Detection of Bacterial Flora in Orofacial Space Infections and Their Antibiotic Sensitivity Profile

Introduction

Most odontogenic infections arise as a sequel of pulp necrosis caused by caries, trauma, periodontitis, etc. They range from periapical abscesses to superficial and deep infections in neck. Some resolve with little consequence and some lead to severe infections of head and neck region. The purpose of this study was to identify microbial flora present in orofacial space infection of odontogenic origin and thereby provide better perspective in management of odontogenic infection.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-six patients with space infection of odontogenic origin were selected irrespective of their age and gender. Pus samples were collected and processed in the microbiology laboratory for the growth of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity profile.

Results

Demographic profile of the patients showed that male patients were more commonly involved and most patients fell in to the third and fourth decade of age groups. Most common site of involvement was submandibular space. Alpha hemolytic streptococci were the frequent aerobic bacterial isolate and among anaerobes, anaerobic streptococci followed by bacteroids were the major pathogens. Clindamycin, Gentamycin, Linezolid, Imipenam were the most effective antibiotics. 20 % of the aerobes were resistant to penicillin.

Conclusion

Streptococcus species are still the commonest pathogen in orofacial infections of odontogenic origin. Administration of amoxicillin clavulanic acid combination and metronidazole followed by surgical drainage of abscess and extraction of infected teeth, yielded satisfactory resolution of infection.     

Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumours: Etiology,Pathogenesis and Treatment Revisited

Introduction

Among the pathological entities that affect the maxillofacial region, Keratocystic odontogenic tumour has been subject to a lot of debates, controversies and speculations because of its diverse nature and high recurrence rates.

Materials and methods

The authors conducted a search in English literature using the following keywords; “Odontogenic keratocyst” and “Keratocystic odontogenic tumour”. The aim of the paper was to review all aspects of the entity, including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical and radiological manifestations, growth potential, recurrence and treatment modalities.

Conclusion

The controversial nature of the pathology not withstanding, there is in general a broad consensus on treating the entity conservatively with emphasis on a long term review.     

Cellular proliferation markers in peripheral and central fibromas: a comparative study

Objective:

To perform a comparative study of the cellular proliferation in the peripheral and central fibromas.

Material and Methods:

Immunohistochemistry for PCNA and the AgNOR technique were performed in 9 cases of peripheral odontogenic fibroma (POF), in 4 cases of odontogenic fibroma (OdF), in 8 cases of peripheral ossifying fibroma (PEOF) and 7 cases of ossifying fibroma (OsF). The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for the statistical analyses.

Results:

Mesenchymal component of the central lesions presented a higher mean number of AgNOR per nucleus and PCNA index than did the peripheral lesions (P≤0.05). The mean number of AgNOR per nucleus in the epithelial component proved to be higher in the OdF than in the POF (P≤0.05). The mesenchymal and epithelial components presented similar mean numbers of AgNOR per nucleus and PCNA index in the OdF, as well as a similar mean number of AgNOR per nucleus in the POF.

Conclusions:

The mesenchymal component may well play a role in the differences between the biological behaviour of the central lesions as compared to the peripheral lesions. Moreover, considering that the epithelial and mesenchymal components in odontogenic fibromas presented a similar proliferation index, more research is warranted to understand the true role of the epithelial components, which are believed to be inactive in nature, as well as in the development and biological behaviour of these lesions.     

Role of FNAC in the diagnosis of intraosseous jaw lesions

Background

FNAC of intraosseous jaw lesions has not been widely utilized for diagnosis due to rarity and diversity of these lesions, limited experience and lack of well established cytological features. Aim of the study was to determine the role of FNAC in the diagnosis of intraosseous jaw swellings.

Material and Methods

42 patients underwent FNAC over a period of 7 years (2007-2013), of which 37 (88.1%) aspirates were diagnostic. Histopathology correlation was available in 33 cases and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was calculated.

