Radiographic evaluation of teeth with pulp stones and pulp canal obliteration: characteristics, and associations with dental parameters.

The study aimed to radiographically assess the characteristics of pulp stones (PS) and pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in teeth and examined their associations with various dental parameters such as caries, restorations, periodontal status, and age. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University between September 2022, and May 2023, involved 101 patients exhibiting 402 teeth with PS or PCO. Data were collected from periapical and bitewing radiographs, and analyzed by two calibrated dentists. Multiple dental parameters were assessed, including caries level, presence and level of restorations, periodontal condition, and age of the patient. The study population consisted of 62 females and 39 males, with an age range of 18-65 years. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability were high (Kappa = 0.88 and 0.98 respectively). PS were more commonly found in molars (81.2%), while PCO were presented in only 115 teeth (23%). Age significantly affected the type of calcification (p < 0.001), with PS more common in the 20-30 age group and PCO more common in individuals over 40. Presence of caries was significantly associated with the type of calcification (p = 0.013), but restoration was not. The majority of teeth with PS (76%) or PCO (93%) had healthy periodontium. Around 40% of teeth with PCO showed signs of periapical changes, a finding significantly different from those with PS (p < 0.001). Pulp calcifications were significantly associated with various dental parameters, including caries presence, age, and periodontal status. The findings provide crucial insights into the epidemiology and aetiology of pulp calcifications.

Access to dental care for children with special health care needs: a cross-sectional community survey within Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of dental care access among children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and the barriers hindering this access. Data of this cross-sectional study were obtained from self-administered surveys distributed through seven CSHCN centers. Children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay were included. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to describe the data. A total of 602 study participants were included in the analyses. Only 24.9% of the participated caregivers routinely visited the dentist for their CSHCN. Half of CSHCN caregivers found difficulties obtaining dental treatment. This trend was significantly greater in 12-18 years old children (p = 0.013) and in families commuting for more than one hour to dental clinics (p = 0.045). The most common reported barrier was fear of the dentist (61.6%) followed by child uncooperativeness (37.8%) and treatment costs (27.8%). CSHCN lack sufficient dental care for a variety of reasons, primarily fear of dentists, child uncooperativeness, and treatment costs. Dentists require more training and education to facilitate better access to dental care for CSHCN.