Primary molar with chronic periapical abscess showing atypical presentation of simultaneous extraoral and intraoral sinus tract with multiple stomata

Chronic periapical abscess drains through a sinus tract either intraorally or extraorally. However, intraoral drainage is more common than extraoral in both dentitions. Nevertheless, the simultaneous presentation of extraoral and intraoral sinus tract is very rarely reported in primary dentition. This case report discussed the management of a girl aged 7 years with a chronic periapical abscess of tooth no. 85 with both non-healing extraoral and intraoral sinus tract having multiple stomata. Non-vital pulpectomy using calcium hydroxide paste intracanal dressing was performed initially until 2 weeks without remarkable healing; then antibiotic dressing consisting of a mixture of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and clindamycin was placed as an intracanal medicament for 1 week, which shows uneventful healing of both intraoral and extraoral sinus tract. This case report clearly indicates about how history, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment of endodontic infection associated with sinus tract can be conservatively healed with endodontic treatment alone.

Painful jaw lesion

A 48-year-old Chinese woman was referred to our center with a 7-month history of a painful lesion on her left jaw that had been gradually increasing in size. The patient noted occasional purulent and bloody discharge from the lesion. She denied having a toothache. An examination revealed an erythematous nodule with perilesional puckering superior to the left body of the mandible, measuring 7 × 8 mm, with no discharge or surrounding inflammation. There was no cervical lymphadenopathy. WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS? HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

A Pathological Fracture of the Mandible due to Osteomyelitis following a Full Dental Clearance

Orofacial infections following dental extractions are a common referral to an oral and maxillofacial department as an emergency, especially when combined with swelling and limited mouth opening. The case presented demonstrates a rare complication of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis with bilateral pathological fractures of the mandible, which occurred following a staged dental clearance. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental extractions are one of the most common treatments carried out by oral surgeons and general dental practitioners. This case highlights a rare but encountered complication of routine oral surgery and demonstrates when it is necessary to make an immediate referral to the local oral and maxillofacial surgery unit.

Dental Abrasion of Incisor caused by a Babies' Dummy Clip: A Case Report

Tooth surface loss (TSL), the non-carious loss of tooth tissue, is considered pathological if the teeth involved experience sensitivity and pain, are functionally compromised or they detract from the patient's appearance. TSL is a common clinical finding in many patient groups, although differences between the primary and permanent dentition contribute to TSL occurring at a faster rate and with worse outcomes in the primary dentition. This case report presents localized abrasion and associated apical periodontitis affecting a single primary tooth in a 2-year-old infant following the misuse of a babies' dummy clip whilst teething. Abrasion is rare in the primary dentition. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This article highlights an unusual presentation of dental abrasion affecting the primary dentition caused by a previously unreported foreign object; abrasion in this case was a side-effect of soothing the discomfort of teething.

Odontogenic Sinus Tract to the Neck Skin: A Case Report

We describe a 22-year-old woman with neck skin sinus tract that developed as a consequence of dental infection. The patient was treated twice in an inappropriate way with recurrence of the sinus tract. We opted for an extraction of the tooth. This case illustrates the need for cooperative diagnostic referrals between physicians and dentists.

A Case of Cutaneous Odontogenic Sinus

Despite the fact that cutaneous sinus tracts of odontogenic origin are well documented, the condition is still commonly misdiagnosed, because chronic periapical periodontitis may be asymptomatic and is rarely open to the skin. A 75-year-old Japanese woman presented to our clinic with the chief complaint of a left cheek skin lesion with mild pain. Physical examination revealed a subcutaneous nodule covered with erythematous skin on her left buccal region. Cultures from the subcutaneous nodule grew Bacteroides species and Peptostreptococcus micros but did not yield acid-fast bacilli, fungi, or Actinomyces. Stains of smeared pus showed a considerable number of Gram-negative rods. The histopathological examination revealed a focal abscess formation in the lower dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Dental evaluation, including an orthopantogram, showed a radiolucent alveolar area at the left lower first molar apex, suggesting a periapical abscess. Antibiotic therapy for three weeks associated with surgical root canal therapy eliminated the subcutaneous nodule. A high degree of suspicion is required to correctly diagnose a lower facial lesion as being of odontogenic origin, and prompt dental evaluation should be considered.

