Abstract: The aim of this study was to use microscopic and molecular techniques to evaluate the effects of a single session of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the alveolar repair process after tooth extraction in rats. The study sample included 84 rats divided into four groups, as follows: a) Control - untreated socket; b) Laser - socket treated using photobiomodulation; c) TBO - socket treated with topic application of the photosensitizer agent, toluidine blue O (TBO); and d) aPDT - socket treated with TBO and laser irradiation. An additional rat was used for thermal mapping during socket irradiation. The animals were euthanatized at 6, 15, and 28 days after unilateral extraction of the upper incisor. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the connective and bone tissues, blood clot, blood vessel, and inflammatory infiltrate were performed, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to study the expression of genes (collagen type I, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], runt-related transcription factor 2 [RUNX2], and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) involved in the bone healing process. No statistically significant differences in microscopic and molecular outcomes were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was seen to exist between blood clot and VEGF (p = 0.000), and a negative correlation was observed between bone tissue and ALP (p = 0.028) and blood vessel and VEGF (p = 0.018). A single session of aPDT in the dental extraction site did not influence the alveolar repair process in rats.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral health status and its impact on quality of life, and to suggest dental management strategies in patients undergoing antineoplastic therapy for onco-hematological diseases. A retrospective study including 33 individuals (age 9-79 yr) was conducted. It was observed that the dimensions related to physical pain, psychological discomfort, and social incapacity had statistically significant values. The most frequently performed dental treatments were periodontal treatment (45.45 %), dental restoration (36.36 %), tooth extractio n (33.33 %), and endodontic treatment (24.24 %). Thus, poor oral health directly affects the quality of life. Dental management should consider the aspects of the disease and antineoplastic treatment while aiming for safe and effective dental care.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación entre el estado de salud oral y su impacto en la calidad de vida, y sugerir estrategias de manejo odontológico en pacientes sometidos a terapia anti-neoplásica por enfermedades onco-hematológicas. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a 33 personas (de 9 a 79 años de edad). Se observó que las dimensiones relacionadas con dolor físico, malestar psicológico e incapacidad social tuvieron valores estadísticamente significativos. Los tratamientos dentales realizados con mayor frecuencia fueron el tratamiento periodontal (45,45 %), la restauración dental (36,36 %), la extracción dentaria (33,33 %) y el tratamiento endodóntico (24,24 %). Así, la mala salud oral afecta directamente la calidad de vida. El tratamiento dental debe tener en cuenta los aspectos de la enfermedad y el tratamiento antineoplásico mientras se busca una atención dental segura y eficaz.

ABSTRACT: Some adjuvant treatments are available for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) to help the pain and improve quality of life. Among these treatments is hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) which has presented controversial findings in the literature in recent years. This integrative review analyzed the results among studies published during the pas t 10 years using HBO. The PICO strategy was used and the databases PubMed, LILACS, and SCOPUS. The final search resulted in the inclusion of 7 articles. The main conclusion is that, in the majority of cases, using HBO as an adjuvant to the basic therapy improved the quality of life and/or pain of the patients.

RESUMEN: Existen algunos tratamientos adyuvantes para la osteonecrosis de la mandíbula relacionada con medicamentos (MRONJ) para aliviar el dolor y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Entre estos tratamientos se encuentra el oxígeno hiperbárico (OHB) que ha presentado resultados controvertidos en la literatura durante los últimos años. En esta revisión integrada se analizaron los resultados de los estudios publicados durante los últimos 10 años utilizando OHB. Se utilizó la estrategia PICO y las bases de datos PubMed, LILACS y SCOPUS. La búsqueda final resultó en la inclusión de 7 artículos. La principal conclusión es que, en la mayoría de los casos, el uso de OHB como adyuvante de la terapia básica mejoró la calidad de vida y / o el dolor de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of intraosseous anastomosis (AIO) between the posterior superior alveolar canal (CASP) and the anterior superior alveolar canal (CASA) in patients with cleft lip and palate, comparing the side affected by unilateral incisive trans-forame fissure (FLP) with the contralateral side not affected by fissure (NF). Material and method: A total of 1500 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (TCHC) were evaluated