RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo foi relatar um caso raro de uma calcificação assintomática de tamanho e formato incomum, no interior do seio maxilar, diagnosticado em um exame de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, além de discutir a importância do conhecimento da anatomia do seio maxilar e suas alterações, avaliando cuidadosamente todo o volume das imagens, independentemente da região de interesse. Paciente do sexo feminino, 83 anos de idade, realizou uma tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico para outros fins de diagnóstico na região bucomaxilofacial. Ao analisar todo volume da tomografia encontrou-se uma imagem de limites incomuns, hiperdensa e calcificada, no seio maxilar direito, próximo a parede anterior e medial, com formato arredondado e homogêneo, ocupando aproximadamente um terço do seio maxilar, com as suas paredes intactas e sem nenhuma lesão lítica ou erosiva. As principais hipóteses diagnosticas levantadas foram antrólito gigante, fenômeno de retenção mucoso e osteoma. Devido a complexidade anatômica do seio maxilar, o diagnóstico nessa região se torna um desafio. Considerando as limitações dos exames 2D, a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico pode ser empregada para a avaliação dessas estruturas. O conhecimento do raciocínio diagnóstico e das hipóteses diferenciais são de extrema importância para o que o caso seja conduzido corretamente, porém não substituem a biópsia e o exame histopatológico.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to report a rare case of an asymptomatic calcification of unusual size and shape, inside the maxillary sinus identified on a cone beam computed tomography exam and to discuss the importance of knowledge of the anatomy of maxillary sinus and its changes carefully evaluating the entire volume of the images, regardless of the region of interest. An 83-year-old female patient underwent a cone beam computed tomography exam for other diagnostic purposes in the maxillofacial region. When analyzing the entire volume, an image of unusual limits, hyperdense and calcified was found in the right maxillary sinus, close to the anterior and medial wall, with a rounded and homogeneous shape, occupying approximately one third of the maxillary sinus. There was no lytic or erosive lesions on the maxillary sinus wall. The main diagnostic hypotheses raised were giant anthrolith, mucous retention phenomenon and osteoma. Due to the anatomical complexity of the maxillary sinus, diagnosis in this region becomes a challenge. Considering the limitations of 2D exams, the cone beam computed tomography exam can be used to evaluate these structures. Knowledge of differential hypotheses is extremely important for the case to be conducted correctly, but it does not replace biopsy and histopathological examination.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to report the results obtained with a protocol of topical application of capsaicin gel 0.025 % in the management of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) to evaluate the influence of the disease and treatment on their quality of life (QOL) using the OHIP-14 questionnaire (Oral Health Impact Profile). After clinical examination and diagnosis of BMS, 10 patients reported the intensity of the burning by means of a subjective score ranging from 0 to 10 and also answered the OHIP-14. Then, a topical application protocol of capsaicin gel 0.025 % was initiated, with weaning from medication and complete withdrawal within 180 days. At each reassessment consultation (30, 60, 90 and 180 days), the patients answered the OHIP-14 and subjective burning scores were collected again. Overall, the capsaicin gel showed gradual reduction or elimination of symptoms of BMS, as well as an improvement in the QOL of patients throughout treatment. At 180 days, after medication withdrawal, 6 patients (60 %) reported total absence of burning and in four patients (40 %) the score remained or decreased. In one patient (10 %) the score increased, although it remained below the initial score. The results showed an improvement in the QOL of all patients who completed the protocol and the impact of BMS on the QOL decreased in relation to the initial score in all patients. The topical use of 0.025 % capsaicin gel was effective in reducing or remitting symptoms of BMS. The OHIP-14 questionnaire showed the negative impact of BMS on patients' QOL and the role of treatment in its improvement.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue reportar los resultados obtenidos con un protocolo de aplicación tópica de gel de capsaicina al 0,025 % en el manejo del síndrome de boca ardiente (SBA), para evaluar la influencia de la enfermedad y el tratamiento en su calidad de vida (CV) mediante el cuestionario OHIP-14. Tras el examen clínico y diagnóstico de SBA, 10 pacientes refirieron la intensidad del ardor mediante una puntuación subjetiva de 0 a 10 y también respondieron la OHIP-14. Luego, se inició un protocolo de aplicación tópica de gel de capsaicina al 0,025%, con destete de la medicación y retiro completo en 180 días. En cada consulta de reevaluación (30, 60, 90 y 180 días), los pacientes respondieron el OHIP-14 y se recogieron nuevamente las puntuaciones subjetivas de quemado. En general, el gel de capsaicina mostró una reducción o eliminación gradual de los síntomas del SBA, así como una mejora en la calidad de vida de los pacientes durante todo el tratamiento. A los 180 días, después de la retirada de la medicación, 6 pacientes (60 %) informaron ausencia total de ardor y en cuatro pacientes (40%) la puntuación se mantuvo o disminuyó. En un paciente (10 %) la puntuación aumentó, aunque se mantuvo por debajo de la puntuación inicial. Los resultados mostraron una mejora en la CV de todos los pacientes que completaron el protocolo y el impacto de SBA en la CV disminuyó en relación con la puntuación inicial en todos los pacientes. El uso tópico de gel de capsaicina al 0,025 % fue efectivo para reducir o remitir los síntomas del SBA. El cuestionario OHIP-14 mostró el impacto negativo de SBA en la CV de los pacientes y el papel del tratamiento en su mejora.

