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The present case describes the successful healing of a periapical lesion associated with the left maxillary lateral incisor (# 22, Federation Dentaire Internationale) having a type 3b dens invaginatus tooth morphology. The treatment was complicated by the presence of blunderbuss root apex and large periapical lesion (>10 mm) with through and through bone defect (Bucco palatal cortical bone perforation, Von Arx Type 1b). An adolescent boy reported palatal swelling and pus discharge in relation to tooth #22. A thorough clinical and radiographic examination revealed tooth #22 as having a type 3b dens invaginatus with an open apex and a diagnosis of pulp necrosis and acute apical abscess. The case was managed by non-surgical root canal treatment followed by endodontic surgery using principles of guided tissue regeneration. A 5-year recall revealed an asymptomatic functional tooth with complete healing., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe inflammatory neuroimmune degenerative condition affecting more than 2 million individuals worldwide. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses in patients with MS and to evaluate whether acute periapical abscesses (PAs) are more likely to affect patients who were previously infected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)., Methods: Integrated data of hospital patients were used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for MS and acute PA were retrieved by querying the appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes in the database., Results: Of the total hospital patient population, 0.18% were diagnosed with a history of MS. Females were more affected than males 3.25-fold. Whites were more affected than African Americans 6-fold. Whites were more affected than African Americans combined with other ethnicities 3.6-fold. The odds ratio (OR) for acute PAs in patients with a history of MS was 2.2 (P < .0001). After adjustment for diabetes mellitus comorbidity, the OR for acute PAs in patients with a history of MS was 2.6. After adjustment for cardiovascular disease comorbidity, the OR for acute PAs in patients with a history of MS was 1.27. Of the patients who presented with PAs, 0.2% were diagnosed with a history of EBV infection. The OR was 3.98, and the difference in prevalence was statistically significant (P < .0001)., Conclusions: Under the conditions of this cross-sectional study, it appears that the prevalence of acute PAs is higher in patients with MS and that EBV may play a role., (Copyright © 2022 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses (PAs) in patients with history of stroke., Methods: Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for PAs and stroke were retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The odds ratio (OR) of acute PAs and its association with post-stroke conditions was calculated and analyzed statistically., Results: The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with stroke history was 1.39% as compared to 0.6% in the general patient population of the hospital. The OR was 2.78 and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of hemorrhagic stroke was 1.19% and the OR was 2.38. The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of cerebral infarction was 1.55% and the OR was 3.11. The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of cerebral infarction without hypertension was 0.87% and the OR was 1.75. The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001)., Clinical Significance: Oral healthcare providers should be aware of the possible higher prevalence of periapical abscesses in post-stroke patients. This can include patients with a history of hemorrhagic stroke or cerebral infarction., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest., (Copyright©American Journal of Dentistry.)

