Guidance for Permanent First Molar Extraction in Molar-Incisor Malformation: Report of Two Cases.

Molar-incisor malformation (MIM) is a newly described dental developmental anomaly that predominantly affects primary second molars, permanent first molars, and, in some cases, permanent central incisors. Diagnosis is usually made upon radiographic examination. The molars usually present with significant cervical constriction, flattened pulp chambers, and absent or thin, short, and narrow roots, whereas the incisors usually exhibit coronal dilaceration. Loss of these compromised teeth in the long term may be inevitable. Thus, clinicians should be aware of this condition and the factors to consider to advise their patients as early as possible. The purpose of this paper is to present two cases of MIM and discuss the factors clinicians should take into consideration to make a care plan in these cases.

Assessing the Effect of Low Calorie Soda Beverages on Primary Tooth Enamel: An In Vitro Study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low calorie soda beverages on the enamel of primary teeth. Study Design: Fifty enamel slabs were prepared from twenty primary extracted teeth and were equally divided into five groups: a) 0.9% NaCl (Control), b) Coca-Cola Classic (Sucrose), c) Diet Coke (Aspartame), d) Zevia Cola (Erythritol), e) Coca-Cola Life (Stevia). Each specimen was exposed to the beverage for a total of sixty minutes. Enamel surface roughness was measured before and after the exposures using a LEXT OLS4000 3D Laser Measuring Microscope. Results: All tested sodas resulted to a statistically significant change on the surface roughness of the enamel (p =.000). However, this effect did not differ significantly between the different treatment groups (p =.103). Conclusions: Both regular soda and low calorie soda containing different commercial sweeteners appear to have an effect on the surface morphology of primary tooth enamel. Thus, it is important to discourage the intake of any type of soda as part of the dietary advice provided in the dental office.