Do Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy Influence Oral Health-Related Quality of Life After Molar Extraction?

PURPOSE: Most individuals experience significant deterioration in their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the first few days after tooth extraction. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) protocols on OHRQoL after extraction of lower molars. METHODS: The investigators designed a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial study. Patients with indications for lower molar extraction were included in the study and randomized into four groups: control group, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy group, LLLT group (LLLT.G), and aPDT and LLLT group (aPDT + LLLT.G).The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was used through an interview with the participants before the extraction (T0 - baseline) and on the 7th (T1) and 30th (T2) days after extraction. Other variables were age, sex, ethnicity, decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and tooth types. Appropriate univariate and bivariate statistics were computed, and statistical significance was set at a value P < .05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 40 patients with a mean age of 41.25 ± 13.97 and 25 (62.5%) were women. The mean OHIP-14 scores were significantly different in the intervals at T0 versus T1 and T0 versus T2 for all domains (P < .001), demonstrating a positive impact on the OHRQoL. The total scores indicated a significant improvement in the OHRQoL in the aPDT (7.10, standard deviation 4.18, P = .043), LLLT (6.40, SD 5.87, P = .025), and aPDT + LLLT (5.30, SD 3.59, P = .012) groups compared to that in the control group (12.90, SD 6.64) at T1. Patients undergoing extraction of lower mandibular molars with aPDT + LLLT had the lowest mean OHIP-14 total score at T1 (5.30) and T2 (0.70). CONCLUSION: The aPDT and LLLT protocols had a positive impact on the participants' OHRQoL. These procedures can be applied in everyday surgical practice.

Application of highly ozonated sunflower oil does not improve palatal wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Ozone is a molecule that plays an important role in dentistry, specially for wound healing. The aim of the present study was to clinically and immunologically evaluate the effect of ozonated oil on the healing of palatal wounds. METHODS: This is a prospective, longitudinal, triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The groups were divided as follows: Test group (n = 14): after removal of the free gingival graft (FGG), the palatal wound was treated with ozonized seed sunflower oil with a peroxide index between 510 and 625 meq O2 /kg; Control group (n = 14): after removal of the FGG, the palatal wound was treated with non-ozonated sunflower oil (placebo). The treatments were applied three times a day, for 7 days. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the measurements of wound area (mm2 ) between the test and control groups in the different periods evaluated (0, 3, 7, and 14 days; p > 0.05). The intra-group analysis showed a significant decrease in wound size over the course of days (0, 3, 7, and 14 days; p < 0.05). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; pg/mL) presented a significant reduction at 7 days (p < 0.05) compared to day 3 in the test group (p < 0.05). There was a statistical difference for malondialdehyde (MDA; pg/mL) in the test group between 3 and 7 days post-treatment (p < 0.05) and between test and control groups on the 7th day (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of highly ozonated sunflower oil did not improve the remaining scar area of the palate, decreasing the VEGF and increasing the oxidative stress marker MDA.

Effect of Treatment with Selective Caries Removal Associated to Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Children's Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Non-Randomized Clinical Study.

How patients perceive impact of diseases is an essential component when characterising different disease impacts, and effects of dental treatments should be perceived by the patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of conservative treatment of deep caries lesions using the selective caries removal (SCR) associated to a low laser therapy (antimicrobial photodynamic therapy-aPDT) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). STUDY DESIGN: A non-randomized clinical before-and-after study was conducted on children aged 4 to 8 years. The data was obtained applying the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) to the caretakers in an interview before and after treatment. The paired T-student test considering p<0.05 and the treatment responsiveness detecting the effect size by means of standardized response mean (SRM) was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean impact on OHRQoL on the total scale was 5.46 ± 4.54 for before and 2.42 ± 3.54 for after treatment (p<0.01). The ECOHIS demonstrated satisfatory longitudinal responsiveness except for psychological, self-image/social interaction and Family function domain (SRM<0.5). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the association of a low laser therapy (aPDT) with SCR did not influence negatively on OHRQoL. In the practice of pediatric dentistry, this conservative dental treatment improved the OHRQoL after 3 months of follow up.