Immediate loading of implants placed in patients with untreated periodontal disease: a 5-year prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To report the 5-year outcome of immediately loaded dental implants in patients with untreated periodontal disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 103 consecutive patients (51 females and 52 males) with an average age of 52 years (range: 22 to 80 years) who were rehabilitated with 380 implants supporting 145 prostheses in both jaws (40 single; 33 partial and 72 complete rehabilitations). The implants were inserted in patients with active and untreated periodontitis. The patients did not receive any previous periodontal treatment before implant surgery, except for an oral hygiene session immediately before the implant surgery. In maintenance (every 6 months) patients received periodontal treatment as needed. Outcome measures were: prostheses failures; implant failures; complications; and marginal bone level changes.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients dropped out of the study (14.6%). Two patients lost two implants (FDI positions nos.12 and 42), rendering a cumulative survival rate of 97.9% and 99.4% at 5 years of followup using the patient and implant as unit of analysis, respectively. The average (standard deviation) marginal bone resorption was 0.71 mm (0.42 mm) at 5 years. Mechanical complications occurred in 14 patients, consisting of prostheses fractures (10 provisional prostheses and 4 definitive prostheses). Thirteen implants (3.9%) in 13 patients (14.8%) presented peri-implant pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, it is possible to conclude that the rehabilitation of patients with untreated periodontitis using immediately loaded dental implants is feasible in the medium-term, when periodontal therapy is provided after rehabilitation and the patients are regularly maintained.

Pulp revascularization in an immature necrotic tooth: a case report

Immature permanent teeth damaged by caries or trauma can present a challenge to dentistry. Currently, triple antibiotic paste (TAP) containing ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline is used to attempt revascularization in necrotic immature teeth. Therefore, the purpose of this report was to present a case of pulp revascularization in an immature necrotic tooth. An 8-year-old male presented with trauma to the permanent maxillary left and right central incisors. Upon clinical and radiographic examination, the left central incisor was deemed necrotic. Revascularization therapy was performed over multiple visits. At 11 months follow-up, healing of the periapical area and apexogenesis were found to be complete. With an increasing breadth of clinical evidence and practitioner acceptance, regenerative techniques may become a standard technique in treating immature necrotic permanent teeth.

Radiographic changes associated with pulp infection in primary incisor roots and in their developing permanent dental follicles

PURPOSE

Early diagnosis and treatment of pulp infection in primary incisors are important for preventing systemic infection and damage to the permanent tooth bud. The purpose of this retrospective case-control study was to identify radiographic changes associated with pulp infection in primary incisor roots and their developing permanent dental follicles.

METHODS

Oblique occlusal radiographs of 102 primary maxillary incisors with sinus tracts were compared to 390 radiographs of incisors from healthy same-age children.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, teeth with sinus tracts had more inflammatory root resorption (odds ratio [OR]=50.7, P<.001), pulp pathosis (OR=13.0, P<.001), deep caries (OR=3.9, P<.001), past traumatic injury (OR=3.4, P<.001), enlarged dental sac (OR=10.8, P<.001), loss of lamina dura of the dental sac (OR=27.5, P<.001), and increased radiolucency of the dental sac of the corresponding permanent tooth bud (OR=19.5, P<.001). In multivariate logistic regression, 2 variables were associated with radiographic changes in the primary root (inflammatory resorption, P<.001; and pulp pathosis, P=.004). Two variables associated with changes in the permanent tooth bud (loss of lamina-dura and increased radiolucency) were independently associated with the presence of a sinus tract, P<.001.

CONCLUSION

Deep caries, inflammatory resorption, pulp pathosis, loss of lamina-dura, and increased radiolucency of the dental sac were statistically associated with presence of a sinus tract.

Success rates of mineral trioxide aggregate, ferric sulfate, and formocresol pulpotomies: a 24-month study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the total success rates of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), ferric sulfate (FS), and formocresol (FC) as pulpotomy agents in primary molars.

METHODS

A randomized, split-mouth study design was used in 32 healthy 5- to 7-year-old children with 128 carious primary molars without clinical or radiographic evidence of pulp degeneration. The pulpotomy agents were assigned as follows: Group 1=MTA; Group 2=FS; Group 3=1:5 diluted Buckley's FC; and Group 4=zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) base. Clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6, 12, and 24 months used the following criteria: pain; swelling; sinus tract; mobility; internal root resorption; and furcation and/or periapical bone destruction. The data were analyzed using chi-square.

RESULTS

No significant differences in success rates were found among the groups at 6 and 12 months. Success rates in groups 1 to 4 at 24 months were 96%, 88%, 88%, and 68% respectively. There was a significant difference (P<.001) between the MTA and ZOE groups at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

ZOE, as the only pulpotomy medicament, had a significantly lower success rate than MTA. No significant differences were observed, among the 3 experimental materials (MTA, FC, and FS) at 2 years follow-up.

