The periodontium as a potential cause of orofacial pain: a comprehensive review

Introduction: Orofacial pain of periodontal origin has a wide range of causes, and its high prevalence and negative effect on patients' quality of life make intervention mandatory. This review provides a periodontological overview of the field of orofacial pain, focusing on the entities which involve the periodontal tissues and may be the cause of this pain or discomfort. Methods: The study comprised a literature search of these pathologies conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed Database. Acute infectious entities such as gingival and periodontal abscesses are emergencies that require a rapid response. Periodontitis associated with endodontic processes, necrotizing periodontal disorders, desquamative gingivitis, gingival recession, and mucogingival herpetic lesions, cause mild to severe pain due to tissue destruction and loss. Other lesions that lead to periodontal discomfort include gingival enlargement and periodontal ligament strains associated with occlusal trauma, parafunctional habit and the impaction of food or foreign bodies. Conclusion: A range of therapeutic, pharmacological and surgical alternatives are available for the management of these injuries. However, the wide variety of causes of orofacial pain or periodontal discomfort may confuse the clinician during diagnosis and may lead to the wrong choice of treatment

Should we call this oral granuloma 'telangiectatic' instead of 'pyogenic'? a case report

Telangiectatic granuloma, traditionally known as pyogenic granuloma, is a benign vascular tumor that appears in the oral mucosa in response to irritant, inflammatory, or traumatic stimuli. This case has a strong academic focus and will be of interest to dental surgeons. Clinicians should be alert to any gingival overgrowth. We present the case of a 79-year-old patient with a profuse lesion on a gingival papilla. Complete excision was performed followed by a confirmatory pathology study. We review the terminology, semiology, etiopathogenesis, and incidence of the lesion. Soft tissue enlargements of the oral cavity often present a major challenge because they may be produced by a diverse group of pathological processes. A tumor-like growth may be the result of a variation in normal anatomic structures, inflammation, cysts, development anomalies, or a neoplasm. We propose a differential diagnosis with other entities based on histopathology, and stress the importance of close follow-up from the time of diagnosis until surgical treatment and resolution. This case report does not query the validity of pyogenic expression but somehow, it might be misleading. We conclude that, in our case, the term 'telangiectatic' is more appropriate than 'pyogenic.

Expansive oral giant cell granuloma in a pediatric patient

Aim: This article describes a peripheral oral giant cell granuloma (POGCG) in a pediatric patient and its surgical management and histological characteristics. Background: Peripheral oral giant cell granuloma (POGCG) is a hyperplastic reactive lesion formed by a proliferation of mononuclear cells and osteoclast-type giant cells in vascular tissue, occasionally with bone formation. Generally found in women and adults, POGCG has rarely been described in children. Case description: An 8-year-old girl was consulted for an exophytic lesion in the anterior area of the upper jaw, which had increased in volume in the preceding weeks. An excisional biopsy of the tumor was performed with an electrosurgical pencil. The pathological diagnosis was POGCG. Conclusion: Excision followed by additional therapy, such as scaling and curettage, should be the first option in the treatment of POGCG. Clinical significance: Early detection of these lesions involving the periodontium is important in order to reduce bone loss and avoid pathological dental migration

Capacity of dental equipment to interfere with cardiac implantable electrical devices

Patients with cardiac implantable electrical devices should take precautions when exposed to electromagnetic fields. Possible interference as a result of proximity to electromagnets or electricity flow from electronic tools employed in clinical odontology remains controversial. The objective of this study was to examine in vitro the capacity of dental equipment to provoke electromagnetic interference in pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Six electronic dental instruments were tested on three implantable cardioverter defibrillators and three pacemakers from different manufacturers. A simulator model, submerged in physiological saline, with elements that reproduced life-size anatomic structures was used. The instruments were analyzed at differing distances and for different time periods of application. The dental instruments studied displayed significant differences in their capacity to trigger electromagnetic interference. Significant differences in the quantity of registered interference were observed with respect to the variables manufacturer, type of cardiac implant, and application distance but not with the variable time of application. The electronic dental equipment tested at a clinical application distance (20 cm) provoked only slight interference in the pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators employed, irrespective of manufacturer

Treatments to Optimize Dental Implant Surface Topography and Enhance Cell Bioactivity

