Estimation of the age of majority through radiographic evaluation of the third molar maturation degree.

BACKGROUND: Although the third molar is the tooth with the greatest anatomical and developmental variability, some authors consider it important to estimate whether a subject is of legal age or not. The Demirjian's technique is the most widely used tool to estimate dental age and was therefore used in our study to assess possible correlation between the age of majority and the maturational degree of the lower third molars, evaluated through radiographic images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This observational transversal study was conducted on 180 panoramic radiographs from consecutive patients. The degree of maturation of the lower third molar was independently classified by two observers, according to the Demirjian´s maturational stage method. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients - 65 men (36.12%) and 115 women (63.88%) - were included (mean age 21.6 years; standard deviation 5.2). The age range of our subjects corresponded to maturational stages D to H in the Demirjian's classification. A logistic regression analysis showed that subjects classified into the highest maturational stage H had a significantly higher probability of being considered of legal age by both observers, as compared with subjects in the lowest stage D. Inter-observer agreement was very high. Gender predictive capacity was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that subjects with the lower third molars in the highest maturational stage could be estimated to be older than 18 years and therefore considered of legal age, a finding also reported by other authorsThe Demirjian´s tooth maturational stage method, applied to the lower third molars, can be reliably used to estimate whether an individual is of legal age (18 years or older). High concordance between different observers using this method can be expected.

Estado cualitativo y cuantitativo óseo generalizado enla osteonecrosis de maxilares. Efecto de los bifosfonatos / Qualitative and quantitative status of general bonein osteonecrosis of the jaws. Effect of bisphosphonates

OBJETIVO: La osteonecrosis de maxilares (ONM) es una enfermedad recientemente descrita cuya etiopatogenia es desconocida, aunque se ha atribuido, entre otras causas, al tratamiento prolongado con bifosfonatos. Sin embargo, mientras que la ONM es una patología localizada, la acción de los bifosfonatos es generalizada, es decir, afecta a todos los huesos. No hay estudios que muestren el estado óseo general de los pacientes con ONM. Con este trabajo hemos querido estudiar en pacientes afectos de ONM dicho estado general mediante medidas cuantitativas y estimaciones cualitativas del hueso por medio de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y el trabecular bone score (TBS) y los parámetros ultrasonográficos en el calcáneo (QUS), además de la presencia de otras enfermedades y la toma de fármacos (especialmente los bifosfonatos) en los pacientes con ONM que pudieran participar en su etiopatogenia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio observacional y transversal de casos y controles, realizado en 304 pacientes de ambos sexos, en los que el grupo de casos (grupo I) estaba formado por 24 pacientes que habían sufrido una ONM, mientras que el grupo control (grupo II) estaba formado por 280 pacientes que no presentaban ONM y que recibían bifosfonatos desde un mínimo de 5 años por causas diversas. A todos ellos se les realizó una densitometría ósea (DXA, Hologic 4500 Discovery®) en la columna lumbar y en la extremidad proximal del fémur. Además, se les realizó mediciones del TBS en la columna lumbar, así como de los parámetros ultrasonográficos en el calcáneo (Hologic, Sahara®) en el pie dominante (QUS). RESULTADOS: Los pacientes afectos de ONM tenían una mayor comorbilidad que los controles, con una mayor prevalencia de las siguientes enfermedades: diabetes mellitus, cáncer, artritis reumatoide, hipertiroidismo, cardiopatía, arritmias, insuficiencia cardíaca e hipercolesterolemia. Por ello, el consumo de corticoides, (orales e inhalados), anticoagulantes, hipnóticos, bifosfonatos i.v. (zoledronato), y quimioterapia antineoplásica fue también mayor entre los pacientes afectos de ONM que los pacientes controles. Sin embargo, entre los pacientes con ONM el porcentaje que tomaba bifosfonatos orales fue menor. Los valores densitométricos (DMO medida en la columna lumbar L2-L4, cuello femoral y total de cadera) fueron más elevados en los pacientes con ONM en comparación con los de los controles. El TBS no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos, y los ultrasonidos presentaron valores más elevados de QUI y SOS en los pacientes con ONM que en los controles. La prevalencia de fracturas por fragilidad fue similar en ambos grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros pacientes afectos de ONM mostraron una mayor comorbilidad y un mayor consumo de fármacos que los pacientes del grupo control, a excepción de bifosfonatos orales. Por otro lado, tanto la DMO como los parámetros ultrasonográficos mostraron valores más elevados en los pacientes con ONM que los controles. Si consideramos la DXA como una técnica medidora de la cantidad de masa ósea, y el TBS y la ultrasonografía de calcáneo técnicas estimadoras de aspectos cualitativos del hueso, podemos suponer que ni la cantidad ni la calidad óseas en general parecen estar afectadas en la ONM, siendo probablemente otro su mecanismo etiopatogénico. Los bifosfonatos orales no parecen estar entre los fármacos que participen en la etiología de la ONM, aunque sí los bifosfonatos más potentes que se administran por vía intravenosa, si bien no pueden considerarse independientemente de la patología subyacente para la cual se administran

