Post-treatment periapical periodontitis X-ray versus CBCT - a case report.

Post treatment periapical periodontitis is usually caused by residual microbes, due to poorly treated root canals and microleakage. Our clinical case proved that orthograde, single-visit endodontic re-treatment is the first choice for the clinician. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images detect the presence and the real extension of the periapical periodontitis and the outcome of the endodontic treatment, in terms of healing the bone defect. Compared with the limited 2-D data obtained by using the radiograph, the CBCT shows a 3-D image of the tooth, the root canal, and the surrounding tissue.

Endo-periodontal lesion--endodontic approach.

Endo-perio lesions might be interdependent because of the vascular and anatomic connections between the pulp and the periodontium. The aim of this study is to emphasise that primary endodontic lesion heals after a proper instrumentation, disinfection and sealing of the endodontic space. The primary endodontic lesion with a secondary periodontal involvement first requires an endodontic therapy and, in the second stage, a periodontal therapy. The prognosis is good, with an adequate root canal treatment; it depends on the severity of the periodontal disease, appropriate healing time and the response to the treatment. A correct diagnosis is sometimes difficult; an accurate identification of the etiologic factors is important for an adequate treatment. Primary perio-endo lesion may heal after a proper disinfection and sealing of the endodontic system, the one-year follow-up radiograph showing bonny repair. Invasive periodontal procedures should be avoided at that moment. The microorganisms and by-products from the infected root canal may cross accessory and furcal canals and determine sinus tract and loss of attachment. In both clinical cases presented in this article, successful healing was obtained after a proper disinfection and sealing of the endodontic system.

Black stain and dental caries in schoolchildren in Potenza, Italy.

This study examined the correlation between dark pigmented dental plaque (black stain) and caries. Black stain was observed in 67 of 1086 schoolchildren (from 6-12 years old). The mean DMF-T was 0.49 = 1.05 for children with black stain and 0.97 = 1.40 for children with black without black stain (p<0.05). The results suggest an association between black stain and a decreased caries experience at least in the permanent dentition. Further studies are necessary to examine the etiology and whether or not black stain can protect against caries.