Evaluation of composite restorations in primary molars subjected to selective caries removal associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been used as an adjunct treatment of deep caries lesions; however, studies on the effects of aPDT on the longevity of restorations are still limited. AIM: To evaluate the clinical performance of composite restorations in primary molars subjected to selective caries removal (SCR) associated with aPDT. DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial was designed. Primary molars of patients (mean age 6.15 years) with deep caries lesions without signs and symptoms of pulpal involvement were selected. A total of 64 teeth were randomly divided into groups G1 (SCR, 32 teeth) and G2 (SCR + aPDT, 32 teeth) for treatment, restored with composite, and evaluated after a week (T0 ), 6 months (T1 ), and 12 months (T2 ) according to the criteria of FDI. Groups were compared using the Rao-Scott chi-squared test and the logistic regression analysis for complex designs to account for multiple observations per subject (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: From all FDI criteria evaluated, the marginal adaptation for the SCR + aPDT group was significantly better in comparison with the SCR group at T0 and T2 in the logistic regression analysis (T0: OR = 0.151; 95% CI = 0.03-0.068, P = .015; and T2: OR = 0.201; 95% CI = 0.05-0.79, P = .022). CONCLUSION: The marginal adaptation of primary molar resin restorations was positively affected by aPDT after 12 months of follow-up.

Effect of photobiomodulation on post-operative symptoms in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis treated with foraminal enlargement: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To assess the efficacy of photobiomodulation in reducing post-operative symptoms and use of analgesics in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis treated with foraminal enlargement in a single visit. METHODOLOGY: This prospective double-blind, controlled, superiority, randomized clinical trial enrolled 70 patients requiring root canal treatment of one single-rooted tooth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. The participants were randomized into one of the following two groups: 35 patients in the control group (C.G) - root canal treatment with foraminal enlargement, without any additional treatment and 35 patients in the photobiomodulation group (PBM.G) - root canal treatment with foraminal enlargement associated with photobiomodulation (antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and low-level laser therapy). The outcome variables were post-operative pain, tenderness, oedema and the use of analgesics. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale (recorded every day for 7 days, then the 14th and 30th days after root canal treatment). Facial oedema was assessed subjectively by two independent evaluators using photographs taken by one of the researchers at 48 h, 72 h and 7 days after the procedures. Data were tabulated and analysed using the Mann-Whitney U, Chi-Square, Fisher`s Exact, Student T and Ordinal Logistic Regression by Generalized Estimating Equations tests in SPSS software. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in post-operative pain and tenderness between the groups at any observation period (p > .05). Photobiomodulation (beta = -0.77 / p = .01), time (beta = -0.23 / p < .01), and male gender (beta = -1.20 / p < .01) were associated with decreased post-operative pain. Only time (beta: -0.10; p < .01) and male gender (beta: -1.04; p < .01) were associated with decreased tenderness. For oedema and use of analgesics, there was no difference between the groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation had no significant effect on post-operative pain, tenderness, oedema and the use of analgesics after root canal treatment with foraminal enlargement, in single-rooted teeth treated in a single visit. Register of Clinical Trials: NCT03704857. Research Ethics Committee: no 2.353.996 / CAAE 74185417.9.0000.5626.