OBJECTIVE: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a recently reported disease whose origin and development are unknown, although prolonged bisphosphonate treatment has been attributed, among other causes. While ONJ is a localized condition, the action of bisphosphonates is widespread and affects all bones. No studies show the general bone status of patients with ONJ. Our study examines the general condition in patients with ONJ using quantitative measurements and qualitative estimates of bone by means of bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) and ultrasound parameters in the calcaneus (QUS), along with other diseases and the taking of drugs (especially bisphosphonates) in patients with ONJ who may be involved in the pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational and cross-sectional study of cases and controls, conducted in 304 patients of both sexes, in which the case group (group I) was formed by 24 patients who had suffered ONJ. The control group (group II) contained 280 patients who did not present ONJ and who received bisphosphonates over at least 5 years for various reasons. All of them underwent bone densitometry (DXA, Hologic 4500 Discovery®) in the lumbar spine and proximal femur. In addition, TBS measurements were made in the lumbar spine, as well as ultrasound parameters in the calcaneus (Hologic, Sahara®) in the dominant foot (QUS). RESULTS: Patients suffering ONJ presented greater comorbidity than controls, with a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, the consumption of corticosteroids, (oral and inhaled), anticoagulants, hypnotics, bisphosphonates i.v. (zoledronate), and antineoplastic chemotherapy was also higher among patients with ONJ than control patients. However, among the patients with ONJ the percentage taking oral bisphosphonates was lower. Densitometric values (BMD measured in lumbar spine L2-L4, femoral neck and total hip) were higher in patients with ONJ compared to those in controls. The TBS showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups, and the ultrasound showed higher values of QUI and SOS in patients with ONJ than in controls. The prevalence of fragility fractures was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ONJ in our study presented greater comorbidity and a higher consumption of drugs than the patients in the control group, except for oral bisphosphonates. On the other hand, both BMD and ultrasound showed higher values in patients with ONJ than in controls. If we consider DXA as a technique for measuring the amount of bone mass, and TBS and calcaneal ultrasound estimating qualitative aspects of bone, we could assume that neither bone quantity nor quality in general seems to be affected in ONJ, and that its etiopathogenic mechanism is probably another. Oral bisphosphonates do not appear to be among the drugs involved in ONJ's origin and development, but the most potent and intravenously administered bisphosphonates are, although they cannot be considered independently of the underlying disease for which they are administered

¿Cuál es el nivel de contaminación del cepillo de dientes almacenado en diferentes entornos sanitarios? / What is the level of toothbrush contamination stored in different sanitary settings?

Introducción: Los cepillos pueden albergar una amplia variedad de microorganismos, incluyendo bacterias hongos y virus, pudiendo así facilitar la translocación de especies en un mismo individuo y la transmisión de especies entre individuos. Métodos: Estudio de la contaminación bacteriana de los cepillos de dientes de cien voluntarios con la cumplimentación de un cuestionario (lugar de almacenamiento, tipo de cepillo, utilización de estuche de almacenamiento y meses de uso). Resultados: Se estudiaron un total de 100 muestras. El 33% guardaba el cepillo fuera del baño, un 20% lo guardaba en el cajón del baño y un 47% sobre el lavabo del baño. El 92% de las muestras estaban contaminadas como mínimo con un grupo de microorganismos Conclusión: El lugar de almacenamiento del cepillo de dientes es fundamental en la reducción de la contaminación. Se debe guardar en un lugar seco, lejos del inodoro y sin estuche

Introduction: Brushes can house a wide variety of microorganisms, including fungal bacteria and viruses, which can facilitate the translocation of species in the same individual and the transmission of species between individuals. Methods: Study of the bacterial contamination of toothbrushes of one hundred volunteers with the completion of a questionnaire (place of storage, type of brush, use of storage case and months of use). Results: A total of 100 samples were studied. 33% kept the brush outside the bathroom, 20% kept it in the bathroom drawer and 47% on the bathroom sink. 92% of the samples were contaminated with at least one group of microorganisms. Conclusion: The storage place of the toothbrush is fundamental in the reduction of contamination. It should be stored in a dry place, away from the toilet and without a box

Neurosensory issues after lateralisation of the inferior alveolar nerve and simultaneous placement of osseointegrated implants.

