Prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

AIMS: To assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to evaluate the effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) used to treat SLE, on the prevalence of such lesions. METHODS: Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for SLE and periapical abscess was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The odd ratio (OR) of periapical abscesses and its association with SLE and intake of GCs were calculated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients treated with GCs was 1.5% compared to 0.39% in patients who were not treated with GCs. The OR for periapical abscesses in patients treated with GCs was 2.53 compared with OR of 0.66 in patients not treated with GCs. The differences were statistically significant (p < .0001). The prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with SLE was 1.88%. The OR was 3.18 and the difference statistically significant (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, it appears that the prevalence of periapical abscesses is higher in patients with SLE. Patients receiving GCs therapy, either for SLE or for other conditions, may present higher prevalence of periapical abscesses.

Prevalence of unculturable bacteria in the periapical abscess: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of unculturable bacteria in periapical abscess, radicular cyst, and periapical granuloma. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Ovid databases were systematically searched from January 1990 to May 2020. All the included studies were cross-sectional design. The risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute check-list. Heterogeneity was described using meta-regression and mixed-effects model for lesion, country, and sequence technique moderators. Funnel plot and unweighted Egger's regression test were used to estimate the publication bias. Microbiome data on diversity, abundance, and frequency of unculturable bacteria in the periapical lesions were reviewed, analysed, and the principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies out of 14,780, were selected for the final analysis. These studies focused on the prevalence of unculturable bacteria in periapical abscesses and related lesions. Approximately 13% (95% CI: 7-23%) of the cumulative number of bacteria derived from periapical abscesses was unculturable. Country moderator significantly (P = 0.05) affects the diversity summary proportion. While the pooled frequency of unculturable bacteria was 8%; 95% CI: 5, 14%, the estimate of the pooled abundance of unculturable bacteria was 5%; 95% CI: 2, 12% with a significant (P = 0.05) country moderator that affects the abundance summary proportion. Of the 62 unculturable bacteria, 35 were subjected to PCA and Peptostreptococcus sp. oral clone CK035 was the most abundant species in periapical abscesses. Hybridization techniques were found to be the most reliable molecular methods in detecting the abundance and frequency of unculturable bacteria. CONCLUSION: The significant prevalence of unculturable bacteria in the periapical abscess, suggests that they are likely to play, a yet unknown, critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. Further research remains to be done to confirm their specific contributions in the virulence and disease progression.

Prevalence of periapical abscesses in vitamin D deficient patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses (PAs) in individuals with vitamin D deficiency who are not treated and in individuals treated with a vitamin D supplement (calciferol). METHODS: Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for periapical abscess and vitamin D deficiency were retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The Risk Ratio (RR) for periapical abscesses, its association with vitamin D deficiency and intake of calciferol were calculated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The RR for prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with vitamin D deficiency was 3.44. Presence of PAs was significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency compared to patients without vitamin D deficiency (P< 0.0001). The RR and the prevalence of PAs for patients treated with calciferol were significantly lower compared to untreated patients (P< 0.0001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentists should be aware of the possible association between vitamin D deficiency and occurrence of periapical abscesses. It appears that the prevalence of periapical abscesses is higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Calciferol supplement may reduce the prevalence of such periapical disease in these patients.

Chronic inflammatory periapical diseases: a Brazilian multicenter study of 10,381 cases and literature review.

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of chronic inflammatory periapical diseases in different regions of Brazil and to compare with data from the literature. A multicenter study was carried out in four Brazilian referral centers in oral diagnosis. Histopathological records were reviewed, and all cases diagnosed microscopically as periapical granuloma, radicular cyst, and periapical abscess were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test were performed. A total of 10,381 cases of chronic inflammatory periapical diseases were found (13.8% of 74,931 archived specimens) over a period of 65 years. Radicular cysts were the most common lesion (59.9%). Women (56.1%) with a mean age of 37.01 years old (range 13 to 100 ± 14.42) and people of white skin color (59.2%) were the most affected individuals by chronic inflammatory periapical diseases. The lesions were generally asymptomatic (28.1%), located in the maxilla (60.1%), and posterior region (49.8%). The radicular cysts were larger when compared to periapical granulomas (p < 0.001). The disagreement between the clinical and histopathological diagnoses was higher when the final diagnosis was a periapical granuloma (p < 0.001). Chronic inflammatory periapical diseases continue to be common lesions affecting mainly adults. This should be a consequence of the burden of untreated caries in permanent teeth. Women are more affected and radicular cyst was the most common lesion.