Background: Dental infections are frequently encountered in the emergency department (ED), with periapical abscesses being among the most painful. Traditional pain management strategies include local anesthetic injections, oral analgesics, and intravenous opioids., Objectives: We sought to identify an alternative pain management strategy with early use of dexamethasone as adjunct to conventional therapies for inflammation and pain at the site of infection., Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the analgesic effect of dexamethasone and placebo in ED patients with periapical abscess during a 2-year timeframe at two urban academic EDs. Adult patients presenting with physical examination findings consistent with a diagnosis of periapical abscess were randomized to receive oral dexamethasone or an identical placebo. Pain was assessed using the verbal numeric scale in person at discharge and via telephone at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after discharge from the ED., Results: Seventy-three patients were enrolled, with 37 receiving dexamethasone and 36 receiving placebo. Follow-up pain scores were obtained for 52 patients at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Ten patients from the dexamethasone group and 11 from placebo group were lost to follow-up. Patients who received dexamethasone reported a greater reduction in pain at 12 h compared with the placebo group (p = 0.029). Changes in pain scores from baseline and at 24, 48, and 72 h were not statistically significant. No adverse events were reported., Conclusions: Single-dose dexamethasone as adjunct to conventional medical management for pain caused by periapical abscess demonstrated a significant reduction in pain 12 h post treatment compared with placebo., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Awake fibreoptic intubation (AFOI) is an established modality in patients with anticipated difficulty with tracheal intubation. This case demonstrates that with careful and meticulous preparations, AFOI can lead to improved airway management and excellent patient outcomes. A 38-year-old woman presented with severe trismus secondary to odentogenous abscess was identified preoperatively as having a potential difficult airway. AFOI was performed successfully using combined Spray-As-You-Go and dexmedetomidine technique., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: Dental morbidities associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) include an increased prevalence of periodontal diseases (PDs). However, the occurrence of periapical infections in DM has not been sufficiently documented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of periapical abscesses (PAs) in type 1 DM (T1DM) patients, type 2 DM (T2DM) patients, and nondiabetics in a hospital-based population., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by accessing the University of Florida Health Integrated Data Repository, and diagnoses of T1DM, T2DM, and PA were obtained from queries using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. The following parameters were recorded: age, sex, and race. A logistic regression model for aggregated data was used to assess the association between the occurrence of PA and the diabetic groups (T1DM, T2DM, and nondiabetic groups) after adjusting for PDs and cardiovascular disease (CVD)., Results: Among 867,526 patients, we found 5260 (0.6%) with T1DM and 52,493 (6.1%) with T2DM. The prevalence of PAs in the total hospital population was 4923 (0.6%), 102 patients (1%) with T1DM and 766 (6%) with T2DM with statistically significant differences. In subjects without PDs, diabetic patients are almost 3 times likely to have PAs compared with nondiabetic subjects. Among subjects with PDs, the association is weaker (odds ratio = 1.35) but still significant at a level of 0.05. In subjects without CVD, DM subjects are greater than 3 times more likely to have PA, whereas among subjects with CVD, subjects with DM are 1.5 times more likely to have PA., Conclusions: A higher prevalence of PAs was reported in diabetic patients compared with the other hospital population. Comprehensive dental treatment should be administered to diabetic patients to maximize glycemic control., (Copyright © 2020 American Association of Endodontists. All rights reserved.)

A woman in her 60s with multiple sclerosis (MS) presented with right-sided ptosis, right sixth nerve palsy, right facial paraesthesia and signs of sepsis. She had a recent diagnosis of a dental abscess. Investigations revealed a right submasseter abscess leading to bacterial meningitis ( Streptococcus intermedius ) and a cavernous sinus thrombosis. She was managed in intensive care and underwent surgical drainage of the abscess. Anticoagulation for 6 months was planned. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a very rare complication of a dental abscess, and even less frequently associated with submasseter abscesses. The case was complicated by a history of MS, to which the patient's symptoms and signs were initially attributed to. This case highlights the diagnostic pitfalls, and aims to enhance learning around similar cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a masseter/submasseter abscess leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

We report a case that illustrates how chronic migraine headaches and multiple dental pathologies caused severe and long-standing cranial pain that affected the quality of life of a man for more than 35 years. His case was investigated at several settings including the neurology outpatient clinic of the hospital without a definitive diagnosis or resolution. After investigations, multiple oral pathologies including two occult dental abscesses were diagnosed. Once both affected teeth and associated abscesses were surgically removed, with subsequent antibiotic therapy the headaches resolved., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Chronic periapical abscess drains through a sinus tract either intraorally or extraorally. However, intraoral drainage is more common than extraoral in both dentitions. Nevertheless, the simultaneous presentation of extraoral and intraoral sinus tract is very rarely reported in primary dentition. This case report discussed the management of a girl aged 7 years with a chronic periapical abscess of tooth no. 85 with both non-healing extraoral and intraoral sinus tract having multiple stomata. Non-vital pulpectomy using calcium hydroxide paste intracanal dressing was performed initially until 2 weeks without remarkable healing; then antibiotic dressing consisting of a mixture of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and clindamycin was placed as an intracanal medicament for 1 week, which shows uneventful healing of both intraoral and extraoral sinus tract. This case report clearly indicates about how history, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment of endodontic infection associated with sinus tract can be conservatively healed with endodontic treatment alone., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Odontogenic infections are one of the most common dental problems, which affect 80%-90% of the population. Untreated odontogenic infections can cause life-threatening complications such as necrotizing fasciitis, descending necrotizing mediastinitis, internal jugular vein thrombosis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, carotid artery pseudoaneurysm or rupture, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This report aims to present a mediastinitis case, in a 22-year-old healthy male patient, which originated from an odontogenic infection. The patient was hospitalized because of worsening general health status, despite the antibiotherapy. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that periapical abscess was spreading to the mediastinum through retropharyngeal space. The patient was successfully treated by IV antibiotherapy, transcervical drainage, and extraction of tooth., Competing Interests: None

