The COVID-19 pandemic and its possible impact on the treatment of odontogenic and intraoral abscesses.

Most odontogenic and intraoral abscesses can be treated on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. However, severe disease progression may require an incision under general anesthesia (GA) with postoperative inpatient treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the first "COVID-19 year" in Germany and compare the first "COVID-19 year" with the two previous years. All consecutive cases with odontogenic or intraoral abscesses treated in an outpatient or inpatient setting between 2018 and 2021 were included in this study. Data were collected, including the type of anesthesia, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Despite the lower total number of abscess treatments in the first year of COVID-19 (n = 298 patients) than that in the two previous years (n = 663 patients), the number of advanced abscesses requiring intervention under GA was significantly higher (p < 0.001). This increased burden of care was also reflected in increased healthcare costs. The measures taken against the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the course of other diseases, for example, odontogenic and intraoral abscesses. The results showed an emerging conflict in patient care during the pandemic crisis that should be considered in possible future pandemics.

Systemic antibiotic prescribing patterns of dentists in Morocco: A questionnaire study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the use patterns of antibiotics in periodontal therapy among Moroccan dentists. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. An online survey among 2440 registered dentists was conducted in public, private, and semi-public sectors in Morocco. Within the interrogated dentists, 255 answer the online survey. Data analysis was done by the laboratory of biostatistics-epidemiology of the Faculty of Medicine of Casablanca. Results: The antibiotics were prescribed for different pathologies. 26.8% of dentists prescribed antibiotics for gingivitis, 91.5% in case of ulcero-necrotizing gingivitis, 92.7% for aggressive periodontitis, 77% to chronic periodontitis patients, and 97.6% in the presence of periodontal abscess. Dentists prescribed penicillin to 37.3% of cases presenting ulcero-necrotizing gingivitis and 62.3% of patients presenting periodontal abscess. Cyclins are prescribed at a rate of 60% to aggressive periodontitis patients. The association of penicillin + metronidazole is prescribed to 37.3% of ulcero-necrotizing gingivitis patients, 47% of patients presenting aggressive periodontitis, 42.5% of chronic periodontitis patients, and 65.5% of cases presenting periodontal abscess. Discussion: There are major discrepancies among dentists in antibiotic prescription patterns. Some dentists prescribe antibiotics to patients with gingivitis or patients undergoing noninvasive oral procedures such as air polishing and scaling which is worrisome. Dentists are prescribing antibiotics when local treatment would have sufficed. Dentists also commonly prescribed antibiotics as an adjunct to mechanical therapy for the treatment of periodontal disease. Conclusion: Systemic antibiotics are prescribed for different conditions according to variable protocols. The appropriateness of antibiotic prescription must be reassessed critically to improve antibiotic stewardship among dentists.

Résumé Objectif: Le but de cette étude était de décrire les modèles d'utilisation des antibiotiques en thérapie parodontale chez les dentistes Marocains. Matériaux et méthodes: C'était une étude transversale. Une enquête en ligne entre 2440 dentistes enregistrées a été menée dans des secteurs public, privé et semi-publique au Maroc. Dans les dentistes interrogés, 255 répondent à l'enquête en ligne. L'analyse des données a été effectuée par le laboratoire de biostatistique - épidémiologie de la Faculté de médecine de Casablanca. Résultats: Les antibiotiques ont été prescrits pour différentes pathologies. 26,8% des dentistes ont prescrit des antibiotiques pour la gingivite, 91,5% en cas de gingivite ulcéro-nécrotante, 92,7% pour la parodontite agressive, 77% aux patients atteints de parodontite chronique et 97,6% en présence d'un abcès parodontal. Les dentistes ont prescrit la pénicilline à 37,3% des cas présentant une gingivite ulcérative 1A8Q7 et 62,3% des patients présentant un abcès parodontal. Les cyclins sont prescrits à un taux de 60% aux patients atteints de parodontite agressive. L'association de la pénicilline + métronidazole est prescrite à 37,3% des patients atteints de gingivite ulcératisants, 47% des patients présentant une parodontite agressive, 42,5% des patients atteints de parodontite chronique et 65,5% des cas présentant un abcès parodontal. Discussion: Il y a des écarts majeurs chez les dentistes dans les modèles de prescription antibiotiques. Certains dentistes prescrivent des antibiotiques aux patients atteints de gingivite ou de patients subissant des procédures orales non invasives telles que le polissage et l'échelle de l'air qui sont inquiétantes. Les dentistes prescrivent des antibiotiques lorsque le traitement local aurait suffi. Les dentistes ont également couramment prescrit les antibiotiques comme complément à la thérapie mécanique pour le traitement des maladies parodontales. Mots-clés: Dentistes, parodontite, antimicrobiens systémiques.