Chronic inflammatory periapical diseases: a Brazilian multicenter study of 10, 381 cases and literature review

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of chronic inflammatory periapical diseases in different regions of Brazil and to compare with data from the literature. A multicenter study was carried out in four Brazilian referral centers in oral diagnosis. Histopathological records were reviewed, and all cases diagnosed microscopically as periapical granuloma, radicular cyst, and periapical abscess were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test were performed. A total of 10,381 cases of chronic inflammatory periapical diseases were found (13.8% of 74,931 archived specimens) over a period of 65 years. Radicular cysts were the most common lesion (59.9%). Women (56.1%) with a mean age of 37.01 years old (range 13 to 100 ± 14.42) and people of white skin color (59.2%) were the most affected individuals by chronic inflammatory periapical diseases. The lesions were generally asymptomatic (28.1%), located in the maxilla (60.1%), and posterior region (49.8%). The radicular cysts were larger when compared to periapical granulomas (p < 0.001). The disagreement between the clinical and histopathological diagnoses was higher when the final diagnosis was a periapical granuloma (p < 0.001). Chronic inflammatory periapical diseases continue to be common lesions affecting mainly adults. This should be a consequence of the burden of untreated caries in permanent teeth. Women are more affected and radicular cyst was the most common lesion.

Diabetes Mellitus and Periapical Abscess: A Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Dental morbidities associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) include an increased prevalence of periodontal diseases (PDs). However, the occurrence of periapical infections in DM has not been sufficiently documented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of periapical abscesses (PAs) in type 1 DM (T1DM) patients, type 2 DM (T2DM) patients, and nondiabetics in a hospital-based population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study by accessing the University of Florida Health Integrated Data Repository, and diagnoses of T1DM, T2DM, and PA were obtained from queries using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. The following parameters were recorded: age, sex, and race. A logistic regression model for aggregated data was used to assess the association between the occurrence of PA and the diabetic groups (T1DM, T2DM, and nondiabetic groups) after adjusting for PDs and cardiovascular disease (CVD). RESULTS: Among 867,526 patients, we found 5260 (0.6%) with T1DM and 52,493 (6.1%) with T2DM. The prevalence of PAs in the total hospital population was 4923 (0.6%), 102 patients (1%) with T1DM and 766 (6%) with T2DM with statistically significant differences. In subjects without PDs, diabetic patients are almost 3 times likely to have PAs compared with nondiabetic subjects. Among subjects with PDs, the association is weaker (odds ratio = 1.35) but still significant at a level of 0.05. In subjects without CVD, DM subjects are greater than 3 times more likely to have PA, whereas among subjects with CVD, subjects with DM are 1.5 times more likely to have PA. CONCLUSIONS: A higher prevalence of PAs was reported in diabetic patients compared with the other hospital population. Comprehensive dental treatment should be administered to diabetic patients to maximize glycemic control.

Severe odontogenic infections: a 5-year review of a major referral hospital in Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Odontogenic infections are fairly common in healthcare settings. However, late presentations such as Ludwig's angina, facial cellulitis, necrotizing cervical fasciitis (NCF), among others could lead to mortality. In view of suggestions that the occurrence of severe, near-fatal odontogenic infections is declining, this study set out to determine the incidence of such severe odontogenic infections over the past 5 years at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a major referral centre in Ghana. METHODS: A retrospective review was done, involving all patients with severe odontogenic infection, thereby requiring admission, per stated criteria at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Dental clinic), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, in the period between July 2012 and July 2017. The cumulative incidence for the respective years were then computed for the years of review. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients were included in the study. This consisted of 121 males and 122 females, with an average age of 42.9 years (SD = 16.6), ranging from 18 months to 91 years. Incidence proportions for the years of the review were 8.2, 8.9, 17.7, 17.9 and 27.7 people per 1000 cases of tooth-related infections for the respective years. With a fatality rate of 5.8%, the incidence of odontogenic infections among patients attending the outpatient Dental clinic of the hospital is 40.3%, while that of dentoalveolar abscess is 6.2%. Ludwig's angina was the commonest (52%) form of presentation of spreading odontogenic infection. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of persisting severe, near-fatal odontogenic infections in Ghana. Not only is there a need to assess the public, professional and institutional strategies to management, but for more evidence-based studies in our local setting to aid in management.

