ABSTRACT
Odontogenic infections represent a significant public health concern due to their high prevalence and potential for severe complications. These conditions commonly arise as a consequence of dental caries and periodontal disease, which remain leading causes of oral pathology worldwide.¹ In many cases, effective management requires an integrated approach combining pharmacological, dental, and surgical interventions², tailored to the specific clinical circumstances. The infection may originate within the dental structures or extend to the surrounding tissues. When the inflammatory process cannot be effectively controlled through antibiotic therapy, it may disseminate to the subcutaneous regions and, in severe cases, manifest extraorally.³ Such infections frequently present with pain and swelling in the orofacial region, often necessitating emergency endodontic intervention to alleviate symptoms and control the spread of infection.⁴ In patients exhibiting acute pain and clinical signs of facial swelling, endodontic management typically involves root canal treatment in conjunction with systemic antibiotic therapy.¹,²,³,⁴ Clinical Case: A 20-year-old male patient presented to the UABC Polyclinic in Mexicali with intense pain in the right submandibular region and noticeable right-sided facial asymmetry. Pulpal diagnosis: necrosis. Periapical diagnosis: acute periapical abscess affecting tooth #46. Endodontic treatment was initiated to achieve internal decompression, followed by completion using the crown-down biomechanical instrumentation technique, irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and obturation with MTA-Fillapex sealer. The clinical outcome was favorable, demonstrating complete resolution of the infection and absence of recurrence during follow-up.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of general dental surgeons on the criteria for choosing the cervical margin in fixed prostheses in dental practices in Bamako and Kati. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive study focusing on 73 general dental surgeons in dental practices in Bamako and Kati over a period of three months, from July to September 2025. Data were collected using a self-administered survey form given to practitioners. Results: The participating dentists represented a rate of 93.59%. Males represented a rate of 72.6%. The sex ratio was 2.63 (M/F). The 30-40 age group represented 53.4% of cases. Average: 33.78 years; Standard deviation: 4.98 years; Extremes: 27 and 46 years. Private dental practices were the most represented, accounting for 41.1% of cases. In our study, 34% of participants had completed other training courses. The number of years of experience was < 5 years in 46.6% of cases. Average: 6.96 years; Standard deviation: 4.26 years; Extremes: 1 and 15 years. The majority of participants were in the private sector, representing 72.7% of cases. The depth of the metal-ceramic crown was between 1.2 and 1.5 mm in 60.3% of cases. Shouldering accounted for 32.9% of cases for metal-ceramic crowns. The margin was between 0.8-1 mm in 61.7% of cases for metal crowns. The margin was recessed in 43.9% of cases for metal crowns. During the study, 58.9% of participants mentioned a depth between 0.8-1 mm for a zirconia crown. The chamfer margin was represented in 34.3% of cases for a zirconia crown. The margin was subgingival in 65.8% of cases to meet patients' aesthetic demands. The shoulder bur was used in 57.6% of cases for shoulder preparation. The chamfer bur was used in 57.6% of cases for chamfer repair. The pointed conical bur was used in 65.8% of cases for tracing preparation. The pointed conical bur was used in 50.7% of cases for highlighting undercuts. The margin was subgingival in 65.7% of participants for a m