and, according to inclusion criteria, 95 TCHC were selected for analysis (52 men, 43 women, average age 27 years). The sample consisted of 1) patients with FLP on the right side and NF on the left side; and 2) patients with FLP on the left side and NF on the right side. The analysis was divided into 4 steps: 1) Intra and inter-rater calibration; 2) evaluating presence or absence of AIO anastomose between the CASP with CASA; 3) Location of the AIO anastomose between the CASP with CASA, as reference to the mesial aspect of each tooth (17/27), (16/26), (15/25) and (14/24); 4) Evaluated symmetry/asymmetry the localization of AIO, comparing them side with FLP, with the contralateral side NF. Results: The total prevalence of AIO was 67.9 %. The prevalence in FLP side was 71.6 %, and NF side was 64.2 % (Fisher's test > 0.35). The location of the AIO in the FLP side was more than prevalent in the areas of (15/25), (16/26) and on the NF side, it was in the area (14/24) (Chi-square test < 0.03). The AIO was 71.5% (Fisher's test > 0.03) asymmetric comparative of the FLP side with the contralateral NF. Conclusions: The prevalence of AIO was higher in FLP side (71.6 %) comparing the NF side (64.2 %). The location of AIO, in the FLP side was dislocated distally when compared with the contralateral side NF. The AIO was asymmetric in 71.5% of the cases. This information is relevant in surgical procedures that are performed in patients with cleft lip and palate, which aim to correct maxillomandibular discrepancies.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Describir la prevalencia y localización de la anastomosis intraósea (AIO) del conducto alveolar superior posterior (CASP) con el conducto alveolar superior anterior (CASA) en pacientes portadores de fisura labiopalatina, comparando el lado afectado por la fisura labiopalatina de tipo transforamen incisivo unilateral (FLP) con el contralateral no portador de fisura labiopalatina (NF). Material y método: Fueron evaluadas 1500 tomografías computadorizadas de haz cónico (TCHC) y de acuerdo con criterios de inclusión, 95 TCHC fueron seleccionadas para análisis (52 hombres, 43 mujeres, edad media 27 años). La muestra fue conformada por: 1) pacientes con FLP en el lado derecho y NF en el lado izquierdo; y 2) pacientes con FLP en el lado izquierdo y NF en el lado derecho. El análisis fue dividido en 4 etapas: 1) calibración intra e interexaminador; 2) evaluación de la presencia/ausencia de la AIO del CASP con CASA; 3) localización de la AIO del CASP con CASA, tomando como referencia las caras mesiales de los dientes (17/27), (16/26), (15/5) y (14/24); y 4) comparar la simetría/asimetría de localización comparando el lado portador de FLP con el contralateral NF. Resultados: La prevalencia total de la AIO fue de 67,9 %. La prevalencia de la AIO en el lado portador de FLP fue 71,6 % y en el lado NF fue 64,2 % (Test de Fisher > 0,35). La localización de la AIO en el lado portador de FLP fue más prevalente en las áreas (15/25), (16/26) y en el lado NF fue en el área (14/24) (Test Chi-cuadrado < 0.03). La AIO es asimétrico en el 71,5 % (Test de Fisher < 0.03), cuando se compara el lado FLP con el contralateral NF. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de la AIO fue mayor en el lado portador de FLP (71,6 %) comparado con el lado NF (64,2 %). La localización de AIO en el lado portador de FLP fue dislocado hacia distal a diferencia de su contralateral NF. La AIO fue asimétrica en 71,5 % de los casos. Esta información es relevante en procedimientos quirúrgicos que son realizados en pacientes con fisuras labiopalatinas, que tienen por objetivo corregir las discrepancias maxilomandibulares.

Abstract Isthmuses are reported as common anatomic complexities in teeth often associated with failures in endodontic treatment. They should be considered before starting treatment and a preoperative computed tomography scan (CT) may demonstrate these complexities. Objective To assess the diagnostic value of the highest resolution settings of a cone-beam CT (CBCT) system in identifying and measuring apical isthmuses, using micro-CT as reference. Methodology After micro-CT scanning, 40 humans’ lower first molars with isthmuses in the apical-3 mm of mesial roots were scanned by the highest resolution settings of the New Generation i-Cat ® CBCT equipment. Two blinded observers recorded the detection of isthmuses in CBCT scans. The lengths of isthmuses were compared between micro-CT and CBCT to assess the diagnostic value of CBCT. Quantitative data for sensitivity were represented as percentages (95% confidence interval). The Bland-Altman method was used to assess differences between gold standard lengths (micro-CT) and CBCT lengths. Results BCT demonstrated 30 positive findings, representing sensitivity for isthmus identification of 75% (95% CI=0.4114–1.1364). Differences between the lengths in micro-CT (1.99±0.40 mm) and CBCT (1.53±0.41 mm) were significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion The CBCT device used presented limited diagnostic value in the identification and measurement of apical isthmuses in the mesial roots of lower molars. In some cases, the actual anatomy of the apical root canal may not be completely delineated in this type of CBCT system, even using the highest resolution settings.