[Clinical analysis of patients with oral and maxillofacial infections in oral emergency].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the composition, incidence and clinical characteristics of oral and maxillofacial infections in oral emergency. METHODS: A retrospective study on patients with oral and maxillofacial infections who visited the Department of Oral Emergency in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2017 to December 2019 was conducted. General characteristics, such as disease composition, gender, age distribution and position of involved teeth were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 8 277 patients with oral and maxillofacial infections were finally collected, including 4 378 male patients (52.9%) and 3 899 female patients (47.1%), with gender ratio of 1.12:1. The common diseases were periodontal abscess (3 826 cases, 46.2%), alveolar abscess (3 537 cases, 42.7%), maxillofacial space infection (740 cases, 9.0%), sialadenitis (108 cases, 1.3%), furuncle & carbuncle (56 cases, 0.7%) and osteomyelitis (10 cases, 0.1%). Male patients were more easily affected by periodontal abscess, space infection and furuncle & carbuncle than female patients with the gender ratios 1.24:1, 1.26:1, 2.50:1 individually, while the incidence of alveolar abscess, sialadenitis, furuncle & carbuncle had no significant gender difference. Different diseases were prone to occur at different ages. The peak ages of alveolar abscess were 5-9 and 27-67 years, while the peak age of periodontal abscess was 30-64 years. Space infection tended to occur between 21-67 years. There were 7 363 patients with oral abscess (3 826 patients with periodontal abscess and 3 537 patients with alveolar abscess), accounting for 88.9% of all the patients with oral and maxillofacial infections, involving 7 999 teeth, including 717 deciduous teeth and 7 282 permanent teeth. Periodontal abscess usually occurred in permanent teeth, especially the molar teeth. Alveolar abscess may occur in both primary teeth and permanent teeth. In primary teeth, the most vulnerable sites were primary molar teeth and maxillary central incisors while in permanent teeth the most vulnerable sites were first molar teeth. CONCLUSION: Understanding the incidence of oral and maxillofacial infection was conducive to the correct diagnosis and effective treatment of clinical diseases, as well as targeted education for patients of different ages and genders to prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Patient on Hemodialysis Develops Painful Periodontal Abscess and Presents for Treatment.

Dialysis patients have an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV because the dialysis machine is disinfected, not sterilized. Therefore, the dentist must follow standard precautions for infection control when treating dialysis patients. Following the medical complexity status (MCS) system, the patient can be designated as MCS 2B category.

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis caused by oral cavity infection: a case report considering therapeutic approach and its morphofunctional implications / Fascitis necrosante cervical causada por infección de la cavidad oral. Reporte de un caso considerando el abordaje terapéutico y sus implicaciones morfofuncionales

