[Corrigendum] Comparison of the biological characteristics of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from exfoliated deciduous teeth, bone marrow, gingival tissue, and umbilical cord.

Subsequently to the publication of this paper, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that, in Fig. 3 on p. 4973, the data panels shown for the "Osteogenesis" row of data for the GMSC and BMSC experiments appeared to be overlapping, such the data may have been derived from the same original source. After having examined their original data, the authors have realized that the data panel selected for the GMSC "Osteogenesis" experiment was inadvertently chosen incorrectly. The corrected version of Fig. 3 is shown below. Note that this error did not significantly affect the results or the conclusions reported in this paper, and all the authors agree to this Corrigendum. The authors are grateful to the editor of Molecular Medicine Reports for allowing them the opportunity to publish this corrigendum, and apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused.[Molecular Medicine Reports 18: 4969­4977, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9501].

Global genome and comparative transcriptomic analysis reveal the inulin consumption strategy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum QS7T.

Sichuan pickle is a natural combination of probiotics and dietary fibers, in which a strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum QS7T was found to be capable of efficiently metabolizing inulin. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of inulin consumption by the strain QS7T is unclear. Therefore, this study firstly investigated the metabolic characteristics of inulin in the strain QS7T, and the results showed it could grow very well on the medium containing inulin as a carbon source (maximum OD600 nm, 1.891 ± 0.028) and degrade both short-chain oligofructose and long-chain fructan components through thin layer chromatography analysis. Genomic sequencing and analysis revealed a high percentage of functional genes associated with carbohydrate transport and metabolism, particularly glycoside hydrolase (GH) genes responsible for hydrolysing carbohydrates, within the genome of the strain QS7T. Furthermore, comparative transcriptomic analysis of L. plantarum QS7T in response to inulin or glucose indicated that functional genes associated with inulin consumption including several genes encoding PTS sugar transporters and two predicted GH32 family genes encoding beta-fructofuranosidase and beta-fructosidase were significantly up-regulated by inulin compared to the gene expression on glucose. In conclusion, we obtained a mechanistic understanding of interplay between probiotic L. plantarum QS7T derived from Sichuan pickle and natural dietary fiber, inulin; totally two operons including a sacPTS1 operon responsible for metabolizing short-chain oligofructose primarily in the cytoplasm and a fos operon responsible for extracellularly degrading all moderate and long-chain fructan components linked to inulin consumption by L. plantarum QS7T.

Hsa-miRNA-143-3p regulates the odontogenic differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla by targeting NFIC.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of hsa-miRNA-143-3p on the cytodifferentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs) and the post-transcriptional regulation of Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC). METHODOLOGY: miRNA expression profiles in human immature permanent teeth and during hSCAP differentiation were examined. hSCAPs were treated with miR-143-3p overexpression or silencing viruses, and the proliferation and odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation of these stem cells, and the involvement of the NFIC pathway, were investigated. Luciferase reporter and NFIC mutant plasmids were used to confirm NFIC mRNA as a direct target of miR-143-3p. NFIC expression analysis in the miR-143-3p overexpressing hSCAPs was used to investigate whether miR-143-3p functioned by targeting NFIC. Student's t-test and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: miR-143-3p expression was screened by microarray profiling and was found to be significantly reduced during hSCAP differentiation (p < .05). Overexpression of miR-143-3p inhibited the mineralization of hSCAPs significantly (p < .05) and downregulated the levels of odontogenic differentiation markers (NFIC [p < .05], DSP [p < .01] and KLF4 [p < .01]), whereas silencing of miR-143-3p had the opposite effect. The luciferase reporter gene detection and bioinformatic approaches identified NFIC mRNA as a potential target of miR-143-3p. NFIC overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-143-3p on the odontogenic differentiation of hSCAPs. CONCLUSIONS: miR-143-3p maintained the stemness of hSCAPs and modulated their differentiation negatively by directly targeting NFIC. Thus, inhibition of this miRNA represents a potential strategy to promote the regeneration of damaged tooth roots.