Prevalência das lesões orais em idosos atendidos no serviço de estomatologia do Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo ­ UFF/RJ / Prevalence of oral lesions in the elderly treated at the stomatology service of the Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo ­ UFF/RJ

Objetivo: realizar um levantamento epidemiológico acerca das alterações na mucosa oral dos pacientes acima de 60 anos, atendidos no serviço de Estomatologia do Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo - UFF/RJ, no período de 2013 a 2018, e estabelecer as principais causas e formas de tratamento. Materiais e Métodos: estudo retrospectivo e observacional, com análise descritiva, através da coleta de dados nos prontuários: idade, sexo, cor da pele, ocupação, lesão e sua localização. Resultados: foram analisados 640 prontuários, destes, 395 (61,7%) apresentaram lesão, sendo 132 (20,6%) deles com mais de uma lesão. Dos 395 com lesão, 57,0% (225) eram do sexo feminino. A cor de pele branca representou 56,7% (224), porém 107 prontuários não apresentaram essa informação. A amostra contou com pacientes de 60 a 91 anos, com média de 65 anos. No total foram encontradas 613 lesões. Queilite actínica foi a mais prevalente 15,5% (95), seguida da estomatite protética 14,0% (86) e hiperplasia fibrosa 13,4% (82). Conclusão: os indivíduos idosos do presente estudo apresentaram alta frequência de lesões orais, sendo a queilite actínica, estomatite protética e hiperplasia fibrosa as mais comuns.

Objective: to carry out an epidemiological survey of oral mucosa lesions of patients aged over 60 years, attended at the Stomatology Service of the Nova Friburgo Health Institute - UFF/RJ, from 2013 to 2018, and to establish the main etiologies and forms of treatment. Materials and Methods: retrospective and observational study through data collection from medical records as: age, gender, skin color, occupation, lesion and its location. Results: 640 medical records were analyzed, of which 395 (61.7%) had lesions, 132 (20.6%) had more than one lesion. Of the 395 with injuries, 57.0% (225) were female. White skin color represented 56.7% (224), but 107 medical records did not present this information. The sample included patients aged 60 to 91 years, with a mean of 65 years. In total, 613 injuries were found. Actinic cheilitis was the most prevalent 15.5% (95), followed by prosthetic stomatitis 14.0% (86) and fibrous hyperplasia 13.4% (82). Conclusion: the elderly individuals in the present study had a high frequency of oral lesions, with actinic cheilitis, denture stomatitis and fibrous hyperplasia being the most common.

Evaluation of sclerotherapy with different dilutions of ethanolamine oleate in the treatment of oral varicose veins / Avaliação da escleroterapia com diferentes diluições de oleato de etanolamina no tratamento de varizes orais

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aim to evaluate the effectiveness of sclerotherapy protocols with different dilutions of ethanolamine oleate in the treatment of oral varicose veins. Methods: Clinical data and images of 14 cases treated with sclerotherapy were analyzed and descriptive analyses were performed. Results: Females (58%) and white skin color (83%) prevailed. Age varied between 14 and 79 years, with 47 years on mean (SD = 19 years). The most common anatomical locations were the buccal mucosa and lower lip. The final volume of the sclerosing agent (Ethamolin®) ranged from 0.4 to 4.3ml and the concentration ranged from 5% to 100%. The number of sessions ranged from 1 to 12 and the number of points per application was 1 to 7 points. Pain and edema were seen in 43% and 29% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Sclerotherapy with monoethanolamine oleate diluted in anesthetic is a safe and effective option for the treatment of this lesion, regardless of concentration. However, edema and pain seem to be directly associated with increased drug concentration.

RESUMO Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a efetividade de protocolos de escleroterapia com diferentes diluições de oleato de etanolamina no tratamento de varizes orais. Métodos: Dados clínicos e imagens de 14 casos tratados com escleroterapia foram avaliados, sendo realizado análises descritivas. Resultados: As mulheres (58%) e a cor de pele branca (83%) prevaleceram na amostra. A idade variou entre 14 e 79 anos, com média de 47 anos (DP = 19 anos). As localizações anatômicas mais comuns foram a mucosa jugal e o lábio inferior. O volume final do agente esclerosante (Ethamolin®) variou de 0,4 a 4,3ml e a concentração variou de 5% a 100%. O número de sessões variou de 1 a 12 e o número de pontos por aplicação foi de 1 a 7 pontos. Dor e edema foram observados em 43% e 29% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Conclusão: A escleroterapia com oleato de monoetanolamina diluído em anestésico é uma opção segura e eficaz para o tratamento das varizes orais, independentemente da concentração. No entanto, edema e dor parecem estar diretamente associados ao aumento da concentração do medicamento.

