Remineralization potential of P11-4 and fluoride on secondary carious primary enamel: A quantitative evaluation using microcomputed tomography.

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of self-assembling peptide (P11-4) diffusion, assembly, and remineralization to effect artificial secondary caries-like lesions in human primary teeth in vitro. Enamel-dentin blocks obtained from extracted human primary molars were embedded into epoxy resin blocks. Cavities (approximately 1 × 1 × 2 mm) were prepared on the surface using a high-speed diamond bur under constant water cooling and filled with composite restorative material (Filtek Z250; 3 M ESPE). The samples were immersed in demineralizing solution (20 ml) for 96 h to produce secondary caries lesions and divided into two groups according to the testing materials: fluoride varnish (Duraphat; Colgate, UK) and P11-4 (Curodont Repair; Credentis, Switzerland). Except for the control areas, all samples were remineralized for 3-5 min using the remineralizing agents, and then all the sections were placed in a pH-cycling system for 5 days at 35°C. The pH cycling procedure was followed by micro-CT analysis for the qualitative evaluation of surface changes. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two independent groups. In the comparison of more than two dependent groups, Bonferroni smoothed pairwise analyses were used to determine the source of the Kruskal-Wallis H test difference. The results of the study revealed that the remineralization depths of the peptide group were higher than those of the fluoride group (p < .01). There was a statistically significant difference in remineralization effects between the fluoride and peptide groups. P11-4 can be considered as an effective remineralizing agent for secondary caries lesions.

Effect of Different Restorative Materials on Primary Tooth Wear: A Quantitative Evaluation Using Microcomputed Tomography.

Purpose: The wear properties of restorative materials used in the primary dentition must be compatible with primary tooth wear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the wear rate of primary teeth opposing composite resin and different prefabricated crown materials. Methods: The study specimens were divided into four groups: (1) composite resin (CR) group; (2) stainless steel group (SS); (3) monolithic zirconia (MZ) group; and (4) fiberglass (FG) group. Ten specimens were prepared from each group, and primary canines were used as antagonist teeth. The wear test was conducted with a vertical load of 50 N and 240,000 cycles using a chewing simulator. The volume losses of antagonist teeth and the weight losses of restorative materials were calculated with microcomputed tomography and a digital scale, respectively. The worn surfaces of restorative materials were examined via scanning electron microscopy. Results: The amount of enamel wear was highest in the MZ group (1.551±0.859 [standard deviation] mm 3 ) group, followed by the FG group (1.028±0.854 mm 3 ), SS group (0.480±0.324 mm 3), and CR group (0.310±0.341 mm 3). The volume losses in the MZ group were significantly greater than those in the SS and CR groups (P<0.05). The weight loss amount of restorative materials was highest in the CR group (8±2 mg), followed by the FG (6±3 mg), SS (4±3 mg), and MZ (2±1 mg) groups. Conclusions: Prefabricated monolithic zirconia crowns caused greater wear on opposing primary teeth. The amount of weight loss in the composite resins was highest while causing minor primary tooth wear.

A Comparison of Periodontal Health in Primary Molars Restored with Prefabricated Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal health and clinical success of restoring primary molars with a prefabricated stainless steel crown (SSC) or zirconia crown (ZC). Methods: Six- to nine-year-olds with at least two decayed primary molars were included. Teeth were restored with SSCs and ZCs. Intact contralateral primary molars were evaluated as controls. A simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and clinical success criteria for the crowns were evaluated during follow-up. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Fifty-two teeth were evaluated in 13 children for 12 months. The OHI-S levels were not different at the follow-ups. Teeth restored with ZCs showed lower GI and PI scores than those restored with SSCs, even among controls. All SSCs were retained after 12 months, while two of the ZCs decemented. Minor staining in one ZC and a fracture on the surface of another ZC were observed. Conclusions: The gingival health and plaque accumulation performance of zirconia crowns were better than those of stainless steel crowns and controls. SSCs are highly retentive and viable restorative option, although they were associated with a decline in gingival health.

The Effect of Parenting Styles on Behavior Management Technique Preferences in a Turkish Population.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between parenting style and parental preferences for behavior management techniques in a Turkish population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted for a three-month period among the parents and children who applied for treatment in a university clinic. Parenting style was determined using the parenting style dimension questionnaire, and parental dental anxiety (PDA) was rated with the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Behavior management technique (BMT) preferences were rated by the parents after a videotape presentation. Chi-square tests and likelihood ratios were used for statistical analysis, and the significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: A total of 142 three- to 12-year-olds (mean age equals 6.83±2.71 years old) and their parents participated in the study. Most parents had an authoritative parenting style and preferred positive reinforcement. Parenting style and PDA were significantly associated with preferences for BMTs (P<0.05). Although the children with high-anxiety parents showed more negative behaviors and the children with low-anxiety parents behaved more positively, this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In addition, PDA was not associated with parenting styles (P>0.05). Conclusions: Parenting style and parental dental anxiety should be considered in the selection of behavior guidance techniques.