Position of the mental foramen in a Moroccan population: A radiographic study.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the position of the mental foramen relative to the apices of the teeth based on panoramic radiographs in a Moroccan population. We also analyzed gender differences and the symmetry of location within individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred ninety-four panoramic radiographs were evaluated with regard to the location and symmetry of the mental foramina in male and female subjects. The results were analyzed using Pearson's χ(2) and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the 794 panoramic radiographs, 377 met the inclusion criteria for at least one side. The mental foramen was located just below the apex of the second premolar in 62.7% of the patients and between the first and second premolars in 30%. It was symmetrically located in 79%. No statistically significant differences were found between males and females in the position and symmetry of the mental foramen. CONCLUSION: The most common position for the mental foramen in this sample was in line with the second premolar.

Surgical management of a cutaneous sinus tract: a case report and review of the literature.

AIM: The purpose of this paper is to present a case involving the surgical management of a cutaneous sinus tract and a literature review. BACKGROUND: A cutaneous sinus tract of dental origin may easily be misdiagnosed. Exact diagnosis is necessary in the management of this pathological situation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A healthy 40-year-old man presented with a dimple in the skin of his right cheek. Upon further examination, the clinical crown of the mandibular right first molar was missing, leaving only the roots visible. Palpation of the affected area revealed a cord-like tract that was surgically excised. SUMMARY: A cutaneous sinus tract of dental origin is a canal that drains the infection from a dental source to the face or neck. A misdiagnosis of these lesions could lead to an ineffective and inappropriate treatment. We report a case of a cutaneous sinus tract of dental origin that we removed from the periapical zone of the causal teeth. The aim of this paper is to present a dental and medical literature review of cutaneous sinus tract that has a dental origin and to report a case where the sinus tract was surgically eliminated. Patients with a cutaneous facial sinus tract of dental origin often do not have obvious dental symptoms that can lead to misdiagnosing this pathological situation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Elimination of the source of infection by endodontic treatment or tooth removal generally results in resolution of the sinus tract. But in the case of an older sinus tract, wound contraction and scar tissue formation may require surgical management to excise the cord-like tract.

Resolution of eosinophilic granuloma after minimal intervention. Case report and review of literature.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), previously known as histiocytosis X, is a rare, proliferative disorder in which the accumulation of pathologic Langerhans cells leads to local tissue infiltration and destruction. The incidence of LCH is estimated to be one case per 200,000 children per year. The role of the dentist is important in early and accurate evaluation, staging and diagnosis of LCH, because it may mimic more common diseases, such as juvenile periodontitis and osteomyelitis. There are multiple treatment options, but the response is unpredictable. The aim of this paper is to give a short, introductory overview on current diagnostic and treatment strategies for LCH in the oral and maxillofacial region and to present a case of LCH that mimicked juvenile periodontitis and was resolved following extraction of affected teeth. The history, radiological appearance, differential diagnosis, histopathology and treatment options for the patient are discussed.