Results

Lesions were categorized into inflammatory 3, cysts/hamartomas 15 and neoplasms 19. Mandibular and maxillary involvement was seen in 21 and 16 patients respectively. Of these, benign cysts and malignant lesions were commonest, accounting for 27% lesions (10 cases) each. One case of cystic ameloblastoma was misdiagnosed as odontogenic cyst on cytology. Overall, sensitivity and specificity of FNAC were 94.7% and 100% respectively with a diagnostic accuracy of 97.3%. Definitive categorization of giant cell lesions, fibro-osseous lesions, odontogenic tumors and cystic lesions was not feasible on FNAC.

Conclusions

FNAC is a simple, safe and minimally invasive first line investigation which can render an accurate preoperative diagnosis of intraosseous jaw lesions, especially the malignant ones in the light of clinic-radiological correlation. Key words: Jaw swellings, intraosseous, FNAC.     

A SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE PATTERNS OF EXTERNAL ROOT RESORPTION UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine if there are qualitative differences in the appearance of external root resorption patterns of primary teeth undergoing physiologic resorption and permanent teeth undergoing pathological root resorption in different conditions.

Material and Methods:

A total of 40 teeth undergoing external root resorption in different conditions were divided into 4 groups and prepared for examination under scanning electron microscopy at magnifications ranging from 20x to 1000x. Group I: 10 primary molars exfoliated due to physiologic root resorption; Group II: 10 permanent teeth with periapical granulomas showing signs of resorption; Group III:10 permanent teeth therapeutically extracted during the course of orthodontic therapy with evidence of resorption, and Group IV: 10 permanent teeth associated with odontogenic tumors that showed evidence of resorption.

Results:

In Group I, the primary teeth undergoing resorption showed smooth extensive and predominantly regular areas reflecting the slow ongoing physiologic process. In Group II, the teeth with periapical granulomas showed the resorption was localized to apex with a funnel shaped appearance in most cases. Teeth in Group III, which had been subjected to a short period of light orthodontic force, showed the presence of numerous resorption craters with adjoining areas of cemental repair in some cases. Teeth associated with odontogenic tumors in Group IV showed many variations in the patterns of resorption with extensive loss of root length and a sharp cut appearance of the root in most cases.

Conclusion:

Differences were observed in the patterns of external root resorption among the studied groups of primary and permanent teeth under physiologic and pathological conditions.     

Cell block technique as a complementary method in the clinical diagnosis of cyst-like lesions of the jaw

Objective

To evaluate the applicability of the cell block technique as a complementary method for presumptive diagnosis in the analysis of cyst-like aspirates from jaw lesions prior to histopathological diagnosis.

Material and Methods

The sample was made up of 17 cyst-like jaw lesions. After puncture, the aspirates were centrifuged, fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin and processed. All lesions were biopsied and submitted to histopathological examination.

Results

In 9 cases, the cytopathological analysis using the cell block method showed a predominant presence of erythrocytes, inflammatory cells and few epithelial cells. In the other 8 cases, the cell block technique demonstrated the presence of parakeratin, whose histopathological analysis confirmed the occurrence of keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs).

Conclusions

According to the studied cases, the cell block method was proven to be a simple, fast and low-cost technique to effectively differentiate KOTs from other lesions with similar clinical and radiographic features. The cell block technique comprises cellular preparations useful to determine a clinical diagnosis and help to develop a therapeutic plan for those lesions.     

Metallothionein immunoexpression in non-syndromic and syndromic keratocystic odontogenic tumour

Background

To compare the metallothionein (MT) immunoexpression in non-syndromic and syndromic keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KOT), to correlate MT with cellular proliferation, and to evaluate the influence of inflammation in MT.

Material and Methods

Fourteen cases of KOT were submitted to immunohistochemistry for MT and Ki-67 analysis. The lesions were grouped according to their grade of inflammation, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

MT was higher in non-syndromic KOT than in syndromic KOT (p<0.05). No statistical difference in Ki-67 could be identified; however, an inverse correlation was observed between MT and Ki-67 in both lesions. When analysing inflammation, non-syndromic KOT showed no differences in either MT or Ki-67.

