Orofacial granulomatosis associated with gingival enlargement: a case report.

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is an uncommon condition with varying clinical presentation. Gingival enlargement in children could be due to a varied etiology. The present case report is of an adolescent female with initial presentation of generalized gingival enlargement, lip swelling and perioral discoloration without any known etiopathological factors or systemic involvement. Conservative excision of the enlargement was performed and histopathological examination revealed a non caseating granulomatous lesion. Diagnosis of orofacial granulomatosis in context to sarcoidosis was arrived after excluding other granulomatous diseases. Follow up after 18 months showed no recurrence and regression of lip swelling and perioral discoloration. Gingival enlargement can be considered as one of the presenting features of sarcoidosis.

Association of Salivary Zinc Levels to Dental Caries and Body Mass Index. A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Role of salivary zinc to dental caries and body weight has not been studied extensively in children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between salivary zinc and caries in overweight/obese Indian children. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and sixty children aged 8-12 years of both genders were divided into two groups of eighty each based on their body mass index into normal weight and overweight/obese. Each child was assessed for their caries experience in primary and permanent dentition. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected from each child to estimate zinc levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean caries score among the overweight/obese children was 2.2±3.9 and 0.7±1.5 in the primary and permanent dentition respectively compared to the 2.0±2.6 and 0.2±0.5 respectively among normal weight children. Mean salivary zinc levels in overweight/obese children were 0.36±0.27 ppm compared to normal weight children of 0.81±0.46 ppm. CONCLUSION: Overweight/obese children demonstrated significantly lower salivary zinc levels and higher caries experience in permanent dentition. Salivary zinc levels showed a positive but weak association to caries in permanent dentition in both groups. Salivary zinc levels showed a negative non-significant correlation to caries in primary dentition among the children with higher BMI.

Oral Health Related Quality of Life and its Association with Dental Caries of Preschool Children in Urban and Rural Areas of India.

Background: In early childhood due to dental neglect, children suffer from multiple decayed teeth and experience pain, interfering with their daily activities. This study aimed to assess Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of preschool children in urban and rural Bangalore, and to correlate it with their dental caries status. Study design: Oral health examination of 1545 preschool children, aged 3 to 5 years were selected from urban and rural Bangalore. The parents answered the Oral Health-Related Early Childhood Quality of Life OH-ECQOL proforma on OHRQoL of their children. Results: The mean OHRQoL of urban preschool children was 17.86 and was significantly different from 20.42 of rural preschool children. (p<0.001). The mean deft score was 2.60±2.26 in rural preschool children and it was significantly higher than 1.92±2.05 seen in urban preschool children (p< 0.001). A significant correlation was seen between dental caries (deft) and OHRQoL in urban preschool children (p=0.04). Their OHRQoL was significantly associated with the 'decayed' component.(p=0.03) Multiple regression analysis showed OHRQoL to be significantly associated with dental caries. Conclusion: OHRQoL among preschool children living in urban Bangalore was found to be better than those in rural Bangalore.

Streptococcus Mutans Strains in Mother-Child Pairs of Children with Early Childhood Caries.

OBJECTIVE: Dental caries is both an infectious and transmissible disease. Maternal transfer of Mutans Streptococci occurs at an early age and is important in the initiation of dental caries in children. The aim of this study was to identify certain strains of Streptococcus mutans in mother-child pairs, of children with early childhood caries. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty mother-child pairs of healthy children aged 18-36 months were selected. Mothers with high levels of Streptococcus mutans in their saliva and only children with ECC were included. Dental plaque samples were collected from mother-child pairs. The plaque samples were stored, transferred to the laboratory and analyzed for Streptococcus mutans strains c, f, e and k, present in mother-child pairs using Real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis for level of similarity in Streptococcus mutans strains present in mother-child pairs. RESULTS: A similar distribution of Streptococcus mutans strains c, f and k was identified in 28 mother-child pairs. Streptococcus mutans strain e was seen in 18 pairs. CONCLUSION: Less than 50% of mother-child pairs showed similarity in distribution of Streptococcus mutans strains.

Association of Salivary Lipids and Early Childhood Caries in an Indian Subpopulation: A Preliminary Study.

