How is the quality of the available evidence on molar-incisor hypomineralization treatment? An overview of systematic reviews.

OBJECTIVE: This overview analyzed the quality of the systematic reviews (SRs) available on treatments for molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry and Cochrane Library) until March 2022. Two reviewers independently performed the selection, the quality assessment (Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 - AMSTAR-2), and the risk of bias assessment of the SR (Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews - ROBIS). RESULTS: Two hundred nine records were retrieved; after removing duplicates and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 5 SRs remained. Three SRs were rated as showing critically low methodological quality and high risk of bias, and two were rated as moderate methodological quality and low risk of bias. The identified treatments that may be suitable for MIH were classified as (1) non-invasive - casein incorporated into toothpaste and sugar-free chewing gum, toothpaste containing arginine, 0.4% stannous fluoride gel; fluoride varnish; (2) micro-invasive - resin sealants for pits and fissures, microabrasion, dental whitening, resin infiltration; (3) invasive - ART restorations, indirect restorations (metal, composite, or ceramic); and (4) mixed intervention - stainless steel crowns. CONCLUSION: Despite the considerable number of published papers included in this set of systematic reviews, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of treatments for treating MIH is limited due to the methodological quality and risk of bias of the systematic reviews, as well as the quality of the primary studies (PROSPERO: CRD42020144831). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Different treatments have been purposed for MIH treatment, but there is still not enough scientific evidence of good quality for the establishment of a definitive clinical protocol for the treatment of MIH.

The influence of distinct techniques of local dental anesthesia in 9- to 12-year-old children: randomized clinical trial on pain and anxiety.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate pain, disruptive behavior, and anxiety in children undergoing different local dental anesthetic techniques. METHODS: This randomized/parallel clinical trial analyzed three groups of patients (9-12 years old) (n = 35) who received infiltrative anesthesia using conventional (CA), vibrational (VBA), and computer-controlled techniques (CCLAD). The outcomes were pain self-perception (Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBF); Numerical Ranting Scale (NRS)), disruptive behavior (Face, Legg, Activity, Crying, Consolability Scale (FLACC)), anxiety (Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale; modified Venham Picture test (VPTm)), and physiological parameters (systolic (SBP)/diastolic pressure (DBP); heart rate (HR); oxygen saturation (SpO2); respiratory rate (RR)). Statistical analysis was accomplished using Kruskall-Wallis test and ANOVA for repeated measures (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Dental anxiety levels at the baseline were similar for all patients. CA promoted less pain than VBA in WBF (p = 0.018) and NRS (p = 0.006) and CCLAD in WBF (p = 0.029). There were no differences in disruptive behavior (FLACC p = 0.573), anxiety (VPTm p = 0.474), blood pressure (SBP p = 0.954; DBP p = 0.899), heart rate (p = 0.726), oxygen saturation (p = 0.477), and respiratory rate (p = 0.930) between anesthetic techniques. CONCLUSION: Conventional technique resulted in less pain perception for dental local anesthesia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Conventional technique reduces the self-reported pain in children 9-12 years old, and therefore, the use of additional devices or different anesthetic techniques is not justified.

Evaluation of pain, disruptive behaviour and anxiety in children aging 5-8 years old undergoing different modalities of local anaesthetic injection for dental treatment: a randomised clinical trial.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of different local anaesthetic techniques in pain, disruptive behaviour and anxiety in children´s dental treatment.Material and methods: This was a randomised and parallel clinical trial. The sample consisted of 105 children (5-8 years old) that were divided into three groups (n = 35) according to the anaesthetic technique: conventional anaesthesia (CA); vibrational anaesthesia (VBA); computer-controlled local anaesthesia delivery (CCLAD). The outcomes were self-perception of pain (Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale - WBF; Numerical Rating Scale - NRS); disruptive behaviour (Face, Legg, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale - FLACC); anxiety (Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale; modified Venham Picture test - VPTm) and physiological parameters (blood pressure - systolic - SBP and diastolic - DBP; heart rate - HR; oxygen saturation - SpO2; respiratory rate - RR). Data were statistically analysed with Kruskall-Wallis test and ANOVA for repeated measures with Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05).Results: All the patients exhibited the same level of dental anxiety at baseline (Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale). There was no difference in self-perception pain, irrespective the evaluation tool used (WBF - p = .864; VAS - p = .761). No differences were detected in disruptive behaviour (FLACC - p = .318); anxiety (VPTm - p = .274); blood pressure (SBP - p = .239; DBP - p = .512); heart rate (p = .728); oxygen saturation (p = .348) and respiratory rate (p = .238) between anaesthetic techniques.Conclusion: Different anaesthetic dental local techniques do not affect the levels of pain, disruptive behaviour, anxiety and physiological parameters in children aged 5-8 years old.

