Imagin evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin in post-exodontic bone regeneration. A systematic review

Introduction: Tooth extraction is one of the most frequently performed procedures in clinical dentistry. However, it often leads to progressive alveolar ridge resorption, which can compromise future restorative and prosthetic treatments. Objective: This systematic review aimed to examine the role of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in post-extraction alveolar ridge preservation, evaluating its effectiveness in enhancing bone tissue regeneration based on radiographic assessments, and comparing its outcomes to those observed with physiological bone healing. Methodology: The review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Additionally, gray literature was sourced from the New York Academy of Medicine Grey Literature Report. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 6.2 (RevMan 6.2). Results: Seventeen RCTs published up to 2022 met the eligibility criteria, each investigating PRF’s efficacy in bone regeneration following tooth extraction. Conclusion: Although not all results demonstrated statistical significance, the clinical evidence suggests that PRF supports bone neoformation and reduces alveolar bone loss during the healing period, particularly within the first three to four months post-extraction. General field of study: Health Specific field of study: Dentistry Type of study: Systematic review.

Karen Andrea Rubio Uzho, Rocío Magdalena Molina Barahona, Edwar Danilo Cruz Proaño, Ana Cristina Vásquez Palacios

6-28

Efficacy of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil from a plant species against Candida albicans

Introduction. In the dental field in endodontics, the presence of microorganisms, especially Candida albicans in periapical lesions, limits the success of treatment, although irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and calcium hydroxide are used as intraradicular medication, they are not always effective, thus the need to develop studies that involve other less invasive options than conventional antifungal agents. Objective. To determine the efficacy of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil against Candida albicans (ATCC 60193). Methodology. This was a longitudinal laboratory study in which the Candida albicans ATCC 60193 strain was inoculated and analyzed in triplicate, working with several exposure subgroups: proportions of essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus (50%, 75%, 100%) and for the control group injectable fluconazole 2 mg/mL (positive control) and purified water (negative control) were used, at an incubation period of 25º C, at 72 hours, the results were observed by visual inspection, the size of the areas where the growth of Candida albicans was stopped was measured in millimeters. Results. The 75% solution showed the greatest inhibition halo, but with a great variability in the data, in contrast to 100% which has a lower inhibitory effect than 75% but with less variability and a statistically significant difference, the 50% solution has the lowest inhibitory effect. Conclusion. This study highlights the variability in the antifungal effect of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil in arresting the growth of Candida albicans, these findings underline the importance of further research. General field of study: Health sciences. Specific field of study: Dentistry. Type of study: Original article.

Kelly Priscila Santellán Sanchim, Katherine de los Ángeles Cuenca León

29-44

Effectiveness of different antifungal agents, together with triantibiotic paste, for the treatment of Candida albicans in root canals

Introduction: In the oral cavity Candida albicans is a yeast that is commonly present in most humans, it generally does not cause harm, but it is considered an opportunistic microorganism, it can colonize in an exaggerated way in some subjects causing what is known as oral candidiasis, which would be synonymous with an infection by this pathogen. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antifungal effectiveness of various antifungals on strains of C. albicans ATCC 90028 inoculated into root canals of teeth extracted for distinct reasons, to provide evidence to improve endodontic therapeutics. The infected ducts were exposed to different antifungals: nystatin, fluconazole, and miconazole. Methodology: The direct observation method was used to evaluate efficacy. Results: The results showed that all the antifungals evaluated showed antifungal activity and showed efficacy when combined with triple antibiotic paste, but with differences in their effectiveness. Conclusions: The conclusions place miconazole as the most effective, but the percentages of effectiveness of the other antifungals are also favorable and may be key to increasing disinfection in root canals infected by C. albicans. General area of study: Dentistry. Specific area of study: Endodontics. Type of study: Original articles.