Aim: This preliminary study aimed to estimate and correlate the relationship between salivary flow rate and levels of salivary triglycerides, cholesterol and total lipids in children with and without early childhood caries. Study design: Ninety children aged 3 - 6 years were divided into three groups of 30 each based on their decayed missing filled tooth (dmft) score, group I (dmft score = 0), group II (dmft score ≥4 and ≤ 9) and group III (dmft scores ≥ 10). Whole unstimulated saliva was collected in a sterile graduated cup over a period of 5 minutes and was quantitatively analyzed for levels of salivary triglycerides, cholesterol and total lipids. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis by one way ANOVA, Post-Hoc tukey and Pearson's correlation test. Results: Salivary flow rate was 1.20±0.36, 1.01±0.37 and 0.86±0.31 ml/min in group I, II and III respectively. The mean levels of salivary triglycerides in group I, II and III was 3.57±0.43mg/ml, 6.11±1.70mg/ml and 6.03±1.73 mg/ml, respectively. The mean levels of salivary total lipids were higher in group II and III, ie 22.51±2.87 mg/ml and 22.68±2.54 mg/ml respectively. The mean level of salivary cholesterol was highest in group III (8.03±2.91 mg/ml). Salivary triglycerides and total lipids showed a significant positive correlation with dmft scores of children (p≤ 0.001). Salivary cholesterol also had a positive association with dental caries experience of children but was not significant. There was a negative correlation between salivary flow rate and levels of salivary triglycerides, cholesterol and total lipids. Conclusion: Children with ECC (group II and III) had lower salivary flow rate and higher levels of salivary triglycerides and total lipids compared to caries free children (group I). Levels of salivary cholesterol did not differ between caries free and children with ECC.

Effectiveness of Rotary Endodontic Instruments on Smear Layer Removal in Root Canals of Primary Teeth: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study.

AIM: The present SEM study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of root canal instrumentation using both manual and rotary files in the root canals of primary anterior teeth. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty freshly extracted primary maxillary incisors were divided into 3 groups of 10 teeth each. In Group I, root canals were instrumented with rotary NiTi files; in Group II, the root canals were instrumented using manual NiTi K files and; in Group III, manual instrumentation was done with stainless steel K files. Longitudinal sections were prepared and processed for observation under SEM at the coronal, middle and apical thirds. Scoring of smear layer was done according to Hulsmann and the data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Rotary files cleaned the coronal and middle thirds of root canals more effectively. Statistically there was no significant difference between the groups. Lowest score of 2.6 in the apical third of root canals was seen with hand NiTi files. CONCLUSION: Rotary instrumentation was as effective as manual instrumentation in removal of smear layer in the root canals of primary anterior teeth.

Oral mucosal lesions and immune status in HIV-infected Indian children.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric HIV is growing at an alarming rate in developing countries. Due to their compromised immune status, children infected with HIV are prone to a number of opportunistic infections. Oral manifestations are the first signs of the disease in many of them. To assess the oral mucosal status of Indian children with HIV, based on their CD4 cell counts. METHODOLOGY: Two hundred and twenty one HIV infected children aged 6-18 years from various HIV centers, were divided into three groups, based on their CD4 cell counts; Group 1: ≥500, Group 2: 201-499 and Group 3: ≤200 cells. The children in each group were further considered as 'prior to antiretroviral treatment (ART)' and 'on ART'. Oral mucosal examination was done based on presumptive criteria given by Ramos-Gomez for diagnosis of oro-facial lesions commonly associated with HIV infection in children. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Angular cheilitis and pseudomembranous candidiasis were the frequently seen oral lesions. Children with CD4 cell count ≥500 had significantly fewer oral lesions each. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of HIV-infected children were affected with oral mucosal lesions. There was a significant association between immune status and frequency of oral lesions.