Ludwig angina is a life-threatening type of soft tissue cellulitis involving 3 compartments on the floor of the mouth including the submental, sublingual, and submandibular spaces bilaterally. Prevention, early recognition, and treatment of Ludwig angina are critical because this is a clinical diagnosis with unpredictable progression. This article describes a rare case of Ludwig angina that evolved from an odontogenic infection and the specific microbiology and clinical course and discusses possible etiologies and prevention., (Copyright © 2018 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may arise due to odontogenic etiologies. However, it is unknown whether odontogenic CRS has a differential impact on patients' quality of life (QOL) compared to standard, inflammatory (but non-odontogenic) CRS. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the impact of sinonasal symptomatology on general health-related QOL in odontogenic CRS compared to non-odontogenic CRS. This was a retrospective review of 21 odontogenic CRS patients who visited our tertiary care center. The severity of sinonasal symptomatology and CRS-specific QOL detriment was measured using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) and general health-related QOL was measured using the health utility index from the 5-item EuroQol survey (EQ-5D HUV). Compared to non-odontogenic CRS, odontogenic CRS was not associated with a difference in SNOT-22 score [linear regression coefficient (β) = - 1.57, 95% CI - 12.47 to 9.32, p = 0.777] but was significantly associated with decreased EQ-5D HUV (β = - 0.10, 95% CI - 0.17 to - 0.03, p = 0.008). We also found that the magnitude of association (β) between SNOT-22 and EQ5D-HUV was greater for odontogenic CRS patients compared to non-odontogenic CRS patients (p = 0.045). Our findings suggest sinonasal symptoms may have a greater impact on general QOL in odontogenic CRS compared to non-odontogenic CRS. The reason for this remains unknown, but deserves further study.

A 48-year-old Chinese woman was referred to our center with a 7-month history of a painful lesion on her left jaw that had been gradually increasing in size. The patient noted occasional purulent and bloody discharge from the lesion. She denied having a toothache. An examination revealed an erythematous nodule with perilesional puckering superior to the left body of the mandible, measuring 7 × 8 mm, with no discharge or surrounding inflammation. There was no cervical lymphadenopathy. WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS? HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

Background: The aims of the present study were to establish the incidence of head and neck necrotizing fasciitis (NF) in the Adelaide Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit; review the current literature regarding the management of head and neck NF; and determine the evidence for the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of NF., Methods: A retrospective audit of all patients admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit 2006-2015 with severe odontogenic infections was carried out. Patient demographics were recorded and treatment details were collected and analysed., Results: A total of 672 patients were admitted for management of severe odontogenic infections. Of these, three were identified as NF. One case was treated using hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunct to conventional surgical and medical management. Two cases were managed using aggressive surgical management alone. Two patients survived. The incidence of head and neck NF in South Australia is 48/100 000 infections per year., Conclusions: The first-line treatment of severe odontogenic infections remains conventional surgical and medical management; however, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have an additional role in the management of NF and other rare severe infections in medically complex patients., (© 2017 Australian Dental Association.)

Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts (OCSTs) are generally primarily misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated by virtue of their rarity and the absence of dental symptoms. Accurate diagnosis and treatment and the elimination of the source of infection can reduce the incidence of complications and relieve the pain of the patient.In this case report, we present the case of an 11-year-old patient with an apparent abscess but an unobvious draining sinus tract in his left cheek. Intraorally, a glass-ionomer-cement filling on the occlusal surface of the left mandibular first molar (tooth 36) was noted. Radiographic examination revealed a radiopaque mass inside the crown and pulp chamber and an irregular, radiolucent periapical lesion surrounding the distal root apex. He was diagnosed with an OCTS secondary to a periapical abscess of tooth 36. Precise root canal therapy (RCT) and chronic granuloma debridement was performed; 6 months later, the abscess and sinus had healed completely, and the periapical lesion had resolved.Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts are uncommon in the clinic. This case report reminds us of the significance of OCSTs and provides some implications for their diagnosis and treatment.