Hospital-based Emergency Department Visits with Periapical Abscess: Updated Estimates from 7 Years.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the utilization of the emergency department (ED) for periapical abscess (PA) is unknown. The objectives of this study were to provide nationwide estimates of hospital-based ED visits with PA and to examine the effect of the ACA on the use of EDs for PAs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) for 2008 to 2014. All ED visits with a diagnosis of PA were selected. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification code was used to identify PA. Patient- and hospital-level characteristics were examined. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2014, a total of 3,505,633 ED visits for PA occurred. The proportion of ED visits with PA significantly increased over the study period (from 460,260 in 2008 to 545,693 in 2014). Medicaid was the primary payer (30.3%) and more than 40% were uninsured. Mean charge per PA-related ED visit was $1080.50 and total PA-related ED charge across the United States was $3.4 billion. Among those hospitalized following PA-related ED visits, mean hospitalization charges were $34,245 and total hospitalization charges were $5.7 billion. CONCLUSION: Oral health continues to be overlooked in health care. A large proportion of ED visits with PA were made by those covered by Medicaid and uninsured. The passing of the ACA has not reduced the number of ED visits with PA.

Absceso alveolar agudo en pacientes mayores de 19 años. Municipio Unión de Reyes / Acute alveolar abscess in patients elder 19 years old. Municipality Union de Reyes

Introducción: frecuentemente las infecciones de la cavidad bucal son el resultado del deterioro que provoca la caries con exposición de la pulpa dental. Una higiene dental descuidada o inadecuada, y complicaciones asociadas a enfermedades periodontales, son otras de las causas, que pueden incidir en la aparición de procesos infecciosos. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento del absceso alveolar agudo en los pacientes mayores de 19 años en la consulta de urgencia estomatológica del poblado de Alacranes, Municipio Unión de Reyes. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en pacientes mayores de 19 años, del área de Alacranes municipio Unión de Reyes. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por los pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de urgencia estomatológica, de enero de 2011 a enero 2012. Con previo consentimiento informado la muestra la constituyó 135 pacientes, con patológica de absceso alveolar agudo, teniendo en cuenta las variables: edad, sexo, etiología y complicaciones. Los datos obtenidos fueron registrados en una base de datos y se procesaron estadísticamente. Resultados: los grupos de 20-29 años y el sexo masculino fueron los más afectados, con 38 % y 54.8 %, respectivamente. La causa fundamental fue la caries dental con un 91.8 %. La celulitis facial resultó la complicación más frecuente. Conclusiones: la etiología más usual del absceso alveolar agudo fue la caries dental. Los pacientes afectados que no recibieron una puntual asistencia sufrieron complicaciones (AU).

Introduction: frequently, oral cavity infections are due to the deterioration caused by caries with dental pulp exposition. An inadequate and careless dental hygiene and complications associated to periodontal diseases are other reasons the may lead to the occurrence of infectious processes. Objective: Characterise the behaviour of the absceso alveolar acute in the greater patients of 19 years in the query of urgency estomatológica of the populated of Alacranes, municipality Union de Reyes. Materials and Methods: a descriptive, observational study was carried out in patients elder 19 years old, in the health area Alacranes, municipality Union de Reyes. The studied universe was formed by the patients assisting to the dentist emergency consultation from January 2011 to January 2012. With previous informed consent, the sample was formed by 135 patients with acute alveolar abscess, taking into account the following variables: age, sex, etiology and complications. The obtained data were recorded in the database and statistically processed. Results: the most affected groups were the 20-29 years-old group and the male sex, with 38 % and 54.8 % respectively. Dental caries was the main cause with 91.8 %. Facial cellulitis was the most frequent complication. Conclusions: dental caries was the most usual etiology of the acute alveolar abscess. The affected patients who did not receive opportune health care suffered complications (AU).

