate. For effective treatment of deep neck space abscesses, bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests performed as soon as possible are essential.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 in periapical pathoses: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was to assess whether herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can infect endodontic periapical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies with cross-sectional design investigating HSV-1 in periapical tissues of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic acute and chronic apical periodontitis were searched through MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Pooled HSV-1 prevalence proportion with 95% confidence interval (95CI) in periapical lesions was assessed with both fixed-effect and random-effects models, with/without adjustment for study quality and publication bias. Result robustness was investigated through sensitivity and subgroup analyses. RESULTS: Literature search, performed twice, provided 84 items, and eight remained for the meta-analysis; globally, there were 194 patients mostly adults. The pooled HSV-1 prevalence proportions, assessed with various methods, were 6.9% (95CI, 3.8-11.3%, fixed-effect); 6.8% (95CI, 3.6-11.0%, random-effects); 8.1% (95CI, 4.4-14.5%, quality-adjusted); and 4.8% (95CI, 2.0-11.4%; adjusted for small-study effect). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that HSV-1 can colonize the periapical tissues of 3%-11% patients with periapical diseases. Such data do not imply a causative role of HSV-1 in disease development and advancement. Well-designed and large-sized prospective cohort studies should be added in the literature panorama.

Focal Abscess: Description of a clinical case.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to present a case report of a periapical lesion found in a 24-year-old female who presented to a university dental hygiene clinic with a chief complaint of vestibular pain around tooth #22. Radiographically, the lesion appeared radiolucent and unilocular with well-defined borders and significant bone resorption. The area of radiolucency increased in size over a period of five weeks indicating an aggressive pathosis. Given the clinical and radiographic presentations, the differential diagnosis included an odontogenic keratocystic tumor (odontogenic keratocyst), central giant cell granuloma, periapical cyst, and squamous cell carcinoma. Biopsy revealed the diagnosis of a focal abscess. The patient's presenting signs and symptoms are reviewed. Management and contributing factors are discussed.

Teeth with acute apical abscess vs. teeth with chronic apical periodontitis: a quantitative and qualitative proteomic analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the proteomic profile of teeth with acute apical abscesses (AAA) compared with teeth with chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) and to correlate the expression of detected human proteins with their main biological functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were obtained from root canals of 9 patients diagnosed with AAA and 9 with CAP. Samples were analyzed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis was performed by Protein Lynx Global Service software. Differences in protein expression were calculated using the t-test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In total, 246 human proteins were identified from all samples. Proteins exclusively found in the AAA group were mainly associated with the immunoinflammatory response and oxidative stress response. In the quantitative analysis, 17 proteins were upregulated (p < 0.05) in the AAA group, including alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, hemopexin, fibrinogen gamma chain, and immunoglobulin. Additionally, 61 proteins were downregulated (p < 0.05), comprising cathepsin G, moesin, gelsolin, and transketolase. Most of the proteins were from the extracellular matrix, cytoplasm, and nucleus. CONCLUSIONS: The common proteins between the groups were mainly associated with the immune response at both expression levels. Upregulated proteins mostly belonged to the acute-phase proteins, while the downregulated proteins were associated with DNA/RNA regulation and repair, and structural function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The host response is directly related to the development of apical abscesses. Thus, understanding the behavior of human proteins against the endodontic pathogens involved in this condition might contribute to the study of new approaches related to the treatment of this disease.

Increased Risk for Acute Periapical Abscesses in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and the Possible Association with Epstein-Barr Virus.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe inflammatory neuroimmune degenerative condition affecting more than 2 million individuals worldwide. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses in patients with MS and to evaluate whether acute periapical abscesses (PAs) are more likely to affect patients who were previously infected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). METHODS: Integrated data of hospital patients were used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for MS and acute PA were retrieved by querying the appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes in the database. RESULTS: Of the total hospital patient population, 0.18% were diagnosed with a history of MS. Females were more affected than males 3.25-fold. Whites were more affected than African Americans 6-fold. Whites were more affected than African Americans combined with other ethnicities 3.6-fold. The odds ratio (OR) for acute PAs in patients with a history of MS was 2.2 (P < .0001). After adjustment for diabetes mellitus comorbidity, the OR for acute PAs in patients with a history of MS was 2.6. After adjustment for cardiovascular disease comorbidity, the OR for acute PAs in patients with a history of MS was 1.27. Of the patients who presented with PAs, 0.2% were diagnosed with a history of EBV infection. The OR was 3.98, and the difference in prevalence was statistically significant (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this cross-sectional study, it appears that the prevalence of acute PAs is higher in patients with MS and that EBV may play a role.

[Effectiveness of an irrigant in the chronic periapical abscess management: a case report]. / Efectividad de una solución irrigante en el manejo de absceso periapical crónico: reporte de un caso.

