Brain abscess of odontogenic origin: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to investigate and understand the characteristics of odontogenic brain abscess. METHODS: A case of brain abscess suspected to be caused by odontogenic infection was documented, and a comprehensive analysis and summary of odontogenic brain abscess cases reported in various countries over the past 20 years was conducted. RESULTS: Based on the analysis and synthesis of both the present and previous reports, we have examined and consolidated the distinctive features of odontogenic brain abscess, the potential transmission pathway of pathogenic bacteria, diagnostic assertions, verification techniques, and crucial considerations during treatment. CONCLUSION: This investigation contributes to an enhanced comprehension and improved clinical identification of odontogenic brain abscess.

Dental developmental complications in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: A study using CMC clinical data warehouse.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and extent of dental developmental complications in patients who have undergone pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and identify the risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the clinical data warehouse of the Catholic Medical Center information system for identifying patients who: 1) visited the Department of Pediatrics between 2009 and 2019, 2) underwent SCT under the age of 10, and 3) had panoramic radiographs. Thus 153 patients were included in this study. The prevalence and extent of tooth agenesis, microdontia, and root malformation were assessed using panoramic radiographs obtained after SCT, and the risk factors were analyzed using regression analysis. RESULTS: All 153 patients had at least one dental anomaly. When grouped according to the age at initial chemotherapy (≤ 2.5; 2.6-5.0; 5.1-7.5; > 7.5 years), the prevalence of agenesis showed statistically significant differences among the different age groups (P < 0.001). The prevalence of agenesis was highest in the youngest age group. As the initial age at chemotherapy increased, the number of affected teeth per patient decreased for all three anomalies. The location of the affected tooth was also influenced by the age at initial chemotherapy. Regression analysis demonstrated that young age at initial chemotherapy was a risk-increasing factor for tooth agenesis and microdontia. CONCLUSIONS: The age at initial chemotherapy may be a critical factor in determining the type, extent, and location of dental complications after SCT. These results suggest that careful dental follow-up and timely treatment are recommended for pediatric patients undergoing SCT.

Barotrauma y barodontalgia en la aviación / Barotrauma and barodontalgia in Aviation / Barotrauma e barodontalgia na aviação

Introducción: se ha estudiado ampliamente la importancia de los cambios de presión y sus consecuencias en el cuerpo humano. De esto se desprenden dos conceptos importantes: el barotrauma que se define como el daño producido por cambios en la presión atmosférica; y la barodontalgia que se define como el dolor dentario producido por variaciones de presión barométrica, por ejemplo cuando existen gases atrapados en restauraciones o en la cámara pulpar y/o conducto radicular. Estos conceptos se fundamentan en las leyes de los gases: la Ley de Difusión Gaseosa, la Ley de Dalton, la Ley de Boyle, la Ley de Charles y la Ley de Henry. Discusión: el estudio y prevención de la barodontalgia es de suma importancia, ya que aunque no tiene alta prevalencia entre los aviadores, su aparición es súbita y de alta intensidad, lo que puede provocar en el piloto una incapacidad física y mental, que aumenta el riesgo de accidentes. Conclusiones: en esta revisión, se reúnen las estrategias recomendadas para prevenir su aparición.

Introduction: the importance of pressure changes and their consequences on the human body has been widely studied. Two important concepts arise from this: barotrauma, which is defined as the damage produced by changes in atmospheric pressure; and barodontalgia, which is defined as dental pain produced by variations in barometric pressure, for example when gases are trapped in restorations or in the pulp chamber and/or root canal. These concepts are based on the gas laws: the Law of Gaseous Diffusion, Dalton's Law, Boyle's Law, Charles' Law and Henry's Law. Discusion: the study and prevention of barodontalgia is of utmost importance, since although it is not highly prevalent among aviators, its onset is sudden and of high intensity, which can cause physical and mental incapacity in the pilot, increasing the risk of accidents. Conclusions: this review brings together the recommended strategies to prevent its occurrence.

