Anatomía Digital

Endodontic and prosthetic management of the upper right canine through crown lengthening, deep margin elevation, and restoration with a lithium disilicate post-and-crown

2026-01-27T13:45:19+00:00

Introduction: endodontics is essential for oral health, encompassing the study of the structure, morphology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Despite its effectiveness, treatments may present complications, making endodontic retreatment the first option in cases of failure. This procedure consists of removing previous filling material, performing a new chemomechanical preparation, and ensuring proper obturation. Additionally, depending on the case, complementary procedures such as deep margin elevation, crown lengthening, and placement of a post and crown may be required to preserve the remaining tooth structure through the ferrule effect. Thus, lithium disilicate crowns stand out as an option to restore masticatory, phonatory, and esthetic function. Objective: To comprehensively rehabilitate the upper canine #1.3 through tissue stabilization, elimination of infectious foci, and functional and esthetic restoration, documenting both the clinical and radiographic procedures. Methodology: a descriptive and observational approach was applied, focusing on presenting the clinical diagnostic, therapeutic, and follow-up process of a patient. The starting point was a comprehensive clinical and radiographic evaluation, followed by diagnosis and treatment planning. Results: Following treatment, the patient reported an absence of clinical and radiographic symptoms, allowing for the preservation of the tooth structure while restoring function and esthetics. Conclusions: Although teeth with failed endodontic treatment typically present a poor prognosis, permanent tooth loss can be avoided using appropriate techniques for correct root canal preparation, disinfection, and obturation, followed by rehabilitation with a post–crown restoration. This clinical case demonstrates that the function of the affected tooth can be successfully restored through proper intervention based on updated protocols. General field of study: Dentistry. Specific field of study: Endodontics. Type of study: Clinical case.

The double threat: early childhood caries and anemia

2026-01-27T22:11:01+00:00

Public health addresses two relevant childhood problems: iron- deficiency anemia and dental caries—both highly prevalent conditions, especially in vulnerable populations. Dental caries is the most common preventable disease worldwide in childhood and is the leading cause of pain among children. Some studies show that children with early childhood caries, particularly in moderate or severe forms, tend to have lower hemoglobin levels and a higher risk of anemia. This relationship may be explained by inflammation caused by severe dental infections, pain that interferes with eating, and reduced intake of essential nutrients, including iron. Introduction: This paper presents an analysis of the scientific output produced between 2020 and 2025. Objective. To analyze the literature on the relationship between iron-deficiency anemia and early childhood caries. Methodology: The study was conducted through a systematic review following a methodological process based on the PRISMA guidelines, using multiple sources for data collection, including PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The documents were evaluated using selection and quality criteria and subsequently analyzed using qualitative techniques. Results: The findings show that 76% of the studies analyzed report a significant association between early childhood caries and iron deficiency. Although this association appears consistently in the literature, 24% of the authors note that the available evidence does not allow for establishing causality, indicating the need for further longitudinal research. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a relationship between iron-deficiency anemia and early childhood caries, stemming from the triggering factors that anemia produces in the oral cavity. Moreover, a bidirectional relationship exists, whereby dental caries can also contribute to the development of iron-deficiency anemia. General Area of Study: Medicine. Specific area of study: Dentistry. Type of study: Literature Review

Educational strategy for the caregiver of older adults with functional dependency

2026-01-27T22:10:59+00:00

Introduction: The accelerated demographic transition and the increase in functional dependence in older people have made visible a "second patient": the family caregiver, whose physical and emotional burden impacts the continuity and quality of care at home. This work situates the phenomenon of care beyond the clinical, includes social, cultural and ethical dimensions and starts from a clear premise: without specific training, the risk of overload, injuries due to inadequate mobilization and psycho-emotional exhaustion increases, affecting both the caregiver and the elderly. Objective. To analyze and synthesize the evidence on educational strategies aimed at family caregivers of functionally dependent older adults, to identify effective components and guide their institutionalization at the first level of care. Methodology. In the methodological field, an applied narrative bibliographic review was conducted aimed at identifying, organizing, and synthesizing educational strategies for family caregivers of older adults with functional dependence. As it was a review of secondary sources, no ethical approval was required; traceability was guaranteed through search records, extraction forms, and evidence matrix. Results. It is observed, in a convergent manner, that the lack of systematic training amplifies the physical and emotional vulnerabilities of the caregiver and that, when structured psychoeducational programs are implemented, practical knowledge and self-efficacy increase, care time is ordered, intra-family communication improves, and ergonomic mobilization techniques are adopted, with decreases consistent in indicators of stress and overload. Conclusion. Overall, the evidence supports institutionalizing caregiver training as a cost-effective public health and gerontology strategy: it reduces burden, prevents avoidable harm, and sustains dignified person-centered care. It is recommended to integrate these programs at the first level of care with clear referral routes, short and repeatable modules, and monitoring using standardized instruments; complement with psycho-emotional approach and caregiver rest; and ensure cultural relevance and accessibility in schedules, materials, and tele-orientation. General area of study: health sciences. Specific area of study: gerontology/primary care. Type of study: narrative bibliographic review.