The endodontic environment has optimal conditions for the growth of microorganisms that can release by-products into the periapical region of the tooth and cause inflammatory lesions. Chemical disinfection using irritants solutions plays an clinical important role, as they are able to remove waste from contaminated organic and inorganic tissues, generating a residual antibacterial effect. The purpose of this study was to show the effectiveness of 2.5% and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite as an irrigating agent for the clinical management of a chronic periapical abscess in a tooth with apical resorption. Initially, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite was used, however, as it did not have an optimal abscess healing response after 3 days, it was decided to use a concentration of 5.25% to achieve a better bactericidal effect. After 5 days, the fistula healed, and endodontic treatment continued. One of the perspectives of this case report is to investigate more about the use of antibiotic therapy in conjunction with a good irrigation protocol.

Clinical Approach of Extensive Periapical Lesion with Periradicular Regenerative Surgery: A Case Report with 7 Year Follow Up

The aim of this study is to report a case of two maxillary incisors with chronic apical abscess and through-and-through lesion submitted to periradicular regenerative surgery, with clinical follow-ups and evaluation through cone-beam computerized tomography for 7 years. In the presentation, there was a persistent sinus tract in the palate and sensibility to touch at the apical region of the central and left lateral maxillary incisors. The initial tomography revealed the presence of an extensive radiolucent area in the apical third of the referred teeth, with loss of the buccal and palatal cortic es. For the treatment, a periradicular regenerative surgery was performed, an association of endodontic surgery with Guided Tissue Regeneration technique, using bovine bone xenograft and bioabsorbable membrane. The clinical and radiographic evaluations, including cone-beam computerized tomography, at seven years postoperatively, showed absence of symptomatology and sinus tract, probing depth within normal standards and apical bone neoformation.

El objetivo de este estudio fue reportar un caso de dos incisivos superiores con absceso apical crónico y lesión transversal sometidos a cirugía regenerativa perirradicular, con seguimiento clínico y evaluación mediante tomografía computarizada de haz cónico durante 7 años. En la presentación, había un trayecto sinusal persistente en el paladar y sensibilidad al tacto en la región apical de los incisivos maxilares laterales central y lateral izquierdo. La tomografía inicial reveló la presencia de una extensa zona radiolúcida en el tercio apical de los dientes referidos, con pérdida de las cortezas bucal y palatina. Para el tratamiento se realizó una cirugía regenerativa perirradicular, asociación de cirugía endodóntica con técnica de Regeneración Tisular Guiada, utilizando xenoinjerto óseo bovino y membrana bioabsorbible. Las evaluaciones clínicas y radiográficas, incluida la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico, a los siete años del posoperatorio, mostraron ausencia de sintomatología y tracto sinusal, profundidad de sondaje dentro de los estándares normales y neoformación ósea apical.

A Comparative Evaluation of Digital Radiography and Ultrasound Imaging to Detect Periapical Lesions in the Oral Cavity.

Purpose This study evaluates the efficacy of digital radiography and ultrasound (USG) for the distinction between periapical cysts and granulomas, determines the nature and extent of the periapical lesion, visualizes the lumen of the lesion, assesses its size, content, and vascularity. Material and Methods Thirty patients, ages 18 to 40, with well-defined periapical radiolucencies on maxillary or mandibular teeth, indicated for the extraction or periapical surgery, underwent digital radiography examination using the paralleling technique, followed by USG examination. A sonologist evaluated the lesions' size, echogenicity, and vascular content. The diagnosis was compared to histopathological examinations of tissues obtained through extraction or periapical surgery. Results The diagnostic value of USG compared to the histopathological diagnosis of the periapical cyst was greater than that of the radiographic diagnosis, with an ultrasonographic diagnostic sensitivity (SN) value of 60% and a radiographic diagnostic SN value of 40%, respectively. The diagnostic value of USG imaging against the histopathological diagnosis of periapical granuloma was slightly lower than that of digital radiography, with an SN value of 72.2% for USG and 83.33% for digital radiography. However, the specificity (SP) value and precision of USG imaging were superior to those of digital radiographic diagnosis. USG imaging and radiographic diagnosis had 58.33% and 50% SP values, respectively. In cases of periapical abscess, the diagnostic values of USG against histopathological diagnosis were lower than those of radiographic diagnosis, which had an SN value of 100%. Conclusion USG with color doppler is a more effective tool than digital radiography for diagnosing periapical lesions. The echo structure of the lesions and the presence of vascularity on USG with color doppler correlated with histopathology better than the radiological diagnosis.

Acute periapical abscesses in patients using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

AIMS: Depression and anxiety are severe health problems affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Consequently, the use of antidepressants has constantly been on a rise. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressant are now commonly used due to fewer side effects as compared to other types of antidepressants. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses (PAs)in patients using SSRIs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for SSRIs and acute PAs was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The different diagnoses were coded using the international coding systems ICD 10. Diagnosis was made by calibrated dentists in a hospital setting based on clinical examination and imaging data. The odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence of acute PAs and its association with the use of SSRIs were calculated and analyzed statistically. It was found that the prevalence of acute PAs was significantly higher in patients using SSRIs as compared to the other hospital patient population. The OR was 2.8 and the difference between patients using SSRIs and patients who do not was statistically significant (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, it appears that the prevalence of acute PAs is higher in patients using SSRIs.