Bisphosponates and dental implants: a case report and a brief review of literature

This paper reports a brief review of literature about dental implant in patients taking bisphosphonates (BPs) and a case of a patient taking zoledronate, submitted to postextractive implant surgery. A 54-years-old woman was referred to our observation, at the First Section of Dentistry of Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania. The patient, affected by multiple myeloma, reported being subjected to implant surgery, during the administration of zoledronate. Clinical and radiographic evaluations showed an area of BPs-related osteonecrosis in the only postextraction site where no implant was positioned. From this brief review of literature, we can conclude that the risk of bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis and of implant failure in patients taking oral bisphosphonates may be low. This is a unique case of implant surgery in patient taking intravenous bisphosphonates. For that, we cannot conclude that implant surgery is safe in patients taking intravenous bisphosphonates or that the immediate implant placement following extraction may prevent the osteonecrosis. According to guidelines of AAOMS, to date any kind of surgical procedure involving alveolar bone in patients treated with itravenous BPs is contraindicated. More studies would be needed to optimize the clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients taking BPs.

Treatment of severe inflammatory root resorption in a young permanent incisor with mineral trioxide aggregate

Inflammatory root resorption is a pathologic condition caused by several etiologic factors including traumatic dental injury. In this case report, we describe treatment of a maxillary lateral incisor affected by severe, perforating inflammatory root resorption. An 11-year-old patient presented with a previously traumatized, root-filled maxillary lateral incisor associated with pain, mobility and a sinus tract. Radiographic examination revealed a large periradicular lesion involving pathologic resorption of the apical region of the root. After removal of the root canal filling, the tooth was treated with intracanal calcium hydroxide for 2 weeks. The calcium hydroxide dressing was then removed and the entire root canal was filled with mineral trioxide aggregate. The endodontic access cavity was restored with composite resin. After 1 year, advanced osseous healing of the periradicular region had occurred and no clinical symptoms were apparent.

Evolution and prognosis of necrotic primary teeth after pulpectomy

PURPOSE

To study the evolution of 308 necrotic primary teeth after pulpectomy technique with resorbable paste (Kri-1 + calcium hydroxide + metacresol-formaldehyde) after 30 months.

METHODS

134 children between 2-9 years were included, among which they had 348 pulpectomized teeth. Out of these 348 teeth, 308 had necrotic pulp and were included in the study. The filling material consisted of a paste based on Walkhoff's master formula and consisted of the combination of Kri-1a (80.8% iodoform, 2.025% parachlorophenol, 1.215% menthol, 4.68% camphor and excipient 15 mg), pure calcium hydroxide and metacresol formaldehyde (metacresol 20 mg, formaldehyde 20 mg, eugenol 20 mg, eucalyptus 6 mg and excipient 40 mg). Root canal filling was performed in one session by one operator.

RESULTS

Pain, swelling, and fistula resolution was observed in most cases at the first recall. Progressive remission of radiolucent areas was also observed. A relationship between fistula and radiolucency in pre-treated furcation area was observed, and, in some cases, premature eruption of permanent teeth was recorded. Only two cases out of 308 treated teeth required extraction.

Gingival abscess due to an unusual nail-biting habit: a case report

AIM

Nail-biting is one of the most frequent deleterious oral habits in children. It can result in systemic diseases or oral traumatic lesion. This report describes a case of gingival abscess in a child due to a fingernail-biting habit.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 5-year, 6-month-old female presented gingival swelling and fistula in the primary maxillary left central and right lateral incisors as an unusual sequelae to the periodontal tissues from fingernail-biting. A periodontal curette was used to remove the fragments and to curette the area. After the curettage, an exudate of blood and pus was drained. Then the area was irrigated with 0.12% chlorhexidine solution; applying finger pressure controlled the secretion. After one week, the patient returned with gingival swelling present in the same teeth. The same curettage procedure was performed. It was suggested that the deleterious habit was related to emotional tension and anxiety behaviors and the patient was referred for psychological treatment. When the patient returned one month later, she was still biting her fingernails, but she had stopped placing fragments into the gingival crevice. No more gingival inflammation or swelling was observed.

SUMMARY

his paper presents an unusual case report of a gingival abscess due to a fingernail-biting habit in a child, probably related to an emotional condition.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The fingernail-biting habit can induce a periodontal traumatic injury yielding a more serious complication such as a gingival abscess.

Apical actinomycosis: case report

Actinomycosis has increasingly been recognized as a cause of persistent or recurrent periapical disease associated with endodontic therapy. After conventional root canal therapy of the lower left first and second molars, a 24-year-old woman presented with a persistent periapical lesion associated with one of the sinus tracts. The lesion was surgically removed, and actinomycosis was diagnosed on the basis of biopsy results. The clinical and histologic features of this rare condition are discussed.

