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Retrospective study on the quality of endodontic treatments in maxillary central incisors performed by dental students from the Clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Panama, during the period 2019-2024.

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The endodontic treatments stand out for their importance in tooth preservation. However, the quality of endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students arises as a concern due to their limited clinical experience. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the quality of endodontic treatments on upper central incisors performed by students at the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Panama from 2019 to 2024. To conduct the study, a review of clinical records that met the inclusion criteria was carried out. The apical extension, length of the root canal filling in relation to the radiographic apex, and the density of the filling materials were evaluated. The collected data were analyzed. Eighty-five percent of the endodontic treatments achieved an acceptable apical extension, while 77% showed appropriate density. Sixty-nine percent of the endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students were considered acceptable as they achieved an acceptable apical extension and density. It is concluded that the filling technique should be reinforced, as students showed greater deficiencies in this criterion. Additionally, it is suggested that the quality of the records of the procedure performed should be improved.

Retrospective study on tooth loss in adult patients at the Comprehensive Clinic of the dental school of the University of Panama, from 2019 to 2023

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tooth loss is a multifactorial condition influenced by various biological, behavioral, social, and access to dental care factors. Dental caries and periodontal disease are the main causes of tooth loss globally; the occurrence of these diagnoses is a key epidemiological indicator of the health status of a population. This project seeks to know the number of teeth extracted in adult patients at the Comprehensive Clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Panama between 2019 and 2023, in addition to identifying the reasons why tooth loss occurred. Methods and materials: Data were cleaned, obtaining 410 clinical records potentially applicable for the research. Of these, 129 clinical records that met the requirements established for this study were reviewed in detail. Results: The sample indicates that 407 teeth were extracted within the surgery department. The five teeth most frequently extracted were: #18, #24, #28, #38 and #14. Conclusion: The most frequent diagnoses in the extractions performed were: root remains, periodontal disease and dental caries. The gender that underwent the most extractions in the period 2019-2023 was the female.

Microbial Presence in New and Re-sterilized Endodontic Files at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Panama

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The presence of microorganisms in endodontic files poses a significant threat to patient safety and the quality of procedures. This study analyzed the presence of microorganisms in new and re-sterilized files used at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Panama. A total of 26 files were examined and categorized into six groups based on their usage condition, cleaning process, and sterilization method. The findings revealed that all newly manufactured files contained bacteria, with possible Streptococcus and Staphylococcus identified. Additionally, 50% of re-sterilized files showed contamination, with no significant differences between manual and ultrasonic pre-sterilization cleaning methods. Conversely, unsterilized used files exhibited 100% contamination, highlighting the presence of Streptobacillus. These findings demonstrate deficiencies in both production quality controls and applied sterilization protocols. The presence of microorganisms in re-sterilized files is attributed to the persistence of biological residues acting as protective barriers against autoclave steam. This analysis underscores the importance of establishing mandatory pre-sterilization protocols for new files, as well as combining chemical and physical techniques for cleaning used instruments. Furthermore, continuous training for dental care personnel and the adoption of molecular tools to detect resistant microorganisms are recommended to optimize sterilization standards. These initiatives will help reduce the risk of cross-infections and enhance safety in endodontic procedures at the faculty clinic.

Cements in Dentistry: History, Uses, Advantages and Disadvantages, Evolution

Lesly Alvarado, Edwin Nieto, Glorisel Prado — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Since their first applications in the 19th century, dental cements have evolved significantly, changing from basic materials such as zinc phosphate to more modern compounds such as glass ionomers and resin cements. This evolution has improved fundamental properties such as adhesion, biocompatibility and strength, contributing to better retention of restorations and prostheses. This article aims to provide an-in-depth analysis of these essential materials in dental practice, encompassing their history, uses, advantages, disadvantages and evolution, as well as to evaluate their cost-benefit ratio.

Garrè Osteomyelitis: A diagnostic challenge against Sarcoma by Ewing

Deysi Li, Daniela Perez, Valerin Marin, Angelina Tangarife, Alejandra Barría — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Garrè Osteomyelitis, better known as chronic osteomyelitis with periostitis
proliferative, is a response of the periosteum that manifests itself as bone tissue formation against inflammatory processes. As a disorder characterized by the formation of bone tissue, its diagnosis can be challenging as it occurs in patterns very similar to Ewing's Sarcoma. In this review article we will compile bibliographic information on the clinical, histopathological and imaging characteristics of both pathologies in both children and adults, to compare and identify the key differences between both. Thanks to the bibliographic review, it is obtained that Garré Osteomyelitis.

Editorial

Antonio F. Finlayson — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000