Introduction: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but very severe infection that affects the soft-tissues of the cephalic extremity. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis most frequently occurs secondarily to inflammatory odontogenic disorders and represents the most severe infection of maxillofacial spaces, with a high lethal potential., Materials and Methods: In this study, we selected 55 patients with confirmed cervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin, treated in the Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Cluj-Napoca during January 1996-December 2012., Results: In the majority of cases, the disease evolved without the presence of associated systemic disorders (60% [45.49-72.69]), the rest of the patients having 1-4 types of systemic disorders; type 2 diabetes mellitus was the most frequent type of underlying systemic disorder. From the appearance of the first symptoms until the presentation for treatment, a time interval of 2-30 days elapsed. During this time period, 78.18% (95% confidence interval [CI] [65.49-89.06]) of the patients received antibiotic treatment, but without results. Mandibular molars were the most frequent starting point of the disease, and the submandibular space was the first affected by the disease, 47.27% (95% CI [32.76-61.79]). Bacteriological exams showed that facultatively aerobic/anaerobic G + bacteria were the most frequently identified (72.22% [58.21-83.60])., Conclusion: The odontogenic lesions of the lower molars, complicated by submandibular space infections, are the most frequent starting point of odontogenic cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis. Delayed surgical treatment and strict antibiotic therapy play an important role in favoring the development of odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis.

Here, we report the diagnosis and treatment of an extraoral cutaneous sinus tract originating in a mandibular second molar with a C-shaped root canal system. The patient was referred to our department by a dermatologist after a series of unsuccessful treatments, including antibiotics. Diffuse radiolucency on a preoperative radiograph revealed that earlier root canal treatment had been only partially successful. Consequently, we performed retreatment of the root canal comprising removal of the former restoration and gutta-percha, cleaning and shaping, and passive irrigation with sodium hypochlorite. The patient responded well, and the cutaneous lesion completely resolved uneventfully within 1 month postoperatively. Preoperative recognition and thorough knowledge of the root canal anatomy and conventional methods of obturation are necessary in performing successful endodontic treatment.

Dental infections may lead to severe local or systemic infections such as endocarditis, brain abscesses and mediastinitis. Fever may be the only symptom. We aim to highlight dental/odontogenic abscesses as the occult source of unexplained fever by reporting on three cases and reviewing the relevant literature. Early dental evaluation and referral of patients with persistent fever (even without any oral symptoms) to a dentist plays a critical role in preventing unnecessary, time-consuming and high-cost further diagnostic tests and invasive procedures. A simple panoramic dental radiography may suffice to establish the diagnosis.

The objective of this work was to analyze the predisposing factors, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cervico-facial cellulitis on pregnancies and to determine maternal-fetal prognosis. We conducted a longitudinal observational descriptive study from January 2011 to March 2013 including records from pregnant women with cervicofacial cellulitis treated at the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ORL) and cervico-facial surgery department at Gabriel Touré Hospital in Bamako. Ten women met our inclusion criteria. The median age was 23 years. The entry way was dental in all cases. Three women had taken antibiotics and 3 others antibiotics associated with non steroidal anti-inflammatory. The medico-surgical treatment had permitted to cure 8 cases. Two cases of death were recorded and 4 cases of stillbirths. The cervico-facial cellulitis during pregnancy is a serious pathology that can be life-threatening to the mother and or child. Prevention is based on the control of dental status and informing women about the importance of dental hygiene.

Background: Cutaneous sinus tracts of dental origin are frequently misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated. Intraoral roentgenograms are valuable for diagnosing such tracts. Since these lesions are usually not accompanied by dental symptoms, patients tend initially to consult dermatologists or general physicians, who are not familiar with oral diseases or intraoral X-rays., Objectives: We sought to determine the usefulness of ultrasonography for detecting cutaneous sinus tracts of dental origin., Materials and Methods: Three patients who had skin lesions that were suspected of being cutaneous sinus tracts based on the findings of clinical and histological examinations were enrolled in this study. B mode and color Doppler ultrasonography were used to image the skin lesions in their entirety and to assess the associations between the subcutaneous lesions and any alveolar bone defects., Results: In each case, ultrasonography depicted a hypoechoic band that originated from the cutaneous lesion and extended through the subcutaneous tissue to the alveolar bone. Bone loss was also observed, and color Doppler ultrasonography detected increased blood flow in the peripheral regions of the tracts., Conclusions: In the present study, the patients' sinus tracts were rapidly detected using ultrasonography, which enabled appropriate treatment. Thus, ultrasonography is a convenient tool for diagnosing cutaneous sinus tracts of dental origin.

