Medicina Oral, Patología Oral y Cirugía Bucal (Internet)

Odontogenic tumors in children and adolescents: A 15-year retrospective study in Argentina

There are few studies on bucco-maxillary lesions in children and adolescents, and reports on odontogenic tumors (OT) are scanty. Comparison among the available data is difficult due to differences in the criteria used in each study. The aim of the present work was to perform a retrospective study of OT in patients aged up to 20 years diagnosed at a center specialized in histopathologic diagnosis of oral diseases. All cases diagnosed with OT between 1990 and 2004 were retrieved from the Service archives. The 153 retrieved cases accounted for 7% of total biopsies performed during that period, and to 78.4% of tumors of the jaws. Mean age of the whole population was 12.7 years and the male to female ratio was 2:1. The most frequent tumor types were Odontoma, (50.9%), Ameloblastoma (18.3%) and Myxoma (8.5%), and the most infrequent was Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumor (1.3%). According to our results, OT cannot be considered infrequent. They are the prevalent tumors of the jaws in the age group studied herein.

Los estudios sobre lesiones buco maxilares en niños y adolescentes son relativamente poco comunes y escasos los reportes sobre tumores odontogénicos (TO) en la literatura internacional actualizada. Los datos disponibles son difíciles de comparar debido a los diferentes criterios de análisis utilizados. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar un estudio retrospectivo de TO en pacientes de hasta 20 años de edad diagnosticados en un centro especializado en diagnóstico anatomopatológico bucal. Se seleccionaron de los archivos del Servicio los casos con diagnósticos de TO correspondientes al período 1990-2004. Los 153 casos hallados representaron el 7% del total de biopsias realizadas y el 78.4 % de los tumores maxilares. La edad media general fue de 12.7 años y la relación hombre-mujer 2:1. Los tipos tumorales más frecuentes fueron el Odontoma (50.9%), Ameloblastoma (18.3%) y Mixoma (8.5%). El más infrecuente fue el Tumor Odontogénico Epitelial Calcificante (1.3%). Según los datos obtenidos los TO no pueden ser considerados infrecuentes. En los maxilares son los prevalentes en el grupo etario estudiado.

Antibiotic use in dental practice: A review

Antibiotics are commonly used in dental practice. It has been estimated that 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions are related with dental infections. The association amoxicillin-clavulanate was the drug most frequently prescribed by dentists during 2005, at least in the Valencian Community (Spain). The use of antibiotics in dental practice is characterized by empirical prescription based on clinical and bacteriological epidemiological factors, with the use of broad spectrum antibiotics for short periods of time, and the application of a very narrow range of antibiotics. The simultaneous prescription of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can modify the bioavailability of the antibiotic. In turn, an increased number of bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics are found in the oral cavity. Antibiotics are indicated for the treatment of odontogenic infections, oral non-odontogenic infections, as prophylaxis against focal infection, and as prophylaxis against local infection and spread to neighboring tissues and organs. Pregnancy, kidney failure and liver failure are situations requiring special caution on the part of the clinician when indicating antibiotic treatment. The present study attempts to contribute to rational antibiotic use, with a review of the general characteristics of these drugs.

Los antibióticos son fármacos de uso cotidiano en odontología. Se estima que el 10% de las prescripciones antibióticas están relacionadas con la infección odontogénica. La asociación amoxicilina-clavulánico fue el fármaco más prescrito por dentistas durante 2005, al menos en la Comunidad Autónoma Valenciana. El uso de antibióticos en odontología se caracteriza por una prescripción empírica basada en epidemiología clínica y bacteriana, el uso de antibióticos de amplio espectro durante periodos breves de tiempo y el manejo de una batería muy reducida de antibióticos. La prescripción simultánea de AINES (antiinflamatorios no esteroideos) puede modificar la biodisponibilidad del antibiótico. Se detecta un aumento de número de cepas resistentes a los antibióticos convencionales en la cavidad oral. La indicación antibiótica se realiza para tratamiento de la infección odontogénica, de infecciones orales no odontogénicas, como profilaxis de la infección focal y como profilaxis de la infección local y la extensión a tejidos y órganos vecinos. El embarazo, la insuficiencia renal y la insuficiencia hepática son situaciones que requieren una especial atención del clínico antes de indicar un tratamiento antibiótico. El objetivo del presente trabajo es intentar contribuir a un uso racional de los antibióticos revisando sus características generales.