Osseointegration is a biological process in which histological, surgical, infectious factors, biomechanical load, and the choice of biomaterials all play important roles. In the case of dental implants, the success of this process is also influenced by the design, composition, and properties of the implant surface, which may stimulate cell bioactivity and promote osteoblast adhesion. Currently, the raw materials most frequently used in the manufacture of dental implants are titanium, its alloys, and certain ceramic materials such as zirconia. Multiple macroscopic designs incorporating various diameters, lengths, shapes, and types of screw offer different options for specific clinical situations. The characteristics of implant surfaces have aroused great interest, due to their importance in osseointegration. The different methods used to modify surface properties are classified as additive (i.e., impregnation and coating) or subtractive (i.e., physical, mechanical and chemical methods). The surface characteristics of dental implants also have a significant influence on peri-implant microbiota

On the cellular and molecular mechanisms of drug-induced gingival overgrowth

Introduction:Gingival overgrowth has been linked to multiple factors such as adverse drug effects, inflammation, neoplastic processes, and hereditary gingival fibromatosis. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is a well-established adverse event. In early stages, this gingival enlargement is usually located in the area of the interdental papilla. Histologically, there is an increase in the different components of the extracellular matrix.Objective:The aim of this manuscript is to describe and analyze the different cellular and molecular agents involved in the pathogenesis of Drug-induced gingival overgrowth.Method:A literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed database was conducted to identify the mechanisms involved in the process of druginduced gingival overgrowth, with the assistance of a research librarian. We present several causal hypotheses and discuss the advances in the understanding of the mechanisms that trigger this gingival alteration.Results:In vitro studies have revealed phenotypic cellular changes in keratinocytes and fibroblasts and an increase of the extracellular matrix with collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth confirms the key role of collagenase and integrins, membrane receptors present in the fibroblasts, due to their involvement in the catabolism of collagen. The three drug categories implicated: calcineuron inhibitors (immunosuppressant drugs), calcium channel blocking agents and anticonvulsant drugs appear to present a multifactorial pathogenesis with a common molecular action: the blockage of the cell membrane in the Ca2+/Na+ ion flow. The alteration of the uptake of cellular folic acid, which depends on the regulated channels of active cationic transport and on passive diffusion, results in a dysfunctional degradation of the connective tissue. Certain intermediate molecules such as cytokines and prostaglandins play a role in this pathological mechanism. The concomitant inflammatory factor encourages the appearance of fibroblasts, which leads to gingival fibrosis. Susceptibility to gingival overgrowth in some fibroblast subpopulations is due to phenotypic variability and genetic polymorphism, as shown by the increase in the synthesis of molecules related to the response of the gingival tissue to inducing drugs. The authors present a diagram depicting various mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of drug-induced gingival overgrowth.Conclusion:Individual predisposition, tissue inflammation, and molecular changes in response to the inducing drug favor the clinical manifestation of gingival overgrowth

Continuous surgical decompression for solitary bone cyst of the jaw in a teenage patient

Background. A solitary bone cyst or simple bone cyst is a nonneoplastic osseous lesion, with no epithelial lining, also considered as a pseudocyst. These lesions, with an intact bony wall and fluid-filled, are frequently discovered by chance in radiological studies. The etiopathogenesis has not been studied in depth, and the management remains controversial. Case Presentation. We present a clinical case of a 15-year-old boy who underwent an orthopantomography to assess the development and position of the third molars during a routine postorthodontic check-up. By chance, the X-ray identified an asymptomatic radiolucent image in the left jaw, measuring and compatible with a solitary bone cyst involving teeth 35 and 36. We describe our technique for performing minimally invasive decompression of the lesion using a microperforated catheter. We describe the entire course of the follow-up, both clinical and radiological, until complete cure. Conclusions. This straightforward continuous decompression technique poses no problems for the patient, has a low risk of sequelae, and is clearly cost-effective. In view of the highly satisfactory evolution, whenever possible, we favor this minimally invasive technique for the treatment of solitary bone cysts in the jaw