Does computerized anaesthesia reduce pain during local anaesthesia in paediatric patients for dental treatment? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis analysed whether pain and disruptive behaviour can be decreased by the use of computerized local dental anaesthesia (CDLA) in children. The literature was screened to select randomized clinical trials that compared computerized and conventional anaesthesia. The primary outcome was pain perception during anaesthesia; the secondary, disruptive behaviour. The risk of bias of individual papers and the quality of the evidence were evaluated. After search, 8389 records were found and 20 studies remained for the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. High heterogeneity was detected for both outcomes. For the pain perception, the overall analysis showed a standard mean difference of -0.78 (-1.31, -0.25) favouring CDLA; however, when only studies at low risk of bias were analysed (subgroup analysis), there was no difference between the two techniques [-0.12(-0.46, 0.22)]. For disruptive behaviour, no differences were detected for continuous [-0.26 (-0.68, 0.16)] or dichotomous data [0.81 (0.62, 1.06)]. The quality of evidence was judged as low for pain perception and very low for disruptive behaviour. It is concluded that there is no difference in the pain perception and disruptive behaviour in children subjected to computerized or conventional dental local anaesthesia. Notwithstanding, the quality of the available evidence is low.

Effect of sealing infected dentin with glass ionomer cement on the abundance and localization of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in young permanent molars in vivo.

BACKGROUND: The study of MMPs' behavior in carious lesions contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in dentin reorganization after restoration. AIM: To compare the abundance and localization of MMPs 2, 8, and 9 in infected dentin before and after restoration. DESIGN: The sample consisted of 23 young permanent molars with active deep carious lesions. Infected carious dentin samples were collected from the same tooth at baseline and 60 days after cavity lining with GIC and composite resin restoration and processed for immunohistochemistry assays. After digital images were obtained, two calibrated operators analyzed the samples according to the immunostaining intensity and the MMPs' localization. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The intensity of immunostaining for MMP-8 was reduced after 60 days (P = 0.02), and no difference was observed for MMP-2 (P = 0.32) and MMP-9 (P = 0.14). The MMPs' distribution was generalized in the intertubular dentin and absent or located in the intratubular dentin, regardless of the period. CONCLUSION: The sealing of infected carious dentin in young permanent molars reduced the expression of MMP-8, which is consistent with the initial remodeling process of the dentin matrix.

Influence of silver fluoride plus potassium iodine on adhesive properties of primary carious dentin-resin interface: An in vitro study.

This paper evaluated the influence of different protocols of silver fluoride (SF) pretreatment of artificial carious lesions on the adhesive interface of composite resin restorations and remineralization of deciduous dentin compared to silver diamine fluoride (SDF). Sixty-four deciduous molar teeth were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 8) according to the restoration time (immediately - IM; 30 days after SDF/SF treatment - 30 D) and treatment before restoration (SDF 38 %; SDF 38 % + potassium iodide - KI; SF 38 %; SF 38 % +KI). After SDF/SF application, teeth in the IM group were restored with self-etch universal adhesive system/composite resin. Samples in the 30D groups were stored in artificial saliva (37 °C) for 30 days before receiving the same restoring protocol. Beams were obtained from all groups and subjected to bond strength tests (µTBS), ultrastructural qualitative analysis (FEG) and mineral analysis (SEM/EDX; Micro-Raman spectroscopy). The µTBS data were subjected to three-factor ANOVA and multiple comparisons (Holm-Sidak method). Bond strength values (MPa) for IM groups were 16.9 ± 2.7 (SDF); 17.6 ± 3.5 (SDF + KI); 16.8 ± 5.5 (SF); 18.4 ± 4.1 (SF + KI); and 14.9 ± 4.2 (SDF); 16.0 ± 5.4 (SDF + KI); 14.1 ± 3.6(SF); 16.4 ± 5.4 (SF + KI) for 30D groups. Bond strength wasn't influenced by the moment of restoration (IM or 30D); the use of KI didn't alter adhesion characteristics; SDF/SF solutions resulted in similar adhesive strength; calcium and phosphate expressions were identified at the interfaces on IM and 30D moments. However, 30D presented qualitative increase in these ions, compatible with remineralization. It was concluded that the adhesion of composite resin restorations in artificial caries lesions of deciduous teeth treated with SDF (38 %) and SF (38 %) had similar effects in vitro; the use of KI or the moment when restorations were accomplished did not influence the adhesion and all tested protocols promoted remineralization of carious dentin.

