Enric Jané-Salas

Frequency and distribution of root-filled teeth and apical periodontitis in an adult population of Barcelona, Spain.

AIM  To determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the frequency of root canal treatment in a sample of Spanish adults. DESIGN  A descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING  Barcelona, Spain. PARTICIPANTS  A total of 397 adult subjects, 49% males and 51% females. METHODS  Digital panoramic radiographs were used. Periapical status was scored according to the periapical index. Results were analysed statistically using the chi-squared test and logistic regression. RESULTS  Radiographic signs of AP in one or more teeth were found in 135 patients (34%). The prevalence of AP was significantly higher in males (42.3%) than females (26.1%) [odds ratio (OR)=2.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)= 1.4-3.2; P= 0.0007]. At least one root-filled tooth (RFT) was found in 233 patients (59%). Twenty-six per cent of subjects with RFT had at least one RFT with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age (P < 0.05). Patients with RFT showed a higher prevalence of AP (42%) relative to patients without RFT (23%) (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.5-3.7; P = 0.00013). Adjusting for age, gender and teeth number, endodontic status remained significantly associated with periapical status (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.4-3.6; P = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS  Both the prevalence of AP and the frequency of root canal treatment are high among Spanish adults. AP affects more frequently RFT relative to untreated teeth. Patients with one or more RFT have a greater likelihood of having AP than patients without RFT.

Tobacco smoking and radiographic periapical status: a retrospective case-control study.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate radiographically the relationship of tobacco smoking and periapical status by using a retrospective case-control study design. METHODS The records of 79 controls and 79 age- and sex-matched cases were examined. Case was defined as a patient who has at least 1 radiographically detectable periapical lesion in a tooth. Control was defined as a patient who has no radiographically detectable periapical lesion in any teeth. Periapical status was assessed by using panoramic radiographs and the periapical index score. The history of smoking and diabetes, the number of teeth and root-filled teeth, and the quality of root fillings were recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted by using the Cohen kappa test, χ(2) test, Students t test, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Among the case subjects, 75% had antecedents of smoking, whereas in the control group only 13% had been smokers (odds ratio, 20.4; 95% confidence interval, 8.8-46.9; P = .0000). After multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for covariates (age, gender, number of teeth, root-filled teeth, root-filled teeth with a root filling technically unsatisfactory, and diabetes), a strong association was observed between the presence of at least 1 radiographically detectable periapical lesion and antecedents of smoking (odds ratio, 32.4; 95% confidence interval, 11.7-89.8; P = .0000). CONCLUSIONS After adjusting for age, gender, number of teeth, endodontic status, quality of root filling, and diabetic status, tobacco smoking is strongly associated with the presence of radiographically diagnosed periapical lesions.

Glycated Hemoglobin Levels and Prevalence of Apical Periodontitis in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this investigation was to study the possible association between the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the glycemic control of type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, the radiographic records of 83 type 2 diabetic patients were examined. Glycemic control was assessed by the mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c level). AP was diagnosed as radiolucent periapical lesions (RPLs) using the periapical index score. The Student t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS Based on the HbA1c levels, 2 groups of diabetic patients were established: the HbA1c good control group (GCG, n = 24, HbA1c <6.5%) and the HbA1c poor control group (PCG, n = 59, HbA1c ≥6.5%). In the total sample, RPLs in 1 or more teeth were found in 62.7%, and no significant differences between GCG and PCG groups were observed (P = .13). At least 1 root-filled tooth was found in 32.5% of diabetic patients; this percentage was comparable in both HbA1c groups (P = .68). The prevalence of RPLs in RFT (29.6%) was similar in the GCG compared with the PCG (P = .94). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that worse periapical status correlated significantly with HbA1c levels ≥6.5% in type 2 diabetic patients (odd ratio = 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-13.0; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS HbA1c levels of diabetic patients are associated with periapical status. Data reported in the present study, together with the results of previous studies, further support a relationship between glycemic control and periapical inflammation in diabetic patients.