Oral rehydration salt-liquid as a storage medium for avulsed tooth.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of oral rehydration salt-liquid as a suitable medium for maintaining the periodontal ligament cell viability over different time periods and to compare its efficacy with that of two other storage media, Hanks' balanced salt solu1tion and milk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 130 sound- and caries-free premolars extracted atraumatically for orthodontic reasons were selected. Of these teeth, 120 premolars were randomly divided into three experimental groups comprising 40 teeth each, for immersion in three different experimental storage media. Each tooth was subjected to 30 or 60 min of extra oral dry time. Each experimental group was further subdivided into two groups comprising 10 teeth each, based on the immersion time of 45 and 90 min, respectively. Of the remaining 10 premolars, five teeth each formed positive and negative controls. All teeth were subjected to collagenase II and dispase assay. Trypan blue dye exclusion test was used to determine the viability of the periodontal ligament cells. The number of viable cells was counted using Neubauer's chamber. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way anova and post hoc Tukey's tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between Hanks' balanced salt solution and Oral Rehydration Solution-Liquid. CONCLUSION: Oral Rehydration Solution-Liquid as a storage medium was found to be as efficient as Hanks balanced salt solution to maintain the viability of periodontal ligament cells, and it was found to be better than milk.

Pain perception in 4-6-year-old children following intraoral dental injection with 26 and 31-gauge needles: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Administering anesthesia in dentistry can be distressing for patients, especially those with dental fear and anxiety. Needle pain during local anesthesia is a common concern in intraoral procedures. This study aimed to compare pain perception in 4-6-year-old children following intraoral dental injections with 26- and 31-gauge needles. Methods: Fifty healthy children were divided according to age into Group I (N = 25; 4-5 years) and Group II (N = 25; 5-6 years). Each group was further subdivided according to the needle gauge as follows: Group IA (26 gauge), Group IB (31 gauge), Group IIA (26 gauge), and Group IIB (31 gauge). Using a lottery method, the gauge of the needle to be used at the first visit for local anesthesia administration was selected. Children's reactions to pain were evaluated using a Modified Behavioral Pain Scale. Immediately after administration of local anesthesia, pain perception was evaluated using the Faces pain rating scale. In the subsequent visit, another needle gauge was used to administer local anesthesia, and the previously described evaluations were performed. At the third appointment, the child was shown both syringes and asked to choose one of the syringes they preferred, and the choice was noted. Results: When local anesthesia was administered using a 31-gauge needle, pain perception was similar between the two groups. In group II, the children demonstrated significantly higher arm and leg movements (P = 0.001). However, the difference was significant in group I alone (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Irrespective of age, anesthesia with a 31-gauge needle resulted in significantly lower pain perception than anesthesia with a 26-gauge needle.

Oral mucosal status and salivary IgA levels of HIV-infected children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric HIV is a major world health problem, which is progressing at an alarming rate. Lesions in the mouth and in other tissues and organs (oral and systemic lesions) in pediatric HIV infection are diverse and show differences in clinical presentation and severity from that of adults. Very little data exist for oral lesions in pediatric population in India. To assess oral mucosal status of HIV-infected children and to correlate it with their salivary IgA levels. METHODS: The study group consisted of 150 HIV-infected children aged 6-18 years. They were divided into two groups. Group 1: Children prior to anti-retroviral therapy, Group 2: Children undergoing anti-retroviral therapy (for not more than 3 years). Criteria given by Ramos-Gomez for diagnosis of oral lesions commonly associated with HIV infection in children were used to record the oral lesions. Salivary IgA levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in mean secretory IgA (SIgA) levels between the groups (P ≤ 0.05). All the children had one or more oral mucosal lesions, with angular cheilitis being the most common lesion. There was a significant inverse relation between SIgA levels and individual oral mucosal lesions (P ≤ 0.05). The number of oral lesions was inversely related to the SIgA levels. CONCLUSION: Oral mucosal lesions were a significant feature of HIV-infected infection, particularly in children prior to the onset of anti-retroviral therapy. All children showed low SIgA levels. Early recognition and management of oral conditions are important to improve the quality of life in these children.

Arrest of root formation in relation to permanent mandibular incisors: a rare case report.