Osteocalcin in serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid: their relation with periodontal treatment outcome in postmenopausal women

Background. Osteocalcin levels have been postulated as a marker of inhibition of bone formation. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma, saliva and GCF levels of osteocalcin and correlate them with periodontal treatment outcome in postmenopausal women. Methods. Thirty-nine postmenopausal women (57.8 ±8.5 years old) were recruited for the study. Periodontal examination of all women was carried out and plaque, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. Serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid osteocalcin were measured. Then, periodontal treatment was carried out. Six months after the first appointment a second periodontal examination was carried out. Results. Mean PD and mean CAL decreased significantly at second appointment in the group with serum osteocalcin concentration < 10 ng/ml (15.8 ±15.8% and 15.3 ± 21.2% respectively; p < 0.05). Mean PD decreased significantly at second appointment in the groups with saliva osteocalcin concentration < 3 ng/ml (17.1 ± 15.9%; p < 0.05) and 3 - 7 ng/ml (16.2 ± 18.1%; p < 0.05). Conclusions. Low serum osteocalcin concentration is associated to a significantly higher percentage of decrease in PD and CAL after periodontal treatment in postmenopausal women. Low saliva osteocalcin concentrations are significantly associated to a higher percentage of decrease in PD.

Antecedentes. Los niveles de osteocalcina se han propuesto como marcador de la inhibición de la formación ósea. El propósito de este trabajo es determinar las concentraciones de osteocalcina en plasma, saliva y fluido crevicular correlacionándolo con el resultado del tratamiento periodontal en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Pacientes y métodos. El estudio se realizó en treinta y nueve mujeres postmenopáusicas (57.8 ±8.5 años de edad). El examen periodontal incluyó el control de placa, el sangrado al sondaje, la profundidad de sondaje (PS) y la pérdida de inserción (CAL). Se determinaron los niveles de osteocalcina en suero, saliva y fluido crevicular. A continuación se llevó a cabo el tratamiento periodontal. Pasados seis meses tras la primera cita se llevó a cabo un segundo examen periodontal. Resultados. Las medias de la PS y del CAL disminuyeron significativamente en el segundo examen periodontal en el grupo de mujeres con osteocalcina en suero < 10 ng/ml (15.8± 15.8% y 15.3± 21.2%, respectivamente; p < 0.05). La PS media disminuyó significativamente en el segundo exámen en los grupos con concentraciones de osteocalcina en saliva < 3 ng/ml (17.1± 15.9%; p < 0.05) y 3 - 7 ng/ml (16.2 ± 18.1%; p < 0.05). Conclusiones. Los niveles bajos de osteocalcina en suero se asocian significativamente a un mayor porcentaje de disminución de la PS y del CAL tras el tratamiento periodontal en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Las bajas concentraciones de osteocalcina en saliva se asociaron significativamente a un mayor porcentaje de disminución de la PS.

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy: Is the lymph node enlargement always massive?

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML) is a benign proliferating histiocytic disorder, predominantly of lymph nodes with extra-nodal involvement in some cases. It is a self-limiting disease and has a good prognosis; however some patients need steroid therapy. Therein lays a need to differentiate it from other lympho proliferative disorders of poorer prognosis. Clinically, it is suspected only when there is a significant lymph node enlargement in younger age group as the term signifies. Recently, we came across a case where a middle-aged female presented with a subtle swelling in submental region, clinically suspected of reactive or tubercular etiology. However on fine needle aspiration cytology, the smears showed many histiocytes, some of them showing lymphocytes and plasma cells in their cytoplasm, a morphological feature called as emperipolesis classically seen in SHML. The present case is reported because of unusual clinical presentation and possibly the need for a revision of existing terminology.

Metastatic neuroblastoma to the mandible in a 3-year-old boy: a case report

Although neuroblastoma is a relatively common malignancy of childhood and its dissemination to distant organs is often seen, metastasis to the mandible is rare. A 3-year-old boy which a mandibular soft tissue mass was the initial presenting symptom of disseminated neuroblastoma is reported. The results of biopsy were inconclusive and the differential diagnosis from the imaging studies included lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. A metastatic work-up disclosed neuroblastoma of the adrenal gland origin with osseous and bone marrow metastases. Urinary catecolamines were also increased. Regarding the widespread features of the tumor and lack of adequate treatment at this stage of disease, a palliative chemotherapy was conducted, and the patient died one month after starting treatment. This case illustrates that neuroblastoma at a young age, with bone metastases and bone marrow involvement are predictive of the poor outcome of the disease. Therefore, detecting early stage metastasis is one of the essential factors for improving treatment of neuroblastoma patients.