Absceso alveolar agudo en pacientes mayores de 19 años. Municipio Unión de Reyes / Acute alveolar abscess in patients elder 19 years old. Municipality Union de Reyes

Introducción: frecuentemente las infecciones de la cavidad bucal son el resultado del deterioro que provoca la caries con exposición de la pulpa dental. Una higiene dental descuidada o inadecuada, y complicaciones asociadas a enfermedades periodontales, son otras de las causas, que pueden incidir en la aparición de procesos infecciosos. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento del absceso alveolar agudo en los pacientes mayores de 19 años en la consulta de urgencia estomatológica del poblado de Alacranes, Municipio Unión de Reyes. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en pacientes mayores de 19 años, del área de Alacranes municipio Unión de Reyes. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por los pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de urgencia estomatológica, de enero de 2011 a enero 2012. Con previo consentimiento informado la muestra la constituyó 135 pacientes, con patológica de absceso alveolar agudo, teniendo en cuenta las variables: edad, sexo, etiología y complicaciones. Los datos obtenidos fueron registrados en una base de datos y se procesaron estadísticamente. Resultados: los grupos de 20-29 años y el sexo masculino fueron los más afectados, con 38 % y 54.8 %, respectivamente. La causa fundamental fue la caries dental con un 91.8 %. La celulitis facial resultó la complicación más frecuente. Conclusiones: la etiología más usual del absceso alveolar agudo fue la caries dental. Los pacientes afectados que no recibieron una puntual asistencia sufrieron complicaciones (AU).

Introduction: frequently, oral cavity infections are due to the deterioration caused by caries with dental pulp exposition. An inadequate and careless dental hygiene and complications associated to periodontal diseases are other reasons the may lead to the occurrence of infectious processes. Objective: Characterise the behaviour of the absceso alveolar acute in the greater patients of 19 years in the query of urgency estomatológica of the populated of Alacranes, municipality Union de Reyes. Materials and Methods: a descriptive, observational study was carried out in patients elder 19 years old, in the health area Alacranes, municipality Union de Reyes. The studied universe was formed by the patients assisting to the dentist emergency consultation from January 2011 to January 2012. With previous informed consent, the sample was formed by 135 patients with acute alveolar abscess, taking into account the following variables: age, sex, etiology and complications. The obtained data were recorded in the database and statistically processed. Results: the most affected groups were the 20-29 years-old group and the male sex, with 38 % and 54.8 % respectively. Dental caries was the main cause with 91.8 %. Facial cellulitis was the most frequent complication. Conclusions: dental caries was the most usual etiology of the acute alveolar abscess. The affected patients who did not receive opportune health care suffered complications (AU).

Odontogenic cervical necrotizing fasciitis, etiological aspects.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but very severe infection that affects the soft-tissues of the cephalic extremity. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis most frequently occurs secondarily to inflammatory odontogenic disorders and represents the most severe infection of maxillofacial spaces, with a high lethal potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we selected 55 patients with confirmed cervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin, treated in the Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Cluj-Napoca during January 1996-December 2012. RESULTS: In the majority of cases, the disease evolved without the presence of associated systemic disorders (60% [45.49-72.69]), the rest of the patients having 1-4 types of systemic disorders; type 2 diabetes mellitus was the most frequent type of underlying systemic disorder. From the appearance of the first symptoms until the presentation for treatment, a time interval of 2-30 days elapsed. During this time period, 78.18% (95% confidence interval [CI] [65.49-89.06]) of the patients received antibiotic treatment, but without results. Mandibular molars were the most frequent starting point of the disease, and the submandibular space was the first affected by the disease, 47.27% (95% CI [32.76-61.79]). Bacteriological exams showed that facultatively aerobic/anaerobic G + bacteria were the most frequently identified (72.22% [58.21-83.60]). CONCLUSION: The odontogenic lesions of the lower molars, complicated by submandibular space infections, are the most frequent starting point of odontogenic cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis. Delayed surgical treatment and strict antibiotic therapy play an important role in favoring the development of odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis.