Our aim was to evaluate neurosensory symptoms after lateralisation of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). We studied a retrospective case series with one-year follow up that included 139 procedures in 123 patients. After the IAN had been located it was deflected from the mandibular body and the implant placed. Sensitivity was mapped 24hours, one month, six months, and one year after the intervention by gently pressing the skin and lips with the tip of a probe. A total of 337 implants were placed in 123 patients aged between 44 and 68 years. There were 33 men and 90 women and they all recovered. The IAN was mobilised by one of two procedures, one that involves the nerve directly (transposition) and one that does not (lateralisation). During lateralisation the nerve is deflected laterally through a mandibular osteotomy, while the mental nerve and mental foramen are not manipulated. The resulting hypoaesthetic area was drawn on a graph to assess its extension. Although different techniques are available for placing implants in atrophic jaws, mobilisation of the IAN is indicated in certain cases in which other techniques are not feasible or have a high risk of complications.

Sclerotherapy of face and oral cavity low flow vascular malformations: our experience.

We have reviewed our experience (15 patients during the period 2008-2012) in the treatment of low flow vascular malformations (LFVMs) of the face and oral cavity with polidocanol foam sclerotherapy. They were diagnosed clinically and with the help of Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The maximum dose recommended for each session was 20mg/day and the minimum interval between sessions was 4 weeks. Embolisation was repeated as many times as needed until the size of the lesions and the symptoms had been reduced sufficiently. Patients were followed up 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment had finished, and the size of the lesions was assessed objectively. The 8 men and 7 women were aged between 18 and 71 (mean 44) years. The lesions had reduced and symptoms had improved in all cases. During the follow-up period, one patient relapsed and developed further symptoms. The pain and postoperative inflammation were successfully controlled with an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory drug. There was only one complication (superficial necrosis), which healed completely by second intention. Direct puncture and sclerosis with polidocanol foam are an effective treatment for LFVM of the face and oral cavity.

Use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Platelet-rich plasma is a concentrate of growth factors and osteoconductive proteins, which can play a major role in bone biology by accelerating and enhancing bone repair and regeneration. This paper describes the results of using platelet-rich plasma in the management of bisphosphonate-associated necrosis of the jaw. Eight patients with a diagnosis of bisphosphonate-associated necrosis of the jaw were surgically treated for debridement and removal of necrotic bone, followed by application of autologous platelet concentrate enriched with growth factors and primary suture of the wound. Patients underwent periodic clinical and radiological follow-up examinations. All patients showed clinical improvement and oral lesions resolved 2-4 weeks after treatment. After an average 14-month follow up period, patients remained asymptomatic. Although not conclusive, the combination of necrotic-bone curettage and platelet-rich-plasma to treat refractory osteonecrosis of the jaw yielded promising results.

Bisfosfonatos en atención primaria. Estudio epidemiológico de la administración y repercusión de bisfosfonatos en pacientes que acuden a consultas de odontología del Servicio Canario de Salud / Bisphosphonates in primary attention. Study epidemiologist of administration and repercussion of bisphosphonates in patientes who they go to consultations of odontology of the Canary Service of Health

Objetivos: Hemos realizado un estudio en tres consultas de Odontología de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria para conocer el porcentaje de pacientes que acude a las mismas en tratamiento con bisfosfonatos (BF), qué características tienen, qué prestaciones solicitan y si estos fármacos condicionan los tratamientos dentales. Igualmente, queremos saber el grado de información sobre los posibles efectos secundarios de la administración de BF en relación a la salud bucodental y si se llevaron a cabo revisiones previas a dicho tratamiento. Diseño del estudio: Se realizaron encuestas durante 40 días laborales (entre los meses Junio y Julio de 2007) a todos los pacientes de 50 años o más, que acudieron con cita previa a las Consultas de Odontología de tres Centros de Salud, del Servicio Canario de Salud en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Resultados: De los 501 pacientes, 25 (5%) estaban en tratamiento con BF. El risedronato y el alendronato eran los BF más utilizados. Se encontró menor frecuencia de exodoncias respecto a la esperada en estos pacientes y un aumento de las prescripciones medicamentosas. Conclusiones: Ningún paciente había acudido para una revisión dental antes de iniciar un tratamiento con BF. Los pacientes en tratamiento con BF vía oral no están debidamente informados de la posibilidad de osteonecrosis maxilar tras alguna manipulación dentaria (AU)