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a rare inflammatory process that causes thickening of the dura mater. Most cases are idiopathic, but it can result from many inflammatory and infective conditions. We present a case of pachymeningitis of the cavernous sinus, the aetiology of which may have been dental., (Copyright © 2014 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Dermatological disorders (DDs) and orodental diseases (ODDs) are a major source of morbidity in pet rabbits. Orodental diseases have anecdotally been associated with cutaneous disorders in rabbits., Hypothesis/objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible association between DDs and ODDs and to determine whether ODD increases the risk of DD in pet rabbits., Methods: This study was a retrospective review of 222 medical records of pet rabbits examined over 1 year in 20 private veterinary clinics. Records of rabbits diagnosed with DD were selected. Frequencies of ODDs and other variables were evaluated between rabbits with and without DDs using logistic regression. Rabbits seen during the same time period, but without a diagnosis of DD, were included as control animals., Results: The prevalence of DD was 28.4% (63 of 222), and the prevalence of ODD was 23% (51 of 222). A significant association was present between DD and ODD. Rabbits diagnosed with ODD were 63 times (odds ratio 63.75; 95% confidence interval 23.9-170.2; P < 0.0001) more likely to be diagnosed with DD in comparison to rabbits without ODD., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The results of this study indicate a strong association between ODD and DD. In particular, rabbits with ODD have a greater risk of developing skin disease later in life. Although coat condition and hair quality can be influenced by many biological and environmental factors, ODDs should be carefully considered as a possible underlying condition in rabbits showing DDs. More prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether this association is due to a behavioural disorder or a metabolic condition., (© 2013 ESVD and ACVD.)

Often there is the need of moving teeth endodontically treated or teeth still in endodontic treatment. In order to collaborate with the comprehension and substantiation of the following subjects we will discuss: 1) Orthodontic movement in endodontically treated teeth without periapical lesion, 2) Orthodontic movement in endodontically treated teeth with inflammatory periapical lesion, and 3) Orthodontic movement in teeth endodontically treated due to aseptic pulp necrosis by dental trauma. In practically all situations, endodontically treated teeth to be orthodontically moved must be subjected to a careful evaluation by the endodontist about the conditions, adequate or not, of the endodontic treatment. Then, in this paper it was sought to induce an insight for new clinical researches about the theme that may definitely prove the information obtained by interrelations of information in parallel to clinical practice.

Over the last few decades, many authors have investigated the effect of periodontal disease and treatment on pulpal status with controversial results. This study was conducted to verify whether periodontal disease in a deep intrabony defect and complex therapy, including aggressive root planing such as in periodontal regeneration, have an influence on tooth vitality. One hundred thirty-seven patients who fulfilled the requirements were included. The collected data did not support the need for "preventive" root canal treatment in severely compromised teeth that are planned to undergo periodontal regenerative surgery.

