Microbiota of dental caries in primary teeth of a Costa Rican Child population / Microbiota de la caries dental en piezas primarias de una población infantil costarricense

Abstract The objective of this research was to identify bacteria present in the microbiota of dentinal carious lesions in primary molars of some Costa Rican pediatric patients. Data were collected from 15 children aged between 4 and 8 years old who attended the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry from the University of Costa Rica (UCR). The inclusion criteria were: infants between 4 and 8 years old who presented cavitated carious lesions in primary teeth, who were actively attended by students at the Faculty of Dentistry from the UCR, and whose parents or legal guardians signed the informed consent to participate in this research. Samples were taken using a sterile spoon, placed in storage vials, and subjected to various conventional and molecular microbial identification techniques, such as Gram stain identification, catalase tests, oxidase, TSI, API 20E, API STAPH, and VITEK 2. Of the 60 bacterial strains subjected to Gram staining, the following was obtained: 28 Gram-positive bacteria and 32 Gram-negative bacteria. The main isolated organisms were species of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pasteurella pneumotropica/Mannheimia haemolytica, Pantoea spp, and Streptococcus mutans.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar las bacterias presentes en la microbiota de lesiones cariosas dentinales en molares primarias de pacientes pediátricos costarricenses. Las muestras fueron recolectadas de 15 niños entre los 4 y 8 años que fueron atendidos en la Clínica de Odontopediatría en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). Los criterios de inclusión fueron: pacientes entre los 4 y los 8 años de edad que presentaran lesiones cariosas cavitadas en dientes primarios, que se encuentraran activos para su atención por estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología de la UCR, y que los padres o encargados legales firmaran el consentimiento informado para participar en esta investigación. Las muestras se tomaron utilizando una cuchareta estéril, colocándolas en viales de almacenamiento y fueron sometidas a diversas técnicas de identificación microbiana convencionales y moleculares tales como: identificación por Tinción de Gram, pruebas catalasa, oxidasa, TSI, API 20E, API STAPH y VITEK. De las 60 cepas bacterianas sometidas a tinción de Gram se obtuvo: 28 bacterias Gram Positivas y 32 bacterias Gram Negativas. Los principales organismos aislados fueron: especies de Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pasteurella pneumotropica/ Mannheimia haemolytica, Pantoea spp y Streptococcus mutans.

Fluoruro de estaño en el control de cavidades sin restauración en dientes temporales / Stannous fluoride in nonrestorative cavity control in primary teeth

Introducción: el control de cavidades sin restauración (NRCC, por sus siglas en inglés), es una opción de tratamiento conservador y no invasivo para dentina cariosa, sobre todo en dentición temporal. Una de las estrategias del NRCC es la remineralización. El fluoruro de estaño (FDE) puede considerarse, como una opción viable ya que existe evidencia de su eficacia cariostática. Objetivo: valorar al FDE como remineralizante alternativo en dentina de molares temporales, asociado al NRCC. Material y métodos: se efectuó un estudio clínico, epidemiológico, y descriptivo con preescolares voluntarios de 3 a 5 años de edad con consentimiento firmado de participación en el estudio, y que presentaron molares con ICDAS 5 y 6. La aplicación del FDE a 0.8%, la evaluación de la dureza de la dentina con los criterios de Nyvad, y el diagnóstico del estado pulpar, la efectuó un operador entrenado para esta finalidad. Se aplicó un análisis estadístico descriptivo y uno no paramétrico. Resultados: el efecto cariostático producido por el FDE a 0.8%, sobre dentina afectada de molares temporales de niños mexicanos fue estadísticamente significativo durante cinco meses. Conclusiones: la aplicación de fluoruro de estaño puede considerarse como una alternativa de tratamiento cariostático asociado al NRCC para niños de 3 a 5 años de edad (AU)

Introduction: nonrestorative cavity control (NRCC), is a conservative and non-invasive treatment option for carious dentin, especially in primary dentition. One of the NRCC strategies is remineralization. Stannous Fluoride (SDF) can be considered as a viable option since there is evidence of its cariostatic efficacy. Objective: to evaluate FDE as an alternative remineralizing agent in the dentin of primary molars, associated with NRCC. Material and methods: a clinical, epidemiological, and descriptive study was carried out with preschool volunteers aged 3 to 5 years with signed consent to participate in the study, and who presented molars with ICDAS 5 and 6. The application of FDE at 0.8%, the evaluation of dentin hardness with the Nyvad criteria, and the diagnosis of pulp status, was carried out by an operator trained for this purpose. A descriptive and non-parametric statistical analysis was applied. Results: the cariostatic effect produced by 0.8% FDE on affected dentin of primary molars of Mexican children was statistically significant for five months. Conclusions: the application of stannous fluoride can be considered as an alternative cariostatic treatment associated with NRCC for children 3 to 5 years of age (AU)