Absceso dentoalveolar agudo en escolares de Tuinucú / Acute dentoalveolar abscess in pupils from Tuinucú

RESUMEN Fundamento: Los abscesos dentoalveolares agudos constituyen causa frecuente de las visitas de los niños a la consulta estomatológica. Objetivo: Identificar los dientes afectados por absceso dentoalveolar agudo y sus factores de riesgo en escolares de en la Escuela Primaria Melanio Hernández de Tuinucú. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal en la Escuela Primaria de Tuinucú en el período comprendido entre septiembre de 2020 y abril de 2021. Se seleccionaron 30 escolares de 2do grado con absceso dentoalveolar agudo. Se utilizaron métodos del nivel teórico, empírico y estadístico. Se estudiaron las variables: sexo, diente afectado y factores de riesgos del absceso dentoalveolar agudo. Resultados: El 53.3 % de los escolares presentó absceso dentoalveolar agudo en los primeros molares temporales y el 43.3 % en los segundos. El 97 % tiene desconocimiento del absceso alveolar agudo y el 70 % estuvo afectado por caries dental. Conclusiones: Los primeros y segundos molares temporales fueron los dientes con mayor afectación por absceso alveolar agudo, sobre todo los inferiores, con predominio de la caries dental y el desconocimiento sobre el absceso dentoalveolar agudo como principales factores de riesgo.

ABSTRACT Background: Acute dentoalveolar abscesses are a frequent cause for children to visit the dentist. Objective: To identify the teeth affected by acute dentoalveolar abscess and their risk factors in pupils at the Melanio Hernández Elementary School in Tuinucú. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Primary School in Tuinucú from September 2020 to April 2021. 30 2nd grade pupils with acute dentoalveolar abscess were selected. Methods of the theoretical, empirical and statistical level were used. The variables studied were: sex, affected tooth and risk factors for acute dentoalveolar abscess. Results: 53.3 % of pupils presented acute dentoalveolar abscess in the first primary molars and 43.3 % in the second. 97 % are unconscious of the acute alveolar abscess and 70 % were affected by dental caries. Conclusions: The first and second primary molars were the teeth mostly affected by acute alveolar abscess, especially those lower part, with prevalence of dental caries and lack of knowledge about acute dentoalveolar abscess as the main risk factors.

Comparison Study of Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Dental Infections between Dental Students and Practitioners.

This study aimed to access the knowledge in diagnosing dental infections and the practice in treatment planning for the affected teeth among dental practitioners (DPs) and senior (final-year) students. A survey questionnaire containing two cases (Case A; periodontal abscess and Case B; periapical abscess) with four questions per case was delivered to potential participants. Fifty-nine DPs voluntarily participated in the survey. For senior students, the case study was a part of their course requirements; one of the two cases (either Case A or B) was randomly assigned to the 126 seniors. The distribution of responses was significantly different between the DP and senior groups except for the diagnosis of Case B (Fisher's exact test; p = 0.05). Only 31% of the participants diagnosed Case A as periodontal abscess; most of them selected periodontal surgery as the first treatment option. Despite a high agreement in diagnosing Case B, the choice of treatment was significantly different; the most frequent treatment option was extraction (51%) from the DP group and root canal retreatment (57%) from the senior group. The study revealed that the diagnosis of periodontal abscess was more challenging than that of periapical abscess among dental professionals.

Bilateral Maxillary and Mandibular Periapical Abscesses.

Odontogenic infections commonly arise from poor dental hygiene that forms dental caries, which can eventually progress to gingivitis and periodontitis. The authors present a case of facial swelling diagnosed as a periapical abscess with soft tissue swelling that extended into both the maxilla and mandible.

Dental Emergencies and Coronavirus Disease-2019: Scoping Review of the Literature and Single Centre Experience.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental emergencies. A systematic review of the literature (PubMed/Scopus) searching for articles on COVID-19 and dental abscess and a retrospective cohort study with quantitative/qualitative data analysis of our hospital E.R. patients admitted for cervico-facial abscess of dental origin were performed. Thirteen studies could be included in the review, concerning characteristics/management of patients with dental emergencies in hospitals/private practices, generally with poor evidence. For the retrospective analysis, 232 consecutive patients were included (100 study vs. 132 control). The prevalence of dental emergencies (abscess) and relative complications (mediastinitis, exitus) increased. Dental care availability was limited, with strong heterogeneity amongst regions/nations. At-risk (aerosol-generating) procedures were generally avoided, and hospitalization length reduced. Comorbidity patients and males seem less likely to restore regular dentist attendance during the post-lockdown pandemic. Despite the poor scientific evidence, COVID-19 seems to have impacted dental emergencies through limited routine dental care availability and influence on physicians' and patients' behaviour.