Regeneration of Dental Pulp Tissue by Autologous Grafting Stem Cells Derived from Inflammatory Dental Pulp Tissue in Immature Premolars in a Beagle Dog.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biological characteristics of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and inflamed dental pulp derived stem cells (I-DPSCs) in vitro and their regeneration potential in Beagle immature premolars. METHODS: Pulpitis was induced in the premolars of one beagle dog by opening the pulp chamber for 2 weeks, and inflammation was histologically confirmed. DPSCs and I-DPSCs were isolated from normal and inflamed dental pulp, and cell morphology, expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers, clone formation ability, cell proliferation and osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation potential were compared. The dental pulp of 20 roots from 10 immature premolars was extracted and divided into two groups. DPSCs or I-DPSCs with scaffolds were transplanted into the root canals. The roots were extracted after 3 months, and pulp regeneration was evaluated by histological analysis. The data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA and a Student t test. RESULTS: Histological analyses showed lymphocyte infiltration and elevated TNF-α expression, which confirmed the diagnosis of pulpitis. I-DPSCs showed similar morphology, marker gene expression and clone formation ability but greater proliferation ability and osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation potential. Pulp-like tissue formation and bone- and dentine-like tissue deposition were observed in both DPSC- and I-DPSC-transplanted roots. CONCLUSION: DPSCs derived from inflammatory dental pulp tissue have similar biological characteristics to those from normal dental pulp and could mediate pulp and dentine regeneration in immature premolars.

Treatment with Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth and Their Derived Conditioned Medium Improves Retinal Visual Function and Delays the Degeneration of Photoreceptors.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a hereditary disease characterized by degeneration and the loss of photoreceptors. Stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for treating RP. Stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs), a type of mesenchymal stem cell from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, have the potential to differentiate into photoreceptor-like cells under specific induction in vitro. It has been confirmed that through paracrine secreta, SHEDs exert neurotrophic, angiogenic, immunoregulatory, and antiapoptotic functions in injured tissues. This study was designed to determine whether retinal-differentiated SHEDs and the conditioned medium derived from SHEDs (SHEDs-CM) have therapeutic effects in a mouse model of RP. The results showed that both SHEDs and SHEDs-CM improved electroretinogram responses, ameliorated photoreceptor degeneration, and maintained the structure of the outer segments of photoreceptors. The therapeutic effects were related to antiapoptotic activity of SHEDs and SHEDs-CM. Thus, SHEDs may be a promising stem cell source for treating retinal degeneration.

Mineralisation Influence of Betamethasone on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Dental Pulp Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mineralisation response of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced dental pulp cells (DPCs) to betamethasone and the potential benefit of betamethasone application on the recovery of injured dental pulp. METHODS: The proliferation influence of betamethasone on DPCs was analysed through the cell counting kit-8 assay. To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of betamethasone, the expression levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-∂ were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mineralisation was investigated through the detection of the mineralisation-related biomarkers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and osteocalcin (OCN) through the ALP activity assay, immunohistochemistry staining, Alizarin Red and tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) staining, the reverse transcriptase PCR technique and western blot. RESULTS: A low concentration of betamethasone (1 µ/mL) promoted the proliferation of DPCs. The real-time PCR results demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines were downregulated by betamethasone treatment. The mineralisation outcome in DPCs treated with betamethasone was better than in those treated without betamethasone. CONCLUSION: Betamethasone promoted the proliferation of DPCs. Betamethasone enhanced mineralisation in LPS-stimulated DPCs.

Comparison of the biological characteristics of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from exfoliated deciduous teeth, bone marrow, gingival tissue, and umbilical cord.