ABSTRACT: Florid osseous dysplasia (FOD) is an extensive form of osseous dysplasia where normal trabecular bone is substituted by fibrous connective tissue and amorphous mineralized tissue. Usually, the lesions are mainly asymptomatic and the patients should be followed with clinical and imaging examination, requiring no intervention. Nevertheless, due to the poor vascularization of the lesion and local trauma, secondary infections and osteomyelitis may occur. Patients may present with pain, mucosal ulceration, and lesion exposure in the oral cavity, fistula and swelling. In such cases, correct diagnosis and management of the lesion is decisive to reestablish patient’s health and quality of life. The aim of this article is to present a case of complicating secondary chronic osteomyelitis treated successfully with conservative intervention. A 68-year-old black female patient reported a “swelling of the gums” that was present for eleven years, with episodes of periodic pain and swelling. On physical examination, a papule with suppuration in the alveolar mucosa in the right side of the mandible was observed. Panoramic radiography and CBCT showed a mixed lesion surrounded by sclerotic bone. The patient was diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis in association with FOD and treated with antibiotic therapy together with surgical curettage. The incidence, etiophatology, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of secondary osteomyelitis associated with FOD are discussed in the light of literature. This information might assist the dentists while choosing the best treatment options for similar cases.

RESUMEN: La displasia ósea florida (DOF) es una forma de displasia del tejido óseo donde el hueso trabecular normal es sustituido por tejido conectivo fibroso y por tejido mineralizado amorfo. En general, las lesiones son de origen asintomático y los pacientes deben ser controlados con exámenes clínicos. Sin embargo, debido a la vascularización deficiente de la lesión y el trauma local, pueden ocurrir lesiones secundarias y osteomielitis. Los pacientes pueden presentar dolor, ulceración de la mucosa, lesión expuesta en la cavidad oral, fístula y edema. En estos casos, el diagnóstico adecuado y el tratamiento de la lesión es decisivo para estabilizar la salud y la calidad de la vida. El objetivo de este artículo fue presentar un caso de complicación secundaria crónica de la osteomielitis tratada con tratamiento conservador. Una paciente de 68 años de edad, negra, informa de "hinchazón de las encías" que presentaba durante once años, con episodios de dolor. En el examen intra-oral se observó una pápula con supuración en la mucosa alveolar del lado derecho de la mandíbula. Además de la radiografía panorámica y tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC) se tomaron muestras de la lesión debido a observación de hueso esclerótico. El paciente fue diagnosticado con una infección por osteomielitis en asociación con DOF y fue tratada con antibióticos, además de una cirugía curativa. En este artículo se presentaron la incidencia, el diagnóstico diferencial, el tratamiento y la prevención de los efectos secundarios de osteomielitis asociados con el DOF. La información de este trabajo podría ayudar a los dentistas en la aplicación del tratamiento indicado en casos similares.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar o efeito imediato da Estimulação Elétrica Neuromuscular (EENM) sensorial e motora, nas fases oral e faríngea da deglutição, em um homem de 64 anos, após tratamento de câncer de laringe. Foi realizado exame de videofluoroscopia durante a deglutição de 5 ml de mel e pudim, em três condições: sem estimulação, com EENM sensorial, com EENM motora, definidas de forma randomizada. Foi classificado o grau da disfunção da deglutição (DOSS), a presença de estase de alimentos (escala de Eisenhuber), de penetração laríngea e aspiração laringotraqueal (PAS), além da medida do tempo de trânsito oral e faríngeo, realizadas por uma avaliadora sem conhecimento sobre o estímulo aplicado. Na escala DOSS, houve melhora com a estimulação sensorial e motora. Na escala PAS, verificou-se melhora, tanto para o estímulo sensorial quanto motor na consistência mel, porém observou-se piora no estímulo motor para a consistência pudim. Houve diminuição dos resíduos em base de língua com estímulo sensorial e motor para as consistências pudim e mel; piora no estímulo motor na parede posterior da faringe para a consistência mel. Em relação ao tempo de trânsito oral e faríngeo, não foi observada diferença entre os níveis de estimulações. Os resultados demonstraram que a EENM em nível sensorial e motor