SUMMARY: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare complication of oral cavity infection with high morbi-mortality. Given its low prevalence, adequately reporting cases of NF, its therapeutic management, and associated morphofunctional modifications to the clinical and scientific community is pivotal. To that end, we herein describe a case of cervical NF in a 60-year-old patient with comorbidities and patient presented large, painful cervical swelling associated with a necrotic ulcer lesion in the anterior neck region. Intraoral examination indicated a periodontal abscess in the right mandibular area, while computed tomography indicated the lesion's extension from the right mandibular to the submandibular region. Following empirical intravenous antibiotic treatment, a broad surgical debridement was performed, and the foci of oral infection were removed. Debridement revealed communication between deep and superficial anatomical regions in the submandibular area, where we subsequently placed a Penrose drain. Biopsies showing acute inflammatory infiltrate associated with necrotic and hemorrhagic regions confirmed the diagnosis of NF. When an antibiogram revealed resistance to the empirical treatment, the antibiotic scheme was replaced with an adequate alternative. After a second debridement, we closed the defect with fascio-mucocutaneous advancement flaps with a lateral base while maintaining suction drainage. Having reacted positively, the patient was discharged 10 days after the operation. Despite an extensive morphofunctional change generated in the treated area, the patient showed no difficulties with breathing, phonation, swallowing, or mobilizing the area during control sessions. Altogether, this report contributes to the highly limited literature describing morphological aspects that can facilitate or delay the spread of infection or the morphofunctional disorders associated with the size and depth of surgical interventions for cervical NF, information that is relevant for the comprehensive, long-term prognosis of the treatment of NF.

La fascitis necrosante (FN) cervical es una rara complicación de una infección proveniente de la cavidad bucal asociada a una alta morbimortalidad. Por lo anterior, es fundamental informar a la comunidad clínica y científica los casos de FN, su manejo terapéutico y las modificaciones morfofuncionales asociadas. Se describe un caso de FN cervical en una paciente de 60 años quien presentó una gran tumefacción dolorosa asociada a una lesión ulcerosa necrótica en la región anterior del cuello. El examen intraoral mostró un absceso periodontal en el área mandibular derecha y la tomografía computarizada mostró la extensión de la lesión hacia la región submandibular. Tras el tratamiento antibiótico empírico, se realizó un desbridamiento quirúrgico extenso y se extirparon los focos de infección oral. El desbridamiento reveló comunicación entre las regiones anatómicas profundas y superficiales del área submandibular, donde se colocó un drenaje Penrose. Las biopsias mostraron un infiltrado inflamatorio agudo asociado con regiones necróticas y hemorrágicas, confirmando el diagnóstico de FN. El antibiograma reveló resistencia al tratamiento empírico, por lo que el esquema antibiótico se sustituyó. Tras un segundo desbridamiento, se cerró el defecto con colgajos de avance fascio-mucocutáneos de base lateral manteniendo drenaje aspirativo. El positivo progreso del paciente permitió su alta 10 días después. Aun cuando se generó una gran modificación morfofuncional en el área tratada, la paciente no presentó dificultades para respirar, hablar, deglutir o movilizar el área cervical intervenida durante las sesiones de control. Este informe contribuye a la limitada literatura que describe los aspectos morfológicos que pueden facilitar o retrasar la propagación de la FN y las consecuencias asociadas a los trastornos morfofuncionales provocadas por el tamaño y profundidad de las intervenciones quirúrgicas requeridas por la FN, información relevante para el pronóstico integral a largo plazo del tratamiento de la FN.

Multiple maxillary periodontal abscesses as a manifestation of post-coronavirus disease 2019 mucormycosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 makes patients more susceptible to superinfection of fungal disease as a consequence of immunological system impairment. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that is rare but has a high mortality rate and mostly affects patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or those receiving corticosteroids. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a case of post-coronavirus disease 2019 mucormycosis in a 37-year-old Persian male presenting with multiple periodontal abscess with purulent discharge and necrosis of maxillary bone (without oroantral communication). Surgical debridement following antifungal therapy was the treatment of choice. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and immediate referral are the cornerstone of comprehensive treatment.