Do Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy Minimize Postoperative Pain and Edema After Molar Extraction?

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing postoperative pain and edema after molar extractions. METHODS: The investigators designed a single-blind randomized controlled study and enrolled subjects requiring extraction of at least one of the first or second molars. They were randomized to one of the following four groups: control group, aPDT group, LLLT group, and aPDT and LLLT group. Patients were blinded to the group assigned. The outcome variables were postoperative pain and edema. Pain intensity was measured on a visual analog scale (recorded every day for 7 days after tooth extraction). Facial edema was assessed by measuring the perimeter between the tragus, base of the jaw, and labial commissure, which was recorded once before surgery and then on the third and seventh days after surgery. Other variables were age, sex, ethnicity, decayed/missing/filled teeth, and tooth types. Appropriate univariate and bivariate statistics were computed and statistical significance was set at a value of P < .05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 40 patients with a mean age of 41.25 ± 13.97 years and 25 (62.5%) of them were women. There were 10 subjects in each treatment group. The mean of postoperative pain within the groups was associated with a significant continuous decrease over time (P < .05). Postoperative pain was lowest in the aPDT + LLLT group in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th day after tooth extraction (P < .05). There were no significant differences in edema among the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The combined use of aPDT and LLLT was effective in reducing postoperative pain. These procedures can be applied in everyday surgical practice.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma associated with a dental implant.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is an uncommon pathology that affects gingival or alveolar mucosa. Although PGCG can be associated with dental implants, little is known about this lesion and implant osseointegration as well as its etiopathogenesis and the treatments available. This study sought to report a rare case of PGCG associated with dental implant, emphasizing its clinical and histopathological aspects. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old man had an exophytic, reddish lesion, around a crown attached to a dental implant located in the left mandible. Radiographically, there was bone loss around the implant. After excisional biopsy, histological examination revealed a submucosal proliferation of multinucleated giant cells rendering the diagnosis of peripheral giant cell granuloma. Patient has been under follow-up for 6 months with no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-implant lesions must be completely removed to prevent recurrence of PGCG and implant failure, even in cases suspected to be reactive. Besides, histological examination must be performed on all peri-implant reactions to achieve the appropriate diagnosis and, consequently, the best treatment and follow up.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy as an Adjunct for Clinical Partial Removal of Deciduous Carious Tissue: A Minimally Invasive Approach.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct for minimally invasive treatment (partial removal of carious tissue-PRCT) of deciduous carious tissue evaluating its efficacy in reducing microorganisms. For that, a clinical study was design including children with deciduous molars with active deep caries lesions (DCL). PRCT was performed and remaining dentin was treated with 100 µg mL-1 methylene blue solution (5 min) and than irradiated with a low power laser emitting red light (InGaAIP-indium gallium aluminum phosphide; λ = 660 nm; 100 mW; 300 J cm-2 ; 90 s; 9 J). The colony forming units (CFU) count after PRCT and after PRCT + aPDT/mg of dentin were compared for total microorganisms, including Candida spp., the mutans streptococci group, Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. The dentin was classified (color, consistency and humidity). The microbial reduction varied from 69.88% to 86.29% and was significantly observed for total microorganisms, mutans streptococci, Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp (P < 0.001). The dentin type did not influence reduction of microorganisms (P > 0.05). The aPDT presents a promising future for clinical use as an adjunct for the reduction of microorganisms in PRCT of DCL in all kinds of dentin.

