[Evaluation of chemomechanical and traditional mechanical caries removal in indirect pulp capping of symmetric primary molars].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference between chemomechanical and traditional mechanical caries removal in indirect pulp capping of the symmetric primary molars. METHODS: A total of 192 children with deep caries in the two symmetric primary molars were studied. The two symmetric primary molars were divided into two groups for treatment with chemomechanical method with Carisolv(TM) system or traditional mechanical method. After caries removal, calcium hydroxide agent was placed as the protective base, and glass ionomer cement was used to restore the teeth. The patients were followed up every 1 month within one year after the operation. RESULTS: The percentage of healthy primary molar pulp was 95.3% with chemomechanical method and 87.0% with traditional method, showing a significant difference between the two methods. CONCLUSION: Chemomechanical caries removal is more effective in preserving the healthy pulp than the traditional method.

[A three-dimensional finite element analysis of stress distribution in mandibular FPDs with different length pontics].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the stress distribution in the mandibular fixed partial denture (FPD) by changing the length of pontics. METHODS: Based on a 3-DFE model of the mandibular FPD, we analyzed the stress distribution in the mandibular FPDs by loading the same level force at pontics with different lengths that were 2 to 4 times of normal length. RESULTS: The distribution trends of the stresses in the mandibular FPDs with differently elongated pontics were similar, but the highest von Mises stress in the bridge was enlarged. CONCLUSION: Damages may develop in the mandibular FDP, when the length of the pontic is longer than 3 times of normal length.