Complicaciones derivadas del absceso dentoalveolar agudo en pacientes pertenecientes al área VII, Cienfuegos (2013) / Complications caused by acute dentoalveolar abscess in patients from Health Area VII in Cienfuegos, 2013

Introducción: las complicaciones derivadas del absceso dentoalveolar agudo constituyen un tema de preocupación para el estomatólogo, debido al riesgo que generan para el estado de salud en general, a pesar de esto existen pocos estudios específicos sobre el tema.Objetivo: describir las complicaciones derivadas del absceso dentoalveolar agudo en pacientes pertenecientes al área VII, Cienfuegos.Métodos: se realizó investigación observacional, descriptiva, transversal en el periodo comprendido de enero a diciembre de 2013. El universo fue de 374 pacientes que acudieron con absceso alveolar agudo, y la muestra 87 que derivaron en alguna complicación. La fuente para obtener información fue la observación. El registro primario de datos y recolección de la información se obtuvo mediante la historia clínica individual, luego de obtener el consentimiento informado de los pacientes. Principales variables: edad, sexo, dientes afectados con mayor frecuencia, comportamiento de las complicaciones ante tratamiento de elección y automedicación, factores sistémicos asociados y complicaciones derivadas del absceso dentoalveolar agudo. Los resultados se expresaron en total y porcentajes.Resultados: el sexo femenino estuvo afectado con las complicaciones derivadas del absceso dentoalveolar agudo (72,41 por ciento), y el grupo de edad de 35-59 años en 34,48 por ciento. El segundo premolar superior se afectó en 28,74. El 71,26 por ciento respondió de manera positiva ante tratamiento de elección. La diabetes mellitus tipo I y II como factor sistémico se mostró en 53,33 po ciento; la celulitis facial odontógena leve apareció como complicación en 64,36 por ciento.Conclusión: Las complicaciones derivadas del absceso dentoalveolar agudo fueron la celulitis facial odontógena leve y moderada; las mujeres fueron las más afectadas. El padecimiento de enfermedades sistémicas agravó más el cuadro clínico; pero el rápido tratamiento indicado por el facultativo para impedir casos, fatales(AU)

Introduction: complications caused by acute dentoalveolar abscess are a reason for concern among dentists, due to the risk they pose for the patients' overall health status. However, few specific studies have been published on the subject.Objective: describe the complications caused by acute dentoalveolar abscess in patients from Health Area VII in Cienfuegos.Methods: a cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted from January to December 2013. The study universe was 374 patients attending the dental service with acute alveolar abscess, and the sample was 87 who had some sort of complication. Data were obtained by observation. Primary data and information were collected from the patients' medical records after obtaining their informed consent. The main variables analyzed were age, sex, teeth most commonly affected, behavior of complications vs. treatment of choice and self-medication, associated systemic factors and complications caused by acute dentoalveolar abscess. Results were expressed as total and percentages.Results: 72.41 percent of the female patients and 34.48 percent of the 35-59 age group were affected by complications caused by acute dentoalveolar abscess. The upper second premolar was affected in 28.74 percent of the cases. 71.26 percent of the patients responded positively to the treatment of choice. Diabetes mellitus types I and II as a systemic factor was found in 53.33 percent of the cases, whereas mild odontogenic facial cellulitis appeared in 64.36 percent.Conclusion: mild and moderate odontogenic facial cellulitis were the complications caused by acute dentoalveolar abscess. Women were more affected than men. Systemic diseases aggravated the clinical status of patients, but the swift action of dentists prevented the occurrence of fatal cases(AU)

Comportamiento de urgencias estomatológicas, Hospital Faustino Pérez, 2009 / Stomatologic emergencies behavior, Hospital Faustino Pérez, 2009