Introducão: a importância das mudanças de pressão e suas conseqüências sobre o corpo humano têm sido amplamente estudadas. Dois conceitos importantes podem ser derivados disto: barotrauma, que é definido como o dano produzido por mudanças na pressão atmosférica; e barodontalgia, que é definida como a dor dental produzida por variações na pressão barométrica, por exemplo, quando os gases estão presos em restaurações ou na câmara de polpa e/ou canal radicular. Estes conceitos são baseados nas leis do gás: a Lei de Difusão Gasosa, a Lei de Dalton, a Lei de Boyle, a Lei de Charles e a Lei de Henry. Discusion: o estudo e prevenção da barodontia é de suma importância, pois embora não seja muito prevalente entre os aviadores, seu início é repentino e de alta intensidade, o que pode causar incapacidade física e mental no piloto, aumentando o risco de acidentes. Conclusões: esta revisão reúne as estratégias recomendadas para evitar sua ocorrência.

Odontogenic sinusitis - case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic sinusitis is a common cause of rhinosinusitis that is often undiagnosed and overlooked. No single sign or symptom is specific for odontogenic sinusitis, and failure to focus on the specific radiological features can delay diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents four cases of chronic sinusitis that had an odontogenic origin. Each case was referred for a second opinion. Three patients had previously undergone unsuccessful surgical management. METHODS: The literature, and the associated contributory clinical, radiological and microbiological features required for correct diagnosis and management, are reviewed. RESULTS: Each case resulted in a positive patient outcome following the involvement of both otolaryngology and maxillofacial surgery departments. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion is advocated for odontogenic sinusitis in cases not responding to standard management plans. Collaboration with a maxillofacial specialist is important for diagnosis and management. This should be considered where standard management fails, or clinical features and radiological signs of odontogenic sinusitis are present. This paper also highlights the need for otolaryngologists to incorporate, at the very least, a basic dental history and examination as part of their assessment in recalcitrant cases.

Oro-dental features in Egyptian patients with familial mediterranean fever.

INTRODUCTION: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an episodic inflammatory disease that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. It is primarily featured by fever, pain in joints, chest, and abdomen due to Serositis. AIM: This study delineated the oro-facial structures presented associated with FMF, as well as, the determination of the potential influences of the long-term inflammatory process of FMF on several oral structures. METHODS: Fifty eight Egyptian FMF patients were examined to define different oro-facial structures. Serum amyloid A (SAA) was requested for the selected patients, MEFV gene mutation was also investigated. RESULTS: The clinical examination revealed peritonitis in 79%, fever in 63.7%, and arthritis in 55% of FMF patients examined, while, oral features as high arched palate, enamel defect, dental malocclusion, and macroglossia in 32%, 27.5%. 26%, and 13.5%, respectively. The previous symptoms might be attributed to the pathology of the disease. Macroglossia when tested versus SAA levels, a highly significant difference was detected. The ROC curve when examining the SAA value to assess macroglossia, displayed reasonable sensitivity and specificity values of, 87.5% and 77.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The noticed oro-dental in FMF patients might be influenced by the chronic inflammatory process.

The Combination of Panoramic Imaging and Waters' Projection Contributes to the Diagnosis of Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of adding Waters' projection to panoramic imaging compared with panoramic imaging or Waters' projection alone. Maxillary sinusitis in 106 patients (206 sinuses) was retrospectively assessed with panoramic imaging, Waters' projection, and computed tomography imaging by two oral radiologists. The diagnostic performance was assessed with computed tomography imaging as the gold standard. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve values were obtained. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was quantified using weighted kappa coefficients. Observer A performed the same procedure twice (A1 and A2 for the first and second observations, respectively). The accuracies of observers A1, B, and A2 with combination imaging were 0.699, 0.636, and 0.718, respectively. Their area under the curve values with combination imaging were 0.746, 0.640, and 0.771, respectively. Inter-observer agreement was good for Waters' projection (κ, 0.650), and poor for panoramic imaging (κ, 0281). Intra-observer agreement was good for Waters' projection (κ, 0.752), and moderate for panoramic imaging (κ, 0.597). Panoramic imaging was equivalent to Waters' projection for diagnosing maxillary sinusitis. Combination imaging comprising panoramic imaging and Waters' projection can contribute to the diagnosis of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis because of its high sensitivity.