Clinical analysis of patients with oral and maxillofacial infections in oral emergency / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the composition, incidence and clinical characteristics of oral and maxillofacial infections in oral emergency.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study on patients with oral and maxillofacial infections who visited the Department of Oral Emergency in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2017 to December 2019 was conducted. General characteristics, such as disease composition, gender, age distribution and position of involved teeth were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 8 277 patients with oral and maxillofacial infections were finally collected, including 4 378 male patients (52.9%) and 3 899 female patients (47.1%), with gender ratio of 1.12:1. The common diseases were periodontal abscess (3 826 cases, 46.2%), alveolar abscess (3 537 cases, 42.7%), maxillofacial space infection (740 cases, 9.0%), sialadenitis (108 cases, 1.3%), furuncle & carbuncle (56 cases, 0.7%) and osteomyelitis (10 cases, 0.1%). Male patients were more easily affected by periodontal abscess, space infection and furuncle & carbuncle than female patients with the gender ratios 1.24:1, 1.26:1, 2.50:1 individually, while the incidence of alveolar abscess, sialadenitis, furuncle & carbuncle had no significant gender difference. Different diseases were prone to occur at different ages. The peak ages of alveolar abscess were 5-9 and 27-67 years, while the peak age of periodontal abscess was 30-64 years. Space infection tended to occur between 21-67 years. There were 7 363 patients with oral abscess (3 826 patients with periodontal abscess and 3 537 patients with alveolar abscess), accounting for 88.9% of all the patients with oral and maxillofacial infections, involving 7 999 teeth, including 717 deciduous teeth and 7 282 permanent teeth. Periodontal abscess usually occurred in permanent teeth, especially the molar teeth. Alveolar abscess may occur in both primary teeth and permanent teeth. In primary teeth, the most vulnerable sites were primary molar teeth and maxillary central incisors while in permanent teeth the most vulnerable sites were first molar teeth.@*CONCLUSION@#Understanding the incidence of oral and maxillofacial infection was conducive to the correct diagnosis and effective treatment of clinical diseases, as well as targeted education for patients of different ages and genders to prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Directrices para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de Molares Retenidos / Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of impacted molars

Los terceros molares son piezas dentarias correspondientes a la dentición permanente y se encuentran por detrás de los segundos molares. Erupcionan entre los 18 y 27 años aproximadamente, tienen variedad de formas, anomalías y disposición diversa. Normalmente se encuentran total o parcialmente retenidos en el hueso maxilar. La retención es muy frecuente y afecta aproximadamente al 75% de la población. La causa principal es por la falta de espacio dentro de la boca. La patología derivada de la retención de un tercer molar puede generar diferentes alteraciones: abscesos, sinusitis, reabsorción de las raíces de los dientes adyacentes, caries del molar retenido y/o del segundo molar, úlceras en la mucosa contigua, podrían generar quistes, ameloblastomas y ulceraciones leucoqueratósicas que pueden degenerar en carcinomas, alteraciones nerviosas o vasomotoras: dolores faciales, trismus, y parálisis facial ipsilateral. Las extracciones profilácticas de terceros molares asintomáticos están justificadas cuando los terceros molares se encuentran bajo prótesis removible que puede estimular su erupción, molares semierupcionados que pueden generar pericoronitis, caries o problemas periodontales; pacientes que van a ser sometidos a radioterapia; cuando el diente incluido interfiera en una cirugía ortognática. Si el molar retenido presenta sintomatología por parte del paciente está aconsejada su extracción quirúrgica.

The third molars are dental pieces corresponding to the permanent dentition and are located behind the second molars. They erupt between the ages of 18 and 27 approximately, have a variety of shapes, anomalies, and diverse dispositions. They are normally fully or partially retained in the maxillary bone. Retention is very frequent and affects approximately 75% of the population. The main cause is due to the lack of space inside the mouth. The pathology derived from the retention of a third molar can generate different alterations: abscesses, sinusitis, resorption of the roots of adjacent teeth, caries of the retained molar and/or second molar, ulcers in the contiguous mucosa, could generate cysts, ameloblastomas and leukokeratotic ulcerations that can degenerate into carcinomas, nervous or vasomotor disorders: facial pain, trismus, and ipsilateral facial paralysis. Prophylactic extractions of asymptomatic third molars are justified when the third molars are under removable prosthesis that can stimulate their eruption, semi-erupted molars that can generate pericoronitis, caries or periodontal problems; patients who are going to undergo radiotherapy; when the included tooth interferes with orthognathic surgery. If the retained molar presents symptoms on the part of the patient, its surgical extraction is recommended.