Introducción: las urgencias dentales, además de causar signos y síntomas, producen complicaciones que afectan la salud general de los pacientes, por lo que se requiere de atención priorizada, apoyo psicológico y maniobras no traumáticas. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento de las urgencias estomatológicas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en la consulta de Estomatología del Hospital “Faustino Pérez” de Matanzas en el periodo marzo-diciembre del 2009. El universo estuvo constituido por 533 pacientes que asistieron a la consulta de Estomatología y que presentaron diferentes tipos de urgencias estomatológicas, los cuales se caracterizaron, según variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se realizó un interrogatorio minucioso y un examen bucal a cada paciente en el sillón dental y se confeccionó la historia clínica individual de Estomatología. Los datos se recopilaron de forma manual. Para su análisis se emplearon medidas de frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Se tuvo en cuenta el consentimiento informado. Resultados: el 59,5 por ciento de los pacientes con urgencias estomatológicas correspondió al sexo masculino y fue el más representado, los pacientes de 35 a 59 años constituyeron el 32,5 por ciento y predominaron los trabajadores. Conclusiones: el absceso dentoalveolar agudo fue la forma clínica más frecuente dentro de los trastornos pulpares y periapicales en el grupo de edad de 35 a 59 años y en el sexo femenino(AU)

Background: stomatologic emergencies, in addition to causing signs and symptoms, produce complications affecting the patients general health status, so they require prioritized care, psychological support and no-traumatic actions. Aim: to determine the stomatologic emergencies behavior. Material and methods: we carried out a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study in the Stomatologic consultation of the Hospital “Faustino Perez” of Matanzas in the period March-December 2009. The universe was formed by 533 patients who attended the Stomatologic consultation having different kinds of stomatologic emergencies that were characterized according to clinical and social variables. Each patient was carefully questioned; a buccal examination was carried out to each of them and the Stomatologic individual historical record was filled out. Data were compiled manually. For their analysis we used absolute and relative frequency measures. The informed consent was taken into account.Results: 59,5 percent of the patients with stomatologic emergencies were male, the most represented gender. The patients aged 35-59 years were 32,5 percent, and workers predominated. Conclusions: the acute dental alveolar abscess was the most frequent clinical form among the pulp and periapical disorders in the 35-59 years age group and in the female gender(AU)

Prevalence of treponema species detected in endodontic infections: systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-regression analysis aimed to calculate a combined prevalence estimate and evaluate the prevalence of different Treponema species in primary and secondary endodontic infections, including symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. METHODS: The MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scielo, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases were searched without starting date restriction up to and including March 2014. Only reports in English were included. The selected literature was reviewed by 2 authors and classified as suitable or not to be included in this review. Lists were compared, and, in case of disagreements, decisions were made after a discussion based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A pooled prevalence of Treponema species in endodontic infections was estimated. Additionally, a meta-regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among the 265 articles identified in the initial search, only 51 were included in the final analysis. The studies were classified into 2 different groups according to the type of endodontic infection and whether it was an exclusively primary/secondary study (n = 36) or a primary/secondary comparison (n = 15). The pooled prevalence of Treponema species was 41.5% (95% confidence interval, 35.9-47.0). In the multivariate model of meta-regression analysis, primary endodontic infections (P < .001), acute apical abscess, symptomatic apical periodontitis (P < .001), and concomitant presence of 2 or more species (P = .028) explained the heterogeneity regarding the prevalence rates of Treponema species. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Treponema species are important pathogens involved in endodontic infections, particularly in cases of primary and acute infections.

Comportamiento clínico epidemiológico del absceso dentoalveolar agudo en pacientes pertenecientes al área VII de Cienfuegos / Clinical and epidemiological behavior of acute dentoalveolar abscess in patients of the health area VII in Cienfuegos