Conclusions

The MT immunophenotype of syndromic KOT was different from non-syndromic KOT. MT might not be involved in the proliferation control of both KOT. MT and Ki-67 immunoexpressions proved to be unaffected by inflammation in non-syndromic KOT. Key words: Odontogenic tumours, basal cell nevus syndrome, metallothionein, Ki-67 Antigen, immunohistoche-mistry.     

Peripheral Osteoma of the Maxillofacial Region Diagnosis and Management: A Study of 06 Cases

Background

Osteomas are benign neoplasm often associated with facial asymmetry, pain and surface ulceration. Peripheral osteomas are more common in the cranio-maxillofacial region. It is prevalent at younger age but maximum seen in the sixth decade, with a female to male ratio is 1:2. The aim of this study was to review the clinical presentations and management protocol of such lesions in cranio-maxillofacial region.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted at Command Military Dental Centre (EC) during May 2004 to May 2007. Six serving soldiers and their families (four males, two females), age group ranging between 13 and 56 years, mean age 34.5 years were recruited in this study. The tumors were excised using extra oral, intra oral and combined approaches; no complications were reported during post op period.

Results

All the cases were operated under GA through extra oral, intra oral and combined approaches with satisfactory results. HPE report was benign in all our cases with no post operative complications reported during follow up.

Conclusion

Cranio-maxillofacial osteomas are exclusively benign tumors and not very common entities. Proper diagnosis and precision management alleviates symptoms without any post surgical complications. In our series of six cases the tumors were diagnosed and managed as per standard surgical protocol with excellent result.     

CT maxillary sinus evaluation-A retrospective cohort study

Background

Proximity of the dental roots to the sinus floor makes dental disease a probable cause of maxillary sinusitis. The aim of this study was to find out if maxillary sinus pathologic changes were more prevalent in patients with dental disease and to evaluate the performance of computed tomography (CT) in analyzing and detecting apical periodontitis and other odontogenic causes on the maxillary sinusitis etiology in a Portuguese Caucasian population.

Material and Methods

Retrospective cohort study. The total sample of 504 patients and their CT was included in this study. The patients were from a private dental clinic, specializing in oral surgery, where the first complaint was not directly related to sinus disease, but with dental pathology. For each patient, the etiological factors of maxillary sinusitis and the imaging CT findings were analyzed. All the axial, coronal and sagittal CT slices were evaluated and general data were registered. The latter was selected based on the maxillary sinus CT published literature.

Results

32.40% of patients presented normal sinus (without any etiological factor associated), 29.00% showed presence of etiological and imaging findings in the maxillary sinus, 20.60% had only imaging changes in the maxillary sinus and 18.00% of patients presented only etiological factors and no change in the maxillary sinus.

Conclusions

Radiological imaging is an important tool for establishing the diagnosis of maxillary sinus pathology. These results indicate that the CT scan should be an excellent tool for complement the odontogenic sinusitis diagnosis. Key words: Maxillary sinusitis/etiology, odontogenic, computed tomography, maxillary sinus.     

Management and Treatment Outcomes of Maxillofacial Fibro-osseous Lesions: A Retrospective Study

Introduction

Fibro-osseous lesions are a diverse group of bone disorders and include developmental, reactive or dysplastic diseases and neoplasms. They share overlapping clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features and demonstrate a wide range of biological behaviour.

Aim

To evaluate the characteristics, treatment and outcome of benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws.

Patients and Method

All patients with fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws treated at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences from 2007 to 2013 were included in this study.