Factores etiológicos de abscesos periodontales: Una patología emergente. Informe de tres casos / Etiological factors of periodontal abscesses: an emerging pathology. A three-case report

Introducción: La presencia de abscesos periodontales es la tercera emergencia dental más frecuente (6%-14%). Objetivo: Reportar información sobre diferentes factores etiológicos de absceso periodontal en tres pacientes. Descripción de casos: Primer caso, mujer de 52 años quien acudió a consulta por sangrado espontáneo, al examen clínico se evidenció sangrado al sondaje (SS), presencia de bolsas periodontales (BP) y cálculos (C); como tratamiento se realizó raspado y alisado radicular (RAR), complementado con detoxificación con tetraciclina y tratamiento farmacológico posoperatorio. Segundo caso, hombre de 27 años quien acudió a consulta por agrandamiento de encía, se observó (SS), y (BP); se retiró la lesión y se realizó (RAR). Tercer caso, hombre de 21 años quien acudió a consulta de control, al examen clínico se evidenció presencia de cálculos en órganos dentarios y bolsas periodontales en órganos dentarios 16-17; se utilizó (RAR) complementado con detoxificación con tetraciclina y tratamiento farmacológico posoperatorio. Conclusión: La etiología del absceso periodontal en el primer y último caso se basó en la falta de profundidad durante el raspado y alisado radicular, y en el segundo estuvo relacionado a impactación de alimentos. El identificar la etiología permite determinar diagnóstico, pronóstico y tratamiento ideal.

Introduction: Periodontal abscesses are the third most frequent dental emergency (6%-14%). Objective: To describe different etiological factors of periodontal abscesses in three patients. Case description: The first case was a 52-year-old woman who sought treatment due to spontaneous bleeding. During the examination, she revealed bleeding on probing (BP), presence of periodontal pockets (PP), and calculi (C). Scaling and root planning (SRP) was performed as treatment, which was complemented with detoxification with tetracycline and postoperative pharmacological treatment. The second case was a 27-year-old man who came to the clinic due to gum enlargement and showed BP and PP. The lesion was treated and SRP was performed. Finally, the third patient was a 21-year-old male who sought a follow-up consultation. The clinical examination showed the presence of dental calculi and periodontal pockets in teeth 16 and 17. SRP complemented with detoxification with tetracycline and postoperative pharmacology were used as treatments. Conclusion: The etiology of the periodontal abscesses in the first and third cases was based on the lack of depth during root scaling and planning. The cause in the second case was effects of food. Identifying this etiology is useful to achieve proper diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of periodontal abscesses.

Should systemic antibiotics be prescribed in periodontal abscesses and pericoronitis? A systematic review of the literature.

This study assessed whether systemic antibiotics are beneficial or harmful in patients who present with an acute periodontal abscess or pericoronitis, with or without systemic involvement, and, if antibiotics are beneficial, which type, dosage, and duration are the most effective. Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were screened from 1948 up to 1 April 2022 for systematic reviews, randomised clinical trials (RCTs), and other studies. Dedicated websites were consulted for systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and health technology assessments on the topic. Outcomes of interest comprised tooth survival, swelling, pain, tooth mobility, periodontal probing depth, suppuration, adverse effects, quality of life measurements, and medication required for pain relief. Overall, five guidelines, seven systematic reviews, 15 RCTs, and 34 other studies were identified and selected for full-text assessment, but none of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. At present there is no single randomised or non-randomised controlled trial assessing the harms and clinical effectiveness of systemic antibiotics in adults with a periodontal abscess or pericoronitis.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Adolescents in Choma District of Zambia

