Maria De Fátima Batista De Melo

Condições de radioproteção dos consultórios odontológicos

In 1998, the Brazilian Ministry of Health established the Guidelines for Protection in Medical and Odontological Radiography, aimed at ensuring the quality of radiological procedures provided to the population as well as radiological protection for the health professionals. The purpose of this study was to verify the current situation in the dental offices with regard to the technical specifications and the adopted protective measures, using a questionnaire including questions about equipments, techniques and radiological protection. The investigated universe consisted of the surgeon dentists of the city of Aracaju using radiographic examination as a routine, resulting in a final sample of 103 professionals. The results showed that a high percentage of these professionals ignore the current norms (64.1%) as well as the technical specifications of their equipment (51.5% ignored the peak kilovoltage and 57.3% the milliamperage of their equipment), besides examining the radiographs visually (67%) As positive behaviors, the paralleling technique was preferred by 62.1% and the lead apron was used by 98.1%. We conclude that, despite the limited knowledge about the Guidelines, some measures are being correctly adopted but that the dentists have to be more aware of the necessary protective measures.

Digital radiographic evaluation of the midpalatal suture in patients submitted to rapid maxillary expansion

AIMS To analyze the density of the midpalatal suture by means of digital radiographs three months after retention to evaluate if this period of retention is really sufficient for bone repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study consisted of 31 patients (11 girls and 20 boys) in the mixed or permanent dentition stage, treated using a tooth-tissue borne expanders (Haas). Occlusal digital radiographs were taken at three stages: prior to rapid maxillary expansion (Stage I); immediately after desired maxillary expansion (Stage II); and after three months of retention (Stage III). Radiographs were taken on a dental X-ray machine, set at 70 kVp and 7 mA with an exposure time of 0.04 s. A phosphor storage plate system, imaging plate size n. 2 (35 × 45 × 1.6 mm), was used. Three regions (A, B and C) measured 0.02 mm² were selected for optical density analysis. The difference between the measurements was evaluated with the paired t-test. RESULTS The optical density was reduced at Stages II and III compared with Stage I. Between-stage comparison showed statistically significant changes for all variables (P < 0.05), with the highest mean optical density at Stage I and the lowest at Stage II, in all groups. Actually, there was an increase in optical density between Stages II and III, but they are reduced compared with Stage I. CONCLUSION The results strongly suggest that bone formation did not occur as expected, and that a longer retention period for bone repair may be necessary.

Chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the mandible: case report

We report the case of a 32-year-old male patient, who was subjected to cone-beam tomography for planning the removal of an unerupted tooth. Cone-beam CT scans revealed the presence of a mixed lesion with poorly defined limits in the left posterior mandibular region, with “sun-ray” periosteal reaction. An incisional biopsy was performed and the diagnosis was chondroblastic osteosarcoma. In this paper, a discussion of the differential diagnosis criteria and treatment of this unusual malignant neoplasm is performed. Thus, it is intended to provide information that will help in the study of management protocols for the increasingly effective treatment of gnathic osteosarcomas.

Botryoid Odontogenic Cyst: Report of Case Found in Routine Imaginological Examinations

1 Tiradentes University, Laboratory of Morphology and Experimental Pathology, Institute of Technology and Research Aracaju SE Brasil. 2 Tiradentes University, Department of Dentistry Aracaju SE Brasil. 3 Federal University of Sergipe, Department of Dentistry Aracaju SE Brasil. 4 Federal University of Minas Gerais, School of Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Pathology Department Belo Horizonte MG Brasil.