Identification of dominant pathogens in periapical lesions associated with persistent apical periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

to identify dominant pathogens in the periapical lesions associated with persistent apical periodontitis.

METHODS

thirty-three root-filled teeth with persistent apical periodontitis referred for surgical treatment were selected. Microbial samples were collected from the periapical lesions during apical surgery. Microbial identification was performed with species-specific primers prepared according to the sequence analysis data using a 16S rRNA technique.

RESULTS

among the 33 cases, in 5 cases none of the target species were detected, 6 cases showed the presence of only one species, and 22 cases showed more than two species. Porphyromonas endodontalis (45% of sample) was the most commonly detected dominant microbial species in the study sample, followed by Actinomyces viscosus (42%), Candida albicans (36%) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (27%). Fusobacterium, Actinomyces israelii and Enterococcus faecalis were also detected in 27%, 21% and 15% of the sample, respectively. The most frequently isolated species, P. endodontalis, was in most cases detected together with Actinomyces (14 cases) and P. gingivalis (6 cases). None of the lesions analysed in the present study contained Prevotella intermedia. There was no correlation in relation to the presence of sinus tracts and the bacterial species.

CONCLUSION

a mixed population of pathogens was found in the endodontic lesions associated with persistent apical periodontitis. P. endodontalis, A. viscosus, C. albicans and P. gingivalis were the dominant species identified.

Evaluation of radiographs, clinical signs and symptoms associated with pulp canal obliteration: an aid to treatment decision

Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a sequela of tooth trauma. The dental clinician faced with this condition has to make a difficult decision. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical signs and symptoms associated with teeth with PCO and to assess the status of the periapical tissues using the periapical index (PAI) as an aid in making a treatment decision. The study included teeth diagnosed with PCO in patients with a history of traumatic injury to the involved teeth. Histories of associated signs and symptoms including pain, swelling and drainage from a sinus tract were elicited. Tooth color, sensibility to electric pulp testing, mobility and percussion tenderness were recorded. The periapical status was assessed using the PAI. Two hundred and seventy-six teeth were diagnosed with PCO. One hundred and fifty-seven (56.9%) and 119 (43.1%) demonstrated partial or total PCO, respectively. Yellow discoloration presented most frequently, occurring in 186 (67.4%) teeth. Sixty-two (33.3%) of these had developed periapical lesions and reacted negatively to sensibility testing. Fifty-seven (30.7%) of these teeth presented radiographically with a normal periapical appearance and reacted normally to sensibility testing, whereas 67 (36.0%) presented with small changes in the periapical bone pattern and reacted in the high normal range to sensibility testing. Teeth with PAI scores < or =2 presented with occasional spontaneous pain. Teeth with PAI scores > or =3 presented with clinical symptoms and signs ranging from pain on percussion to spontaneous pain, and slight swelling to sinus tract drainage. Based on the findings of this study, endodontic treatment should be initiated in teeth with tenderness to percussion, PAI scores > or =3 and a negative response to sensibility testing.

Management of untreated traumatized permanent incisors with crown and root fractures: a case report

Dental trauma can lead to a wide range of injuries of which crown and root fractures are examples. This report describes the management of previously untreated crown- and root-fractured maxillary permanent incisors in an 18-year-old patient. The patient underwent no treatment for 8 years and then presented with the complaint of recurrent pain and swelling. Intraoral examination showed crown fractures in the maxillary right central and left lateral incisors, while radiographic examination revealed large radiolucent lesions related to the periapical area of these teeth and a horizontal root fracture in the middle third of the maxillary left central incisor. Endodontic therapy and periapical surgery were performed for the persistent periapical periodontitis associated with the crown-fractured teeth. Connective tissue healing was detected for the root-fractured tooth. However, because of its proximity to periapical lesions, this root-fractured tooth was also included in the periapical surgery. Follow-up 1 year later showed clinical and radiographic healing.

Tissue damage after sodium hypochlorite extrusion during root canal treatment

Sodium hypochlorite solution is toxic to vital tissues, causing severe effects if extruded during endodontic treatment. This paper presents a report on the tissue damage related to inadvertent extrusion of concentrated sodium hypochlorite solution during root canal treatment. A 65-year-old woman was referred with moderate pain, ecchymosis, and severe swelling of the right side of the face. These symptoms appeared immediately after a root canal treatment of the maxillary right canine, which had been started 21 hours earlier. It was diagnosed as air emphysema related to sodium hypochlorite solution extravasation during the endodontic treatment. To avoid this, an initial radiograph should be taken to determine the correct canal working length and confirm root canal integrity.