Dens invaginatus, also known as dens in dente, is a rare anomaly affecting human dentition. The condition results in invagination of an amelodental structure within the pulp. This case report discusses the current management protocol of dens invaginatus as demonstrated in an adolescent female and describes treatment options. As with most conditions, early diagnosis and preventive measures help minimize complications in dens invaginatus cases.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of maternal tooth periapical lesions was associated with foetal brain inflammation in a pregnant rat model., Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: pregnant rats with induced periapical abscesses (E, n=8) and sham-operated control pregnant rats (S, n=8). The pulps of the first and second maxillary right molars had been exposed and the tooth left open to the oral environment for two weeks prior to initiation of the pregnancy. Following delivery of the pups (E, n=99; S, n=101), each pup was decapitated and the brain was removed and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. The tissues were solubilized in PBS containing a protease inhibitor, and norepinephrine (NE), IL-6, IL-1-β, TNF-α, and myelin basic protein (MBP) were determined by ELISA. Group means were compared by factorial analysis of variance, a post hoc Tukey test, and Pearson's correlation test. p<0.05 was used to reject the null hypothesis., Results: E pups were significantly heavier than S pups. Brain tissue concentrations of IL-6, IL-1-β, and TNF-α were significantly higher and MBP and norepinephrine concentrations significantly lower in E pups than S pups. Concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1-β were significantly correlated between E serum, pup birthweight, and E pup brain tissue. MBP, NE and IL-6 were significantly correlated within the brain tissues of E pups., Conclusion: The data suggest that brain inflammation may be associated with maternal periapical inflammation. This association identifies a modifiable risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Orofacial pain often causes special difficulties to patients and dentists. Numerous differential diagnoses require the utilization of a coordinated diagnostic concept. Often, multiple causes lead to the need for a complex treatment plan. Impacted third molars are a potential cause of a variety of complications. Caries, pulp necrosis, and periapical infection are some of the infrequent causes of such pain. The presented case shows just such a constellation, resulting in primarily "unclear" orofacial pain. A diagnostic sequence generally leads to the correct diagnosis and thereby allows for fast and effective therapy. This shows how important structured diagnostics are, especially in cases of "unclear" pain.

A 30-year-old man presented with an acute left eye proptosis, pain, and decreased vision. He had been having a dental infection since 3 days. Orbital CT scan showed abscess in the left orbit. On dental X-ray a periapical radiolucency of the mandibular left-second molar was observed, and no obvious sinus involvement was noted. Intravenous antibiotic therapy did not lead to any significant improvement. Therefore, the patient underwent combined dental and orbital surgery to drain the abscess. Following the surgery, the patient's clinical signs and symptoms resolved completely.

Introduction: Orbital infections may result in permanent morbidity because of the severity of infection. Furthermore, delayed diagnosis or treatment of orbital infections can lead to intracranial complications and even death. The majority of orbital infections develop from paranasal sinus infections, cutaneous infections, and periorbital trauma. Dacryocystitis and odontogenic infection are also accounted as potential etiologies but are scarcely reported in scientific literature., Methods: The patient revealed a history of having endodontic treatment on left maxillary second molar performed 2 weeks previously. Moreover, she exhibited signs of facial pain accompanied by sinusitis symptoms, fever, and nasal obstruction the week after this endodontic procedure. The patient presented proptosis, impairment of ocular motility to the right side, facial tenderness, palpebral erythema, and referred decreased visual acuity. Intraoral exam revealed root fragments of left maxillary first molar and an extensive carious lesion on left maxillary second molar. Computed tomography enabled the observation of frontal sinus, left-sided maxillary, opacity of sphenoidal and ethmoidal sinuses, and apical lesion of left maxillary first and second molars, all suggesting the presence of their apex in the maxillary sinus. In addition, images revealed ocular proptosis and presence of high-density areas suggestive of pus in the medial orbital wall region., Results: The patient was submitted to surgical drainage under general anesthesia approximately 8 hours after the clinical evaluation., Conclusions: Early detection of orbital infection, proper diagnostic tests, and treatment may provide successful outcomes of this rarely occurring disease., (Copyright © 2012 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of the present report was to present a rare case of a brain abscess in a child with heterotaxy syndrome, severe cardiac anomalies, and extensive dental caries. The pathogen was Streptococcus intermedius isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid. The source of the pathogen was probably an infection of a primary molar with a dentoalveolar abscess involving the bud of the permanent successor. After a long course of antibiotic regimens followed by a craniotomy with abscess drainage, a shunt, and comprehensive dental treatment, the patient was discharged from the hospital without any neurological sequel. At home, she completed an additional 3 months of oral antibiotics. This is the only known documented case of a toddler with a brain abscess of probable odontogenic origin without previous dental intervention. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and pediatric dentists, especially in referring children with congenital heart defects for early dental checkups.