Factitial pemphigus-like lesions

The maxillofacial region is rarely subjected to self-inflicted conditions such as factitious disease. Nasal ulceration, facial emphysema, periorbital ecchymosis, mandibular subluxation, gingival and mucosal ulceration, dental and salivary gland pain and glossopharyngeal neuralgia have been reported as possible manifestations of factitious disease. We report a case of a young woman who presented with unilateral bullous and ulcerative oral and erythematous facial lesions that were initially diagnosed as pemphigus vulgaris but was later determined to be secondary to self-inflicted injuries. To the best of the authors knowledge, this clinical scenario has not been previously reported in the context of a factitious disease and, therefore, may be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral vesiculobullous disorders.

Oral aphthous-like ulceration due to tiotropium bromide

Unwanted side-effects of a drug therapy are well known to oral medicine specialists and other colleagues. Usually they manifest itself as dry mouth, taste disturbances, various allergic or toxic reactions on the lips and/or in the oral cavity. However, the list of the drugs which might induce unwanted reactions is everyday becoming longer as more and more drugs are introduced on the market. Certain problems when diagnosing and reporting unwanted side effects of the drugs exist as only accurate method of diagnosis is repeated drug use in controlled clinical setting where fatal consequences due to the anaphilactic shock could be avoided. We report a side effect reaction to tiotropium bromide (Spiriva®) cap used with HandiHaler manifesting itself as an oral ulceration in a 65 yrs old male. On the third day of drug intake the patient developed oral ulceration two times in a period of few months. Other medications he has been using for several years. To our knowledge this is a first report as an oral side-effect of this drug used for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Periodontal disease associated to systemic genetic disorders

A number of systemic disorders increase patient susceptibility to periodontal disease, which moreover evolves more rapidly and more aggressively. The underlying factors are mainly related to alterations in immune, endocrine and connective tissue status. These alterations are associated with different pathologies and syndromes that generate periodontal disease either as a primary manifestation or by aggravating a pre-existing condition attributable to local factors. This is where the role of bacterial plaque is subject to debate. In the presence of qualitative or quantitative cellular immune alterations, periodontal disease may manifest early on a severe localized or generalized basis - in some cases related to the presence of plaque and/or specific bacteria (severe congenital neutropenia or infantile genetic agranulocytosis, Chediak-Higiashi syndrome, Down syndrome and Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome). In the presence of humoral immune alterations, periodontal damage may result indirectly as a consequence of alterations in other systems. In connective tissue disorders, bacterial plaque and alterations of the periodontal tissues increase patient susceptibility to gingival inflammation and alveolar resorption (Marfan syndrome and Ehler-Danlos syndrome). The management of periodontal disease focuses on the control of infection and bacterial plaque by means of mechanical and chemical methods. Periodontal surgery and even extraction of the most seriously affected teeth have also been suggested. There are variable degrees of consensus regarding the background systemic disorder, as in the case of Chediak-Higiashi syndrome, where antibiotic treatment proves ineffective; in severe congenital neutropenia or infantile genetic agranulocytosis, where antibiotic prophylaxis is suggested; and in Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome, where an established treatment protocol is available.