Effectiveness of iodoform-based filling materials in root canal treatment of deciduous teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The objective was to review the effectiveness of iodoform-based compared to noniodoform-based filling materials in the root canal treatment of deciduous teeth. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis used randomized clinical trials with six months or more follow-up. The risk of bias of individual studies and the certainty of the evidence were evaluated (Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE, respectively). Results: The initial search resulted in 5,127 studies after removal of duplicates. After screening by title and abstract, 34 full-text studies were eligible and 21 remained in the qualitative synthesis and 19 in the meta-analysis. Iodoform-based filling materials resulted in fewer clinical failures when compared to noniodoform-based filling materials at the 6 months (OR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.19-0.97, p = .04) and 9-12 months (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.23-0.93, p = .03), but not at the 18-30 months follow-up (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 0.58-2.03, p = .81). When considering radiographic failures, there was no statistical difference between iodoform-based and noniodoform-based filling materials at the 6 months (OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.39-1.32, p = .29) and 18-30 months follow-ups (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.51-2.21, p = .87), but fewer radiographic failures were detected at the 9-12 months follow-up (OR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.29-0.80, p = .005). Conclusion: Iodoform-based filling materials showed better clinical and radiographic performance when compared to non-iodoform-based filling materials in the short term, and similar performance in the long term. However, most of the studies exhibited unclear or high risk of bias and the overall certainty of the evidence ranged from low to very low. Therefore, new randomized clinical trials must be accomplished to corroborate this conclusion.

Adherence to the CONSORT statement of randomized clinical trials on ART restorations in children: current status and reporting characteristics.

Appropriate research reports are important to facilitate the evaluation of studies and the decision-making by dentists and policymakers. This meta-research study assessed the conformity of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations with the CONSORT recommendations and their risk of bias (RoB). Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, BBO, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from April 2019 to June 2021 for RCTs that assessed the longevity of ART restorations in children. A specific tool was used to assess adherence to the CONSORT recommendations; RoB was evaluated with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Descriptive analyses included the number of studies by journal, follow-up period, country, and quality assessments. A total of 2,181 papers were retrieved and 36 of them were analyzed qualitatively. The overall CONSORT mean score (CONms) was 22.52 ± 6.17 out of 32 points. The best described items were intervention and outcomes, whereas allocation concealment was described in only 22% of the papers. Significant differences in CONms were detected in the analysis by country and publication dates. High CONms were observed in recently published papers (26.7 ± 3.1) when compared to first ART studies (18.1 ± 4.6; p < 0.001). RoB was low in four studies, unclear in 11, and high in 21. Adherence of the papers to the CONSORT recommendations was not fully achieved and most of the papers had unclear and high RoB (PROSPERO registration #CRD42020201460).