Different sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may differ in their biological characteristics, which are important for their clinical application. In the present study, MSCs were isolated from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), bone marrow, gingival tissue and umbilical cord tissue, and their biological characteristics including surface markers, proliferation capacity, tumorigenicity and immunogenicity were analyzed by flow cytometric analysis, ELISA and co­culture with human lymphocytes, respectively. The results indicated that all four types of stem cells obtained from different sources expressed MSC surface markers, and they did not show tumorigenicity either in vivo or in vitro. Stem cells from SHED exhibited the strongest proliferation capacity. Umbilical cord­derived MSCs displayed the strongest immunomodulatory ability, while bone marrow MSCs exhibited the best antigen­presenting potential in response to interferon­Î³ stimulation. These results provide information on MSCs derived from different tissues, which may be helpful in their clinical application.

Treatment of gingival defects with gingival mesenchymal stem cells derived from human fetal gingival tissue in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) from human fetal gingival tissue used for treating gingival defects in a rat model. METHODS: GMSCs were isolated from human fetal gingival tissue and identified by flow cytometry for nestin, Oct4, vimentin, NANOG, CD105, and CD90. The immunogenicity of GMSCs was analyzed by mixed lymphocyte reactions; the tumorigenicity of GMSCs was evaluated by xenotransplanting into nude mice. The gingival defect animal model was established by mechanical resection in rats. GMSCs were transplanted into the defective area, and the regeneration of gingival tissue was observed twice weekly. Four weeks after transplantation, the gingival tissue was surgically cut down, and the graft was analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining for human mitochondrial antigens and rat CD3 and CD20. RESULTS: GMSCs from human fetal gingival tissue positively expressed nestin, Oct4, vimentin, NANOG, CD105, and CD90. There was no cell aggregation after mixed lymphocyte reactions, and interleukin-2 did not increase. Inoculation of GMSCs into nude mice for 6 months showed no tumor formation. GMSCs were transplanted into the gingiva defects of rats. One week after transplantation, the defect area was reduced, and after 3 weeks the morphology and color of local gingival tissue was similar to normal gingival tissue, and gingival height was the same as the normal control group. CONCLUSIONS: Using GMSCs from human fetal gingival tissue to treat gingival defects is a safe and effective innovative treatment method.

Preliminary Evaluation of Platelet Rich Fibrin-Mediated Tissue Repair in Immature Canine Pulpless Teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the regenerative therapy of immature canine permanent teeth. METHODS: Eight immature premolars of beagle dogs were pulp extracted and cleaned with irrigation, then divided into two groups of empty root canals and those filled with a PRF clot. All of the eight premolars were sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate and glass ionomer cement. Two premolars were left naturally grown as a positive control. The root development was assessed radiographically and histologically after 12 weeks. RESULTS: The radiological findings showed greater increases in the thickness of lateral dentinal wall in the PRF group than in the vacant group. Histologically, dental-associated mineral tissue, connective tissue, and bone-like mineral tissue grew into the root canals independent of PRF clot use. The PRF was able to increase the thickness of dental-associated mineral tissue. However, the vital tissue differed from the pulp dentin complex. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the feasibility of using PRF-mediated regenerative therapy in pulpless immature teeth for improving tissue repair.

[Effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1 on proliferation, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on proliferation, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) in vitro. METHODS: DPSCs were cultured in vitro and treated with either 100 µg/L SDF-1 or 100 µg/L G-CSF. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony-forming unit (CFU) were used to detect the effect of SDF-1 and G -CSF on the proliferation ability of DPSC. Cell migration of DPSC was determined by wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay. The effects of SDF-1 and G-CSF on odontoblastic differentiation of DPSC were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity and alizarin red S staining. The expression of odontoblastic-related genes such as dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: SDF-1 and G-CSF promoted the proliferation of DPSC slightly, but the difference was not statistically significant. Wound healing assay showed that SDF-1 and G-CSF promoted cell migration of DPSC significantly (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two factors. In Transwell migration assay, the number of migrated cells of the control group was 5.0 ± 1.4 per sight, while the SDF-1 group was 24.3 ± 6.8 per sight and the G-CSF group was 11.8 ± 3.3 per sight, suggesting that cell migration of DPSC was improved significantly after being treated with SDF-1 or G-CSF, and SDF-1 was more effective than G-CSF (P<0.05). Significantly greater odontoblastic differentiation potential was found in SDF-1 group and G-CSF group based on the ALP staining. Higher ALP activity, more mineralization nodule formation and higher expressions of DMP-1 and DSPP were also found after SDF-1 or G-CSF treatment. CONCLUSION: SDF-1 had no significant effect on the proliferation of DPSC, but could significantly promote cell migration and odontoblastic differentiation of DPSC. Its effect on DPSC was better than G-CSF.