melhorou o grau da disfagia em um indivíduo após o tratamento de câncer de laringe, com maiores benefícios do nível sensorial em relação ao motor no que diz respeito à presença de penetração e resíduos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the immediate effect of sensory and motor neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), in the oral and pharyngeal phases of deglutition, in a 64 year male patient after laryngeal cancer treatment. Videofluoroscopy was performed during deglutition of 5 ml of honey and pudding, under three conditions: without stimulation, with sensory NMES, with motor NMES, randomly defined. The degree of dysfunction of deglutition (DOSS), the presence of food stasis (Eisenhuber scale), laryngeal penetration and laryngotracheal aspiration (PAS) and oral and pharyngeal transit time were evaluated. An evaluator without knowing about the applied stimulus. On the DOSS scale there was improvement with sensory and motor stimulation. In the PAS scale, there was improvement, both for the sensorial and motor stimulus in the honey consistency, but the worsening of the motor stimulus for the pudding consistency was observed. There was reduction of the residues in the base of the tongue with sensorial and motor stimulus for the consistency of pudding and honey; worsening motor stimulus in the posterior wall of the pharynx for honey consistency. There was no difference between stimulation levels regarding to oral and pharyngeal transit time. The results showed that NMES at the sensory and motor levels improved the degree of dysphagia in an individual after the treatment of laryngeal cancer, with greater benefits of the sensory level in relation to the motor regarding to the presence of penetration and residues.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a saúde bucal de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço após tratamento antineoplásico, e compará-los com pacientes sem histórico de câncer. Métodos Foram avaliados 75 pacientes, divididos em Grupo de Estudo de indivíduos após tratamento antineoplásico (n=30) e Grupo de Controle de indivíduos sem histórico de câncer (n=45), com faixa etária de 35 a 79 anos. A condição de saúde oral foi avaliada pelo índice de dentes permanentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPOD), pelo índice periodontal comunitário e por uma avaliação de uso e necessidade de prótese, conforme critérios preconizados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A análise estatística foi descritiva e realizada por meio do teste do χ2 de Pearson. Resultados O índice periodontal comunitário foi maior no Grupo de Estudo quando comparado ao controle (p<0,0001). A necessidade de prótese superior (p<0,001) e inferior (p<0,0001) foi maior no Grupo de Estudo. O uso de prótese superior foi maior no Grupo de Estudo (p<0,002). O índice de dentes permanentes cariados, perdidos e obturados entre os dois grupos (p>0,0506) e o uso de prótese inferior (p>0,214) não apresentaram diferença estatística relevante. Conclusão A doença periodontal e o edentulismo são as alterações mais significativas em indivíduos que receberam terapia antineoplásica de câncer de cabeça e pescoço, assim como maior necessidade de reabilitação oral.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the oral health of patients with head and neck cancer after antineoplastic treatment, and to compare them with patients with no history of cancer. Methods A total of 75 patients, divided into Study Group, composed of individuals after antineoplastic treatment (n=30), and Control Group, with individuals with no history of cancer (n=45), aged 37 to 79 years. The oral health status was evaluated through the index of decayed, missing or filled permanent teeth (DMFT), community periodontal index and evaluation of the use and need of prosthesis. All of these items were evaluated according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization. The statistical analysis was descriptive and used the Pearson’s χ2 test. Results The community periodontal index was higher in the Study Group when compared to the Control Group (p<0.0001). The need for an upper (p<0.001) and lower (p<0.0001) prostheses was higher in the Study Group. Also, the use of upper prosthesis was higher in the Study Group (p<0.002). The missing or filled permanent teeth index between the two groups (p>0.0506) and the use of lower prosthesis (p>0.214) did not present a relevant statistical difference. Conclusion Periodontal disease and edentulism are the most significant changes in individuals who received antineoplastic therapy for head and neck cancer as well as greater need for oral rehabilitation.