Is Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Effective for Microbial Load Reduction in Peri-implantitis Treatment? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the microbiological alteration beneficial to peri-implantitis treatment. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42017064215. Bibliographic databases including Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed were searched from inception to 8 January 2017. The search strategy was assembled from the following MeSH Terms: "Photochemotherapy," "Dental Implants" and "Peri-Implantitis." Unspecific free-text words and related terms were also included. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias of included studies. The random-effect model was chosen, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 test. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated an association between aPDT and reduction in viable bacteria counts for: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (OR = 1.31; confidence interval = 1.13, 1.49; P < 0.00001), Porphyromonas gingivalis (OR = 4.08; confidence interval = 3.22, 4.94; P < 0.00001) and Prevotella intermedia (OR = 1.66; confidence interval = 1.06, 2.26; P < 0.00001). A aPDT appears to be effective in bacterial load reduction in peri-implantitis and has a positive potential as an alternative therapy for peri-implantitis.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Associated with Conventional Endodontic Treatment: A Clinical and Molecular Microbiological Study.

This study evaluated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to endodontic treatment. Ten uniradicular teeth (control group (CG) = 4 (2 and test group (TG) = 6) with primary endodontic infections, from both genders, between 17 and 65 years old, were analyzed. Microbiological samples were collected before and after chemical-mechanical instrumentation (CMI), after aPDT (for the TG), and after the removal of the temporary restorations (second session). In TG, the aPDT was performed with 100 µg mL-1 methylene blue and irradiated with low power laser (InGaAIP, 660 nm; 100 mW; 40 s) with a fiber-coupled optical laser. Another irradiation (3 J; 30 s; spot size of 3 mm2 ) was performed in the gingiva close to the apical foramen. The PCR was performed, after previous whole-genome amplification, for Enterococcus faecalis, Candida genus and Bacteria domain. For TG, a positive tooth for Candida spp. before of the CMI presented negative results in subsequent samples. Additionally, E. faecalis species was present in four samples before CMI, two after CMI, in one after the aPDT and was not detected at the second session. aPDT may be an effective adjunct therapy, resulting in a reduction (P = 0.0286) of the incidence of E. faecalis before root canal obturation.

Use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for treatment of deep caries in the primary dentition: a step-by-step technique report.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is increasingly used in dentistry to treat a number of diseases. The procedure involves the activation of a photosensitizer by a visible light source to induce chemical reactions that create cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, cause oxidative stress, and result in inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms. The use of aPDT has been proven to reduce microorganisms present in dentin and therefore may be effective for treatment of deep caries. This case report describes the use of aPDT as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of deep caries in the primary molar of a 7-year-old boy. The case also highlights the preservation of pulpal vitality-in accordance with the concepts of minimal intervention-as well as the reduction of chair time achieved by resolving the case in a single session, a factor that is important for the treatment of children.

Análise do diagnóstico citopatológico realizado em pacientes atendidos na clínica de estomatologia do curso de odontologia da Universidade Federal Fluminense, Nova Friburgo / RJ / Diagnostic cytopathologicalanalysis performed in patients attended by the stomatology clinic of the Universidade Federal Fluminense, Nova Friburgo / RJ

A citopatologia é uma técnica que propicia diagnósticos rápidos para lesões em mucosas, além de ser bastante acessível do ponto de vista econômico. Na odontologia, pode ser um bom exame auxiliar no diagnóstico de lesões bucais, principalmente lesões infecciosas, bem como na detecção precoce do câncer de boca. Objetivos: estabelecer a técnica de citopatologia no laboratório de Patologia Oral do Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo da UFF, bem como avaliar dados demográficos e discutir os diagnósticos citopatológicos desses pacientes. Métodos: foram selecionados 90 pacientes atendidos na clínica de Estomatologia da UFF-NF com lesões orais que tinham indicação para realização da citopatologia oral. Após obtenção de dados demográficos, a coleta de material foi feita, seguida da realização do esfregaço em duas lâminas de vidro. Resultados: Dos 90 pacientes, 54 (60%) eram mulheres e 36 (40%) homens. A idade dos pacientes variou de 30 a 82 anos, com média de 56,60 anos. Desses pacientes, 23 (26%) declararam-se tabagistas, 27 (30%) declararam-se etilistas e 77 (86%) eram usuários de próteses dentárias. Os esfregaços dos 90 pacientes foram diagnosticados de acordo com as classes de Papanicolaou, sendo a maioria, 84 pacientes (93%), diagnosticada como Classe II. Desses 84 pacientes, 34 (40,4%) apresentaram candidíase. Conclusão: após a realização deste trabalho, além da técnica de citopatologia ser estabelecida, pode-se perceber que os esfregaços inflamatórios e apresentando fungo foram predominantes, o que demonstra a boa capacidade diagnóstica da técnica de citopatologia para lesões infecciosas(AU)