This paper describes and compares the oral health status among people with and without diabetes in France, and analyzes the related socioeconomic factors. The study is based on data from the cross-sectional national health survey conducted in France from 2002 to 2003, which included 19,231 people over 35 years of age, among whom 1,111 reported having diabetes. Data were collected through interviews that inquired about oral health status and use of dental care services, income, educational level, health insurance, place of residence, and birthplace. The prevalence of oral health problems was higher among subjects who had diabetes, compared with those who were nondiabetic (16.4% vs. 13.4%). Dental care utilization during the survey period was reported to be 8.7% among subjects who were diabetic versus 12.9% among those who were nondiabetic. The subjects with diabetes were more likely to have dental problems (OR = 1.47, CI = 1.03-2.08) and wear removable dentures (partial and complete) when their income was lower (OR = 2.17, CI = 1.52-3.10). There were social inequalities in oral health among people with diabetes in France according to income level., (© 2012 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Orocutaneous fistulas or cutaneous sinus, a tract of dental origin, is an uncommon but well-documented condition that usually requires emergency treatment. Such condition may be misdiagnosed by physicians and dentists and may sometimes be confused with bone and skin tumor, osteomyelitis, congenital fistula, salivary gland fistula, pyogenic granuloma, infected cyst, deep mycotic infection, and other pathologies. A case of facial sinus tract that was initially misdiagnosed by a physician as a nonodontogenic lesion is presented. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy was the treatment of choice for this case. Facial cutaneous sinus tracts must be considered of dental origin. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment minimize patient discomfort and esthetic problems, reducing the possibility of further complications such as sepsis and osteomyelitis.

A cutaneous draining sinus tract of dental origin is often a diagnostic challenge, because of its uncommon occurrence and absence of dental symptoms. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and the elimination of the source of infection are a must; otherwise, it can result in ineffective and inappropriate outcome of treatment. This article presents 4 cases of facial lesions misdiagnosed as being of nonodontogenic origin. The correct diagnosis in each case was cutaneous sinus tract secondary to pulpal necrosis, suppurative apical periodontitis, and osteomyelitis. In all cases, facial sinus tracts of dental origin were excised and the source of infection eliminated. The purpose of this paper is to provide diagnostic guidelines and examination protocols for differential diagnosis of cutaneous facial sinus tracts of dental origin., (Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

In most cases, FCOD is diagnosed by reviewing clinical and radiographic information and data. Multiple quadrants and a mixture of sclerotic radiopaque lesions with radiolucent borders facilitate radiographic interpretation. FCOD is a self-limiting condition that requires no further treatment once a diagnosis has been made. Prognosis is excellent. Follow-up is needed to assess for progression and any possible complications. This should include periodic radiographic evaluation. If endodontic therapy is required, it should not be initiated until a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation has been completed.

This case report describes apical infection on tooth number 24 that spread to adjacent teeth, resulting in devitalized teeth numbers 23 and 25. The 25-year-old Caucasian female patient was referred to the endodontic resident clinic because of uncontrolled apical infection. Root-end surgery and root-end filling of teeth numbers 23, 24, and 25 were performed. The histopathological diagnosis was a periapical cyst; however, the clinical surgical finding of a purulence-filled bone cavity also revealed a periapical abscess. After root-end surgery and regenerative therapy using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Bio-Oss xenograft material, and Bio-Gide resorbable collagen membrane, the patient had no symptoms. Radiographs showed the apical lesion had healed satisfactorily at the 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups. The clinical implication of this rare case suggests the importance of standard endodontic diagnostic procedures for pulpal and apical diagnosis, prevention of apical periodontitis exacerbation by reducing bacterial factors, and the effectiveness of healing large bone defects using regenerative materials., (Published by Mosby, Inc.)