Cawthorne Cooksey exercises in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction

2026-01-27T22:34:57+00:00

Introduction. Peripheral vestibular dysfunction is a disorder of the body’s balance system that may present symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, vomiting, head movement intolerance, postural instability, and gait disturbances. Its most common form is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of Cawthorne–Cooksey exercises in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction through a review of specialized scientific literature. Methodology. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Medline databases, following PRISMA guidelines. Only RCTs were included, and methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, selecting studies with a score >7. Results. A total of 231 articles were identified; after applying inclusion criteria, 10 studies were selected. The reviewed evidence indicates that Cawthorne–Cooksey exercises are an effective approach in vestibular rehabilitation when delivered as part of a multimodal intervention, leading to improvements in balance, reductions in dizziness, and enhanced gait speed and stability. Conclusion. Vestibular rehabilitation should be implemented through an integrated approach, supported by technologies that improve treatment adherence. Vestibular disorders show better recovery outcomes when interventions are continuous and individualized, highlighting the critical role of consistent practice and personalized therapeutic strategies. General Area of Study: Health sciences. Specific area of study: Physiotherapy. Type of study: Systematic review.

Effects of photobiomodulation on muscle recovery

2026-01-27T22:34:55+00:00

Introduction. Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive intervention that uses laser or light-emitting diodes in the visible or infrared spectrum to modulate cellular activity. In the sports field, it can accelerate muscle recovery after intense exertion, improve biochemical markers of muscle damage, reduce fatigue, and modulate oxidative stress. Objective. To analyze the effectiveness of photobiomodulation in muscle recovery in elite athletes. Methodology. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted using the Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline databases, following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials were selected, and methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, considering only those with a score >7. Results. 256 articles were identified, and after applying the inclusion criteria, 10 studies were selected. The reviewed evidence indicates that photobiomodulation is an effective method for muscle recovery in athletes, as it improves physical performance and accelerates muscle recovery processes. Conclusion. Photobiomodulation has shown positive effects on muscle recovery, especially when applied before or after exercise. However, the evidence is not conclusive, as some studies report no significant differences. This suggests that the treatment's effectiveness may be influenced by variables such as the dosage used, the timing of application, and the characteristics of the sport practiced. General Area of Study: Health Sciences. Specific area of study: Physiotherapy. Type of study: Systematic bibliographic review.

A qualitative look at coronal dental morphology in the Ecuadorian Andean population of the Puruhá culture of the Cóndor parish, Chimborazo

2026-01-27T22:34:54+00:00

Coronal Dental Morphological Features (CDMFs), resulting from genetic-developmental interactions and environmental pressures, are stable phenotypic markers that enable the reconstruction of affiliations, mixed race processes, and migratory patterns, as well as forensic and clinical applications. Introduction: In Andean populations, the systematic characterization of RMDc is scarce and fragmented; the generation of local morphological profiles contributes to anthropobiological references applicable in anthropology and dentistry. The study analyzes the expression of multiple dental traits in a sample assigned to the “Andean man” (Puruhá culture, Chimborazo province), providing data on frequency, sexual dimorphism, and age distribution. Objective: To describe and quantify the frequency and distribution of morphological traits according to sex and age group. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study; sample n = 84 individuals. RMDc was recorded using a standardized protocol (ASUDAS) with examiner calibration. Absolute and relative frequencies were recorded by trait, laterality, sex, and age groups (12–20 and 21–25 years). Comparative tables by sex and trait counts are presented. Results: Distribution by sex showed relative differences: Carabelli's tubercle (43%) was more frequent in women and the hypocone (66%) in men; the sample was concentrated in adolescents and young adults (69% between 12–20 years). Conclusions: The dental morphological patterns observed are consistent with a Native American profile (Mongoloid complex) but with a significant presence of features associated with mixed ancestry (e.g., Carabelli tubercle). General Area of Study: example Medicine.Specific area of study: dentistry. Type of study: Original articles.