Abstract Idiopathic Bone Cavity (IBC) or Simple Bone Cyst (SBC) is a non- epithelialized bone cavity with serosanguinous fluid content or empty. There is a literature debate regarding its pathogenesis that remains unclear. The main treatment option is the surgical exploration, although there are successful cases described in the literature in which just a follow-up with clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed. Objective This study aimed to assess the spontaneous resolution of idiopathic bone cavity untreated by surgery. Material and Methods Twenty-one patients diagnosed with surgically untreated IBC were submitted to a follow-up protocol modified from Damante, Guerra, and Ferreira5 (2002). A clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed in 13 patients (13/21), while eight patients (8/21) were only radiographically evaluated. Three observers evaluated the panoramic radiographs of 21 patients and the Kappa test was performed by intra and inter-examiners. Inductive and descriptive statistics were applied to the results. Results Only one patient had a positive response to palpation and percussion of the teeth in the cyst area. Most of the cysts evaluated were rated as 3 (lesion “in involution”), 4 (lesion “almost completely resolved”), or 5 (“completely resolved”). Conclusions We observed progressive spontaneous resolution of IBC. Most cysts were found in the recovery process in different follow-up periods. Patient's follow-up, without surgery, may be considered after the diagnosis based on epidemiological, clinical, and radiographic features of the lesion.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a acurácia de radiografias panorâmicas digitais obtidas por sistema digital baseado em dispositivo acoplador de carga (DAC) e por sistema de placa de fósforo (PF) com duas diferentes extensões de arquivo (JPEG e BMP, sendo o primeiro do tipo compactador irreversível). Medidas lineares de defeitos ósseos foram realizadas em mandíbulas secas com paquímetro digital. As medidas correspondentes nas radiografias panorâmicas digitais foram realizadas no software ImageJ(r). As medidas foram realizadas duas vezes por um examinador. A concordância intraexaminador foi considerada muito forte (coeficiente de correlação de Pearson de 0,97). Não houve diferença significante entre as medidas lineares das mandíbulas secas, consideradas padrão-ouro, em relação às medidas obtidas das radiografias digitais (p=0,47). Os erros absolutos e relativos dessas medidas para o DAC foram de 1,04 mm (9,97%) para as imagens JPEG e de 1,03 mm (9,99%) para aquelas com extensão BMP. Para o sistema digital com PF esses valores foram de 1,48 mm (14,94%) e 1,43 mm (14,43%), respectivamente. Apesar de não ter havido diferença estatística entre as imagens com extensão JPEG e BMP, para ambos os sistemas digitais (p=1,00 para DAC e p=0,98 para a PF), os erros das medidas realizadas nas radiografias obtidas pelo sistema de PF foram significativamente maiores que os erros do DAC (p<0,05). O tamanho dos arquivos salvos em JPEG também foram significativamente menores (p=0,005) em comparação com os arquivos salvos em BMP. Pode-se concluir que as radiografias digitais tanto com extensão JPEG quanto BMP são acuradas, independente do sistema digital utilizado e as imagens salvas em JPEG são mais indicadas em telerradiologia.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of panoramic radiographs obtained by digital system based on charge coupled device (CCD) and a phosphor storage plate (PSP) system with two different file formats, JPEG irreversible type and BMP. Linear measurements of artificial bony defects were made in dry mandibles with a digital caliper. Measures of digital panoramic radiographs were taken in ImageJ(r) software. Each measurement was performed twice by an experienced examiner. The intra-rater agreement was considered very strong (Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.97). There was no significant difference between the linear measurements of dry mandibles, considered the gold standard, in relation to measurements obtained from digital radiographs (p=0.47). The error of these measures for the CCD was 1.04 mm (9.97%) for JPEG images and 1.03 mm (9.99%) for those with BMP format. For the PSP images, these values were 1.48 mm (14.94%) and 1.43 mm (14.43%), respectively. Although there was no statistical difference between the images with JPEG and BMP format, for both digital systems (p=1.00 for CCD and p=0.98 for PSP system), errors made on radiographs obtained by PSP system were significantly higher than those of CCD (p<0.05). The size of the files saved in JPEG was also significantly lower (p=0.005) compared with the files saved in BMP. It may be concluded that the digital radiographs, both saved in JPEG and BMP formats, are accurate, regardless the used digital system, and JPEG images are more suitable for teleradiology.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the gray values and noise of a direct digital radiography system (Visualix eHD) for various exposure times and analyzed regions. To obtain radiographic images in a standardized manner, the digital sensor of the system and a stepwedge were positioned in a phantom at a focus-film distance of 30 cm in a dental device at 70 kV, 7 mA and 2.2 mm filtration. Ten consecutive repetitions of X-ray imaging were performed at each exposure time (0.05, 0.07, 0.09 and 0.13 s). Gray values were analyzed using ImageJ software in five regions of interest (ROIs): alveolar bone (AB), soft tissue (ST) and three steps of the stepwedge (S1, S2 and S3). The results showed that both the variability of the gray values and the noise were statistically greater (p < 0.05) in the most radiolucent region (ST). Only the noise was affected by the exposure time. In conclusion, the reproducibility of the gray values and the noise of the Visualix eHD system can vary in specific areas with different radiolucency.