ABSTRACT
Orthograde root canal retreatment is the first-line conservative option when endodontic failure or risk of reinfection is present after prior treatment. We report the management of a maxillary right central incisor (tooth 11) in a 59-year-old male, asymptomatic, with a misfitting metal-ceramic crown placed ~30 years earlier, a cast metal post, and an inadequate root filling. Under rubber-dam isolation, recurrent caries were removed and complete gutta-percha removal was performed. Working length was established at 17 mm, followed by biomechanical instrumentation and activated irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA, alternated with saline. Calcium hydroxide was used as an intracanal medicament at the first visit; at the subsequent appointment, three-dimensional obturation was achieved using cold lateral and vertical compaction with gutta-percha and a bioceramic sealer (MTA Fillapex). A provisional seal was placed and definitive restoration was planned immediately to prevent coronal leakage. Immediate postoperative evolution was uneventful, without pain or swelling. As no evident periapical lesion was observed, the prognosis was considered favorable and consistent with reported success rates when effective disinfection and adequate corono-apical sealing are achieved. This case underscores the importance of identifying etiologies correctable via an orthograde approach, implementing standardized irrigation protocols, ensuring early coronal coverage, and coordinating prosthetic rehabilitation in a multidisciplinary manner to preserve structure and function. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups at 6 and 12 months, and annually thereafter, are recommended to document retreatment success. Coordination with periodontics and prosthodontics optimizes definitive rehabilitation.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Teleconsultation is a remote consultation between a practitioner and a patient, allowing the patient to obtain a medical diagnosis remotely from a healthcare professional. The patient may also be assisted by a healthcare professional to provide the doctor with accurate and precise information for diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the communication methods used by dentists in Mali during teleconsultations. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from September to November 2025. The study included dentists registered with the Order of Dentists and up-to-date with their 2025 membership dues. Data were collected through a questionnaire developed using Kobocollect and sent to participants via WhatsApp and/or email. Results: In this study, men were the most represented group at 75.28%, and the most prevalent age groups were under 30 and 31-40, both at 56.73%. Practitioners with less than 10 years of experience were the most represented, accounting for 57.69% of cases. The private sector accounted for the largest share at 73.08%. More than half (68.29%) of participants used telephone calls for teleconsultations, followed by social media applications (59.76%), email (13.41%), and letters and faxes (2.44%). Conclusion: The communication methods used by dentists are consistent with the evolution of new techniques and technologies.

ABSTRACT
Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and osteogenic. When formulated as a hydrogel, chitosan can be used as a scaffold for the release of growth factors, drugs, and stem cells, promoting periodontal tissue regeneration. This article examines the mechanisms by which chitosan hydrogel facilitates periodontal regeneration and explores its potential in clinical applications.

ABSTRACT
Tobacco smoking remains one of the most significant risk factors influencing the susceptibility to and progression of periodontal disease, as it adversely affects host immune response and compromises treatment outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may exert biological effects on oral tissues comparable to those associated with conventional tobacco smoking. The use of ENDS has risen markedly in recent years, particularly among adolescents and current or former tobacco users. This growing prevalence underscores the urgent need to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population regarding the risks associated with nicotine exposure and its potential impact on oral health. Tobacco use continues to represent a substantial global public health burden. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, highlighting their role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and discussing their implications for clinical management.

ABSTRACT
Masticatory dysfunction caused by missing teeth impacts not only general health but also oral quality of life. Prevention and the rise of minimally invasive restorative dentistry have improved the oral health of the general population. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of dentists in the Bamako District regarding the production of fixed prostheses. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a two-month period, from August 4, 2023 to October 4, 2023. We included dentists in the Bamako District registered on the official list of the National Council of Dental Surgeons of Mali (ONCD) for the year 2023. The questionnaire was anonymous, and the data collected was confidential and stored in a secure location. The collected data were processed and entered using Word 2010 on Windows 7. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Males were the most common gender, with 78% of cases compared to 22% of cases, with a sex ratio of 3.5%. The 25-35 age group was the most common, with 71.7% of cases. During our study, 100% claimed to have knowledge of FP. Among our sample, 76.1% performed single-unit and multiple-unit fixed prostheses. This was followed by those who performed only single-unit fixed prostheses, with 15.2%. Among the crowns and prosthetic parts performed, CCC/CCM/CIV were the most common, with 45.7%. For 26.1% of participants, the choice of anchors was based on tooth anatomy, morphology, tooth group, and vitality. Alginate was the most used impression material for 67.4% of practitioners. This study shows that dentists need continuing education, especially in fixed prosthetics. It turned out that they were not at the same level of information, and that the majority presented insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the latter. As a result, prosthetic patient care is difficult and varies from one practitioner to another.