Publications

UNLABELLED: The success of endodontic treatment depends on the effective disinfection of the root canal system.The literature describes many treatment protocols.

AIM: The purpose of this prospective in vivo study was to evaluate the healing status observed after endodontic treatment performed with foraminal cleaning in mandibular molars with apical periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty mandibular molars were selected and instrumented with ProDesign Logic files. First, mechanized patency was performed with a 25/0.01 instrument; if it was easily achieved, a larger diameter instrument was chosen (30/0.01, 35/0.01, or 40/0.01) that best matched the apical foramen. Then, a respective shaping file corresponding to the patency file was selected for instrumentation. Irrigation was carried out with saline solution and 2% chlorhexidine gel. A 17% EDTA solution was used for the final irrigation and agitated with the EasyClean system. A device was used to standardize the initial, final, and subsequent digital radiographic examinations for the follow-up. A 3-level scoring system was used for evaluation, in which score 1 indicated complete lesion healing, score 2 incomplete healing, and score 3 no healing.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the frequencies of scores 1 and 2 assigned at the two assessment time points (p > 0.05). Complete healing (score 1) was observed in 58%, incomplete healing (score 2) in 42%, and no healing (score 3) in 0% of cases.

CONCLUSION: The endodontic preparation protocol followed by foraminal cleaning favored the healing process in teeth with apical periodontitis.

UNLABELLED: Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OC) is common among people living with HIV (PLWH). Persistent colonization of oral epithelial surfaces serves as an ecological niche for opportunistic pathogens and is a significant predisposing factor for OC development in PLWH. Mucosal colonization can lead to biofilm formation, directly impacting oral epithelium.

AIM: To assess Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis colonization in subgingival biofilms of people living with HIV (PLWH) and undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).

MATERIALS AND METHOD: A sample of 51 PLWH who were receiving ART was studied, focusing on dental and periodontal parameters. Subgingival biofilm and mucosa samples were collected, and Candida spp. were identified using molecular techniques.

RESULTS: Men (average age: 41.11 ± 8.63) predominated. The main cause of HIV was sexual transmission. Fungal-related opportunistic diseases were observed in 18 patients, and LT CD4 counts were evaluated. A total 255 samples were collected, including 204 from gingivoperiodontal sites and 51 from oral mucosa. Candida spp. was detected in 55% of patients, with particular distribution patterns. Positive Candida spp. presence correlated with clinical attachment level and HIV treatments. Microscopic identification revealed the presence of hyphae at the time of microbiological sample collection. Molecular identification confirmed 16 Candida albicans and 36 Candida dubliniensis isolates, challenging their diagnostic importance.

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of yeast hyphae/pseudohyphae in subgingival biofilms indicates their role in gingivo-periodontal disease dysbiosis. PLWH in this Argentine region face challenges including limited access to healthcare. The study underscores the need for early oral health intervention, emphasizing the diagnostic significance of Candida.