Apexification of non-vital pre-molar stemming from possible dens evaginatus

Dens evaginatus is a dental anomaly that occurs more commonly in pre-molar teeth. Although not a cause for alarm in most instances, it can lead to serious consequences if it is damaged. This paper explores the treatment of a necrotic pre-molar with an open apex that caused serious facial swelling in an adolescent patient. It is believed that this swelling was the result of an enamel tubercle, or dens evaginatus, which was knocked off or traumatized.

Odontogenic sinus tracts: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence,location, and distribution of sinus tracts in patients referred for endodontic consultation.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

This cohort study included 1,119 subjects referred for endodontic consultation, 108 of whom presented with sinus tracts. Following clinical and radiographic examination, the diameter of the rarifying osteitis lesion on the radiograph was measured and the path and origin of the sinus tracts determined. Signs and symptoms, tooth site,buccal/lingual location, and diameter were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using Pearson chi-square test.

RESULTS

Sinus tracts originated mainly from maxillary teeth (63.1%); only 38.9% originated from mandibular teeth. Chronic periapical abscess was the most prevalent diagnosed origin (71.0%). Broken restorations were highly associated with the presence of sinus tracts (53.0%). The most frequent site of orifices was buccal(82.4%), followed by lingual or palatal (12.0%). Orifices on the lingual aspect of the gingiva were observed in mandibularmolars. There was an 86.8% correlation between the occurrence of an apically located sinus tract and apical rarifying osteitis(P<.01).

CONCLUSION

Sinus tract in the lingual or palatal aspect of the gingiva is relatively common. Practitioners should look for signs of sinus tract during routine examination

Endoscopic management of a lateral root lesion. A case report

The aim of this study was to obtain periradicular tissue healing of a lateral root lesion using a microsurgical technique. The case report concerns a 52-year-old female patient, in general good health (ASA1), presented with the left maxillary canine (2.3) exhibiting acute, specific symptoms. A radiographic examination revealed the presence of a circumscribed radiolucent lesion associated with the mesial mid-root area of the 2.3 and the distal mid-root area of 2.2, both endodontically treated. Using an endoscope as a magnification device a surgical inspection of the middle-third of the root of 2.2 and 2.3 was made. A pathway between the periodontium and root-canal system was detected with an endodontic file on the middle-third of 2.3 root wall. A root-lateral cavity was prepared using retro-tips. An EBA cement was used as the root-end filling material. Following clinical and radiographic assessment at 36 months post-surgery, the case was classified as successful. This case report showed the utility of using an endoscope and micro-surgical instruments for diagnosis and surgical treatment of micro-anatomical root structures.

Vitamin-D-resistant rickets: report of a case

A case is presented of a child from rural New Zealand with vitamin-D-resistant rickets. He underwent extensive treatment and is now partially dentate. The child may have received substantially different care if appropriate dental specialists had practised locally, although, in the long term, his outcome may not have been different. Early medical diagnosis of rickets and prompt preventive dental care may be useful in reducing spontaneous pulp death in either the primary or permanent dentitions.

Multiple sinus tracts as a result of root fracture: a case report

Sinus tracts are a consequence of chronic apical disease or vertical root fractures. They are usually diagnosed upon routine clinical examination or in response to patient complaints of swelling and occasional pus secretion. An unusual case report of a maxillary canine with multiple orifices of sinus tracts is presented. Vertical root fracture was confirmed after removal of the root canal filling under an operating microscope. Clinicians should suspect vertical root fracture when multiple sinus tracts originating from the same tooth are observed.

[Diagnostic image (342). A woman with a fistula at the edge of the jaw]

A 17-year-old girl had a persistent ulcerating external submandibular fistula which radiographically originated from a periapical abscess of the left lower second molar.

Surgical intervention of complex endo-perio lesions

Complex endo-perio lesions are infrequent, but pose treatment dilemmas. The lesions are complex with bone loss involving adjacent teeth that are not part of the initial endodontic lesion. The aggressive bone loss is not clearly understood and apparently has some differences from the usual apical periodontitis.