Existen condiciones sistémicas que generan una mayor susceptibilidad a la enfermedad periodontal, la cual evoluciona de forma más rápida y agresiva. Los factores involucrados tienen relación, principalmente con alteraciones a nivel inmunológico, a nivel hormonal y del tejido conectivo. Estas alteraciones se asocian a diversas patologías y síndromes, generando la enfermedad periodontal como una manifestación primaria o agravando una condición ya establecida por factores locales. Aquí es donde el papel de la placa bacteriana es discutido. Cuando existe alteración inmunológica celular cualitativa o cuantitativa, la enfermedad periodontal se puede presentar tempranamente de forma severa localizada o generalizada, existiendo en algunos casos relación a la presencia de placa y/o a bacterias específicas (neutropenia severa congénita o agranulocitosis infantil genética, síndrome de Chediak-Higashi, síndrome de Down y síndrome Papillon-Lefévre). En la alteración inmune humoral el daño periodontal, puede ser generado de forma indirecta por alteración de otros sistemas. En los desordenes del tejido conectivo, la placa bacteriana y las alteraciones en los tejidos periodontales, aumentan la susceptibilidad a la inflamación gingival y resorción alveolar (síndrome de Marfan y síndrome de Ehler-Danlos) El manejo y tratamiento de la enfermedad periodontal esta enfocado al control de la infección y de la placa bacteriana, mediante métodos mecánicos y a métodos químicos. También se sugiere la cirugía periodontal e inclusive la exodoncia de los dientes mas afectados. Existen variantes de acuerdo a la alteración sistémica de base, como el caso del síndrome de Chediak-Higashi donde no responde a tratamientos antibióticos, en la neutropenia severa congénita o agranulocitosis infantil genética que sugiere profilaxis antibiótica y en el caso del síndrome de Papillon-Lefévre con un protocolo establecido para el tratamiento.

Rehabilitation of severely resorbed maxillae with zygomatic implants: An update

Studies highlight the zygomatic bone as a suitable anatomical structure for implant placements since they cross four corticals. Zygomatic implants were described by Branemark in 1998, since then zygomatic implants are indicated in maxillae with atrophy of the posterior area. They have been used in systemic diseases associated with bone loss in this area, and in patients who have suffered radical surgery for maxillofacial tumors. Computed tomography is recommended before placement in order to discount any pathology of the maxillary sinus. The surgical technique has been slightly modified since its description with procedures such as the sinus slot technique. The success rate obtained by different authors varies between 82% and 100%, indicating this technique as a valid treatment option. The objective of this study was to revise the literature with the aim of updating the subject.

Los estudios, destacan al hueso cigomático como una buena estructura anatómica donde colocar implantes, ya que se atraviesan cuatro corticales. El procedimiento quirúrgico fue descrito en 1998, por Branemark, desde entonces, los implantes cigomáticos se indican en maxilares con atrofias del sector posterior; se han utilizado en enfermedades sistémicas asociadas a pérdida ósea en esta zona y en pacientes que han sufrido cirugía radical por tumores maxilofaciales. Para su colocación, se recomienda el estudio previo con tomografía computerizada, para descartar patología en el seno maxilar. La técnica quirúrgica desde su descripción ha sido discretamente modificada con procedimientos como el de la ranura sinusal. El porcentaje de éxito obtenido por los distintos autores, se sitúa entre el 82% y 100%, indicando que es una opción de tratamiento válida. El objetivo de este trabajo fue la revisión de la literatura con el fin de actualizar el tema.

Leiomyoma of the hard palate: A case report

Leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumor that is very rarely located in the oral cavity. It is accepted that the smooth muscle giving rise to this tumor corresponds to the tunica media of the arteries. The tumor can develop at any age, with no clear gender predilection, and typically manifests as a slow-growing, asymptomatic lesion. The diagnosis is based on the histopathological study, with the use of specific staining techniques, including immunohistochemical markers. Treatment consists of complete resection of the lesion, with due safety margins. We present the case of a 57-year-old male with a tumor located for the previous four months in the region of the hard palate, adjacent to the left upper premolars. After surgical resection with safety margins, hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical study confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma.

El leiomioma es un tumor benigno del músculo liso muy poco frecuente a nivel de la cavidad bucal. Se acepta que la fuente de músculo liso originaria de este tumor es la túnica media de los vasos arteriales. Se trata de un tumor que puede aparecer a cualquier edad, sin presentar una clara predilección por el sexo y normalmente lo hace en forma de tumoración asintomática de crecimiento lento. Su diagnóstico está basado en el estudio anatomopatológico, utilizándose tinciones específicas como podrían ser las técnicas de inmunohistoquímica. Su tratamiento consiste en la extirpación completa de la lesión con márgenes de seguridad. En este artículo se expone el caso de un paciente hombre de 57 años que presentaba una lesión en el paladar duro, adyacente a los premolares superiores del lado izquierdo, de 4 meses de evolución. Tras la exéresis quirúrgica con márgenes de seguridad de dicha lesión, se realizó su estudio anatomopatológico. La tinción con hematoxilina y eosina junto con el estudio inmunohistoquímico de la muestra confirmaron el diagnóstico de leiomioma.