Introduction:Dentalcariesandperiodontaldiseases are the most common oral diseases globally. Early control of oral health behaviours is importantbecauselifestylesacquiredduringadolescence are powerful predictors of adult health. We conducted a study to determine knowledge, attitude and practices on oral hygiene among school-going adolescents in Choma district of Zambia.Methodology:Across-sectionalstudywasconducted among school-going adolescents in randomly selected schools in Choma District. Atotal of 335 participants were included in the study. Data were collected using a closed-end self-administered questionnaire. The sample size was distributed among the six schools in the ratio of their population. The study included anyone from grades 8-12. Data were analysed using IBM software for SPSS. We employedthe Chi-Squaretesttoinvestigate the association between variables. Ap-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study had 173 males and 162 females in the age range of 12-19 years. The majority (87.8%) had good knowledge, 69.4% had good attitude and 87.5% had good practice on oral -hygiene. Practice was influenced by sex with females having good oral hygiene as compared to their male counterparts. About 97.2% thought that dental health education is essential in schools. 34% indicated that they had visited the dentist when they experienced a toothache. However, parental advice to regularly visit the dentist was low (n=39).The majority 49.9% (n=167) indicated that they had not visited the dentist due to fear of the dental equipment set up.Conclusion and recommendation: Despite the majority having good knowledge and attitude on oral hygiene, there is a need to acquaint children with milling and dental units found in most dental offices. This may instil confidence in children to seek specialist dental treatment whenever they develop any dental disease. Further,parents need to be incorporated as partners in promoting oral health hygiene among school-going adolescents.

Guía clínica para el tratamiento de lesiones endoperiodontales sin compromiso radicular en pacientes periodontales / Clinical practice guide for the treatment of endoperiodontal lesions without root compromise in periodontal patients

La comunicación patológica entre la pulpa y el pe-riodonto se denomina lesión endoperiodontal. Puede presentarse de forma aguda o crónica, y su mani-festación más común es la presencia de un absceso acompañado de dolor. Es importante realizar una detenida evaluación clínica y radiográfica para esta-blecer un correcto diagnóstico y plan de tratamiento. Por este motivo, el objetivo de esta guía es presentar un protocolo consensuado entre las Cátedras de Pe-riodoncia y Endodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (FOUBA), para su tratamiento (AU)

The pathological communication between the pulp and the periodontium is called Endoperiodontal Lesion. It can be presented in an acutely or chronically form and its most common manifestation is the presence of an abscess accompanied by pain. It is important to carry out a careful clinical and radiographic evaluation to establish a correct diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. For this reason, the objective of this guide is to present a consensus protocol between Periodontics and Endodontics Departments of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Buenos Aires (FOUBA) for their treatment (AU)

Absceso odontogénico de difícil manejo como forma de presentación de miasis oral por mosca doméstica / Odontogenic abscess difficult to manage as a form of presentation of oral myiasis caused by domestic fly

Los abscesos odontogénicos son un motivo de consulta frecuente en Pediatría, y tienen como causa principal la caries, por deficiente higiene bucal. Sin embargo, en casos de refractariedad al tratamiento antibiótico o empeoramiento de la clínica se deben barajar otras entidades, entre las que se encuentra la miasis oral. Esta patología, aunque es anecdótica en nuestro medio, debe conocerse para poder instaurar de forma precoz el tratamiento, que consiste en la retirada total de las larvas, profilaxis antibiótica de amplio espectro y, en caso de miasis profundas o extensas, ivermectina. Presentamos el caso de una miasis en cavidad bucal por Musca domestica (familia Muscidae) (AU)