Pathophysiology of current odontogenic maxillary sinusitis and endoscopic sinus surgery preceding dental treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The successful management of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) involves a combination of medical treatment with dental surgery and/or endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). However, there is no consensus for the optimal timing of ESS. Although several studies have emphasized dental surgery as the primary treatment modality for OMS, there is recent evidence to suggest that ESS alone may be an effective treatment approach. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively investigate the pathophysiology of the current intractable OMS and the role ESS, especially ESS preceding dental treatment, plays in its pathophysiology. METHODS: Ninety-seven adults (60 males and 37 females, 48 ± 12 years) who underwent ESS for intractable OMS were retrospectively examined. RESULTS: In a great deal of the cases (85 cases, 87.6%), causative teeth of OMS were periapical lesions after root canal treatment (endodontics). The root canal procedures were not sufficient; hence, the root-canal-treated teeth had periapical lesions causing OMS. In postoperative nasal endoscopy and cone-beam CT scans for all patients, the natural ostiums and the membranous portions of the maxillary sinuses were enlarged and the ostiomeatal complexes remained widely open. The ventilation and drainage of all patients' maxillary sinuses seemed to be successfully restored. Temporary acute sinusitis recurrence after primary ESS for OMS was observed in 10 cases (11.8%) when the patients caught a cold. However, since the natural ostium and the membranous portion of the maxillary sinuses and the ostiomeatal complexes remained widely open, antibiotic administration alone without dental treatment cured the temporary acute sinusitis. Regarding the causative teeth (endodontic treated teeth), in 83 out of 85 cases (97.6%), causative teeth were able to be preserved with only antibiotic treatment and without dental retreatment. In two cases, extraction of the teeth was necessary because the teeth became mobile. Regarding the causative teeth after dental restoration, in 2 out of 2 cases (100%), causative teeth were able to be preserved with antibiotic treatment alone. CONCLUSION: ESS is highly indicated for OMS requiring surgery. The treatment results of intractable OMS are exceptionally good once the ventilation and drainage of the maxillary sinus is successfully restored after surgery. Consequently, ESS can be considered the first-line therapy for intractable OMS caused by root canal treatment (endodontics) and dental restoration, followed by close dental follow-up and dental treatment when necessary.

Late presentation of 'Lemierre's syndrome': how a delay in seeking healthcare and reduced access to routine services resulted in widely disseminated Fusobacterium necrophorum infection during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has disrupted the delivery of routine healthcare services on a global scale. With many regions suspending the provision of non-essential healthcare services, there is a risk that patients with common treatable illnesses do not receive prompt treatment, leading to more serious and complex presentations at a later date. Lemierre's syndrome is a potentially life-threatening and under-recognised sequela of an oropharyngeal or dental infection. It is characterised by septic embolisation of the gram-negative bacillus Fusobacterium necrophorum to a variety of different organs, most commonly to the lungs. Thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein is frequently identified. We describe an atypical case of Lemierre's syndrome involving the brain, liver and lungs following a dental infection in a young male who delayed seeking dental or medical attention due to a lack of routine services and concerns about the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

Assessing the effect of oral diseases on oral health related quality of life of institutionalized elderly using Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: India establishes a geriatric population of about 80 million which is 7.2% of the total population. The geriatric population is often faced by a negative impact on their quality of life due to poor oral health. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of oral disease on daily activities and quality of life among the institutionalized elderly in Kanpur, India. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of fifty-six patients were purposively selected from two old age homes through convenience sampling technique. To assess the oral health status WHO basic oral health survey form (1997) was used. Short version of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP - 14) questionnaire was used to assess the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Independent t-test and ANOVA test was done to determine the relationship between the groups. RESULTS: Presence or absence of grossly decayed teeth, chronic periodontitis, based on edentulism and remaining sound teeth status produced no significant differences in any of the domains. In comparison with males, females experienced greater impact of oral diseases with respect to mean OHIP-14 score; however, it was non - significant (p=0.45). CONCLUSION: Oral health status of the institutionalized subjects in Kanpur city is poor, with edentulism and periodontitis. The effect of oral diseases on the lives of elderly is comparatively low and is non-significant.

Increased risk of developing dental diseases in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome-A secondary cohort analysis of population-based claims data.