Results

Six males and four females were treated. Juvenile ossifying fibroma was most often encountered (40 %), and the mandible was the most frequent location (70 %). Main clinical feature in most of the cases was a painless expansile swelling with facial asymmetry, and radiologically mixed (radiolucent and radiopaque lesions) were seen in majority of cases. All cases were surgically treated and histopathologically confirmed. Segmental ostectomy was performed in six cases; maxillectomy was done in one case and excision along with margin in three cases. Mean follow-up was of 3.3 years with no recurrence.

Conclusions

Fibro-osseous lesions, although sharing similar microscopic features, exhibit a variety of clinical behavior rendering their treatment highly individualized. Radical treatment is the choice to achieve an outcome without recurrence.     

A retrospective study of trauma-associated oral and maxillofacial lesions in a population from southern Taiwan

Objective

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine the age, gender, frequency and distribution of trauma-associated hard tissue and soft tissue lesions of the oral and maxillofacial region in a population from southern Taiwan.

Patients and Methods

Approximately 10% of the 27,995 biopsy records of patients with history of trauma resulting in lesions who were treated at our institution between 1991 and 2006 were examined for this study.

Results

In the included records, there were 2,762 soft tissue and 26 hard tissue lesions. Mucocele was the most frequent trauma-associated soft tissue lesion (955 cases). The youngest patients were those who presented with mucocele (mean age = 27.3 years), while the oldest patients were those with peripheral giant cell granuloma (58 years). The lower lip was the most frequent site of occurrence of mucocele (676, 64.5%) and was also the predominant site of occurrence of all soft tissue lesions (815, 29.5%), followed by the buccal mucosa (654, 23.4%) and the tongue (392, 14.2%). Trauma-associated hard tissue lesions included only osteoradionecrosis (24 cases) and traumatic bone cysts (2 cases).

Conclusion

As little data of this nature have been reported from populations of Asian developing countries, the findings of this retrospective analysis is valuable for epidemiological documentation of type of traumatic oral lesions as well as for informing the professionals and the layman about the importance of this category of oral lesions.     

Brain Abscess Potentially Resulting from Odontogenic Focus: Report of Three Cases and a Literature Review

Introduction

Odontogenic foci can rarely cause intracranial infection. Hematogenous spread is considered to be the most important pathophysiological mechanism of intracranial infection of odontogenic origin. To investigate the oral origin of intracranial infections, oral surgeons should understand the underlying mechanisms by which oral bacteria spread to the central nervous system. However, there have been very few reports of intracranial infection resulting from odontogenic infection.

Case reports

The authors report the cases of a 64-year-old man, a 68-year-old man, and a 64-year-old woman whose brain abscesses perhaps have arisen from odontogenic foci, because other sources of intracranial infection such as endocarditis and maxillary sinusitis were not found. Bacteriological examination of brain abscess specimens identified Staphylococcus aureus in case 1, Streptococcus constellatus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Parvimonas micra in case 2, and Lactobacillus catenaformis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and F. nucleatum in case 3. All suspected causal teeth had no obvious signs of acute inflammation in all three cases.

Conclusions

Oral surgeons should understand these characteristics of odontogenic brain abscess, in which the potentially causal odontogenic foci often lack acute symptoms. If other origins of infection are not found, it would be better to eliminate the potentially causal odontogenic foci for improvement of oral hygiene, however, the decision making criteria to eliminate suspected causal teeth is needed to be elucidated.

     

Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws and Its Array of Manifestations

Purpose

Bisphosphonate (BP) therapy in the treatment of bone diseases and malignancy may induce a major side effect known as bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). A particular view of this condition is reported in this case series investigating eight patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the BRONJ lesions concerning their aspects and progression. Also, identify if it is possible to predict the degree of severity in these cases.

Methods

Patients were evaluated by their condition and systemic health. The lesions were evaluated in clinical and radiographic aspects. The patients were followed-up for 2 years.

Results

The patients presented with specific peculiarities, and the BRONJ lesions varied in several characteristics. The BRONJ lesions ranged from simple to severe conditions, and the complicated cases presented with major pain, swelling, secondary infection and an extensive necrotic area, classified with high grade of severity.