Persistent endodontic lesion due to complex cementodentinal tears in a maxillary central incisor—a case report

The cementodentinal tear is rarely detected by noninvasive procedures owing to its clinical picture simulating a root fracture or a periodontal or endodontic lesion. We present a case of complex cementodentinal tears in a 79-year-old woman who presented a repeated swelling at the labial mucosa of the left maxillary central incisor for 6 months. Periapical radiographs demonstrated a vertical radiolucent fracture line extending from the root apex along the mesial aspect of the root to near the middle portion of the root of the left maxillary central incisor. Because endodontic re-treatment failed to cure the disease, periapical surgery was performed, and 2 fractured U-shaped root fragments around the apical root surface were removed. Histologic examination showed that the 2 fractured root fragments were composed mainly of the dentin covered by a thin layer of the cementum and overlying periodontal ligament tissue, suggesting cementodentinal tears. A swelling recurred 8 months after the initial operation. Therefore, a second periapical surgery was performed. Although no obvious fracture line was observed around the root surface, the second surgery did not cure the disease, either. A persistent small swelling was noted at the alveolar mucosa of the affected tooth during the follow-up. We conclude that although a cementodentinal tear can be detected by a careful radiographic examination, its clinical outcome is not predictable by surgical removal only.

Persistent sinus tract formation 1 year following cast post-and-core replacements: a case report

Sinus tracts are paths of drainage for abscesses and can occur both intraorally and extraorally. It is a fact that sinus tracts can heal with proper endodontic therapy. However, there are those types that are persistent and will not respond to any treatment. In these perplexing cases, it may be necessary to elevate a surgical flap to unveil the real etiologic factor. In this article, a case is presented in which 2 persistent and nonhealing sinus tracts were observed around the maxillary left incisor area of a 53-year-old female patient. A difficult cast post-and-core removal had been accomplished to the compromised tooth 1 year previously. A surgical flap had to be reflected, and the cause of the persistent inflammation was determined to be 2 separate root perforations. The granulation tissue was removed, the perforations were sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate, and bone graft was packed in the resorptive bone areas. The symptoms subsided by the time of the 2-week recall. No complaints were noted from the patient during the 4-month follow-up period. This case is a good example that demonstrates the possible complications of post preparation and the necessity of explorative surgery for unveiling the etiologic factor of persistent sinus tract formation.

Prevalence and pathogenesis of dental and periodontal lesions in children with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets

AIM

To assess the prevalence and to investigate the pathogenetic mechanisms of dental and periodontal lesions in children with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) examined at diagnosis or during treatment.

METHODS

Nine children with XLH (age 7.2 +/- 3.3 years) were enrolled in the study (at diagnosis, n = 2; during treatment with oral inorganic phosphate salts combined with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, n = 7). Oral examination was performed according to the evidence of carious and gingival lesions. Decayed or filled teeth (dft) index for primary teeth, and the decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) index for permanent teeth was assessed. All patients with a history of spontaneous dental abscesses underwent orthopantomography examination.

RESULTS

d/D ranged from 0 to 9 and f/F from 0 to 3. DMFT/dft index was 0 in the three youngest patients. One patient had enamel hypoplasia and two had enamel dyschromic alterations. Six out of nine patients (67%) had a history of spontaneous fistulae as a consequence of periapical abscesses occurring in the absence of dental decay or history of injury. In these patients, orthopantomographies showed enlarged pulp chambers associated with prominent pulp horns extending up to the dentino-enamel junction in both primary and permanent dentition.

CONCLUSION

XLH patients show some peculiar dentinal abnormalities. Treatment prevents only in part dental and periodontal lesions. Genetic mechanisms have a main role in causing defective dentin mineralisation.

Diagnosis and treatment of a large periapical implant lesion associated with adjacent natural tooth: a case report

A possible cause for dental implant failure is the periapical implant lesion (PIL). In this case report we describe an apical periodontitis on a tooth adjacent to a dental implant that may have communicated with the apical region of the dental implant, and causing retrograde peri-implantitis. To our knowledge this is the first report demonstrating the concomitant successful treatment of the periapical implant pathology and the adjacent natural tooth without the removal of the implant. The presence of large bony defect at the apical region of the natural tooth and the implant, resulting in a sinus tract and a deep periodontal pocket, was also confirmed with computerized tomography. The treatment procedure included root canal treatment followed by the debridement of the apical bone lesion, and guided bone regeneration. An uneventful healing with acceptable esthetic was observed.

Three-dimensional visualization of a mandibular first molar with three distal roots using computer-aided rapid prototyping

Nonsurgical endodontic therapy of a right mandibular first molar with 3 distal roots was successfully performed with the aid of magnification. 3D data (DICOM format) of the tooth were obtained from a CT HighSpeed Advantage and a Denta Scan program produced by GE Medical Systems. The CT protocol used for this procedure involved a slit thickness of 1 mm. The 3D digital data obtained were fed into a visualization program (V-works; Cybermed Co) and then exported to the rapid prototyping machine for fabrication of the actual-sized tooth model. The material for the model-making process was starch. The 3D digital visualization and the computer-aided rapid prototyping (CARP) model clearly showed 3 separate distal roots (distobuccal, distolingual, and middle distal). The CARP technique seems to be a useful imaging technology to document unusual root anatomy in clinical dentistry.