BACKGROUND: Although it is known that patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) have impaired dental conditions, incidence rates and incidence rate ratios of various dental diseases in these patients are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and prevalence of dental diseases in patients with pSS, and to evaluate the risk of common dental diseases in these patients. METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the data from the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 709 patients with newly diagnosed pSS between 2000 and 2012 were identified to form the pSS cohort. A comparison cohort of patients without pSS was assembled based on frequency matching for sex, 5-year age interval, and index year at a ratio of 10:1. All participants were followed until the end of the follow-up period or when the outcome of interest occurred. The incidence of dental caries, pulpitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral ulceration, and stomatitis were calculated using multiple Poisson regression models. RESULTS: A significantly higher prevalence (74.6% vs. 63.0%, P = 0.001) and frequency (median 5.37 vs. 1.45 per year, P < 0.001) dental visits were observed in patients with pSS compared with patients in the comparison cohort. The risk of dental caries (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.64, P < 0.001), pulpitis (aIRR 1.42, P < 0.001), gingivitis (aIRR 1.43, P < 0.001), periodontitis (aIRR 1.44, P < 0.001), oral ulceration (aIRR 1.98, P < 0.001), and stomatitis (aIRR 2.06, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with pSS. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide, population-based cohort study, a higher prevalence and frequency of dental visits were found in patients with pSS. Patients with PSS had increased risk of six most common dental disorders, including dental caries, pulpitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral ulceration, and stomatitis. Rheumatologists should remain vigilant for the dental health of patients with pSS.

Dental assessment of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, aided by Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To identify tooth diseases as potential causative factors in the development of maxillary sinus lesions, with the aid of clinical examination combined with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), in the patients with persistent sinus-like ailments, unresponsive to routine treatment offered by otolaryngologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 44 patients with suspected odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, a dental examination with tooth vitality test was carried out, in conjunction with CBCT. The study involved 29 women and 15 men (age range 19-69 years, mean age 43 (SD = 13.9) years). RESULTS: In 15 (34.1%) patients the odontogenic lesions were encountered in maxillary sinuses. A total of 33 causative teeth were identified, of which 13 (39%) were after root canal treatment (RCT). Only one of the teeth had a properly reconstructed crown, and only one tooth had the root canals properly filled-in. Most frequently, the lesions in the sinuses were attributed to the inflammation of periapical tissues; the first molar having been established as the most common causative tooth. CONCLUSIONS: A detailed dental examination, pursued in conjunction with CBCT analysis, allow to diagnose odontogenic maxillary lesions. The incidence of long-term ailments originating in the maxillary sinuses should prompt a detailed assessment of the teeth, especially those after RCT.

Disturbances in primary dental enamel in Polish autistic children.

Dental enamel is a structure that is formed as a result of the regular functioning of ameloblasts. The knowledge of the patterns of enamel secretion allows an analysis of their disruptions manifested in pronounced additional accentuated lines. These lines represent a physiological response to stress experienced during enamel development. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of accentuated lines in the tooth enamel of autistic boys. The width of the neonatal line and the periodicity of the striae of Retzius were also assessed. The study material consisted of longitudinal ground sections of 56 primary teeth (incisors and molars): 22 teeth from autistic children and 34 teeth from the control group. The Mann-Whitney U test indicates that the accentuated lines were found significantly more often in autistic children (Z = 3.03; p = 0.002). No differentiation in the rate of enamel formation and in the rate of regaining homeostasis after childbirth were found. The obtained results may indicate a higher sensitivity of autistic children to stress factors, manifested in more frequent disturbances in the functioning of ameloblasts or may be a reflection of differences in the occurrence of stress factors in the first years of life in both analyzed groups.

Odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis patients undergoing tooth extraction: oral surgeon and otolaryngologist viewpoints and appropriate management.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to propose appropriate management for odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis. METHOD: Thirty-one adult patients with odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing maxillary extraction were retrospectively analysed. Patients with (n = 21) and without (n = 10) oroantral fistula on computed tomography were classified. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed when sinusitis did not improve after extraction. The critical indicators for surgical requirement in the management of odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis were analysed. RESULTS: Sinusitis significantly improved after extraction in both groups. Patients without oroantral fistula had significantly more severe remnant sinusitis than those with oroantral fistula after extraction on computed tomography (p = 0.0037). The requirement for functional endoscopic sinus surgery was statistically significant for patients without orofacial fistula over those with orofacial fistula (p < 0.0001). The surgical improvement ratio was 93 per cent. CONCLUSION: The absence of oroantral fistula and severe sinusitis can be critical indicators for the requirement of functional endoscopic sinus surgery after extraction in the management of odontogenic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Temporomandibular Disorders and Oral Features in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: An Observational Study of Symptoms and Signs.

Aims: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disease characterized by a wide range of pleomorphic pictures, including mucocutaneous, renal, musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. It involves oral tissues, with hyposalivation, tooth decay, gingivitis, angular cheilitis, ulcers and glossitis. Temporomandibular disorders represent a heterogeneous group of inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the stomatognatic system, with algic and/or dysfunctional clinical features involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and related masticatory muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of oral manifestations and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in SLE patients (Lp) compared with a control group. Methods: Fifty-five patients (9 men and 46 women) with diagnosed Lupus were recruited in the study group. A randomly selected group of 55 patients, matched by sex and age, served as control group. The examination for TMD symptoms and signs was based on the standardized Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) through a questionnaire and clinical examination. Results: Lupus patients complained more frequently (95.8%) of oral and TMJ symptoms (dysgeusia, stomatodynia, masticatory muscle pain during function, neck and shoulder muscles pain and presence of tinnitus) but only xerostomia (χ2=4,1548 p=0,0415), temple headache (χ2=4,4542 p=0,035) and the sensation of a stuck jaw (Mid-p-test p=0,043) were significant. About signs, cheilitis (p=0,0284) oral ulcers (χ2=4,0104 p=0,045) and fissured tongue are significantly more frequent in study group. The salivary flow was significantly decreased in the study group respect to the control one (p<0.0001). As regard to the oral kinematics, restricted movements (RM) in protrusion and left lateral movement were significantly different between study group and controls. In particular, 85,2% of Lp showed limited protrusion versus 56,4% of controls (χ2= 10,91 p<0,001); 59,3% of Lp had also a limitation during left lateral movement versus 47,3% of controls (T=2,225 p=0,0282). About bruxism, only the indentations on the lateral edges of the tongue were found in Lp group (72,7%), with a significant difference respect to controls (χ2=7,37 p=0,007). Conclusions: While masticatory muscles have an overlapping behavior in both groups, the findings collected show a more severe TMJ kinematic impairment in Lp than in controls, with protrusion and left lateral movements significantly different. In addition, a remarkable reduction of salivary flow has been detected in Lp compared to controls. In conclusion, this autoimmune disease seems to play a role in oral manifestations and TMJ disorders, causing an increase in orofacial pain and an altered chewing function.

Multidisciplinary approaches to odontogenic lesions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To give an overview of technical considerations and relevant literature in the management odontogenic pathology with involvement of the maxillary sinus. RECENT FINDINGS: Infections, cysts, benign neoplasms (odontogenic and nonodontogenic), and inflammatory conditions impact the maxillary sinus in various ways, could result in significant expansion within the maxillary sinus and significant infections. SUMMARY: This manuscript provides an overview of common pathologic entities of the oral cavity proper that impacts the maxillary sinus health, with discussion of the role of the otorhinolaryngologist and the dental specialist.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la sinusitis maxilar odontogénica / Diagnosis and treatment of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis

RESUMEN Introducción: La patología sinusal inflamatoria e infecciosa puede comprometer la mucosa sinusal maxilar, etmoidal, esfenoidal o frontal, y su etiología es variada. Se ha observado que la patología odontológica es uno de los factores causales de la sinusitis maxilar, con una incidencia del 10% al 40% según diversas series de casos. El diagnóstico y tratamiento se debe realizar de manera interdisciplinaria entre las especialidades de otorrinolaringología y de cirugía maxilofacial. Se elaboró un documento descriptivo sobre la sinusitis odontogénica y orientador sobre su manejo, de acuerdo a una revisión de la literatura. Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos PubMed, Lilacs y Google Académico, utilizando términos relevantes para la sinusitis odontogénica, con el fin de elaborar el documento. Se utilizaron 43 artículos, todos publicados desde el año 1986 hasta la fecha. Se concluye que la sinusitis odontogénica difiere tanto en la clínica como en la microbiología de otras enfermedades sinusales. El tratamiento se basa en el trabajo interdisciplinario e incluye cirugía endoscópica funcional, realizada por el otorrinolaringólogo, en conjunto con el tratamiento odontológico, siendo fundamental la buena comunicación entre ambos equipos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Infectious and inflammatory sinus diseases have a varied etiology and can be associated to the maxillary, ethmoidal, sphenoidal and frontal sinuses. Dental pathology can be one of the etiological factors associated to maxillary sinus disease, with frequency rates of 10-40%. Diagnosis and treatment require interdisciplinary work, with participation of otorhinolaryngology and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The development of a descriptive document on odontogenic sinusitis and management guidelines according to literature review. Pubmed, Lilacs and Google Academic database were searched using terms relevant to odontogenic sinusitis, in order to prepare the document. 43 articles were used, all published from 1986 onwards. We conclude that odontogenic sinusitis differs clinically and microbiologically from other sinus pathologies. Treatment modalities are based upon interdisciplinary surgery, including functional endoscopic surgery done by otolaryngologists and dental treatment, being fundamental close communication between the two teams.

Acute rhinosinusitis - are we forgetting the possibility of a dental origin? A retrospective study of 385 patients.

Background: Odontogenic sinusitis (OS) is a common but underdiagnosed form of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). OS carries no specific characteristics, but unilateral symptoms and certain microbiological as well as radiological findings indicate odontogenic origin. Aims/objectives: We studied the proportion of OS in ARS patients, the presence and associations of unilateral symptoms, and possible OS microbial and radiological findings. In addition, we investigated how this condition is recognised among ear, nose and throat specialists and radiologists. Materials and methods: All 676 ARS patients treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Helsinki University Hospital in 2013 were retrospectively enrolled. The data were collected from patients' hospital medical records, the laboratory database and radiological reports. Results: Odontogenic origin of ARS was suspected in 59 (15.3%) patients. Altogether (29.9%) 115 patients complained of unilateral symptoms and these were found to associate with probable oral microbial findings (p < .001). These findings covered 20.2% of isolates. Teeth were mentioned in 89.6% of the radiological reports. Conclusions and significance: OS is common among patients with ARS, and good diagnostic tools already exist in routine practice. Microbial and radiological findings should be carefully evaluated, especially in cases of unilateral symptoms.

Prevalence of Dental Enamel Defects, Aphthous-Like Ulcers and Other Oral Manifestations in Celiac Children and Adolescents: A Comparative Study.

Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease with typical, atypical and asymptomatic forms, in which many oral manifestations have been recognized. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of oral manifestations as well as explore if oral examination could be used as a first diagnostic screening tool for atypical or asymptomatic forms. Study Design: 45 CD patients, between 2 and 18 years (mean age 10.3) and 45 healthy subjects, age and gender-matched, were examined for hard and soft tissue lesions such as dental enamel defects (DED), dental caries, aphthous-like ulcers (ALU), atrophic glossitis, geographic tongue, median rhomboid glossitis. Results: Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed for the prevalence of DED (in 64,4% CD and 24,46% control patients, p=0.001), their location in the teeth (incisal: p=0.0001, middle: p=0.002, cervical: p=0.007), as well as for the prevalence of ALU (in 40% CD as opposed to 4,44% control patients, p=0.001). Conclusion: The presence of DED and ALU could be used as a sign of alert for possible atypical and asymptomatic forms of CD.

The panoramic dental radiograph for emergency physicians.

Dental emergencies are common reasons for presenting to hospital emergency departments. Here, we discuss the panoramic radiograph (orthopantomogram (OPG, OPT) as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of mandibular trauma and odontogenic infections. In this article, we review the radiographic principles of image acquisition, and how to conduct a systematic interpretation of represented maxillofacial anatomy. The aim is to equip the emergency physician with the skills to use the OPG radiograph when available, and to rapidly assess the image to expedite patient management. Included is a discussion of a number of cases seen in the emergency setting and some common errors in diagnosis.