Risk factors associated with occlusal caries in first permanent molars in a school program: longitudinal study

Aim: Evaluate the longitudinal status of dental caries in the occlusal surface of first permanent molars (FPM) and to identify risk factors for the progression to cavitated caries lesions in a school oral health program. Methods: Children who were enrolled in the program between September 2017 and October 2019, 5 to 10 years-old, presenting the four FPM were included. Four calibrated examiners assessed dental caries according to Nyvad criteria. Descriptive analysis included frequency, mean, and standard deviation calculations. Chi-square test was used in the bivariate analysis and, logistic regression adjusted for cluster effect was used to identify significant risk factors for cavity among the following independent variables: gender, age in the baseline, deft, upper/lower molar, initial caries score, Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH), fluorosis, occlusal sealing. Odds ratio (OR) and respective confidence intervals (CI) are presented. Results: From 174 children enrolled in the program between 2017/2019, 120 were reevaluated in 2022. Eleven (2.6%) FPM in 11 children (9.2%) presented cavitated caries in the follow up examination. Significant risk factors for cavity were caries experience in the primary teeth (OR = 5.59; CI: 1.4 ­ 22.3) and the presence of MIH (OR = 5.33; CI: 1.6 ­ 18.1). Most of the active lesions in the follow up were considered active in the baseline examination. Conclusions: The progression to cavity was relatively low, significantly influenced by past caries experience and MIH

Knowledge of Physical Education Students about Tooth Avulsion Before and After Receiving an Informative Leaflet

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of Physical Education students about tooth avulsion (TA) in both dentitions before and after receiving an informative leaflet (IL). Material and Methods: The questionnaire contained information about TA in dentition and its management and was applied to the Physical Education students before and after reading an IL. Results: A total of 118 students, 96.61%, attended a first aid course, and 17.80% received information about TA. Most students (88.98%) never had an experience with TA, and 90.68% considered its management important. The other questions, before and after reading the IL, respectively, were: would not perform deciduous tooth replantation (42%; 88%); knew how to handle the avulsed permanent tooth (APT) (38%; 92%); knew how to clean the APT (50%; 99%); knew that permanent tooth replantation (PTR) must be immediate (15%; 95%); knew the ideal time to seek for the dentist right after TA without performing PTR (6%; 83%); knew how to store APT (31%; 97%). Conclusion: The knowledge of Physical Education students in this research revealed a limited understanding of dental tooth avulsion. After receiving an informative leaflet, the students showed a significant improvement in knowledge about traumatic avulsion management, including tooth replantation and proper actions.

Periodontitis en niños sanos de 3 años: dos casos con seguimiento a 5 años / Periodontitis in healthy 3-year-old children: two cases with 5-year follow-up

Objetivo: La periodontitis en dentición primaria es ex- cepcional en niños sin enfermedades sistémicas. El objetivo de este informe es describir las características clínicas y ra- diográficas de dos casos de niños de 3 años sistémicamente sanos con periodontitis, y su tratamiento con seguimiento a 5 años. Casos clínicos: En ambos casos, a los 3 años de edad los niños fueron derivados al especialista en periodoncia por su odontopediatra debido a la pérdida muy temprana de inci- sivos inferiores. El examen clínico y radiográfico mostró pér- dida de inserción clínica, pérdida ósea y movilidad dental en otros incisivos superiores e inferiores. Se realizó la intercon- sulta médica y se descartó que los niños padecieran enferme- dades relacionadas con el diagnóstico de periodontitis como manifestación de una enfermedad sistémica. El tratamiento consistió en la instrucción de medidas de higiene bucal que debían ser ejecutadas por los padres, ins- trumentación subgingival, antisépticos locales, medicación antibiótica sistémica y mantenimiento periodontal. No se rea- lizaron extracciones como parte del tratamiento. En ambos casos uno de los incisivos presentes al momento de la con- sulta se perdió prematuramente, antes de los 4 años. El resto de los incisivos primarios cumplieron su ciclo normal. Luego de 5 años de seguimiento, a la edad de 8 años, ambos niños presentaban los incisivos y los primeros molares permanentes periodontalmente sanos y el resto de los dientes primarios sin signos de periodontitis (AU)