ABSTRACT: A new type of RNA coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) related to acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and responsible for COVID-19 disease has spread around the world, resulting in an unprecedented pandemic. COVID-19 has become an international public health emergency and countless people and sectors have been affected. In this context, individual and collective protection measures were taken, mainly in health care. Dentistry, considered a high risk area, had to undergo changes in relation to biosecurity, including in radiological clinical practice. Thus, this letter aims to comment on these changes during visits to dental imaging centers.

RESUMEN: Un nuevo tipo de coronavirus de ARN (SARS-CoV-2) relacionado con el síndrome respiratorio agudo (SARS) responsable de la enfermedad COVID-19 se ha extendido por todo el mundo y ha provocado una pandemia sin precedentes. COVID-19 se ha convertido en una emergencia de salud pública internacional y un sinnúmero de personas y sectores se han visto afectados. En este contexto, se tomaron medidas de protección individual y colectiva, principalmente en el ámbito de la salud. La atención dental, considerada de alto riesgo, tuvo que sufrir cambios en relación con la bioseguridad, incluida la práctica clínica radiológica. Así, esta carta tiene como objetivo comentar estos cambios durante los atendimientos a los centros de imagenología dental.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this work was to report biosecurity measures in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) clinic in the current context of COVID-19, based on a literature review. An electronic search for scientific papers was perform ed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus database. Although the literature related to care in the OMR clinic regarding COVID-19 is still scarce, this unprecedented scenario created by the pandemic generated an urgent need for measures to prevent the transmission of the virus. Dentists are at maximum risk of contagion and, although the practice of OMR generally does not produce aerosols, radiologists and technicians are continually in contact with body fluids, such as saliva. In additio n, imaging exams are often indispensable for emergency or elective dental diagnosis and treatment. Training in infection control practices during major outbreaks of infectious diseases should be quickly reinforced and dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant specific infection control considerations. Some recommendations have been proposed and were discussed, which cover patient flow, equipment handling and environment, radiographic technique and processing, personal protective equipment and preparation and issuance of radiological reports and access to exam results. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, biosecurity measures in the routine of the OMR clinic are indispensable to enable emergency dental care and the perspectives of returning to elective treatment. Biosecurity measures and staff training at the OMR clinic should be instituted immediately, since imaging exams are an important and often indispensable part of dental diagnosis and treatment.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue reportar las medidas de bioseguridad en la clínica de Radiología Oral y Maxilofacial (OMR) en el contexto actual del COVID-19, a partir de una revisión de la literatura. Se realizó una búsqueda electrónica de artículos científicos utilizando PubMed, Embase, Web of Science y la base de datos Scopus. Si bien la literatura relacionada con la atención en la clínica OMR respecto al COVID- 19 aún es escasa, este escenario inédito creado por la pandemia generó una urgente necesidad de medidas para prevenir la transmisión del virus. Los dentistas tienen el máximo riesgo de contagio y, aunque la práctica en la OMR generalmente no produce aerosoles, los radiólogos y técnicos están continuamente en contacto con fluidos corporales, como la saliva. Además, los exámenes por imágenes a menudo son indispensables para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento dental de emergencia o electivo. La capacitación en prácticas de control de infecciones durante brotes importantes de enfermedades infecciosas debe reforzarse rápidamente y los entornos dentales tienen características únicas que justifican consideraciones específicas de control de infecciones. Se han propuesto y discutido algunas recomendaciones que cubren el flujo de pacientes, el manejo y el entorno del equipo, la técnica y el procesamiento radiográfico, el equipo de protección personal y la preparación y emisión de informes radiológicos y el acceso a los resultados de los exámenes. Debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, las medidas de bioseguridad en la rutina de la clínica OMR son indispensables para posibilitar la atención dental de emergencia y las perspectivas de volver al tratamiento electivo. Las medidas de bioseguridad y la capacitación del personal en la clínica OMR deben instituirse de inmediato, ya que los exámenes por imágenes son una parte importante y, a menudo, indispensable del diagnóstico y tratamiento dental.