[Degradation evaluation and success of pulpectomy with a modified primary root canal filling in primary molars].

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical and radiographic success rates of a modified primary root canal filling (ingredients: zinc oxide-eugenol, iodoform and calcium hydroxide, MPRCF) vs. zinc oxide-eugenol cement (ZOE) and calcium hydroxide/iodoform paste (Vitapex) in pulpectomized primary molars at the end of 6 and 12 months, and to evaluate the degradation of materials in the root canals and in apical area. METHODS: In the study, 160 primary molars from 155 children (the average age: 5.88±1.27 years) that met the inclusion criteria were allocated to one of the three materials via block randomization. A two-visit pulpectomy was performed by an investigator. The clinical and radiographic diagnoses were blindly assessed by other two investigators. RESULTS: At the end of 6 and 12 months, the ZOE and MPRCF success rates were 100% both in clinical and radiographic evaluation. The Vitapex group showed the clinical success of 100% at the end of 6 months and 94.5% at the end of 12 months. Radiographic evaluation for the Vitapex group showed 80.4% success at the end of 6 months and 60.7% at the end of 12 months. No statistically significant differences were noted at the end of 6 months in the three groups both in clinical and radiographic evaluation. The success rates in clinical and radiographic evaluation at the end of 12 months for ZOE and MPRCF groups were not significantly different, and better than those for Vitapex group with statistically significant difference. The completely resorb rate of excess extruded extraradicularly were 14.3%, 100% and 71.4% for ZOE, Vitapex and MPRCF at the end of 12 months. The rates of resorption of material at the same rate of the root were 5.8%, 7.2% and 40.9% for ZOE, Vitapex and MPRCF at the end of 12 months. CONCLUSION: MPRCF, a mixture of zinc oxide eugenol and iodoform with calcium hydroxide can be used as a root canal filling material in primary teeth, taking account of the success rate and resorbing at a similar rate with the roots of the primary teeth.

[Spatiotemporal expression pattern of E-cadherin and P-cadherin during mouse tooth development].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression patterns of E-cadherin and P-cadherin in murine-tooth germs at early developmental stages. METHODS: Mandible samples of CD1 mice from embryonic day 12.5 to postnatal day 3.5 were collected. The expressions of E-cadherin and P-cadherin in murine mandibular first molar germs were detected by immunofluorescence and observed under confocal fluorescence microscope. HE staining was performed for tissue morphology. RESULTS: Both E-cadherin and P-cadherin were widely expressed in the epithelial tissues through early developmental stages. The E-cadherin expression was increased in polarizing pre-ameloblasts, whereas the P-cadherin expression declined. The expression of the P-cadherin could be detected in epithelial tissues before bud stage, and expressed in mature ameloblasts at secretory stage. CONCLUSION: The E-cadherin and P-cadherin expressed in different spatiotemporal expression patterns, indicating their individual functions during tooth development. P-cadherin might function in the secretion and mineralization of enamel.