Orthodontic bracket bonding techniques and adhesion failures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review compared the bonding failures of orthodontic brackets bonded by indirect or direct techniques. Data sources: The searched databases were Cochrane Library, LILACS, BBO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science. Material and Methods: A search for randomized clinical trials comparing the two techniques was carried out to answer the research question: When considering orthodontic bracket bonding on permanent teeth, does the indirect technique reduce the number of bonding failures compared to the direct one over time? The quality of the included papers was assessed with Cochrane risk of bias tool and the quality of evidence with GRADE. Results: From 3096 articles identified, seven were included in the systematic review (five at unclear; two at low risk of bias). Meta-analysis was carried out according to the follow-up periods (0-6 months and 12-15 months). Results: In the first period, bonding techniques were similar with regard to adhesion failures (RR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.10-3.62; p = 0.00001; I2 = 92%); in the 12-to-15-month period, the direct bonding technique proved to be superior (RR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.05 - 1.99; p = 0.41; I2 = 0%). The quality of evidence was classified as low for the 0-6 months follow-up and high for the 12 months. Conclusions: Based on the absence of heterogeneity and the high quality of evidence, it is concluded that the direct bracket bonding technique has a lower failure rate than the indirect technique in the long term (12-15 months). Key words:Orthodontic brackets, fixed orthodontics, systematic review.

New Dual-cure Resin-based Material in Occlusal and Occluso-proximal Restorations of Primary Teeth: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The clinical performance of new restorative materials must be evaluated before recommending its use in primary teeth. Aim: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the survival rates of restorations in single and occluso-proximal cavities of primary teeth performed with a new dual-cure resin-based material in comparison with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement after 12 months of follow-up. Materials and methods: A total of 107 restorations were placed in 27 children by one experienced pediatric dentist. Two materials were tested: Vitremer and a dual-cure resin-based material with (CentionN+Adh) and without (Cention N-Adh) adhesive system application. Two calibrated and blinded examiners evaluated the restorations at 3, 6, and 12-month. The longevity of the restorations was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log-rank test (α = 5%). Results: The overall survival rates after 12-month were 81.9% for Vitremer, 70.4% for Cention N+Adh, and 66.7% for Cention N-Adh, which had the poorer performance (HR = 0.54; 95% CI= 0.31-0.95; p = 0.031). When considering the type of the cavities, the difference was significant only for occluso-proximal cavities when Cention N-Adh was used (HR = 0.46; CI = 0.26-0.81; p = 0.008). Conclusion: All evaluated materials are suitable for restoring occlusal cavities after selective caries removal. However, Cention N needs to be used with adhesive in occluso-proximal cavities. Clinical significance: Cention-N can be used for deciduous teeth restorations, with similar longevity rates as resin modified glass ionomer cements.Trial registration number RBR-9nqszr. How to cite this article: da Cunha CM, Wambier LM, Paris Matos TD, et al. New Dual-cure Resin-based Material in Occlusal and Occluso-proximal Restorations of Primary Teeth: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(1):38-46.

Global Oral Health Policies and Guidelines: Using Silver Diamine Fluoride for Caries Control.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was developed in Japan in the 1960s. It is a clear solution containing silver and fluoride ions. Because of its anti-bacterial and remineralizing effect, silver diamine fluoride has been used in managing dental caries for decades worldwide. This paper aims to summarize and discuss the global policies, guidelines, and relevant information on utilizing SDF for caries management. SDF can be used for treating dental caries in most countries. However, it is not permitted to be used in mainland China. Several manufacturers, mainly in Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, and the United States, produce SDF at different concentrations that are commercially available around the world. The prices differ between contents and brands. Different government organizations and dental associations have developed guidelines for clinical use of SDF. Dental professionals can refer to the specific guidelines in their own countries or territories. Training for using SDF is part of undergraduate and/or postgraduate curriculums in almost all countries. However, real utilization of SDF of dentists, especially in the private sector, remains unclear in most places because little research has been conducted. There are at least two ongoing regional-wide large-scale oral health programs, using SDF as one of the components to manage dental caries in young children (one in Hong Kong and one in Mongolia). Because SDF treatment does not require caries removal, and it is simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive, SDF is a valuable strategy for caries management in young children, elderly people, and patients with special needs. In addition, to reduce the risk of bacteria or virus transmission in dental settings, using SDF as a non-aerosol producing procedure should be emphasized under the COVID-19 outbreak.