Aim: Periodontitis in primary dentition is exceptional in children without systemic diseases. The objective of this article is to describe the clinical and radiographic charac- teristics of two cases of systemically healthy 3-year-old chil- dren with periodontitis, and their treatment, with a 5-year follow-up. Clinical cases: In both cases, at 3 years of age, the chil- dren were referred to a periodontic specialist by their pediat- ric dentist, due to the very early loss of lower incisors. Clin- ical and radiographic examination showed loss of clinical attachment, bone loss and dental mobility in other upper and lower incisors. A medical consultation was carried out and diseases related to the diagnosis of periodontitis as a mani- festation of a systemic disease were ruled out. The treatment consisted of instruction on oral hygiene measures that had to be carried out by the parents, subgingival instrumentation, local antiseptics, systemic antibiotic medication, and perio- dontal maintenance. No extractions were performed as part of the treatment. In both cases, one of the incisors present at the time of consultation was lost prematurely, before the age of 4 years. The rest of the primary incisors completed their normal cycle. After 5 years of follow-up, at the age of 8 years, both children showed periodontally healthy incisors and first permanent molars, and the rest of the primary teeth without signs of periodontitis (AU)

O reparo pode aumentar a sobrevida de restaurações que apresentam falhas quando comparado com a substituição em ambas as dentições? Revisão Sistemática e Meta-Análise / Can repair increase the survival of failed restorations when compared with replacement in both dentitions? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi coletar e comparar os dados de sobrevida após o reparo e substituição para restaurações com falhas em dentes decíduos e permanentes. As buscas foram realizadas em dez/2020 e atualizado em abr/2022 de forma sistemática nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, OpenSigle e ProQuest. Dois revisores independentes calibrados (kappa=0,87) avaliados como critérios de inclusão: (1) estudos de reparo e substituição, (2) dados de sucesso, longevidade ou sobrevivência, (3) ensaios clínicos controlados aleatoriamente; e para os critérios de exclusão (1) perda para acompanhamento superior a 30%, (2) acompanhamento inferior a 12 meses, (3) dentes anteriores. A ferramenta RoB 2 foi utilizada para avaliar o risco de viés, enquanto que a certeza da evidência foi medida por meio da ferramenta GRADE. Foi identificado 4.070 publicações potencialmente relevantes, entretanto apenas três estudos apresentaram todos os critérios para elegibilidade e foram incluídos na análise qualitativa. Nenhum estudo reportou a taxa de sucesso das intervenções na dentição decídua. Foi coletado um tempo padrão de acompanhamento entre os estudos, e a taxa de sobrevivência agregada foi de 99% após três anos. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as abordagens e nenhuma heterogeneidade entre os estudos foi apontada. Todos os estudos incluídos apresentaram alto risco de viés, além de que a certeza da evidência para a medida do desfecho sucesso foi muito baixa. É importante ressaltar que devido à longevidade similar de ambas as técnicas, é fortemente recomendado realizar a técnica de reparo para restaurações que apresentam falha, uma vez que esta técnica está associada à odontologia de intervenção mínima. Mais estudos clínicos bem delineados são necessários para aumentar a certeza da evidência. Registro do RS: Esta revisão sistemática foi registrada na plataforma Prospero (CRD42021238063)

Use of Restorative Materials in Primary Teeth - A Retrospective University-Based Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the types of restorative materials used for restorative treatment in primary teeth through a retrospective university-based study. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of all clinical records of children attended at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at the School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. Inclusion criteria were primary anterior and posterior teeth that received dental restorations for treatment of dental caries lesions, dental trauma or dental development defects from 2013 to 2018. Restoration repairs and interim restorations during this period were also recorded. Descriptive analyzes were performed to assess the distribution according to the type of restorative material used over the years. Results: A total of 5,236 restorative procedures were performed in primary teeth, including restoration repair and interim restorations. Of those, 69% were done in posterior teeth and 31% in anterior teeth. Sixty percent of the procedures performed during this period were made of composite resin and a lower percentage of glass ionomer cement (18%) followed by silver amalgam (1%). The number of interim restorations was smaller but proportional to those of composite resin over the years. Conclusion: A tendency to carry out restorative treatment of primary teeth with composite resin during the 6 years of follow-up was observed.