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.

Resumo Introdução A proporção áurea, representada pela razão matemática 1:1.618, tem sido investigada na especialidade Ortodontia e no procedimento de Cirurgia Ortognática, a fim de ser estabelecida como um guia de sucesso clínico relacionado à estética facial. Objetivo Verificar a estética dos perfis faciais de pacientes Classes II e III de Angle, antes e após tratamento ortodôntico-cirúrgico, além de correlacionar 13 razões dentoesqueléticas e cinco razões de tecidos moles à proporção áurea. Material e método Um total de 94 radiografias cefalométricas laterais foram analisadas, em que 13 razões dentoesqueléticas e cinco razões em tecidos moles foram medidas e comparadas ao número áureo. Adicionalmente, uma análise subjetiva da estética facial pré e pós-tratamento foi realizada por 270 examinadores. Resultado As razões dentoesqueléticas 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 e 9 aproximaram-se do número áureo após a cirurgia ortognática, nos pacientes Classe III. Para o perfil mole, apenas a razão 4 se aproximou ao número áureo, em ambos os pacientes Classe II e III. Em relação à avaliação subjetiva da estética, 91,49% dos perfis faciais foram considerados mais harmônicos após o tratamento. Conclusão Frente à metodologia usada, pode-se concluir que a proporção áurea exerce pouca influência na avaliação da estética facial, não servindo como um guia para o planejamento e o tratamento ortodôntico-ortognático.

Abstract Introduction The golden proportion, represented by the mathematical ratio 1:1.618, has been investigated in Orthodontics and orthognathic surgery in order to be established as a guide to clinical success related to facial aesthetics. Objective To verify the facial aesthetics of patients with Angle Class II and III deformities pre and post orthodontic-surgical treatment, and to analyze if 13 dental-skeletal patters (ratios) and 5 soft tissue ratios moved closer to or further away from the golden proportion after the orthognathic surgery. Material and method A total of 94 lateral cephalometric radiographs, in which 13 dental-skeletal ratios and 5 soft tissue ratios were measured and compared to the golden number. In addition, 270 examiners performed a subjective analysis of facial esthetics before and after treatment. Result Dental-skeletal ratios 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 moved closer to the golden number after orthognathic surgery in Class III patients. For the soft tissue profile, only ratio 4 moved closer to the golden number in both Class II and III patients. Regarding the subjective evaluation of facial aesthetics, 91.49% of the facial profiles were considered more harmonic after treatment. Conclusion Considering the methodology, it may be concluded that the golden proportion had little effect on the facial aesthetics evaluation and should not work as a guide for orthodontic-orthognathic planning and treatment.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inflammatory mucocutaneous disease, more common in females. Its etiology is not yet well defined; this condition may be related, for example, to anxiety, stress, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections and genetic predisposition. The OLP manifests itself in two main forms: reticular and erosive. This work aims to perform a retrospective study analyzing the possible malignant potential of OLP. Records of the patients were analyzed in two projects of oral lesions in two different institutions in the period from 1995 to 2014. Data as gender, age, presence of systemic disease, presence of skin lesions, smoking, duration of the injury, location, symptoms, treatment, follow-up time and malignant transformation were collected. The results showed that, of the 3488 analyzed, 85 (2.4%) had a confirmed diagnosis of OLP, which mainly affected female patients (85%) being the most common the reticular LP. Regarding the malignant transformation of OLP, one patient (0.85%) had squamous cell carcinoma 4 years after the initial diagnosis of OLP. In addition, 3 patients showed moderate cellular atypia. The results reinforce the potential of malignant transformation of OLP. Although this association is speculative, this possibility must be considered by the dental practitioners, who must submit these patients to long periods of monitoring.