Patients perception of the events during and after Osteogenic Alveolar Distraction

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the patients perception of the events during and after an osteogenic alveolar distraction (OAD) procedure Materials and Methods: A total of fifty-five (55) osteogenic alveolar distraction (OAD) procedures were performed in fifty (50) patients, who then were asked to answer ten (10) questions related to the treatment. Six (6) questions made reference to predefined values in a Visual Analogical Scale (VAS), three (3) questions could be answered by a predetermined answer, and only one (1) question had a free answer. Results: In 76% of cases, the patients description of the sensation felt during the surgery was good and bearable; 84% of the patients didnt feel pain after surgery. 4% of the patients felt pain during the activation period and 58% of the patients described the sensation during the activation period as pressure, felt most commonly, at the end of the period, and for about 20 minutes (66.6 %). In these cases the most frequently used analgesic was Paracetamol. Also, 46% expressed having had some difficulty to activate the device, with 10% of them in need of extra help. The presence of the activation rod caused discomfort in 52%. Finally, 78% of the patients treated with OAD would undergo this procedure again if it was necessary. A bone graft was performed in 27 out of the 50 treated patients, with 70% of them describing the bone graft surgery as more painful than the OAD. Conclusion: The OAD technique had a high degree of acceptance among the treated patients, however, some details as the interference of the activation rod continue to disturb them. The acceptance of the OAD technique is much better when compared with bone graft surgery technique as a second treatment.

Recurrent central giant cell granuloma in the mandible: Surgical treatment and dental implant restoration

Central giant cell granuloma is an uncommon benign intraosseus lesion of jaws. Traditional treatment has been local curettage, although aggressive sub-types have a high tendency to recur. This patient report describes a recurrent central giant cell granuloma involving the body of the mandible in a 48-year-old-woman. Initial treatment of lesion consisted of curettage and peripheral ostectomy. When recurrence was detected one year later, an en bloc resection and defect regeneration with a composite bone graft of autogenous bone, xenograft, and autologous platelet-rich plasma was carried out. Adequate new bone formation was observed during follow-up of 24 months. Two dental implants were placed, and implant-supported prosthesis was constructed, providing a satisfactory dental restoration.

El granuloma central de células gigantes es una rara lesión intraósea benigna de los maxilares. El tratamiento tradicional ha sido el curetaje local, aunque los sub-tipos agresivos tienen una alta tendencia a la recurrencia. Este caso clínico describe un granuloma central de células gigantes recurrente en el cuerpo mandibular de una mujer de 48 años. El tratamiento inicial de la lesión consistió en un curetaje con ostectomía periférica. Cuando se detectó la recurrencia un año más tarde, se realizó una resección ósea en bloque y la regeneración del defecto con un injerto óseo compuesto de hueso autógeno, xenoinjerto y plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo. A los 24 meses de seguimiento se observó una adecuada formación de hueso nuevo. Se insertaron dos implantes dentales y se construyó una prótesis implanto-soportada, proporcionando un restauración dentaria satisfactoria.

A rare complication of idiopathic osteosclerosis

Idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) is described as a localized no expansible radiopacity with unknown etiology. The IO is generally asymptomatic and could appear as round, elliptical or irregular in shape. The internal aspect is usually uniformly radiopaque. IO should be distinguished from condensing osteitis of dental origin, or other alveolar bone related radiopacities such as periapical cemental dysplasia. This condition may cause changes in tooth position or problems during orthodontic treatment. The purpose of the present study is to report a case of tooth resorption caused by ectopic eruption rote caused by IO. This condition represents a rare complication of IO.

Diagnostic efficacy of sentinel node biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Cohort study and meta-analysis