Pulpectomía mecanizada en molares primarios: caso clínico / Mechanized pulpectomy in primary molars: a clinical case

Las pulpectomías en molares primarios están indica-das en casos de diagnóstico de pulpitis irreversible o necrosis y reabsorción radicular mínima o nula. Son tratamientos laboriosos y extensos, que sólo pueden ser llevados a cabo en pacientes colaboradores. En búsqueda de simplificar esta terapéutica y mejorar su eficacia, se propone la mecanización de la pre-paración de los conductos de molares primarios. Diversos autores aseguran que esta técnica opti-miza el tiempo clínico y mejora la calidad del trata-miento, obteniendo gran aceptación en la literatura actual. Se presenta la secuencia de procedimientos, resolución y controles de dos tratamientos de pul-pectomía con instrumentación mecanizada en mola-res primarios (AU)

Pulpectomies in primary molars are indicated in cases of irreversible pulpitis or necrosis with mini-mal or no root resorption. They are laborious and ex-tensive treatments, which only can be carried out in cooperative patients. In order to simplify this therapy and improve its effectiveness, the mechanization of root canal preparation is proposed. Several authors assume that this technique optimizes preparation time and improves the quality of treatment, obtaining great acceptance in the current literature. We report the sequence of procedures, resolution, and controls of two pulpectomies with mechanized instrumenta-tion in primary molars (AU)

Randomized Clinical Study of the Use of MTA and Biodentine™ for Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify, through clinical and radiographic evaluations, the in vivo response of the dentin-pulpal complex of human primary teeth after pulpotomy with MTA and Biodentine™ in a follow-up period of 3, 6, and 12 months. Material and Methods: Thirty teeth were divided into MTA pulpotomy (n = 15) and Biodentine™ pulpotomy (n = 15) from children between 5 and 9 years of age, a randomized clinical trial with simple random sampling. The materials were inserted into the cavity after opening and removing the coronary pulp tissue. The cavity base consisted of glass ionomer cement and light-cured composite resin restoration. Clinical and radiographic analyses were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analysis by Fisher's exact test for dichotomous data at a 5% significance level was utilized. Results: Both materials caused color change after 12 months. However, MTA showed a higher percentage than Biodentine™ (p<0.0001). Pain was detected only with Biodentine™ at six months and mobility at 12 months (p=0.0013). Radiographically, after 12 months, periapical lesions, interradicular lesions, and internal resorption were evidenced in 13% of the cases for Biodentine™-treated teeth (p<0.0013). MTA induced pulp calcification in 13% of cases, unlike Biodentine™ (p<0.0013). Conclusion: BiodentineTM and MTA are suitable for clinical use in pulpotomy treatment, yet both materials lead to tooth discoloration.

Single Nucleotides Polymorphisms in COX2 Gene and their Association with Signs and Symptoms of Teething - A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) and local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething. Material and Methods: Forty-four pairs of mothers-babies/toddlers were included. Erupted primary teeth were evaluated during clinical examination. Local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething were obtained from mothers' reporting via anamnesis. Samples of buccal cells were retrieved for DNA genotyping using real-time PCR. The T-test, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analyses were applied. Results: Almost all mothers (95.5%) reported at least one local or systemic sign and symptom of teething. The most common was increased salivation (79.5%), diarrhea (72.3 %), and fever (70.5 %). The mean number of signs and symptoms per child was higher in boys than girls (mean = 5.1; SD= 1.5; p=0.008). Sleep disturbance (p=0.03) and loss of appetite (p=0.05) were more reported in boys. The rs689466 and rs5275 were not associated with signs and symptoms of teething (p>0.05). Conclusion: The single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) were not associated with local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething.

Procedimentos odontopediátricos realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde no Rio Grande do Sul, antes e durante a pandemia de covid-19: diferença entre os anos de 2018 e 2021 / Procedimientos de odontopediatría realizados en el Sistema Único de Salud del estado de Rio Grande do Sul antes y durante la pandemia de COVID-19: diferencia entre los años 2018 y 2021 / Pediatric dentistry procedures performed within the Brazilian National Health System in the state of Rio Grande do Sul before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: difference between the years 2018 and 2021

Objective: to analyze the difference in the number of primary teeth dental procedures performed within the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: this was a descriptive ecological study, using secondary data from the SUS Outpatient Information System (SIA-SUS), from 2018 to 2021, in the state and in its seven health macro-regions; we calculated the relative and absolute frequencies and the percentage difference of the dental procedures performed. Results: 94,443 and 36,151 dental procedures were recorded before and during the pandemic, respectively, corresponding to a 61.7% reduction; relevant percentage reductions were found in restorative procedures, which reached 20% in the southern region of the state; an increase in the percentage of exodontic and endodontic procedures was found. Conclusion: the results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had negative repercussions on the performance of primary teeth dental procedures in Rio Grande do Sul.