El liquen plano oral (LPO) es una enfermedad mucocutánea inflamatoria más común en las mujeres. Su etiología aún no es bien definida y esta condición puede estar relacionada, por ejemplo, a la ansiedad, estrés, diabetes, las enfermedades autoinmunes, infecciones y predisposición genética. El LPO se manifiesta en dos formas principales: reticular y erosivo. El objetivo de esta investigación es, a través de un estudio retrospectivo, analizar el posible potencial maligno del LPO. Se analizaron los registros de los pacientes atendidos en dos proyectos de lesiones bucales de dos diferentes instituciones en el período de 1995 a 2014. Se recogieron datos como género, edad, presencia de enfermedad sistémica, presencia de lesiones en la piel, tabaquismo, duración de la lesión, localización, síntomas, tratamiento, proservación y transformación maligna. Los resultados mostraron que, de los 3488 analizados, 85 (2,4%) tuvieron un diagnóstico confirmado de LPO, que afecta fundamentalmente a pacientes de sexo femenino (85%) siendo el LP reticular más común. En relación a la transformación maligna del LPO, 1 paciente (0,85%) tenía carcinoma de células escamosas 4 años después del diagnóstico inicial de LPO. Además, 3 pacientes mostraron atipia celular moderada en el diagnóstico. Los resultados refuerzan el potencial de transformación maligna del LPO. Aunque esta asociación es especulativa, la posibilidad debe ser considerada por los profesionales, que deben presentar estos pacientes a largos periodos de preservación.

Although some morphological investigations on aged human sublingual glands (HSG) found eventual phenomena identified as autolysis and mucous extravasation, the exact meaning of these findings has not been elucidated. Objective The aim of this work is to investigate whether acinar autolysis and mucous extravasation are related to the aging process in human sublingual glands. We also speculate if autolytic changes may assist forensic pathologists in determining time of death. Material and Methods 186 cadavers’ glands were allocated to age groups: I (0–30 years); II (31–60), and III (61–90). Time and mode of death were also recorded. Acinar autolysis and mucous extravasation were classified as present or absent. Ultrastructural analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Data were compared using Mann-Whitney U, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests (p<0.05). Results There was correlation between age and acinar autolysis (r=0.38; p=0.0001). However, there was no correlation between autolysis and time of death. No differences were observed between genders. TEM showed mucous and serous cells presenting nuclear and membrane alterations and mucous cells were more susceptible to autolysis. Conclusion Acinar autolysis occurred in all age groups and increased with age while mucous extravasation was rarely found. Both findings are independent. Autolysis degrees in HSG could not be used to determine time of death.

Asymptomatic mouth floor enlargements may be observed in edentulous patients. These masses, which protrude from the mouth floor, may complicate the fitting of dentures and require surgery. Whether this "entity" may be considered an anatomical variation of the mouth floor or represent specific alterations in the sublingual gland is not known. Objective: The aim of this work is to investigate the morphological and morphometric aspects of the sublingual glands of edentulous patients with mouth floor enlargements and compare the glands of these patients with the sublingual glands of human cadavers. Material and Methods: Microscopic evaluation was performed on human sublingual glands from edentulous patients with mouth floor enlargements (n=20) and edentulous cadavers (n=20). The patients and cadavers were of similar ages. The data were compared using Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact and Student's t tests (p<0.05). Results: Acinar atrophy, duct-like structures, mononuclear infiltrates, replacement of parenchyma with fibrous/adipose tissue, mucous extravasation and oncocytosis were similar between the groups (p>0.05). Only the variables "autolysis" and "congested blood vessels" presented statistical difference between groups (p=0.014; p=0.043). The morphometric study revealed that the volume densities of acini, ducts, stroma and adipose tissue were similar between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The microscopic characteristics of the sublingual glands in mouth floor enlargements in edentulous patients correspond to characteristics associated with the normal aging process. The glands are not pathological and represent an age-related alteration that occurs with or without the presence of the mouth floor enlargements.