AIM: To report a rare case of arrested root formation of permanent incisors in a young boy with mixed dentition and its management. BACKGROUND: Traumatic injury to a primary tooth may damage the underlying permanent tooth germ and affect its development. The extent of the malformation depends upon the developmental stage of the permanent tooth and the intensity of trauma. Discoloration and hypoplasia of the crown, dilaceration, root angulation and disturbances in eruption are commonly seen developmental disturbances following trauma. However, partial or complete arrest of root formation is a rare developmental sequela of trauma to primary teeth. Attempt should be made to retain these natural teeth during the mixed dentition period. CASE DESCRIPTION: A case is presented of a young boy with rare occurrence of arrested root formation of permanent mandibular incisors, following trauma to the primary predecessors. Clinically these teeth exhibited mobility and radiographic examination showed absence of root formation in relation to the incisors. The treatment plan was to retain the natural permanent teeth for a maximum period and to stabilize them until a more permanent replacement could be carried out. As the patient had mixed dentition, immediate stabilization was done using fiber reinforced splint until further definitive treatment is carried out. Early diagnosis of developmental disturbances in permanent teeth resulting from trauma at a young age is necessary. Regular follow-up appointments, through clinical and radiographic examination and timely intervention may minimize or even avoid harm to the developing tooth.

Microbiological assessment of root canals following use of rotary and manual instruments in primary molars.

AIM: To assess the microflora of root canals in primary molars following use of rotary NiTi files and conventional hand NiTi and stainless steel files. STUDY DESIGN: This randomized clinical trial consisted of a total of 60 first and second primary molars requiring root canal treatment, who were selected from children aged 5-9 years. Based on type of root canal instrumentation, the teeth were randomly assigned to three groups of twenty teeth each; Group A: Rotary NiTi files, Group B: Hand NiTi files and Group C: Hand stainless steel files. Following administration of local anesthesia, isolation with rubber dam was carried out. For the purpose of instrumentation and sampling, the palatal canal of maxillary molars and the distal canal of mandibular molars were selected. Prior to sampling, the orifices of other canals in these teeth were sealed, so as to prevent any contamination. Instrumentation was carried out in each group using respective instruments along with intermittent saline irrigation. Root canal samples were obtained both before and after instrumentation, using sterile absorbent paper points and transferred to a sterile vial with transport fluid. Serial dilutions were prepared and cultured on suitable agar media. Both aerobic and anaerobic microbial counts were made. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using Wilcoxon signed rank test and one-way Analysis of variance. RESULTS: In all three groups, there was a significant reduction in both aerobic and anaerobic mean microbial count following root canal instrumentation. (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Rotary NiTi files were as efficient as conventional hand instruments in significantly reducing the root canal microflora.

HAART medication and oral health status in children and adolescent HIV infected: A case control study.

BACKGROUND: The advent of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) does influence the overall oral health care of children. The children undergoing HAART have shown an increase in caries activity owing to sugars in medicines to make them more palatable. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess and compare the Oral Health of Children Living with HIV/AIDS (CLHAs) and Adolescents Living with HIV/AIDS (ALHAs) undergoing HAART and those who are HAART-naïve. METHODS: This study was carried out at different Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) across Kerala, India. The study group consisted of 150 HIV-infected children aged 6-18 years. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised of children prior to onset of HAART and Group 2 included children who had been on HAART for more than 3 years (HAART naïve). The assessment of dental caries status and dental plaque status was done. The observations were tabulated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: On Statistical Analysis, significant difference was noted between the groups with the Group 1(2.26 ± 0.58;p value = .000* ) showing higher scores of dental plaque and a significant difference was also observed with respect to dental caries scores with DMFT and dmft scores higher in Group 2(dmft 2.08 ± 2.85; p value = .001* and DMFT 4.10 ± 1.71;p value = .003*). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that oral hygiene conditions were poor in children with HIV, with dental plaque scores more in HAART-naïve which may be due to their lesser visits and reinforcements regarding oral hygiene from a dentist and dental caries score more in HAART group, this may be attributed to the hidden sugars present in HAART medications to make it more palatable. Early recognition and management of oral conditions are important to improve the quality of life for these children.