[Influence of the effect of general anaesthesia and restraint during dental treatment on dental anxiety and behavior in children].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the level of dental anxiety and dental behavior between dental fear children with dental treatment under general anaesthesia (GA) and those under restraint. METHODS: The GA group included 31 dental fear children aged 4-6-year-old who received dental treatment under the GA. The restraint group included 31 dental fear children aged 4-6-year-old who received dental treatment under the restraint. Age, gender, parent's education level, decayed-missing-filled-tooth (dmft) and face version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDASf) score before treatment were matched between the two groups. The Chinese version of MCDASf was used to evaluate the level of dental anxiety in each child before treatment, right after treatment and before examination at recall visit 2-3 weeks after treatment. And the Chinese version of Venham Clinical Anxiety and Cooperative Behavior Scale was used to evaluate children's dental behavior in each child before treatment and before examination at recall visit 2-3 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The average scores of MCDASf in GA group right after treatment and before recall were lower than that before treatment. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Furthermore, the average score of MCDASf before recall was lower than those after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The average scores of MCDASf in restraint group right after treatment and 2-3 weeks after treatment were higher than those before treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Children's dental behavior was significantly improved at recall visit in both groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Dental fear could be reduced by treatment under GA. The children's dental behavior was improved after GA. Restraint did not result in the significant elevation of dental anxiety level, but dental behavior was improved after restraint during the short-term recall.

[Influence of feeding patterns on the development of teeth, dentition and jaw in children].

Breastfeeding has been recognized as the most natural and nutritious way of feeding babies. Besides the nutritional, immunological and emotional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a healthy stomatognathic system. First of all, the nutrients and minerals in maternal milk are easy to be absorbed by the infants, which contributes to the mineralization of the teeth, and suppress the propagation of bacteria on the teeth. Though the jury is still out on whether breastfeeding can prevent Early Childhood Caries (ECC), it is definite that we should pay attention to feeding at night and the oral hygiene of the babies. Secondly, the method of feeding is closely bound up with the development of dentition and jaw. Breast- and bottle-feeding involve different orofacial muscles, which possibly have different effects on the harmonic growth of maxilla and dental arches. Meanwhile, breathing, swallowing and mastication should be developing in harmony, and differences exist in the learning of the coordinated movement between breast feeding and bottle feeding children. Bottle feeding had been proved to be closely related with the non-nutritive sucking habits which can cause malocclusion. At last, it should be pointed out that breast feeding should be the only feeding source in the first 6 months of life, then supplementary foods should be added. And prolonged bottle feeding should be avoided. We can see that breast feeding is definitely good for the infants, but the reality is not optimistic in our country.

Nuclear factor I-C expression pattern in developing teeth and its important role in odontogenic differentiation of human molar stem cells from the apical papilla.

Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC) has an important role in the development of murine dental roots, but its role in human root formation is unreported. We thus elucidated the regulatory role of NFIC in the differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs). The first step for this was to determine the expression of NFIC in human teeth, and it was found that NFIC expression was restricted to the odontoblasts and preodontoblasts of the developing molars of humans and mice. NFIC was found to be expressed in odontoblast-like cells after the subcutaneous transplantation of hSCAPs. NFIC expression was concomitant with dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) in the mineralization of hSCAPs. NFIC knockdown in hSCAPs significantly inhibited expression of DSPP and promoted that of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), meanwhile upregulated the expression of TGF-ß1 and downregulated SMAD3 and SMAD4. NFIC expression was significantly upregulated after TGF-ß1 treatment in hSCAPs. NFIC knockdown prolonged G1 phase of the cell cycle, but had no effect on cell proliferation and migration. These results suggest that NFIC is involved in the development of human root dentin and the regulation of odontoblastic differentiation of hSCAPs. NFIC may participate in the DMP1-DSPP signaling pathway and comprises a complex signaling cycle with TGF-ß1.

Effects of zinc oxide-eugenol and calcium hydroxide/ iodoform on delaying root resorption in primary molars without successors.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) and calcium hydroxide/iodoform paste (Vitapex), as root canal filling materials in pulpectomy, on delaying the root resorption of primary molars without permanent successors. Animal models without permanent successors were surgically established in beagle dogs. Root resorption was observed via periapical radiographs. The onset of root resorption of primary mandibular molars without successors occurred later (p<0.05) than physiologic resorption. ZOE pulpectomy clearly delayed the root resorption of primary molars without permanent successors (p<0.05), whereas resorption of primary molars with Vitapex pulpectomy started at almost the same time as physiologic resorption. Compared with Vitapex, ZOE was a more effective root canal filling material in delaying the root resorption of primary molars.