INTRODUÇÃO: Torus palatinus é um nome específico usado para identificar exostoses no palato duro ao longo da sutura palatina mediana. Apesar de não ser considerado uma condição patológica, sua presença requer atenção e conhecimento no que diz respeito ao seu tratamento. A remoção cirúrgica de exostoses é indicada quando o paciente traumatiza frequentemente a área do Torus palatinus durante a mastigação e a fala, ou quando for necessária a reabilitação da arcada dentária superior com próteses totais. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar três casos de Torus palatinus e discutir os seus respectivos tratamentos. CASO CLÍNICO: O primeiro caso era de um homem leucoderma e com maxila edêntula que procurou reabilitação dentária, porém apresentou um nódulo no palato duro. O segundo caso era de uma mulher, leucoderma e de 40 anos que foi encaminhada devido ao trauma frequente na mucosa do palato durante a mastigação, insatisfação com a estética e desconforto causado pelo trauma na língua. O terceiro caso era de uma mulher de 45 anos de idade, leucoderma com uma lesão no palato e dificuldade pra engolir. Uma vez que o Torus palatinus estava prejudicando as funções fisiológicas básicas dos pacientes, todos os casos foram cirurgicamente tratados, melhorando a qualidade de vida dos mesmos. CONSIDERAÇÃO FINAL: O dentista deve estar preparado para selecionar a técnica cirúrgica mais indicada para cada caso buscando o melhor resultado e evitando possíveis complicações.

INTRODUCTION: Torus palatinus is a specific name to identify exostoses developed in the hard palate along the median palatine suture. Despite of not being a pathological condition, its presence requires attention and knowledge regarding its management. Surgical removal of exostoses is indicated when the patient frequently traumatizes the area of palatine torus during mastication and speech or when it is necessary for the rehabilitation of the upper arcade with complete dentures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to present three cases of Torus palatinus and to discuss the management of them. CASE REPORT: In the first case, a 57-year-old Caucasian man sought oral rehabilitation of his edentulous maxilla but presented a hard nodules in the hard palate; in the second case, a 40-year-old Caucasian woman was referred for frequent trauma of palatal mucosa during mastication, aesthetic complaint, and discomfort caused by the trauma of her tongue in this area; and in the third case, a 45-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a lesion on the palate that caused difficulty swallowing. When the Torus palatinus was impairing the basic physiological functions of the patients, all cases were surgically treated, improving the patients' quality of life. FINAL CONSIDERATION: The dentist should be properly prepared to choose the best from among the existing surgical approaches for each individual lesion in order to improve the results and avoid possible complications.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of pixel value analysis using images generated by the Digora™ and Visualix™ systems for the early detection of external root resorption (ERR). Thirty extracted human lower incisors were radiographed using the Digora and Visualix systems; then, ERR was induced by immersing the teeth in 6 mol L-1 of hydrochloric acid for different periods of time (10, 30 and 60 minutes). ERR was confirmed by calcium quantification with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. One digital image was acquired per time period at 70 kVp, 7 mA, 2.2 mm filtration, focus-film distance of 30 cm, and with exposure times of 0.09 s in the Digora system and 0.05 s in Visualix system. The region of interest was defined using ImageJ software. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the time for ERR induction and the pixel values with either system. A positive correlation between the time of ERR induction and the calcium concentration was observed (r = 0.8892; p < 0.001). In conclusion, independent of the site of ERR induction and the digital system, pixel value analysis was not effective for ERR detection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical study was carried out on 145 subjects (48 males; 97 females; aged 20 to 90 years). Each subject was clinically examined, in the morning and in the afternoon, along 1 day. A focused anamnesis allowed identifying symptoms of hyposalivation, like xerostomia complaints (considered as a reference symptom), chewing difficulty, dysphagia and increased frequency of liquid intake. Afterwards, dryness of the mucosa of the cheecks and floor of the mouth, as well as salivary secretion during parotid gland stimulation were assessed during oral examination. RESULTS: Results obtained with Chi-square tests showed that 71 patients (48.9%) presented xerostomia complaints, with a significant correlation with all hyposalivation symptoms (p <0.05). Furthermore, xerostomia was also significantly correlated with all data obtained during oral examination in both periods of evaluation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients is feasible and can provide an immediate and appropriate therapy avoiding further problems and improving their quality of life.

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.