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Design: A prospective study of a cohort of 25 consecutive patients with OSCC anatomopathological confirmation through biopsy, without oncological pre-treatment, in clinical stage T1-T4N0, of these 25 patients 14 were T1-T2N0. The absence of regional disease (N0) was determined by means of clinical exploration and cervical tomography (CT). To establish the overall sensitivity of the technique, a meta-analysis was carried out of 10 series published to February 2005 where SNB had been applied to head and neck cancer, adding our 14 T1-T2N0 cases, thus making a total of 260 patients. Results: Identification by SNB was accurate in 96% of the 25 cases, with a sensitivity of 66.7%. Analyzing only the T1-T2N0 cases (n=14), the accuracy was 100% with a sensitivity of 1 (CI 95%, 0.29-1.00). The overall sensitivity was 93%. The accuracy in identifying the sentinel node varied between 66% and 100%. The SN was identified in 251 of 260 cases, of those, 71 were true positive, 5 false negative and 175 true negative. The overall sensitivity was 93.4% (CI 95%, 85.3-97.8), with a specificity of 100% (CI 95%, 0.98-100). The weighted negative probability quotient was 0.176 (CI 0.103-0.301) and that of positive probability 24.75 (CI 95%, 10.8-56.71). The weighted diagnostic odds ratio was 183.71 (CI 95%, 59.36-568.56). If we accept that the prevalence of hidden regional disease is 30%, a negative sentinel node has 5% possibility of having hidden disease. Conclusions: Our data provide a certain degree of evidence that, due to its high sensitivity, the SNB procedure can be applied to the initial stages of OSCC.

Objetivos: Evaluar la efectividad de la biopsia del ganglio centinela (BGC) en el carcinoma oral de células escamosas (COCE). Diseño: Estudio prospectivo, de una cohorte consecutiva de 25 pacientes con COCE confirmado anatomopatológicamente mediante biopsia, sin tratamiento oncológico previo, en estadiaje clínico T1-T4N0, de estos 25 pacientes 14 fueron T1-T2N0. La ausencia de enfermedad regional (N0) se determinó mediante exploración clínica y TC cervical. Para establecer globalmente la sensibilidad de la técnica se ha realizado un estudio con técnicas de metaanálisis de 10 series publicadas hasta febrero de 2005, que han aplicado BGC en el cáncer de cabeza y cuello, a la que hemos sumado nuestros 14 casos T1-T2N0 lo que hace un total de 260 pacientes. Resultados: En los 25 casos la exactitud en la identificación del BCG fue del 96% con una sensibilidad del 66.7%. Si únicamente analizamos los casos T1-T2N0 (n=14), nuestra exactitud en la identificación fue del 100% siendo la sensibilidad de 1 (IC 95%, 0.29-1.00). La sensibilidad global fue del 93%. La exactitud en la identificación del ganglio centinela varió entre el 66% y 100%. Se identifico el GC en 251 de 260 casos, de los que 71 fueron verdaderos positivos, 5 falsos negativos y 175 verdaderos negativos. La sensibilidad global fue del 93,4% (IC 95%, 85,3-97,8) con una especificidad de 100% (IC 95%, 0,98 -100). El cociente de probabilidad negativo ponderado fue de 0,176 (IC 0,103-0,301) y el de probabilidad positivo fue de 24,75 (IC 95%, 10,8- 56,71). La odds ratio diagnóstica ponderada fue de 183,71 (IC 95%, 59,36-568,56). Si aceptamos que la prevalencia de enfermedad regional oculta es del 30%, un ganglio centinela informado como negativo tiene un 5% de posibilidades de tener enfermedad oculta. Conclusiones: Nuestros datos aportan un cierto nivel de evidencia que el BGC es un procedimiento que por su elevada sensibilidad, puede ser aplicada en los estadios iniciales del COCE.

Clinical justification of dental radiology in adult patients: A review of the literature

Although the radiological doses used by dentists are low individually, patients are often exposured to many repeat dental radiographic examinations. The routine use of dental radiography, such as screening of all patients using dental panoramic radiography (DPRs) or a random decision to take a dental radiograph, will inevitable lead to unnecessary patient exposure. The use of Radiographic Referral Criteria has now become a legal requirement for all practitioners following the adoption of European Legislation. All exposures to x-rays should be clinically justified and each exposure should be expected to give the patient a positive net benefit. Recently the European Commission has published guidelines (1) on radiation protection in dental radiology. Guidelines have previously been available in a number of European countries (2,3) and also within the United States (4,5). At the present time, no specific guidelines have been published within Spain. The aim of this review article is to provide the Spanish dentist with guidance as to the appropriateness of different radiographic techniques for a variety of clinical conditions and also the frequency with which they should be taken. It is hoped that this document will act as a useful work tool in daily dental practice.