Objetivo: analizar la diferencia en el número de procedimientos odontológicos en dentición temporal realizados en el Sistema Único de Salud del estado de Rio Grande do Sul, antes y durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: estudio ecológico descriptivo, utilizando datos secundarios del Sistema de Información Ambulatorio del SUS (SIA-SUS), de 2018 a 2021, en el estado y en las siete macrorregiones de salud. Se calcularon las frecuencias relativas, absolutas y la diferencia porcentual de los procedimientos odontológicos realizados. Resultados: se registraron 94.443 y 36.151 procedimientos odontológicos antes y durante la pandemia, respectivamente, lo que corresponde a una reducción del 61,7%. Se observaron reducciones porcentuales relevantes en los procedimientos restaurativos, que alcanzaron 20 puntos porcentuales en la región sur del estado. Se observó un aumento en el porcentaje de procedimientos de exodoncia y endodoncia. Conclusión: los resultados sugieren que la pandemia de COVID-19 tuvo repercusiones negativas en la realización de procedimientos odontológicos en dentición temporal en el estado.

Objetivo: analisar a diferença no número de procedimentos odontológicos na dentição decídua, realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, antes e durante a pandemia de covid-19. Métodos: estudo ecológico descritivo, utilizando-se dados secundários do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do SUS (SIA/SUS), de 2018 a 2021, no estado e em suas sete macrorregiões de saúde; foram calculadas as frequências relativas e absolutas, e a diferença percentual dos procedimentos odontológicos realizados. Resultados: foram registrados 94.443 e 36.151 procedimentos odontológicos antes e durante a pandemia, respectivamente, correspondendo a uma redução de 61,7%; reduções percentuais relevantes foram observadas nos procedimentos restauradores, atingindo 20 pontos percentuais na região Sul do estado; observou-se aumento no percentual de procedimentos exodônticos e endodônticos. Conclusão: os resultados sugerem que a pandemia de covid-19 teve repercussões negativas sobre a realização dos procedimentos odontológicos na dentição decídua, no estado.

Dimensions of Occlusoproximal Cavitated Carious Lesions as a Cut-Off Point for Restorative Decision in Primary Teeth

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate whether the dimensions of cavitated dentin carious lesions on the occlusoproximal surfaces of primary teeth could predict the location of cement-enamel junction (CEJ). Material and Methods: Two hundred extracted primary molars were selected and digital images were obtained. The teeth were set in arch models for clinical measurement. The cervical-occlusal (CO) and buccal-lingual/palatal (BL/P) cavities' dimensions were obtained by digital (Image J) and clinical (periodontal millimeter probe) assessments. The cervical margin location was also determined. The thresholds (cut-off points) were determined by sensitivity, specificity and the areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (Az) for the two methods. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the correlation between clinical and digital measurements. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the dimensions and cervical margin location. Results: There was a strong correlation between methods for all measurements (CO: r=0.90, VL/P: r=0.95). Cavities with BL/P distance higher than 4.5 mm and CO dimension higher than 3.5 mm had a lower chance of presenting the cervical limit above the CEJ, irrespective of the measurement method. Conclusion: CO and VL/P dimensions could be used to predict the CEJ location and, ultimately, as a clinical parameter for restorative decision-making.

Establishing Cephalometric Norms in Primary Dentition Using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth Analysis - A Digital Cephalometric Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish cephalometric norms in primary dentition among males and females using novel customized Comprehensive Cephalometric Growth (CCG) Analysis. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 67 subjects with a mean age of 5.5 yrs. Digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained using Planmeca Pro One. The digital images were then transferred to Nemoceph software. Craniofacial Growth (CCG) Analysis was configured in the software with five sub-groups. This sub-grouping was done such that related components were grouped together and comprehensively; it would provide an assessment of every component of the craniofacial region that could be affected either by treatment maneuver or growth process. The same was used for the cephalometric analysis and to determine the cephalometric norms in the primary dentition. Results: Certain linear measurements were higher among males when compared to females. However, most measurements remained similar among males and females during this age group. The CCG analysis provided a comprehensive knowledge of the craniofacial parameters during the growth process. Conclusion: The cephalometric norms during primary dentition thus established using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth analysis would provide the data for early diagnosis and treatment planning in interceptive orthodontic treatment procedures.