Introduction: Cerebral actinomycosis is rare and difficult to diagnose., Case Report: We report a case of a 45-year-old man hospitalized for seizures associated with fever and left hemiparesis. The white cell count and C-reactive protein were elevated. HIV serology was negative. Blood cultures remained sterile. The CT scan revealed hyperdense nodular lesions in the occipital area, with annular contrast uptake and peripheral edema causing a mass effect, suggestive of brain metastasis. The pathology examination of a surgical specimen disclosed cerebral actinomycosis. A dental origin of the infection was suspected. Hemiparesis remained after a 12-month antibiotic regimen associated with dental care and short-term corticosteroid therapy., Conclusion: Actinomycosis should be discussed as a possible diagnosis for all cerebral lesions, particularly in patients with a potential dental infection. Histology is required for positive diagnosis. Antibiotic therapy alone is generally sufficient; surgery is often performed for diagnostic purposes., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A case of an avulsed upper left central incisor that was replanted after 3 h in a 7-year-old girl is presented. The tooth showed signs of an acute periapical abscess at 2 weeks after replantation. Apexification with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) following application of calcium hydroxide was attempted. At 3-year and 6-month follow-up, the tooth was asymptomatic with adequate clinical function. The radiograph showed resolution of the periapical lesion and apparent radiopaque tissue under MTA plug resembling root end morphology., (© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Objective: The influence of oral health status, the number of teeth extracted, and the anesthetic modality used is currently a matter of debate in the prevalence of bacteremia following dental extractions (BDE). The aim of the present study was to analyze the factors affecting the prevalence, duration, and etiology of BDE., Study Design: Blood samples were collected from 210 patients at baseline, 30 seconds, 15 minutes, and 1 hour after performing dental extractions. Samples were processed in the Bactec 9240 and the subculture and further identification of the isolates were performed using conventional microbiological techniques., Results: The prevalence of BDE at 30 seconds, 15 minutes, and 1 hour were 71%, 45%, and 12%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the "anesthetic modality" (local anesthesia versus general anesthesia) was the only variable related to BDE., Conclusion: General anesthesia represents a risk factor for BDE, increasing its prevalence and duration., (Copyright © 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly spreading, soft-tissue infection involving the subcutaneous tissues. Necrotizing fasciitis originating from a dental-related source is rare. Practitioners should be aware that this infection could occur in patients who are immunocompromised and in patients who are healthy. Practitioners must treat this disease aggressively with surgical debridement and intensive medical support., Case Description: The authors present a case report of a man with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus in whom a periapical infection progressed into a maxillofacial space abscess and finally cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF). A delay in his initial visit to a dentist was evident. The authors observed a successful outcome in the patient after he underwent several wide surgical debridement procedures, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and a protracted, intensive hospital stay lasting 34 days., Conclusions: Dentists should suspect that a patient has CNF when maxillofacial cellulitis or an abscess does not respond to conventional therapy. Findings of spreading skin erythema, induration, purple discoloration and anesthesia suggest necrotizing fasciitis. Early computed tomography scans may reveal gas within the deep tissues of the neck, fascial plane involvement or both., Clinical Implications: CNF has high morbidity and mortality rates if rapid aggressive therapy is not pursued. Spread of this polymicrobial infection can lead to mediastinitis or cranial base involvement. Mortality is directly proportional to the time to intervention.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess characteristics of facial cellulitis admissions and their relationship to cost of hospitalization (COH) and length of stay (LOS) in children ages 0 to 20 years at an urban hospital and to compare outcomes of rapid management to published and national statistics for LOS and COH., Methods: A retrospective review of 376 charts of facial cellulitis admissions between 2000 and 2006 revealed 63 of confirmed odontogenic cases from which cellulitis characteristics, COH, and LOS were gleaned. Variables were correlated to LOS and COH. Data on LOS and cost of admission were compared to published studies and 506 entries from the 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID)., Results: Of 63 charts included, children included were 8.3 years (SD, +/-3.8 years) and equal in sex distribution. Treatment rendered and site of infection had no significant relationship to COH. Overall mean hospital LOS was 2.08 days and significantly less as compared to 3.97 days for published studies and 3.4 days for KID (P < .0001). The mean overall hospital COH was $4166 and significantly less compared to $3223 in the literature and $8998.43 for KID., Conclusion: In the management of pediatric facial cellulitis of odontogenic origin, rapid treatment had a significant positive impact on length of stay and total cost of treatment compared to published studies and nationally reflective data., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sinus tracts of odontogenic origin most commonly open into the oral cavity but occasionally may drain extraorally. The diagnosis is more difficult when necrosis of the tooth occurs in the absence of dental caries. We report a 23-year-old man with a long-standing chronic wound on the inferior aspect of the chin that was refractory to treatment. This case demonstrates the use of a simple technique to identify a necrotic mandibular incisor tooth as the source of infection.