Objectives: to establish the technique of cytopathology in the laboratory of Oral Pathology of the Institute of Health of Nova Friburgo of the UFF, as well as to evaluate demographic data and to discuss the cytopathological diagnoses of these patients. Methods: 90 patients attended at the Stomatology clinic of the UFF-NF with oral lesions that had been indicated for oral cytopathology were selected. After obtaining demographic data, the material was collected, followed by the smearing on two glass slides. Results: Of the 90 patients, 54 (60%) were women and 36 (40%) were men. The patients' ages ranged from 30 to 82 years, with a mean of 56.60 years. Of these patients, 23 (26%) declared themselves smokers, 27 (30%) declared themselves alcoholics and 77 (86%) were users of dental prostheses. The smears of the 90 patients were diagnosed according to the classes of Papanicolau, being the majority, 84 patients (93%), diagnosed as Class II. Of these 84 patients, 34 (40.4%) presented candidiasis. Conclusion: after this work, besides the cytopathology technique was established, it can be noticed that the inflammatory smears and presenting fungus were predominant, which demonstrates the good diagnostic capacity of the cytopathology technique for infectious lesions(AU)

Automated algorithm for actinic cheilitis diagnosis by wide-field fluorescence imaging.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a disease caused by prolonged and cumulative sun exposure that mostly affects the lower lip, which can progress to a lip squamous cell carcinoma. Routine diagnosis relies on clinician experience and training. We investigated the diagnostic efficacy of wide-field fluorescence imaging coupled to an automated algorithm for AC recognition. Fluorescence images were acquired from 57 patients with confirmed AC and 46 normal volunteers. Three different algorithms were employed: two based on the emission characteristics of local heterogeneity, entropy and intensity range, and one based on the number of objects after K-mean clustering. A classification model was obtained using a fivefold cross correlation algorithm. Sensitivity and specificity rates were 86% and 89.1%, respectively.

Effect of the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on microorganism reduction in deep caries lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the reduction of microorganisms in deep carious lesions. An electronic search was conducted in Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, and Cochrane Library, followed by a manual search. The MeSH terms, MeSH synonyms, related terms, and free terms were used in the search. As eligibility criteria, only clinical studies were included. Initially, 227 articles were identified in the electronic search, and 152 studies remained after analysis and exclusion of the duplicated studies; 6 remained after application of the eligibility criteria; and 3 additional studies were found in the manual search. After access to the full articles, three were excluded, leaving six for evaluation by the criteria of the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Of these, five had some risk of punctuated bias. All results from the selected studies showed a significant reduction of microorganisms in deep carious lesions for both primary and permanent teeth. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in microorganism counts in all analyses (p<0.00001). Based on these findings, there is scientific evidence emphasizing the effectiveness of aPDT in reducing microorganisms in deep carious lesions.

Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis.

Effective decontamination of root canal systems is a constant concern in clinical practice. In this article, we compare the performance of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in reducing the amount of Enterococcus faecalis in root canals. Relevant studies were identified by searching electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, BVS (Medline, Scielo, Lilacs and BBO), Scopus, and Cochrane, and by manually searching the references of identified studies. The terms used in the literature search were "photodynamic therapy" and "Enterococcus faecalis". We selected 13 experimental studies that exclusively assessed the performance of PDT in reducing E. faecalis in root canals of human teeth. In an evaluation of methodological quality, 12 articles were classified as moderate-quality reports and 1 as a high-quality report. No article needed to be excluded because of low-quality methodology. The results showed that PDT had a better antimicrobial effect when used as an adjuvant endodontic treatment to NaOCl. However, this finding should be carefully interpreted, as there are few relevant studies and the methods of the selected studies varied.