The Effect of Usage of Antiasthmatic Inhalers on Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Dental Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: Increased demand for esthetics by parents and children has resulted in the use of tooth-colored restorative materials. Children with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma use inhalers which have shown to affect the surface of restorative materials. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of antiasthmatic inhalers on color stability and surface roughness of three restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty samples each of three dental restorative materials: group A: glass ionomer cement (GIC), group B: alkasite restorative material, and group C: composite resins were prepared. Each group was further divided into two subgroups of 20 samples each according to the inhaler used. All the specimens were polished using polishing discs and stored in artificial saliva in order to simulate the oral environment. The baseline color value and surface roughness of all the samples were measured using a spectrophotometer and a profilometer, respectively. Group 1 and group 2 were exposed to 0.31 mg of salbutamol sulfate and 20 mg formoterol fumarate in combination with budesonide, respectively, for every 12 hours, for a period of 15 days following which the samples were evaluated for color changes and surface roughness. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis and level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Exposure to both the inhalers caused a change in color and surface roughness in all three restorative materials. There was a significant change in the color of GIC and composite resin (ΔE > 3.3), following exposure to both the inhalers (p < 0.05). The change in color of alkasite restorative material was not significant. A significant increase in the surface roughness of composite resin from 0.56 ± 0.14 to 0.67 ± 0.19 was seen following 15 days' exposure to formoterol in combination with budesonide inhaler (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Following exposure, both the inhalers had an equal effect on color and surface roughness of all three restorative materials. Alkasite restorative material showed greater resistance to change in color and surface roughness when exposed to antiasthmatic inhalers, compared to GIC and composite resin. Thus, children who use inhalers and nebulizers should be advised to implement more precautionary oral hygiene measures and periodic dental visits.

Cariogenic potential of pediatric liquid medicaments--an in vitro study.

UNLABELLED: Pediatric liquid medicaments (PLM) are popular and are easily accepted by both parents and children. They are widely prescribed and easily available. However the sugar content and properties of these preparations determines their cariogenic potential. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the pH and viscosity of pediatric liquid medicaments, type and concentration of sugars present in them and their effect on the growth of Streptococcus mutans. METHODOLOGY: PLM included two each of the most commonly prescribed analgesics, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, antitussive and antiepileptic preparations. The endogenous pH was measured using a digital pH meter and the viscosity was measured using a digital Brookefield viscometer. Analysis of sugars (sucrose, glucose and sorbitol) was performed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The effect of PLM on Streptococcus mutans was done by ditch plate method. RESULTS: The pH of PLM ranged from 3.70 to 7.04 and viscosity varied from 307.33cP to 2408.33cP. Fifty percent of the PLM contained sucrose, glucose and sorbitol, and sucrose was present in nine of the PLM. The antibiotic preparations showed zones of inhibition against growth of Streptococcus mutans. CONCLUSIONS: The physical properties of Pediatric Liquid Medicaments as well as the type and concentration of sugars present in them can be indicative of their cariogenic potential.

Oral Health-related Quality of Life and Oral Hygiene of Children and Adolescents with Hearing Impairment.

Background: Hearing impairment affects communication and oral hygiene practices. Aim: To determine the effect of dental education and motivation on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and oral hygiene in children and adolescents with hearing impairment. Materials and methods: Ninety children aged 8-16 years were selected from a special school of hearing impaired. Their OHRQoL was assessed using child oral health impact profile short form (COHIP-SF) at baseline and at 12 months. Oral hygiene was assessed using Silness and Loe plaque index and Loe and Silness gingival index. Oral health education followed by motivational sessions once a month was carried out for 12 months. Data was statistically analyzed using student paired t-test and Karl Pearson correlation test. Level of significance was considered as 5%. Results: COHIP score showed a significant improvement from 39.7 at baseline to 48.0 at 12 months (p < 0.05). A significant reduction was seen in plaque (p = 0.002) and gingival inflammation (p < 0.05) at 6 and 12 months. An inverse relation was seen between the COHIP score and gingival health. Conclusion: OHRQoL of children and adolescents with hearing impairment significantly improved from baseline to 12 months. How to cite this article: Manohar PS, Subramaniam P. Oral Health-related Quality of Life and Oral Hygiene of Children and Adolescents with Hearing Impairment. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):311-315.

Comparison of Clinical Efficacy of Glass Ionomer-based Sealant using ART Protocol and Resin-based Sealant on Primary Molars in Children.