TETIS study: evaluation of new topical hemostatic agent TT-173 in tooth extraction

ObjectivesTT-173 is a new hemostatic agent consisting of yeast-derived microvesicles containing a modified version of recombinant human tissue factor. In the present work, the procoagulant activity of TT-173 has been evaluated for the first time in humans.MethodsThis is a phase I, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, systemic absorption, and immunogenicity of TT-173 in healthy volunteers undergoing tooth extraction. Subjects received TT-173 or placebo into the alveolar cavity, just after tooth extraction. Time to clot formation, bleeding time, and adverse events were recorded.ResultsTreatment with TT-173 reduced the bleeding time and the time to clot formation. No adverse events related with product administration were reported. In the same way, neither systemic absorption nor immunogenic reaction against the product was detected. Our findings pave the way to evaluate the usefulness of this new topical hemostatic agent in more complex oral surgeries and in those patients affected with coagulation disorders that may compromise the realization of dental procedures.ConclusionThe new hemostatic agent TT-173 has proven efficacious and safe in healthy subjects undergoing tooth extraction supporting its further evaluation in more complex surgeries.Clinical relevanceThe development of this new topical hemostatic agent could contribute to bleeding control in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Pyogenic Granuloma/Peripheral Giant-Cell Granuloma Associated with Implants.

Introduction. Pyogenic granuloma (PG) and peripheral giant-cell granuloma (PGCG) are two of the most common inflammatory lesions associated with implants; however, there is no established pathway for treatment of these conditions. This paper aims to illustrate the successful treatment of PG and PGCG and also report a systematic review of the literature regarding the various treatments proposed. Methods. To collect relevant information about previous treatments for PG and PGCG involving implants we carried out electronic searches of publications with the key words “granuloma”, “oral”, and “implants” from the last 15 years on the databases Pubmed, National Library of Medicines Medline, Scielo, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Results. From the electronic search 16 case reports were found showing excision and curettage as the main successful treatment. As no clinical trials or observational studies were identified the authors agreed to present results from a review perspective. Conclusion. This is the largest analysis of PG and PGCG associated with implants published to date. Our review would suggest that PGCG associated with implants appears to have a more aggressive nature; however the level of evidence is very limited. Further cohort studies with representative sample sizes and standard outcome measures are necessary for better understanding of these conditions.

Orofacial pain of cardiac origin: Review literature and clinical cases

The most common types of orofacial pain originate at the dental or periodontal level or in the musculoskeletal structures. However, the patient may present pain in this region even though the source is located elsewhere in the body. One possible source of heterotopic pain is of cardiac origin. Objectives: Report two cases of orofacial pain of cardiac origin and review the clinical cases described in the literature. Study Design: Description of clinical cases and review of clinical cases. Results and conclusions: Nine cases of atypical pain of cardiac origin are recorded, which include 5 females and 4 males. In craniofacial structures, pain of cardiac origin is usually bilateral. At the craniofacial level, the most frequent location described is in the throat and jaw. Pain of cardiac origin is considered atypical due to its location, although roughly 10% of the cases of cardiac ischemia manifest primarily in craniofacial structures. Finally, the differential diagnosis of pain of odontogenic origin must be taken into account with pain of non-odontogenic origin (muscle, psychogenic, neuronal, cardiac, sinus and neurovascular pain) in order to avoid diagnostic errors in the dental practice as well as unnecessary treatments. Key words:Orofacial pain, ischemic heart disease, heterotopic pain, odontalgia.

Orofacial pain of cardiac origin, serial of clinical cases.

Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics of the orofacial pain of cardiac origin in patients visited when doing a treadmill exercise test, at the cardiology service of the Can Ruti Hospital in Badalona (Barcelona, Spain). Study design: The sample of that study included thirty patients visiteding when doing a treadmill exercise test, at the cardiology service. The questionnaire has been asked to a sample of 30 patients. Results: Eleven of the 30 patients included in this study presented craniofacial pain before or during the cardiac seizure. The location of the pain was bilateral, non-irradiated at the mandible in all cases. The intensity of the pain was from slight to severe. The frequency of the appearance of the pain was paroxysmal in 8 cases and constant in three cases, and the duration was from a few hours to a maximum of 14 days. Discussion: The cardiac pain in craniofacial structures is usually bilateral, compared to odontogenic pain which is always unilateral. The pain of cardiac origin is considered atypical because of its location, but about the 10 % of the cases, the cardiac ischemia has its primary manifestation in orofacial structures. Conclusions: Eleven patients referred a bilateral non-irradiated mandibular pain, with intensity from slight to severe, and with a paroxystic frequency in eight cases and a constant frequency in three cases. Just one patient referred pain during the treadmill exercise test. In all cases the pain disappeared after the cardiac surgery or the administration of vasodilators. Key words:Orofacial pain, toothache, angina pectoris, mandibular pain, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis in dentistry

Use of antibiotics both in humans and animals runs along with effects that can contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Although several available guidelines for antibiotic treatment have been published to date, clinical practice in dentistry and particularly in oral surgery is not free from controversies regarding antibiotic prophylaxis. Antibiotic coverage to prevent infectious endocarditis, joint prostheses infections or local infections requires a careful evaluation of the patient condition, associated risks and other aspects that could influence the decision. It is of great relevancy for oral surgeons and for dentists in general to know exactly what they are up against. Here we review the literature regarding prophylactic use of antimicrobials in dentistry.

Management of oral Graft versus Host Disease with topical agents: A systematic review

Background Oral Graft-versus-Host Disease (oGvHD) is a common complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Choosing the right topical application to be used intra orally can be a challenge. Consequently, the aim of this work is to review the effectiveness and safety of topical agents currently used in the management of the inflammatory mucosal lesions encountered in oGVHD. Material and Methods We carried out electronic searches of publications up to May 2015 of the databases Pubmed, National Library of Medicine’s Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical trials to identify potentially relevant studies (keywords: “oral”, “graft”, “versus”, “host”, “disease” and “treatment”). The main inclusion criterion was the reported use of a topical agent which was not intentionally swallowed when used for the treatment of oGVHD. A 3-point grading system, described by the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, was used to rate the methodological quality of the papers. Results From the 902 entries identified in the search, 7 studies qualifying for inclusion were analysed. Overall, there is limited evidence with regards to the effectiveness of topical steroids for oGVHD. However, the studies showed some effect of Budesonide alone and when combined with dexamethasone. Topical tacrolimus also appears to have some effect and clobetasol propionate mouthwash had a significantly better clinical response than dexamethasone mouthwash in treating oGVHD. Conclusions As the number of clinical trials conducted is limited, there is little evidence to support the use of topical therapies to treat the inflammatory mucosal lesions found in oGVHD. High quality randomised control trials are needed in order to measure the effectiveness of any topical application for the treatment of the inflammatory mucosal lesions found in oGVHD. Key words:Oral, graft versus host disease, topical, therapy.

Effectiveness of dentist’s intervention in smoking cessation: A review

Introduction Smoking is one of the main public health problems in developed countries. Despite extensive evidence on the effects of smoking on both oral and general health, the rate of smoking cessation is not promising. Material and Methods To review the evidence on knowledge and programs for smoking cessation developed by dentists, a literature review was carried out on programs for smoking cessation from the dentist’s perspective, as well as a review of behavioral guidelines that have been recently proposed for these interventions. We used the keywords “Tobacco”, “Smoking Prevention”, “Public Health” AND “Dentistry”, to identify controlled studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 1999 and 2014, in Google Scholar, SCOPUS and PubMed. Results Out of 177 studies found, 35 were considered, and these were divided into 2 groups of 20 and 15 articles respectively, according to type of study and inclusion criteria. Conclusions There is considerable scientific evidence describing the programs for smoking cessation used in dentistry, which support their effectiveness. Overall, these are brief behavioral interventions complemented by pharmacological treatment, with the participation of the entire dental team. Key words:Dentistry, nicotine, smoking cessation, tobacco.