Objetives: We have realized a study in three consutations of Odontology of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, to know the percentage patients that goes to the same in tratment with bisphosphonates (BF), what characteristic has, what benefits they request and if these medicaments determine the dental treatments. Equally, we want to know the degree of information about the possible side effects of the administration of BF in relation to the oral health and if previous revisions were carried out to this treatment. Design of the study: Surveys were realised during 40 labour days (between the months June and July, 2007) to all the 50-year-old patients o more, that they came with appointment before the Consultations of Odontology of three Centers of Health, of the Canary Service of Health in Las Palmas of Gran Canaria. Results: Of 501patients, 25 (5%) was in treatment with BF. The risedronato and the alendronato were the most used BF. One found minor frequency of exodoncias with regard to waited in these patients and an increase of the medicinal prescriptions. Conclusions: No patient had come for dental review before initiating a treatment with BF. The patientes in treatment with BF oral route are not properly informed about the possibility of osteonecrosis maxillary after any dental manipulation (AU)

Importancia del cepillado antes de acostarse en la prevención de la caries. Estudio en una población infantil / The importance of night tooth brushing before sleeping in the prevention of dental caries. Study on childhood population

En el presente trabajo nos planteamos si sería imprescindible el cepillado tres veces al día y, en caso contrario, en qué momento del día sería más importante la eliminación mecánica de la placa. Para ello, se planteó un estudio transversal correspondiente a 214 escolares de 6-12 años en el periodo comprendido en el curso 2004-5. A cada niño se le practicó el “Examen parcial o tipo III” recomendado por la Federación Dental Internacional, como procedimiento estándar para un estudio de prevalencia de caries. Hemos obtenido los siguientes resultados: 1. El cepillado de dientes antes de acostarse es un factor protector de la presencia de caries, siendo el correspondiente odd-ratio ajustado de 0.339 (intervalo de confianza al 95% [0.159; 0.722]). 2. El consumir azúcar más de una vez una vez al día tiene más riesgo de aparición de caries que si consumen una vez al día, siendo el correspondiente odd-ratio ajustado de 1.998 (intervalo de confianza al 95% [1.090; 3.665]). 3. Los niños que acuden a un colegio público tienen más riesgo de presentar caries que los que asisten a un colegio privado. Siendo el correspondiente odd-ratio ajustado de 2.019 (intervalo de confianza al 95% [1.105; 3.691]). 4. Se cumplen en la población estudiada los objetivos marcados sobre caries dental por la OMS para el año 2000 (AU)

In the present study we are questioning if the three time a day tooth brushing is really essential and if it is the opposite case, what time of the day would be most important for mechanical elimination of dental plaque. For this purpose we have planed a transversal study on 214 pupils aged 6 to 12 years in the period of 2004-05 scheduled school coarse. On each of them was applied the “Partial Exam type III” which is recommended from International Dental Federation and which is considered as standard procedure on prevalence of dental caries study. We obtained following results: 1. Tooth brushing by night before sleeping is a favourable protection factor from dental caries, being correspondent odd-ratio adjusted on 0.339 (interval of confidence is 95% [0.159; 0.722]). 2. Consuming the sugar more than one time a day causes higher risk for dental caries apparition than one time a day consumption of sugar, being correspondent odd-ratio adjusted on 1.998 (interval of confidence is 95% [1.090;3.665]). 3. The children attending public schools have higher risk of dental caries presence than the children attending private schools being correspondent odd-ratio adjusted on 2.019 (interval of confidence is 95% [1.105;3.691]). 4. The objectives on dental caries marked from WHO are carried out on the studied population (AU)

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. A case report.

Histologically, Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a necrotising, self-limiting lymphadenitis. It typically affects the lymph nodes of the neck and it is often accompanied by a high fever. The present paper documents the case of a 28-year old male carrier of KFD. From the x-ray images, the KFD clinically appeared to be a submandibular salivary gland tumor. An ultrasound study led us to believe that it was more likely a branchial cyst. Malignant lymphoma can be mistaken for KFD, thus the diagnosis must be precise and the differentiation is crucial.