Aim: The present in vivo study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and survival rate of resin-based composite sealant (Clinpro Sealant, 3M ESPE, Irvine, California, United States of America) with high viscosity glass ionomer (GI) (Equia Forte, GC India, Patancheru, Telangana, India) using atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) sealant protocol in primary molars. Materials and methods: The design of the study was a clinical, prospective split-mouth study. A total of 100 contralateral primary molars were selected and divided into two groups. In group I, children received Equia Forte, and in group II, children received Clinpro Sealant. The follow-up examinations were performed in the 1st and 6th months. Simonsen's criteria were used to check for retention. International Caries Assessment and Detection System II (ICDAS II) criteria were used to check for dental caries. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: At 6 months, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to retention and caries preventive effect. Conclusions: High-viscosity GI sealants can be applied using the ART protocol and provide an alternative to resin-based sealants. Clinical significance: There is a limited number of studies on the performance of ART sealants in primary molars. Thus, the clinical efficacy and survival rate of resin-based composite sealant (Clinpro Sealant, 3M ESPE, Irvine, California, United States of America) with high viscosity GI (Equia Forte, GC India, Patancheru, Telangana, India) using ART sealant protocol in primary molars were evaluated. The research concluded that high-viscosity GI sealants using ART protocol are effective sealants in primary molars. How to cite this article: Kaverikana K, Vojjala B, Subramaniam P. Comparison of Clinical Efficacy of Glass Ionomer-based Sealant using ART Protocol and Resin-based Sealant on Primary Molars in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):724-728.

A comparative evaluation of four regenerative materials for pulpotomy in primary molars: An in vivo study.

Background: Preservation of pulpal vitality is of paramount importance as the vital functioning pulp is capable of initiating a unique reparative capacity. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare four regenerative materials for pulpotomy in primary molars. Materials and Methods: This in vivo study included a total of 120 primary molars from 30 healthy children aged 3-9 years for regenerative pulpotomy procedure. The teeth were then divided by the lottery method (chits with names of materials on it) into four groups so that each child received all four of the regenerative materials; Group 1: Biodentine (BD)™, Group II: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Plus (MTA Plus™), Group III: Retro MTA (Retro MTA®), and Group IV: Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM) cement. All the primary molars (1st/2nd molars) were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Data were subjected to the statistical analysis using the Chi-square test. The level of significance was considered as P < 0.05. Results: Clinical evaluation showed 100% success with BD™ and CEM cement; whereas 96.2% success was seen with MTA Plus™ and Retro MTA®. On radiographic evaluation, MTA Plus™ and CEM cement showed 96.2% success, whereas BD™ and Retro MTA® showed 92.59% success rate. Conclusion: All four regenerative materials showed high success in the pulpotomy of primary molars.

Endoflas, zinc oxide eugenol and metapex as root canal filling materials in primary molars--a comparative clinical study.

UNLABELLED: Several materials have been used to fill root canals of primary teeth. Traditionally, zinc oxide eugenol was used for the purpose, until the introduction of calcium hydroxide and iodoform based materials. Another root canal filling material that contains zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide and iodoform is commercially available as Endoflas. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Endoflas, zinc oxide eugenol and Metapex as root canal filling materials. METHOD: A total of forty-five primary molars from children aged 5-9 years were selected for a one stage pulpectomy procedure. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups of fifteen teeth each based on the type of root canal filling material used. All the molars were evaluated clinically and radiographically at regular intervals of 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The observations were tabulated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Endoflas and zinc oxide eugenol showed 93.3% success, whereas a higher percentage of success was observed with Metapex (100%). Overfilling and voids were more commonly seen in teeth filled with Metapex. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the three root canal filling materials.

Efficacy of an Innovative Device in Reducing Discomfort during Local Anesthesia Administration in Children: A Clinical Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of an innovative vibrating device and compare it with the conventional method in reducing discomfort during the administration of local anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children in the age-group of 4-8 years requiring local anesthesia for routine dental procedures were allocated to either a control or experimental group, with 20 children in each group. The preoperative assessment of behavior was carried out using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. Both groups received local anesthesia using the intraoral conventional approach. However, in the experimental group, a vibrating device was simultaneously placed over the cheek during local anesthesia administration. The SEM (sounds, eyes, motor) scale was used to assess the level of comfort or pain during the administration of local anesthesia. Data were subjected to statistical analysis and the level of significance was considered at 5%. RESULTS: The mean SEM score in the control group was 6.65 ± 21.95 which was significantly higher than 3.80 ± 1.15 in the experimental group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The vibrating device was useful and effective in reducing pain and discomfort during intraoral local anesthesia administration. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Subramaniam P, Ghai SK. Efficacy of an Innovative Device in Reducing Discomfort during Local Anesthesia Administration in Children: A Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):353-356.