A 14-Year Follow-Up Study of Sequelae in Primary Teeth and Permanent Successors After Dental Trauma

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the presence of sequelae in primary teeth and their permanent successors, as well as associations between TDI and the presence of sequelae in both teeth. Material and Methods: In this 14-year retrospective study, 2.290 records were reviewed, 192 patients who suffered dental trauma in primary teeth were followed until the eruption of successor teeth were included. Descriptive, chi-square, and regression logistic with generalized estimating equations tests were performed (p<0.05). Results: 362 primary and successor teeth were followed. Sequelae were present in 71.8% of primary teeth and 25.7% of their successors. Teeth with complicated fracture (100%), extrusion (100%) and avulsion (100%) resulted in the largest amounts of sequelae in primary teeth and intrusion (61%) on their successors. Age was associated with sequelae in permanent teeth (p<0.01). Extrusion (OR 10.06; CI 2.12-47.63) and intrusion (OR 7.51; CI 2.73-20.70) had a higher risk to cause sequelae in primary and permanent teeth, respectively. Conclusion: The type of injury involved influenced the sequelae in traumatized teeth and their successors, and the age of the child influenced the presence of sequelae in permanent teeth.

Clinical and Radiographic Success Rates of Pulpotomies in Primary Molars Treated with Formocresol, BiodentineTM, and Endo Repair: A Randomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of formocresol, BiodentineTM, and Endo Repair agents in primary molars after 12 months. Material and Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted on healthy children referred to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Kerman, Iran, in 2018. One hundred twenty children (human primary molar teeth) aged 3-9 years were selected and randomly divided into three interventions (with pulpotomy medicament agents), including formocresol, BiodentineTM, and Endo Repair. All pulpotomized teeth were restored using stainless steel crowns and evaluated clinically and radiographically during a 12-month follow-up. Fisher exact test was used to determine the association of categorical variables and the data were analysed with SPSS 25. Results: All the available teeth in formocresol and BiodentineTM groups obtained clinical success, whereas 62.5% of the Endo Repair group was successful in this regard. Radiographic success rates of the formocresol, BiodentineTM, and Endo Repair groups were 94.7%, 70%, and 28.1% after a 12-month follow-up, respectively. Moreover, pulp canal obliteration was observed in 26.3%, 25%, and 12.5% of the formocresol, BiodentineTM, and Endo Repair groups. Conclusion: This study reported a high rate of clinical success using both BiodentineTM and formocresol pulpotomy techniques. However, the radiographic success rate of formocresol was higher than that of BiodentineTM, and Endo Repair was not considered a suitable pulpotomy medicament agent.

A 12-month Follow-Up Study of Pulp Oxygen Saturation in Deciduous Molars After Selective and Nonselective Carious-Tissue Removal: A Randomized Pilot Trial

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the pulp vitality of deciduous molars before and after selective caries removal (SCR) or nonselective caries removal to hard dentin (NSCR) over one year, using oxygen saturation percentage (%SaO2). Material and Methods: Deciduous molars with deep occlusal/proximal-occlusal caries lesions were randomized to SCR (n=22) or NSCR groups (n=22). After the caries removal, the teeth were protected with calcium hydroxide cement and restored with composite resin (Filtek Z250). The pulp condition diagnosis was evaluated at baseline, immediately after caries removal, and follow-up (7 days, 1-, 6- and 12-months) by %SaO2. Pulp exposure and pulp necrosis were primary outcomes, and %SaO2 was secondary. Results: Intraoperative pulp exposure occurred in four teeth of the NSCR group (18.2%) and one tooth of the SCR group (4.5%) (p>0.05). Two cases of pulp necrosis occurred in the NSCR group (10%). No difference in %SaO2 pulp was observed in the inter-and intragroup comparison over time (p>0.05). Conclusion: Advantageously, the %SaO2 minimizes preoperatory pulp vitality diagnosis subjectivity before SCR/ NSCR treatments. Furthermore, the pilot study results suggest the pulp response of deciduous molars, when evaluated by clinical, radiographic, and pulp %SaO2 seems not to differ between teeth treated with SCR or NSCR.