Reliability of two measurement indices for gingival enlargement

Background and objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the concordance of the vertical gingival overgrowth index (GOi) and the horizontal Miranda & Brunet index (MBi) and to compare their reliability and reproducibility for an early diagnosis of gingival enlargement. A wide range of methods has been employed to determine the severity of drug-induced gingival enlargement (DIGE) that has resulted in uncertainty with regard to the prevalence of this side effect. In recent studies, different indices have been used to grade DIGE. The large variability observed between studies and the differences between vertical and horizontal gingival-enlargement measurements could be the result of the use of nonreliable indices during the measurement process. Some indices involve invasive procedures that require many measurements, or even a data-processing system, while others are less convenient and technically expensive and complex. In previous studies we used two complementary indices - the vertical GOi and the horizontal MBi. The results of these studies found some differences between both indices, with the MBi rendering higher estimates of DIGE prevalence that was attributed to its greater sensitivity for the detection of minimal changes in gingival thickness. To our knowledge, there are no studies comparing different measurement indices for gingival enlargement that are supported by statistical concordance analysis. Material and methods:   Twelve plaster casts from patients who had worn orthodontic brackets, and who had different degrees of chronic inflammatory gingival enlargement, were analyzed. Three previously trained examiners registered twice the degree of buccal overgrowth, using the GOi and MBi, in all cast models with a minimum interval of 7 d between the first and the second evaluation. In total, from each cast, measurements from 16 gingival sites were taken using the GOi, and from nine gingival units (mesial and distal sites measurements) using the MBi. Concordance analysis of the registered measurements (intra-examiner and among examiners) for each index and between indices was assessed using the nonweighted Kappa index with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: We obtained 648 values for the GOi and the MBi. The overall score 0 (indicating absence of enlargement) was 32.7% and 19.8% for GOi and MBi, respectively, score 1 (light/moderate) was 39.7% and 48.1%, and score 2 (severe) was 27.6% and 32.1%. Concordance analysis for each index showed intra-examiner Kappa values of 0.820 for the GOi and 0.830 for the MBi. Interexaminer Kappa values were 0.720 for the GOi and 0.770 for the MBi. Concordance between indices showed Kappa values for the same examiner of 0.600, whereas concordance among different examiners was 0.550. Discrepancies between indices indicated a systematic skew, with 79-82.1% of discrepancy associated with a higher value for the MBi compared with the GOi. Conclusion: Both gingival enlargement indices analyzed are reliable, complementary and applicable for measuring gingival overgrowth. However, the MBi shows, with fewer measurements, a greater sensitivity than the GOi for the detection of the early stages of gingival enlargement, being adequate for the screening of large populations at risk

The association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Northern Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

Background: For the past two decades, studies have investigated the relationship between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight and preterm premature rupture of membranes.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of periodontal disease and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes among women delivering at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC).Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on the use of patients’ files, clinical examinations and oral interviews with mothers who delivered at the KCMC. Pregnant women with singleton babies (N=1117) who delivered at the KCMC were recruited for the study. Intra-oral examination was performed within five days of birth. The Community Periodontal Index was used to assess periodontal diseaseResults: The prevalence of periodontal disease was 14.2%. Periodontal disease was significantly associated with higher odds of pre-eclampsia [adjusted Odds Ratio 95% Confidence Interval (aOR=4.12;95%CI:2.20-7.90)], low birth weight (aOR=2.41;95%CI:1.34-4.33) and preterm birth (aOR=2.32;95%CI:1.33-4.27). There was no significant association between periodontal disease and preterm premature rupture of membranes (aORs 1.83;95%CI:0.75-4.21) and eclampsia (3.71;95%CI:0.80-17.13).Conclusion: Maternal periodontal disease is a potential independent risk indicator for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Periodontal assessment and therapy should form part of the preventive antenatal care provided to women in developing countries.Keywords: Preterm birth; low birth weight; pre-eclampsia; eclampsia; preterm premature rupture of membranes; periodontal disease; periodontitis; cross-sectional studies

Unusual presentation of localized gingival enlargement associated with a slow-growing odontogenic myxoma

Unusual presentation of localized gingival enlargement associated with a subjacent tumoural pathology is reported. The patient was a 55-year-old black male, whose chief complaint was a progressive gingival overgrowth for more than ten years, in the buccal area of the anterior left mandible. According to the clinical features and the radiological diagnosis of odontogenic keratocyst, a conservative surgery with enucleation and curettage was performed. Tissue submitted for histopathological analysis rendered the diagnosis of odontogenic myxoma. After 12-month of follow-up, no evidence of recurrence was found. Clinicians should be cautious when facing any gingival enlargement to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and to indicate the appropriate treatment