Fundamento: el absceso dentoalveolar agudo es una de las urgencias estomatológicas y una de las principales enfermedades que afectan a la población, sin embargo existen muy pocos estudios sobre el tema.Objetivo: describir comportamiento clínico epidemiológico del absceso dentoalveolar agudo en pacientes pertenecientes al área VII, de Cienfuegos. Métodos: investigación observacional, descriptiva realizada de enero a diciembre de 2013 en el Área VII, de Cienfuegos. El universo fue de 672 pacientes y la muestra de 374, escogida mediante muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple. El registro primario de datos y recolección de la información se obtuvo mediante la historia clínica individual previo consentimiento informado a los pacientes. Las principales variables fueron: edad, sexo, irritantes pulpares.Resultados: el sexo más afectado fue el femenino con 55,35 por ciento y el grupo de edad el de 19 a 34 con 33,69 por ciento. El irritante pulpar predominante fue el microbiano 59,36 por ciento. Dentro de los factores iatrogénicos, los restos de tejidos cariados se destacaron con un 32,35 por ciento. Conclusiones: existe un número elevado de pacientes con absceso dentoalveolar agudo, por lo que, como urgencia estomatológica, debe ser una preocupación del estomatólogo conocer las características, comportamiento y factores que desarrollan la enfermedad, para propiciar un trabajo integral en cuanto a la promoción de salud, prevención, curación y rehabilitación de los pacientes afectados(AU)

Background: acute dentoalveolar abscess is a dental emergency and one of the major condition affecting the population; however, there are few studies on the subject. Objective: to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of acute dentoalveolar abscess in patients of the health area VII in Cienfuegos. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted from January to December 2013 in the Health Area VII, Cienfuegos. The universe consisted of 672 patients and the sample included 374 individuals selected by simple random sampling. Primary data recording and data collection was obtained from medical records prior informed consent of the patients. The main variables were age, sex, pulp irritating agents. Results: females were more affected with 55, 35 percent and the 19-34 year age group with 33.69 percent. The main pulp irritator was microbial, 59.36 percent. Among the iatrogenic factors, the remains of decayed tissues were significant with 32.35 percent. Conclusions: there is a high number of patients with acute dentoalveolar abscess, thus, as a dental emergency, the dentist should know the characteristics and factors that develop the disease to promote a comprehensive job in terms of health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of affected patient(AU)

Causes and pattern of tooth extractions in children treated at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Tooth mortality is mainly a reflection of untreated dental caries and periodontal disease and is considered a crude but useful measure for the dental status of a community. Oral health status of the people of Niger Delta particularly that of children, is currently vague. AIM: To investigate the reasons and pattern of tooth extractions among children who presented at the Paediatric dental clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). METHODS: A retrospective study of children aged 16 years and below who attended the paediatric dental clinic of UPTH for treatment from March 2008 to August 2010 was done. The following information was retrieved from hospital records of the patients: age, sex, indications for extraction and the extracted teeth. RESULTS: A total of 462 children aged between 2-16 years were seen out of which 115 (24.9%) patients had extraction. On the whole, 145 teeth were extracted. Dental caries and its sequelae (irreversible pulpitis, dentoalveolar abscess etc) accounted for the highest indication for extraction 71 (61.7%) while periodontal disease accounted for the least (2.6%). The other indications for extractions were trauma, orthodontic reasons and eruption anomalies. Primary teeth 103 (71.0%) were mostly affected with the anterior teeth (33.8%) being the most frequently involved. The molars (73.8%) were the most frequently involved teeth in the permanent dentition. CONCLUSION: Dental caries and its sequelae is the commonest reason for tooth extraction. Efforts must be made to improve the dental health awareness and status of Nigerian children in this region.

Biocultural implications of oral pathology in an ancient Central California population.

Bioarchaeologists have long noted two unusual trends in the dentitions of prehistoric Native Californian populations: high rates of wear and low prevalence of caries. The Central California site of CA-CCO-548 offers a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between oral pathology and extreme dental wear in a large (n = 480), ancient (4,300­3,100 BP), and temporally well-defined population sample. This study specifically examines three interrelated processes of the oral cavity in this population: dental wear, dental caries, and periodontal disease. The results show high levels of dental wear (average of 6.1, Smith system), low frequencies of carious lesions (2.5%), low frequencies of periodontal disease (17.8%), and high frequencies of periapical abscesses (10.7%). The pathological processes examined here have complicated multifactorial etiologies. However, they all share the common primary etiological agents of facultative pathogenic bacteria proliferation in the oral biofilm. Integration of the current etiological explanations for infections of the oral cavity, information from the ethnographic record pertaining to subsistence and activity patterns in Native Californian populations, and statistical analysis of specific disease and wear patterns leads to a novel explanation for the observed pattern of oral pathology in this population sample. Specifically, the introduction of antibacterial compounds through dietary items and non-alimentary tooth use is suggested as the most likely explanation for the unusually low prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease.