Odontogenic abscesses are a frequent reason for consultation in pediatrics, and their main cause is dental caries, due to poor oral hygiene. However, in cases of refractoriness to antibiotic treatment or worsening of the symptoms, other entities should be considered, among which is oral myiasis. This pathology, although it is anecdotal in our environment, must be known in order to establish early treatment, which consists of total removal of the larvae, broad-spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis and, in the case of deep or extensive myiasis, ivermectin. We present the case of a myiasis in the oral cavity caused by Musca domestica (Muscidae family) (AU)

Arte y ciencia en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad periodontal atípica: reporte de caso / Art and science in the diagnosis of atypical periodontal disease: case report

Las lesiones pulpares y periodontales son las más prevalentes en la cavidad bucal y, tal vez por ello, son las causas más frecuentes de consulta odontológica en nuestro medio y en el mundo. Estas patologías tienen principalmente, etiología bacteriana y una flora polimicrobiana. Las estructuras anatómicas e histológicas de los tejidos periodontales y pulpares presentan interrelaciones, que deben considerarse en la etiopatología de sus procesos. El diagnóstico de las lesiones endoperiodontales no siempre se puede definir claramente, lo cual crea vacíos que dificultan el diagnóstico de las enfermedades pulpares y periodontales. El odontólogo debe estar preparado y entrenado para que le sea posible definir el diagnóstico diferencial de las dos enfermedades y brindar un tratamiento eficiente. Se reporta un caso clínico, donde el manejo del examen clínico, así como de la anatomía endoperiodontal, son decisivos para llegar al diagnóstico correcto y el tratamiento oportuno y adecuado. (AU)

Pulp and periodontal lesions are the most prevalent in the oral cavity, and are the most frequent causes of dental consultation in our environment and in the world. These pathologies are mainly of bacterial etiology, with a polymicrobial flora. The anatomical and histological structures of the periodontal and pulp tissues present interrelationships that must be taken into account in the etiopathology of these processes. The diagnosis of endoperiodontal lesions is not always clearly defined, which constitutes certain gaps for the diagnosis. The dentist must be trained to perform the differential diagnosis of these two diseases and provide efficient treatment in our patients. A clinical case is reported, where the management of the clinical examination as well as the endoperiodontal anatomy is important to reach the correct diagnosis and its subsequent treatment. (AU)

Fusobacterium nucleatum causing a pyogenic liver abscess: a rare complication of periodontal disease that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a periodontal commensal and pathogen. In rare cases, these anaerobic gram-negative bacilli have been reported to cause pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs). We describe a patient who developed a periodontal abscess during the COVID-19 pandemic and was unable to access the restricted General Dental Services at this time. She subsequently developed a F. nucleatum bacteraemia and liver abscess. The non-specific signs and symptoms experienced meant the patient self-isolated due to suspected COVID-19 infection and presentation to hospital was delayed. We also include the results of a literature search of other cases of PLAs attributed to F. nucleatum PLAs often develop insidiously. They require percutaneous drainage and prolonged antimicrobial therapy. Clinicians should be aware of this rare complication of a dentoalveolar infection in a patient who is systemically unwell.

Frecuencia de Pseudomonas aeruginosa en bolsas periodontales de pacientes con Periodontitis Crónica / Frequency of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in periodontal pockets of patients with Chronic Periodontitis

La periodontitis crónica es una patología caracterizada por la destrucción de los tejidos de soporte del diente. Existe evidencia científica de la presencia en bolsas periodontales de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bacteria que altera la microbiota subgingival. Ha sido asociada al fracaso en el tratamiento de la periodontitis y podría constituir un riesgo para la salud general de los pacientes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de P. aeruginosa en bolsas periodontales de pacientes con periodontitis crónica que acudieron a la cátedra de Periodoncia de la Universidad Autónoma de Asunción. El estudio fue observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, para el mismo fueron seleccionados pacientes con periodontitis crónica que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Las piezas dentariasseleccionadas para la toma de muestras fueron aisladas con rollos de algodón estéril, y una vez removida la placa bacteriana supragingival, se retiró la placa subgingival de las bolsas periodontales por medio de curetas de Gracey y se introdujeron en tubos de ensayo que contenían medio de Stuart, para luego llevar las muestras hasta el laboratorio de microbiología para su análisis. Del total de 14 muestras, solo una dio positivo a P. aeruginosa representando el 7,14%. El microrganismo aislado resultó resistente a los antibióticos utilizados como coadyuvantes en el tratamiento de la periodontitis crónica,al igual que en otros trabajos encontrados en la literatura internacional. La presencia de estas bacterias dificulta el control de la enfermedad periodontal y podría significar un riesgo para desarrollar infecciones oportunistas, especialmente en los pacientes inmunodeprimidos