Usefulness of tissue autofluorescence imaging in actinic cheilitis diagnosis.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant disorder of the lips. Because of its heterogeneous clinical aspect, it is difficult to indicate representative biopsy area. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of tissue autofluorescence in AC diagnosis. The system was composed of a 405-nm light-emitting diode, sent to the sample by a dichroic, that allows the fluorescence signal to reach a camera directly plugged in the system. Fifty-seven patients with clinical diagnosis of AC and 45 normal volunteers were selected. According to clinical and fluorescence features, one or more areas were selected for biopsies in the AC group and epithelial dysplasia (ED) grades were established. The autofluorescence images were processed by a clustering algorithm for AC automated diagnosis. The tissue autofluorescence image revealed a heterogeneous pattern of loss and increase of fluorescence in patients with AC. ED was found in 93% of the cases, and most of the areas graded as moderate or severe ED were chosen with the aid of autofluorescence. The processed autofluorescence images from AC patients showed a higher number of spots in an irregular pattern. Tissue autofluorescence image system is a useful technique in association with clinical examination for AC diagnosis.

Concordance between cytopathology and incisional biopsy in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cytopathology is a simple, non-invasive technique that could be used for early detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions, but the effectiveness of this diagnostic approach remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of cytopathology for diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the diagnostic concordance between cytopathological and histopathological diagnoses. The study enrolled 172 patients at outpatient clinics who presented with oral lesions suspicious of malignancy. All patients underwent oral cytological scrapes followed by an incisional biopsy. Of 148 cases that were histopathologically diagnosed with OSCC, the cytopathological method diagnosed 123 positive cases and resulted in a suspicion of OSCC in 16 patients. Based on these data, the sensitivity was 83.1%, the specificity was 100.0%, the positive predictive value was 100.0%, the negative predictive value was 49.0%, and the accuracy was 85.5%. The diagnostic concordance between histopathological and cytopathological examinations was 83.1% for OSCC and 85.7% for non-neoplastic lesions. The results indicate that cytopathological diagnosis had good concordance with histopathological diagnosis and showed high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy. We conclude that the sensitivity of oral cytopathology is sufficient to justify its use as a diagnostic screening test and to confirm the malignant nature of epithelial cells, mainly for the classification of OSCC. Therefore, cytopathology may be a reliable method for referring patients who require diagnosis of suspected oral cancer for starting treatment.

Concordance between cytopathology and incisional biopsy in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral cytopathology is a simple, non-invasive technique that could be used for early detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions, but the effectiveness of this diagnostic approach remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of cytopathology for diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the diagnostic concordance between cytopathological and histopathological diagnoses. The study enrolled 172 patients at outpatient clinics who presented with oral lesions suspicious of malignancy. All patients underwent oral cytological scrapes followed by an incisional biopsy. Of 148 cases that were histopathologically diagnosed with OSCC, the cytopathological method diagnosed 123 positive cases and resulted in a suspicion of OSCC in 16 patients. Based on these data, the sensitivity was 83.1%, the specificity was 100.0%, the positive predictive value was 100.0%, the negative predictive value was 49.0%, and the accuracy was 85.5%. The diagnostic concordance between histopathological and cytopathological examinations was 83.1% for OSCC and 85.7% for non-neoplastic lesions. The results indicate that cytopathological diagnosis had good concordance with histopathological diagnosis and showed high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy. We conclude that the sensitivity of oral cytopathology is sufficient to justify its use as a diagnostic screening test and to confirm the malignant nature of epithelial cells, mainly for the classification of OSCC. Therefore, cytopathology may be a reliable method for referring patients who require diagnosis of suspected oral cancer for starting treatment.