Attitudes and treatment practices of mothers regarding teething

Background: Generally, mothers are saddled with early childcare responsibilities. Therefore, their attitude, practice, and care toward events occurring in early childhood including teething are important. Objective: To evaluate the attitudes and treatment practices of mothers regarding teething, Materials and Methods: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A systematic random sampling technique was utilized in selecting the participants for this study. Socio-demographics, attitudes, and treatment practices of mothers regarding teething were obtained via an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. IBM SPSS, Version 21.0. was used for data analysis. The level of significance was set at p= 0.05 Results: A total of 120 mothers participated in the study. The participants in the age group of 20-30 years were in the majority. A majority (86.7%; n=104) strongly agreed that mothers have a role to play in the management of teething. On the other hand, less than half (41.7%; n=50) strongly agreed that doctors have a role to play in the management of teething. Of the 103 mothers who practice self-medication, over 85% (85.4%; n=87) use teething syrup, 63.1% (n=65) sometimes use antibiotics, 80.6% (n=82) use analgesics, and 68.0% (n=70) always use herbal mixtures. The study further revealed a negative grade for attitude and a fair grade for practice Conclusion: Though the attitude level of mothers towards teething in this study was more negative, their treatment practices were nonetheless fair. We recommend educational programs that aim to improve the observed areas of negative attitudes and practices of the study population.

Diagnosis and treatment of apical cyst of deciduous teeth with infection: a case report / 华西口腔医学杂志

There is a high incidence of chronic periapical periodontitis of deciduous teeth, however, there is a low incidence of the apical cyst. This paper reports a 7-year-old child with deciduous periodontitis caused by chronic periapical periodontitis of deciduous teeth. Through literature review, the etiology, imaging characteristics, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment methods were discussed to provide the basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Analysis of congenital deciduous teeth absence and its permanent teeth phenotype / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of congenital deciduous teeth absence and its permanent teeth performance type by using panoramic radiographs.@*METHODS@#A total of 15 749 panora-mic radiographs of 3-6-year-old children with deciduous dentition were collected from January 2020 to December 2021. The incidence of congenital deciduous teeth absence was observed, and the abnormality of permanent teeth was recor-ded. SPSS 24.0 software was used for statistical analysis.@*RESULTS@#The incidence of congenital deciduous teeth absence was 2.54% (400/15 749), which was found in 217 girls and 183 boys, and the difference between the genders was statistically significant (P=0.003). The absence of one and two deciduous teeth accounted for 99.75% (399/400) of the subjects. In addition, 92.63% (490/529) of mandibular deciduous lateral incisor was congenitally absent, 44.80% (237/529) of deciduous teeth was absent in the left jaw, and less than 55.20% (292/529) was absent in the right; the difference between them was statistically significant (P=0.017). The absence of 96.41% (510/529) deciduous teeth in the mandibular was significantly more than that of 3.59% (19/529) in the maxillary, and the difference between was statistically significant (P=0.000). Furthermore, 68.00% (272/400) and 32.00% (128/400) of deciduous teeth were absent in unilateral and bilateral, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.000). Four types of congenital deciduous teeth absence with permanent teeth were observed as follows: 1) 73.91% (391/529) of permanent teeth was absent; 2) 20.60% (109/529) of permanent teeth was not absent; 3) the number of fused permanent teeth accounted for 4.91% (26/529); 4) the number of supernumerary teeth was 0.57% (3/529).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Although the absence of congenital deciduous teeth is less common than that of permanent teeth, it affects deciduous and permanent teeth to some extent. Dentists should pay attention to trace and observe whether abnormalities are present in the permanent teeth and take timely measures to maintain children's oral health.

Considerations of the classification and treatment for fused teeth / 中华口腔医学杂志

Fused teeth were a phenomena of teeth anomalies in shape, which can affect the dental teeth both in primary and permanent dentition. Fused teeth do not only cause problems on crowding of dentition, abnormal occlusion and aesthetic, but also increase risks of dental caries, endodontics diseases, periapical diseases and periodontal diseases. Fusion of deciduous teeth may lead to abnormality of subsequent permanent teeth. Treatment of fused teeth may require multidisciplinary approach in endodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics and orthodontics. The aim of the present article is to review the etiology, classification, clinical manifestations and treatment of fused teeth in order to provide dental clinicians with a reference of clinical management for fused teeth.