Chronic periodontitis is a pathology characterized by the destruction of tooth supporting tissues. There is scientific evidence of the presence in periodontal pockets of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that alters the subgingival microbiota and that has been associated with failure to treat periodontitis and could constitute a risk to patient general health. The objective of this research was to determine the frequency of P. aeruginosa in periodontal pockets of patients with chronic periodontitis who attend the Chair of Periodontology at the Autonomous University of Asunción. Descriptive, cross-sectional observational study, in which patients with chronic periodontitis who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The pieces selected for sampling were isolated with sterile cotton rolls, and once the supragingival bacterial plaque had been removed, the subgingival plaque was removed from the periodontal pockets by means of Gracey curettes and placed in test tubes containing Stuart medium, then the samples were taken to the microbiology lab for analysis. Of the total of 14 samples, only one was positive for P. aeruginosa, representing 7.14%. The isolated microorganism was resistant to the antibiotics used as adjuvants in the treatment of chronic periodontitis, as in other studies found in the international literature. The presence of these bacteria makes it difficult to control periodontal disease and could pose a risk for developing opportunistic infections, especially in immunosuppressed patients

Non-surgical management of an extraoral cutaneous sinus tract of odontogenic origin.

Chronic apical periodontitis associated with dental pulp necrosis is the main cause of odontogenic extraoral cutaneous sinus openings. These tracts are often initially misdiagnosed unless the treating clinician considers a dental aetiology. This case report of a 19-year-old woman describes the diagnosis and treatment of an extraoral cutaneous sinus tract of odontogenic origin. Non-surgical conservative endodontic therapy was opted as the involved teeth were restorable. One month after the completion of obturation, there was closure of the sinus tract. One year follow-up showed complete resolution of the sinus tract with minimal scar formation.

Case report: vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to a dental abscess.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral osteomyelitis can be attributed to many factors including immunosuppression, diabetes, malignancy, collagen disease, periodontal disease, open fractures, and endoscopic procedures. Anaerobic bacteria, such as Veillonella species, are found in the oral cavity and are rarely implicated in the infection. This report describes vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to a dental abscess with positive Veillonella cultures. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 76-year-old man presented to the hospital due to back pain with a four-day history of fever and chills. CT scans revealed several abscesses in the lumbar region as well as indications of vertebral osteomyelitis. After a psoas drain, the patient began antibiotics with a combination of ampicillin-sulbactam, metronidazole, and levofloxacin, but due to the patient's penicillin allergy, he was initially desensitized to this antibiotic for a significant period of time. Laminectomies, foraminotomies, and facetectomies were performed, but the infection spread to vertebral levels. The patient was then switched to a combination of vancomycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin which eliminated the infection. Final laminectomy was performed with posterior segmental instrumentation and arthrodesis. Post-operatively, there were no signs of infection. The patient recovered well and regained mobility. Deeper examination of the patient's medical history revealed a severe tooth abscess immediately before the onset of bacteremia. CONCLUSION: We believe that a delay in the onset of antibiotic treatment is what led to the initial bacteremia that ultimately took root in the lower lumbar vertebrae. To the best of our ability, we could identify only one other case that linked vertebral osteomyelitis to the oral cavity.