Radiotherapy, alone or associated with surgery or chemotherapy, produces a significant increase in cure rates for many malignancies of the head and neck region. However, high doses of radiation in large areas, including the oral mucosa, may result in several undesired reactions that manifest during or after the completion of therapy. The multidisciplinary management is the best alternative to minimize or even prevent such reactions, and the dentist has a fundamental role in this context. This paper reviews the literature related to the main oral sequelae from head and neck radiotherapy and establishes clinical oral management protocol for these irradiated patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to evaluate saliva and tongue coating pH in oral healthy patients with morning bad breath before and after use of different oral mouthrinses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Saliva and tongue coating pH of 50 patients allocated in 5 groups were measured respectively by a digital pHmeter and color pH indicators, before, immediately after and 30 min after rinsing 5 different mouthrinses: cetilpiridine chloride associated with sodium chloride, triclosan, enzymatic solution, essential oil and distilled water. RESULTS: Only triclosan and essential oil increased salivary pH immediately after rising. The enzymatic solution decreased salivary and tongue coating pH immediately after rinsing. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary pH tended to be acidic while tongue coating pH tended to be alkaline, even after rising. Triclosan and essential oil mouthrinses increased salivary pH immediately after rinsing. Enzymatic solution decreased saliva and tongue coating pH immediately after rising.

A 35 years-old male patient was referred to your Institution due to a nodule on the palate with more than 15 years of evolution. In general physical examination noticed the presence of papules and café au lait (coffee with milk) pigmentation in many parts of the body. Intra oral examination found a swelling in the hard palate and resilient on palpation, asymptomatic with three centimeters of diameter. Incisional biopsy was performed and the diagnosis was neurofibroma. Complete resection of the lesion was performed confirming the initial diagnosis. The general clinical findings and the presence of neurofibroma confirmed the diagnosis of Von Recklinghausen's disease. This paper emphasizes the important role of the dentist in diagnostic and follow-up of the Von Recklinghausen's disease.

Un paciente hombre de 35 años de edad fue remitido a la Institución, debido a un nódulo en el paladar con más de 15 años de evolución. En el examen físico general, notaron la presencia de pápulas y pigmentaciones café au lait (café con leche) en muchas partes del cuerpo. Al examen oral intra se encontró un aumento de volúmen en el paladar duro resistente a la palpación, asintomático, con tres centímetros de diámetro. Se realizó la biopsia incisional, y el diagnóstico fue neurofibroma. La resección completa de la lesión confirma el diagnóstico inicial. Las conclusiones clínicas generales y la presencia de neurofibroma confirmó el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Von Recklinghausen. Este trabajo destaca el importante papel del odontólogo en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la enfermedad de Von Recklinghausen.

The aim of this work is to present a case of a 39-years-old man with a 2cm sized purple pedunculated tissue on the soft palate, next to upper right retromolar area, asymptomatic, with one day time evolution and vascular appearance. There was no trauma history or systemic diseases. Based on the clinical findings our previous diagnosis was traumatic granuloma, hemangioma or blood coagulum formation after local trauma. After one week, intraoral examination revealed absence of the lesion, which disappeared completely. This case illustrates that the absence of trauma history and atypical clinical characteristics can be a diagnostic defiance in the clinical routine.

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso de un hombre de 39 años de edad, con un tejido de 2 cm pediculado color púrpura en el paladar blando, junto al área retromolar superior derecha, asintomático, con un día de evolución y de aspecto vascular. No había historia de trauma o enfermedades sistémicas. Con base en los hallazgos clínicos nuestro diagnóstico previo fue granuloma traumático, hemangioma o la formación de coágulos sanguíneos, después de un traumatismo local. Luego de una semana, el examen intraoral reveló ausencia de la lesión, la que desapareció por completo. Este caso ilustra que la ausencia de historia de trauma y las características clínicas atípicas, puede ser un desafío diagnóstico en la rutina clínica.