Aunque generalmente las dosis de radiación empleadas por los odontoestomatólogos no suelen ser altas, consideradas individualmente, las exposiciones a las que algunos y determinados pacientes están sometidos pueden ser excesivas. En este sentido, hay que evitar radiaciones rutinarias innecesarias para no incrementar la dosis de irradiación recibidas por los pacientes. El empleo de criterios de selección radiográfica se ha convertido en requerimientos legales europeos a cumplir por todos los dentistas. Todas las exposiciones a los rayos X deberían de estar clínicamente justificadas y, a la vez, proporcionar un beneficio neto para el paciente. Recientemente, la Comisión Europea ha publicado unas Guías (1) sobre Protección Radiológica Dental, existentes ya en numerosos países de la Unión Europea (2, 3) y en Estados Unidos (4, 5); sin embargo, en España no se ha publicado ningún documento propio específico que permita difundir un protocolo de actuación en radiología dental. El objetivo de este artículo es proporcionar al odonto-estomatólogo general español guías de actuación en radiología dental apropiadas para cada situación clínica y, además, recomienda la frecuencia con la que se deben de realizar dichas exploraciones.

Clinical and radiographic diagnosis of approximal and occlusal dental caries in a low risk population

Objective: Determine the agreement between visual detection, conventional radiology and digital radiology methods in the diagnosis of interproximal and occlusal caries in the posterior teeth of a group of patients with low caries prevalence. Materials and Methods: Visual, conventional radiographic and digital radiographic (Digora®, Soredex, Sweden) caries diagnosis was performed in a group of patients (n=30) of both sexes with ages ranging from 15 to 65 years (x = 34 years). Agreement was estimated by the linear weighted kappa index. Results: Kappa = 0.17 was obtained between the visual examination and the conventional radiographic examination and Kappa = 0.16 between the visual examination and the radiovisiography. Between conventional and digital radiography the Kappa indexes were 0.81 overall, 0.87 in the dentine and 0.66 in the enamel. Compared to visual examination, 3.23 times more caries lesions were diagnosed with digital radiology and 2.88 times more with conventional radiography. 94% of the new caries detected were interproximal. Conclusions: The use of radiographic techniques, whether conventional or digital, increases the number of caries diagnosed in comparison with conventional clinical examination. The two radiographic techniques show high agreement in lesion diagnosis.

Objetivo. Determinar la concordancia de los métodos de detección visual, radiológico convencional y radiológico digital en el diagnóstico de caries interproximales y oclusales en los dientes posteriores de un grupo de pacientes de prevalencia baja de la enfermedad. Material y método. Se realizó el diagnóstico de caries visual y radiográfico convencional y digital (Digora®, Soredex, Sweden), en un grupo de pacientes (n = 30) de ambos sexos y edades comprendidas entre 15 y 65 años (x = 34 años). La concordancia se estimó mediante el índice Kappa ponderado lineal. Resultados. Se ha obtenido un Kappa = 0.17 entre la exploración visual y la exploración radiográfica convencional, y un Kappa = 0.16 entre la exploración visual y la radiovisiografía. Entre la radiología convencional y la digital obtuvimos un índice Kappa = 0.81 globalmente, en la dentina 0.87 y en el esmalte 0.66. Se diagnosticaron 3.23 veces más lesiones de caries con la radiología digital y 2.88 con la radiografía convencional que con la exploración visual. El 94% de estas nuevas caries eran de localización interproximal. Conclusiones. La utilización de técnicas radiográficas, ya sean convencionales o digitales, incrementa el número de caries diagnosticadas frente a la exploración clínica convencional. Ambas técnicas radiográficas se han mostrado muy concordantes en el diagnóstico de las lesiones.

How is the biocompatibilty of dental biomaterials evaluated?

All biomaterials used in dentistry must be evaluated for biocompatibility using screening assays to protect patient health and safety. The purpose of this review is to explain the international biocompatibility guidelines, and to explain the structure of a test program. The test program requires the structured assessment of materials into four phases; general toxicity, local tissue irritation, pre-clinical, and clinical evaluation. Different types of screening assays are available, and it is important to understand the advantages and limitations of the various types of assays that are available, so that they can be selected for appropriateness and interpreted accurately. New scientific advances in terms of the chemical properties of dental materials, tissue engineering, stem cell, genetic transfer, biomaterial, and growth factor therapies are under development. These new therapies create improved opportunities to restore and regenerate oral tissues, but they can also present new hazards to patients. Prior to their clinical use, these new technologies must be proven to be safe, and not hazardous to human health. A structured biocompatibility assessment and advice on the selection of assays are outlined to evaluate these new therapies.