Epidemiology and variables involved in dental abscess: survey of dental emergency unit in Trieste.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this epidemiologic study was to estimate the healing time of acute dental abscesses and to evaluate the main variables involved in the healing process itself. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Among a sample of over 24 000 patients visited at the emergency dental unit, 688 subjects were diagnosed with dental abscess and enrolled in the study. Case histories of all patients were collected to investigate the clinical course and healing time of dental abscess according to anamnestic and diagnostic data and therapeutic management. A multiple logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the association of each variable with the healing time required for dental abscess. RESULTS: Variables associated with increased healing time were spring seasonality at admission, pyretic state, trismus, involvement of multiple anatomic spaces, and spontaneous drainage. Moreover, administration of some, but not all, classes of antibiotics was also associated with an increased healing time. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of variables involved in healing time for dental abscess is crucial in the optimization of managing such infections in terms of cost-benefit ratio. This would represent a valuable way to ensure a shortened and more effective healing.

Outcomes of hospitalizations attributed to periapical abscess from 2000 to 2008: a longitudinal trend analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Root canal therapy is a highly successful in-office treatment and preventive measure against periapical abscesses. Left untreated, periapical abscesses can have serious consequences that can lead to hospitalization. This study observes the trends of hospitalizations attributed to periapical abscesses. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (years 2000-2008) was used; we selected cases with a primary diagnosis of a periapical abscess with/without sinus involvement. The demographic characteristics and outcomes were examined. Each individual hospitalization was the unit of analysis. RESULTS: During the 9-year study period, a total of 61,439 hospitalizations were primarily attributed to periapical abscesses in the United States. The average age was 37 years, and 89% of all hospitalizations occurred on an emergency/urgent basis. The mean length of stay was 2.96 days, and a total of 66 patients died in hospitals. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans paid for 18.7%, 25.2%, and 33.4% of hospitalizations, respectively. Uninsured patients accounted for 18.5% of hospitalizations. Significant predictors that influenced both hospital charges and length of stay included age, race, insurance status, a periapical abscess with sinus involvement, geographic region of country, the Charlson comorbidity index, and the year of study (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The current study highlights the increasing burden of hospitalization of patients with periapical abscesses over a 9-year study period from 2000 to 2008. The high-risk groups likely to seek a hospital setting for the treatment of periapical abscesses were identified as were groups associated with higher hospital charges and a longer length of stay.

What happens to cavitated primary teeth over time? A 3.5-year prospective cohort study in China.

OBJECTIVES: Data showed that among 5-year-old Chinese, 96.7% of cavitated primary teeth were left untreated. The study aimed to report on the course of cavitated primary teeth within the Chinese health-care system over a period of 3.5 years. METHODS: Selection of high caries risk children for inclusion in a sealant comparison study was based on the presence of cavitated dentine lesions in their primary teeth. At the 6-month sealant evaluation point many of these cavitated dentine lesions had not been treated. This necessitated monitoring these cavitated teeth 6-monthly for those exfoliated, restored, with a cavity left open, having caused toothache (symptom) and having (or having had) an abscess or fistulae (symptom). Care-seeking instruction was given at every evaluation point. anova and t-test were used in analysing the data. RESULTS: A total of 1012 cavitated primary teeth in 305 children (7.6 to 9.3 years old), were followed for 3.5 years. A total of 92.9% of cavitated primary teeth were left open, while 7.1% were restored at some stage during the observation period; 98.5% of restored teeth and 95.5% of cavitated teeth left open exfoliated and 93.9% of restored teeth and 81.5% of cavitated primary teeth left open exfoliated without any symptoms. Having (or having had) toothache was the symptom most frequently related to exfoliated restored teeth and to exfoliated cavitated teeth left open. Restored primary teeth survived statistically significantly longer than cavitated primary teeth left open: 1.99 ± 0.07 years and 1.68 ± 0.03 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: The large majority of cavitated primary teeth in this child population exfoliated without symptoms.