Carlos Andrés Rodríguez Tapia, Jessica María Sarmiento Ordoñez

45-59

Management of inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia after third molar extraction using laser therapy: a review

Introduction: The extraction of mandibular third molars is a common intervention that can cause complications such as damage to adjacent teeth, swelling, bleeding, infection, and nerve damage, with significant injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (NAI). Low-level laser therapy is presented as a promising option for the regeneration of damaged nervous tissue. Methodology: A narrative review was conducted with a comprehensive search of databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar using validated DeCS descriptors between 2019 and 2024. Inclusion criteria included publications in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, while studies on other surgical procedures were excluded. Results: 13 representative articles were identified. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was shown to be effective in regenerating nerve tissue and relieving pain, with significant improvements in healing and neurosensory recovery. Discussion: The literature agrees that LLLT is effective in treating postoperative paresthesia, although protocols need to be standardized. Some studies suggest combining LLLT with vitamin B12 as an added benefit. Conclusions: LLLT has enormous potential to treat paresthesia after extraction of third molars. However, the lack of standardization in protocols limits their clinical implementation, recommending more studies in this area. General area of study: Dentistry. Specific area of study: Oral Surgery. Type of article: narrative bibliographic review.

Samantha Calle, Edisson Gonzalo Ojeda Arechua, David Manuel Pineda Álvarez

60-75

Treatment of oroantral communication as a complication of posterious-superior teeth extraction. Literature review

Introduction: Oroantral communication (OAC) is a frequent complication after posterosuperior tooth extraction, associated with the proximity between the dental roots and the maxillary sinus. Its therapeutic management depends on the size of the defect, the presence of infection and the conditions of the patient. Objective: To analyze and critically organize the available evidence published in the last five years on the therapeutic options for the treatment of COA, secondary to extraction, to propose an indicative clinical protocol. Methodology: A narrative review was conducted by electronic search in PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Research Library and Google Scholar. MeSH terms and keywords combined with Boolean operators were used. Studies published between January 2019 and July 2024 in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese were included. Defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Results: Thirty articles were included in this review, addressing different therapeutic approaches for the management of oroantral communication (OAC). The evidence reviewed shows that defects <3 mm without infection can heal spontaneously. Defects 3-5 mm benefit from primary suturing. Defects larger than 5 mm require surgical approaches, including mucosal flaps, Bichat flaps, PRF and combined techniques in complex cases. A lack of consensus was identified regarding the choice of treatment according to defect size. Conclusions: Treatment of COA should be personalized according to the clinical context. A preliminary clinical protocol is proposed as a tool to guide decision making, emphasizing the need for future comparative research and the creation of standardized clinical guidelines. General Area of Study: Health. Specific area of study: Oral surgery. Type of study: Literature review.

Daniela Lissette Faicán Sislema, Doménica Estefanía Torres León, David Manuel Pineda Álvarez

76-90

Frequency of endodontic complications in the clinical practice of undergraduate students. Literature review

Introduction: Endodontic treatments aim to preserve severely compromised teeth, restoring their function and health to the stomatognathic system. However, their execution requires technical precision and a thorough knowledge of dental anatomy, which represents a constant challenge during dental training. Objective: To collect current scientific information about the frequency of endodontic complications in the clinical practice of undergraduate students. Methodology: Bibliographic and descriptive research, for the search for articles various databases were used, using DECS/MESH terms in English and Spanish, in addition to Boolean operators. Including studies published from 2014 to 2024, in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Once the studies were identified, a cross-sectional and critical reading of the selected literature was conducted, discarding duplicate records and those that did not allow free access. Results: Endodontic complications not only affect the success of the treatment but can also generate long-lasting repercussions on the patient's health. Poor instrumentation, insufficient or excessive filling of root canals and residual infections can lead to treatment failures and, in some cases, to the need for surgical treatment. Considering that the quality of endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate dental students varies significantly, it is important to improve their technical skills and anatomical understanding. Conclusions: Successful endodontic treatment requires accurate obturation and proper management of complications, including iatrogenic errors and instrumentation deficiencies. Correct evaluation and management of these complications are crucial to ensure the longevity of treated teeth and minimize long-term risks. General Area of Study: Dentistry. Specific area of study: Endodontics. Type of study: Narrative bibliographic review.

Lourdes Katherine Poma Carchi, Priscila Alexandra León Castro

91-108