[Marginal microleakage of cavities prepared with Er:YAG laser on primary teeth in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the marginal microleakage after cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser and conventional bur applying different adhesive systems, conditioning surface with acid etching or not. METHODS: In the study, 50 primary teeth were divided into 5 groups. (1) Bur + etch-and-rinse system, (2) Bur + self-etching system, (3) Er:YAG laser + etch-and-rinse system, (4) Er:YAG laser + self-etching system, (5) Er:YAG laser + none-etched. The class V cavities were all filled with composite resin. The microleakage tests were performed, observed and scored under stereomicroscope. RESULTS: Bur + etch-and-rinse group had higher microleakage than Er:YAG laser+etch-and-rinse group, and Bur+self-etching group had higher microleakage than Er:YAG laser + self-etching group(P<0.05). There was no difference between Er:YAG laser + etch-and-rinse group and Er:YAG laser + self-etching group, while they had significantly lower microleakage than that of Er:YAG + none-etched group. CONCLUSION: Composite resin restoration showed less marginal microleakage when all-in-one self-etch system was used after irradiation by Er:YAG laser on primary teeth.

[Evaluation of therapeutic effect of children's dental treatment under general anesthesia: 111 cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficiency of dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) in child patients, and analyze the related factors. METHODS: The records of patients treated under GA in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, between Aug 2008 and Jun 2012 were collected and analyzed. Two hundred and twenty eight records were found, of which 111 patients under 18 years old who were recalled more than 3 months after GA were selected randomly. The unplanned treatments including caries, failed restoration, root canal treatment and space maintenance fall-off etc. were recorded and analyzed. The survival rate and median survival time of the teeth were calculated, and a multivariate analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Totally, there were 1 415 teeth treated under GA. The median survival time was 825 days, 77.0% of the teeth were present during their recall period. The median time of the first unplanned treatment was 215 days, and the failed restoration was the main reason for the unplanned treatment. Other factors such as the age at treatment, gender, total number of decayed teeth, reason for GA, and living place were found unassociated with the survival rate. CONCLUSION: The effect of dental treatment under GA is satisfied. Regular dental visit after GA is very important for children's dental health.

A retrospective study of using removable occlusal splint in the treatment of condylar fracture in children.

BACKGROUND: Although the concept of conservative treatment for paediatric condylar fracture is well understood, there is still a lack of a recognized method for treating child patients with a condylar fracture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the removable occlusal splint in treating condylar fractures in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children and adolescents with condylar fracture, aged 3-16, were included in this study. A removable occlusal splint with varying thickness was fabricated according to the age, developmental stage of the mandible, and degree of condylar dislocation. This was worn for 1-3 months, accompanied by functional exercises. Follow-up was carried out by clinical observation and panoramic X-ray. RESULTS: Clinically satisfactory results with good occlusion were obtained in all the patients, along with unimpaired function and normal growth and development of the mandible. The panoramic image showed remodelling and reconstruction of the fractured condyles. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that conservative treatment has a satisfactory clinical outcome in treating condylar fracture in children. The removable occlusal splint is a promising approach for treating condylar fracture in children and adolescents.

[A retrospective study of 693 children's dental treatment under general anesthesia].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical features of children who received dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) and the characteristics of dental treatment. METHODS: The records of 693 patients treated under GA in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, between Jan. 2001 and Dec. 2012 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The numbers of patients treated under GA increased year-to-year. Most of them were under 4-year-old. The main reasons of dental treatment under GA were uncooperative and disabled. The average number of teeth treated was 12±4 for each child, and the average time for treating one tooth was 12 min. The 3 months follow-up rate was 60.31%, and the older, the fewer treated tooth number and out-of-town associated with the less follow-up rate. CONCLUSION: The main reasons of dental treatment under GA are uncooperative and disabled. GA is an effective and safe method for dental rehabilitation in children.