Conclusions

The patients presented here confirm the existence of a relation between multiple features and BRONJ and to understand the whole process of aggravation, all systemic and local information have to be taken into account, together with all data related to the BP utilized. Regardless of the low incidence of this side effect in relation to osteoporosis treatment, in some cases, the BRONJ may become a severe condition and compromise the patient’s quality of life.     

Cortical Tibial Bone Graft for Nasal Augmentation

Background

This study sought to determine the efficacy of cortical tibial bone graft for nasal augmentation. Nine cases of augmentation rhinoplasty with cortical tibial bone graft are presented.

Methods

This prospective study evaluated the postoperative results of nine patients who underwent augmentation rhinoplasty using cortical tibial bone graft. There were six males and three females aged between 21 and 36 years (mean age 29). All the nine cases were treated through closed rhinoplasty incisions.

Results

Nine patients were operated on and the average follow up was 18 months. The results were favorable. The aesthetic results were gratifying; with good nasal projection in every case without any significant postoperative effects or complications requiring surgery were noted during the follow up.

Conclusion

The findings of this study support the use of cortical tibial bone graft for nasal augmentation although further studies with more sample size are required.     

Comparative Evaluation of C-Reactive Protein and WBC Count in Fascial Space Infections of Odontogenic Origin

Purpose

To assess efficacy of C-reactive protein levels as monitoring tools for patients with fascial space infections of odontogenic origin.

Material and Method

A randomized prospective study was conducted on 20 patients suffering from fascial space infection of odontogenic origin, in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Bharati Vidyapeeth dental college and hospital, Pune, Patients between 18 and 60 years of age of both the sexes were selected. All patients were treated and observed by the same surgeon. Patient’s venous blood sample was collected pre-operatively and on 2nd and 5th post-operative days for evaluation of WBC count and C-reactive protein (CRP). All patients were encouraged for strict follow-up protocol.

Result

Where the results of WBC count and CRP when compared it was seen that the mean values of WBC were normal in 15 cases and abnormal in 5 cases on day 0, day 2 and day 5; whereas the mean values of CRP were abnormal on day 0 and day 2 and were within normal limit on day 5 in all cases.

Conclusion

The findings of this prospective analysis indicate that White blood cells and C-reactive protein are effective markers for determining severity of infection, efficacy of treatment regime for patients with fascial space infections of odontogenic origin. Thus the markers also help in making treatment of patients with fascial space infections of odontogenic origin more cost effective and they also help protecting patients from side effects of excess drugs usage. Thus we conclude that CRP should be incorporated as monitoring tools for managing patients with fascial space infections of odontogenic origin.

     

Closure of Oroantral Fistula Using Titanium Plate with Transalveolar Wiring

Background

Alloplastic materials such as tantalum, gold plates and foils, hydroxyapatite blocks have been used for closure of oroantral fistula (OAF). However, these materials are not widely accepted in routine surgical closure of OAF due to cost, difficult handling, increased rate of infection, and exfoliation.

Purpose

To overcome the above drawbacks this study aimed to use titanium plates (0.3 mm) with transalveolar wiring fixation for closure of OAF.

Patients and Methods

Ten patients with OAFs who consented to undergo this trial were selected and treated under an outpatient basis in the Oral Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Results

All OAFs were successfully treated with no eventful complications.

Conclusion

This study concludes that titanium plates with transalveolar wiring fixation is an excellent technique for closure of OAF. The high success rate with this technique warrants its use for closure of OAF.     

Anesthetic technique for inferior alveolar nerve block: a new approach

Background

Effective pain control in Dentistry may be achieved by local anesthetic techniques. The success of the anesthetic technique in mandibular structures depends on the proximity of the needle tip to the mandibular foramen at the moment of anesthetic injection into the pterygomandibular region. Two techniques are available to reach the inferior alveolar nerve where it enters the mandibular canal, namely indirect and direct; these techniques differ in the number of movements required. Data demonstrate that the indirect technique is considered ineffective in 15% of cases and the direct technique in 1329% of cases.