Endodontic management of a maxillary first molar with a single root and a single canal diagnosed with the aid of spiral CT: a case report

The aim of this article is to present an endodontically managed maxillary first molar with an unusual morphology of a single root and a single canal, which has not been reported in the literature so far. An accurate assessment of this unusual morphology was made with the help of a Spiral computed tomography. This report extends the range of known possible anatomical variations to include teeth with lesser number of roots and canals. This report also highlights the role of Spiral computed tomography as an objective method to confirm the three-dimensional anatomy of teeth.

An investigation of the relationship between untreated decayed teeth and dental sepsis in 5-year-old children

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of dental sepsis in 5-year-old children in Scotland and the relationship between sepsis, treated and untreated decayed teeth, oral cleanliness (visible plaque on anterior teeth) and socio-economic deprivation.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Six thousand, nine hundred and ninety-four children of mean age 5.3 years were examined as part of a survey conducted under the Scottish Health Board's Dental Epidemiological Programme. The presence of dental sepsis was recorded, in addition to caries status, and presence of plaque. Postal code information was used to obtain a measure of material deprivation. Relationships between sepsis and its possible contributory factors were explored using stepwise logistic regression.

MAIN RESULTS

In the whole sample, 4.8% of children examined had dental sepsis, ranging from 2% in the most affluent areas to 11% in the most deprived. Children with sepsis had much higher caries experience (mean dmft 6.30) than those without sepsis (mean dmft 2.36). However, when these factors and the presence of plaque were entered into a logistic regression model to predict presence or absence of dental sepsis, the most important factor was not deprivation, but untreated decay.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of children with sepsis increases markedly with caries experience. This disadvantage can be mitigated if more of the caries experience is treated. These findings would not support a policy of non-intervention for deciduous caries if oral sepsis is to be minimised.

Retrospective clinical and radiologic evaluation of nonsurgical endodontic treatment in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

PURPOSE

This retrospective study evaluated the clinical and radiographic status of nonsurgical endodontic treatment (ET) of anterior and posterior teeth in HIV-seropositive patients.

METHODS

ET was analyzed in 26 anterior and 34 posterior teeth from 54 consecutive HIV patients (gender ratio 3 Male : 1 Female, mean age 40.2 years, mean CD4 240, CD4<500 in 88%, 12 with AIDS) over a six year period with a minimum of six months follow-up. ET was evaluated as successful, questionable, or failure based upon clinical factors (palpation, mobility, sinus tract, percussion, function, infection/swelling, occlusion, symptoms) and radiographic factors (periodontal ligament space, rarefaction, lamina dura, root resorption, obturation) during post-treatment examinations with a mean follow up of 26 months.

RESULTS

Clinical evaluation at follow up found ET outcome was successful in 88%, questionable in 10% (tenderness with percussion, mobility, widened ligament), and a failure in 2% (developed lesion after ET). Periapical lesions were present in 37% of cases (mean lesion size 6.2 mm). Following ET, mean lesion size (1.8 mm) had decreased by 71%. Obturation was evaluated as optimal or acceptable in 68%. Radiographic evaluation was considered successful in 80%, no change in 15%, and a failure in 5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite obturation deficiencies and the immunocompromised state of the patients, endodontic therapy has a relatively high degree of success in the majority of HIV/AIDS patients. HIV infection and AIDS should not be considered as a contraindication to endodontic therapy in this patient population.

Cutaneous draining sinus tract of odontogenic origin: unusual presentation of a challenging diagnosis

A 44-year-old woman presented with a chronically draining lesion on her cheek just lateral to the nasofacial sulcus. The lesion was refractory to treatment with oral antibiotics. Physical examination revealed poor dentition, and a panoramic radiograph demonstrated periapical abscesses in the maxillary right lateral incisor and canine. A diagnosis of cutaneous fistula of odontogenic origin was made, and the patient was treated with tooth extraction. The cutaneous fistula subsequently resolved. Intraoral examinations and radiographs are critical for making the diagnosis of cutaneous draining sinus tract of odontogenic origin. Many patients undergo unnecessary surgical therapies before having the correct diagnosis made, but root canal therapy or surgical extraction is the treatment of choice. A dental origin must be considered for any chronically draining sinus of the face or neck.

The clinical significance and management of apical accessory canals in maxillary central incisors

BACKGROUND

The maxillary central incisor is considered to be the least difficult subject for a clinical endodontic experience. However, the internal anatomy of maxillary central incisors can present a number of variations, including multiple accessory canals.

CASE DESCRIPTION

This article highlights the clinical significance and management of accessory canals located in the apical one-third of maxillary central incisors. The authors present two case reports in which failure to detect the accessory canals led to root canal failure and subsequent surgical intervention. Another two case reports present the serendipitous discovery and nonsurgical management of accessory canals during the initial treatment of maxillary incisors.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

It is important for the clinician to be able to detect the signs suggesting the presence of accessory canals in maxillary central incisors. Failure to do so may lead to a less-than-optimal endodontic treatment outcome.

Periapical actinomycosis: a review

Actinomycosis has increasingly been recognized as a cause of persistent or recurrent periapical disease associated with endodontically treated teeth. This case report shows the classic clinical picture of periapical actinomycosis: persistent periapical disease with recurrent sinus tracts. Although there was no pain or swelling after clinically acceptable initial endodontic treatment, a periapical lesion developed. After retreatment, the periapical lesion persisted, and a sinus tract developed. The sinus tract healed with antibiotic therapy but recurred within a few months. This cycle of sinus tract to antibiotic therapy to recurrence of the sinus tract repeated several times over a period of 5 years. Upon biopsy, periapical actinomycosis was diagnosed, where classic "sulfur granules" were demonstrated in the histologic examination of the periapical lesion. Antibiotic therapy for a period of 6 weeks was prescribed subsequent to the histologic diagnosis because of the possibility of spread of the actinomycotic infection into the maxillary sinus. Considerable healing was evident within 5 months of surgical and antibiotic treatment.

Federal University of Santa Catarina endodontic treatment of traumatized primary teeth - part 2

This research sought to evaluate periapical repair in 28 traumatized deciduous teeth that had suffered endodontic intervention due to the presence of internal or external inflammatory resorption or replacement root resorption. After obtaining endodontic access, work length and biomechanical preparation, the root canals were filled with calcium hydroxide and propylene glycol under the form of a dense slurry, during 12 months. Replacement of the intracanal dressing was performed when monthly radiographic examinations showed its absence. After 12 months the teeth were obturated with zinc oxide and eugenol cement. Halting of the inflammatory and replacement root resorption (64.3%; n = 28) occurred 9 months after the use of calcium hydroxide dressings, in a total of 18 successful cases. Fisher's test was applied to relate success with the type of trauma, work length time, child's age and pulpal condition. The test did not present statistical significance (P < 0.05). However, in the qualitative analysis, failure was observed in those cases (35.7%) where replacement resorption was already present at the moment of treatment (up to two-thirds) associated with severe trauma cases. The authors concluded that endodontic treatment must be initiated at an early stage, and must be coincident with the radiographic signs of resorption. Success of the treatment is directly related to the seriousness of the sequelae at the moment of the first examination or the endodontic treatment.

Clinical management of a maxillary lateral incisor with vital pulp and type 3 dens invaginatus: a case report

A maxillary right lateral incisor with a type 3 dens invaginatus and a large periapical lesion with vital pulp in a separate root canal was treated both nonsurgically and surgically. Care was taken not to expose or devitalize the vital pulp in the main root canal system during the treatment. The signs and symptoms ceased after the treatment, and 4-month recall showed complete bone healing with pulp vitality maintained.

Periosteal grafts as barriers in periradicular surgery: report of two cases

AIM

To describe the usefulness of periosteal grafts as barriers for bone regeneration in periradicular surgery when advanced periodontal breakdown occurs.

SUMMARY

The treatment of advanced periodontal breakdown as a result of an associated endodontic lesion constitutes a multifaceted challenge to the clinician. If the source of the irritation cannot be removed by orthograde endodontic treatment, nonsurgical and surgical endodontic/periodontal intervention may be required. Two cases with suppurative chronic apical periodontitis with apicomarginal communication are described. Clinical and radiological evaluations were completed immediately prior to surgery, a week later and every 2 months after surgery for 10 months. Both patients were treated using split-thickness flaps and lateral displacement of the periosteum prior to suturing, in order to close the communication between the oral and the periapical surroundings. A remission of the clinical signs and symptoms, and successful healing in the short-term were achieved in these cases.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Periapical and periodontal lesions are closely related through pathways of communication. Disruption of the cortical plate and the presence of dentoalveolar sinus tracts can have a deleterious effect on the regeneration process after periradicular surgery. The adoption of supplementary periodontal surgical techniques may help to solve some of the difficulties in the healing process in periradicular surgery. Periosteal grafts have been shown to have the potential to stimulate bone formation when used as a graft material.