Objective

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe an alternative technique for inferior alveolar nerve block using several anatomical points for reference, simplifying the procedure and enabling greater success and a more rapid learning curve.

Materials and Methods

A total of 193 mandibles (146 with permanent dentition and 47 with primary dentition) from dry skulls were used to establish a relationship between the teeth and the mandibular foramen. By using two wires, the first passing through the mesiobuccal groove and middle point of the mesial slope of the distolingual cusp of the primary second molar or permanent first molar (right side), and the second following the oclusal plane (left side), a line can be achieved whose projection coincides with the left mandibular foramen.

Results

The obtained data showed correlation in 82.88% of cases using the permanent first molar, and in 93.62% of cases using the primary second molar.

Conclusion

This method is potentially effective for inferior alveolar nerve block, especially in Pediatric Dentistry.     

Cephalometric characteristics of Class II division 1 malocclusion in a Saudi population living in the western region

Objective

To describe and analyze the cephalometric dento-skeletal characteristics associated with Angle’s Class II, division 1 malocclusion in Saudi population living in the western region.

Materials and methods

The material examined included 149 lateral head radiographs comprising two series: (1) 85 films of children with Class II, division 1 malocclusion and (2) 62 films of children with “normal” occlusion. Age range of the representing children was 10–13 years.

Results

In Class II division 1 subjects, the maxilla was prognathic in relation to anterior cranial base. The mandible was normally positioned in relation to anterior cranial base. Upper incisors were proclined and lower incisors were normally positioned. The cranial base angle was not different between the two groups.

Conclusions

In the western region of Saudi Arabia, Class II division 1 malocclusion has specific characteristics. The presence of prognathic maxilla, in this sample, indicates that the use of head gear therapy might be more appropriate than functional appliances when treating Class II division 1 malocclusion in Saudis living in the Western region.     

Evaluation of care of dentoalveolar trauma

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate cases of dental trauma treated at the specialized center of Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil, during a period of 2 years.

Material and Methods

A total of 647 patients were evaluated and treated between 2003 and 2005. Data obtained from each patient were tabulated and analyzed as to gender, age, etiology, time elapsed after the injury, diagnosis (type of trauma), and affected teeth.

Results

The results revealed that male individuals aged 7 to 13 years presented the highest prevalence of injury, and falling was the main causal factor. In most cases, the time elapsed between the accident and the first care ranged from 4 to 24 h. A total of 1,747 teeth were affected, with higher incidence of concussion/subluxation and coronal fracture, followed by lateral luxation and avulsion. The permanent maxillary central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth.

Conclusion

The frequency and causes of dentoalveolar trauma should be investigated for identification of risk groups, treatment demands and costs in order to allow for the establishment of effective preventive measures that can reduce the treatment duration and costs for both patients and oral health services.     

Radiological and histopathological evaluation of experimentally-induced periapical lesion in rats

Objective

This study evaluated experimentally-induced periapical bone loss sites using digital radiographic and histopathologic parameters.

Material and Methods

Twenty-seven Wistar rats were submitted to coronal opening of their mandibular right first molars. They were radiographed at 2, 15 and 30 days after the operative procedure by two digital radiographic storage phosphor plates (Digora^®). The images were analyzed by creating a region of interest at the periapical region of each tooth (ImageJ) and registering the corresponding pixel values. After the sacrifice, the specimens were submitted to microscopic analysis in order to confirm the pulpal and periapical status of the tooth.

Results

There was significant statistically difference between the control and test sides in all the experimental periods regarding the pixel values (two-way ANOVA; p<0.05).

Conclusions

The microscopic analysis proved that a periapical disease development occurred during the experimental periods with an evolution from pulpal necrosis to periapical bone resorption.