Use of Sealants in Permanent Molars by Brazilian Dentist: A Comparative Study of Public versus Private

Abstract Objective: To compare the use of sealants in permanent molars between public and private dentists in Brazil. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and analytical web survey study. The convenience sample consisted of dentists in Brazil who answered a pre-tested online form released via social media between July and October 2021. Descriptive analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies (%) and associations using the Chi-square test (p<0.05). Results: Brazilian professionals participated in the study (n=2,244). Comparing the professionals from the public service with those from the private service, the former had a higher positive perception of the use of sealants as a preventive (92.4% vs. 81.1%, p<0.00l) and therapeutic procedure (90.7% vs. 82.4%, p=0.00l), higher percentage of non-invasive (91.7% vs. 83.8%, p<0.00l) and invasive (22.8% vs. 12.0%, p< 0.001) techniques. Professionals from the private service reported more frequently that they did not use sealants than those from the public service (14.0% vs. 4.8%, p<0.00l). Resin sealant (97.7% vs. 94.9%, p=0.0l5) and Flow resin (62.0% vs. 54.3%, p=0.013) were the most used by professionals in the private service. The use of glass ionomer cement was not associated with the type of service (75.1% vs. 77.2%, p=0.172), nor was the use of adhesives (0.6% vs. 1.4%, p=0.195) or resin with Giomer technology (1.9% vs. 2.2%, p=0.856) (p>0.05). Conclusion: The percentage of use of sealants among dentists in Brazil is high, especially among professionals in the public service, and the most used materials were resinous sealants and glass ionomer cement.

Randomized Clinical Trial of ART Class II Restorations Using Two Glass Ionomer Cements: One-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the survival rate of ART (atraumatic restorative treatment) Class II restorations in primary teeth, performed with glass carbomer cement and a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement, after 12 months. METHODS: One pediatric dentist placed 59 Class II ART restorations in 33 children (eight plus/minus two years old) of both genders. Two calibrated examiners, blinded to the type of material and not involved in the placement, evaluated the restorations at baseline, six, and 12 months. RESULTS: The overall success rate (95 percent confidence interval) at the six-month follow-up for the GP Glass Fill and Equia Fil was 69 percent (51 to 83) and 83 percent (66 to 93), respectively. No significant difference was detected between the study groups (Fisher's exact test, P=0.20). However, at 12 months, the overall success rates of both materials were 56 percent (37 to 73) and 86 percent (69 to 94), and this difference was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Class II ART restorations with glass carbomer showed lower survival rates after 12 months compared to those with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement.

Adherence to the CONSORT statement of randomized clinical trials on ART restorations in children: current status and reporting characteristics

Abstract: Appropriate research reports are important to facilitate the evaluation of studies and the decision-making by dentists and policymakers. This meta-research study assessed the conformity of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations with the CONSORT recommendations and their risk of bias (RoB). Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, BBO, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from April 2019 to June 2021 for RCTs that assessed the longevity of ART restorations in children. A specific tool was used to assess adherence to the CONSORT recommendations; RoB was evaluated with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Descriptive analyses included the number of studies by journal, follow-up period, country, and quality assessments. A total of 2,181 papers were retrieved and 36 of them were analyzed qualitatively. The overall CONSORT mean score (CONms) was 22.52 ± 6.17 out of 32 points. The best described items were intervention and outcomes, whereas allocation concealment was described in only 22% of the papers. Significant differences in CONms were detected in the analysis by country and publication dates. High CONms were observed in recently published papers (26.7 ± 3.1) when compared to first ART studies (18.1 ± 4.6; p < 0.001). RoB was low in four studies, unclear in 11, and high in 21. Adherence of the papers to the CONSORT recommendations was not fully achieved and most of the papers had unclear and high RoB (PROSPERO registration #CRD42020201460).

Intrapocket topical anesthetic versus injected anesthetic for pain control during scaling and root planing in adult patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors evaluated the pain during scaling and root planing with use of topical anesthetic versus that with the use of injected anesthetic in adult patients. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors searched 6 databases for randomized clinical trials in which the investigators compared the clinical effectiveness of intrapocket and injectable anesthetics. The primary outcome was the risk of developing pain or intensity of pain. Quality assessment followed the guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration's risk-of-bias tool. The authors performed meta-analyses on studies considered at low and unclear risk of bias. RESULTS: From 976 articles identified, 6 remained in the qualitative synthesis (4 at low and 2 at unclear risk of bias). Injected anesthetic produced lower pain intensity than did anesthetic gel (P = .03) and required less rescue anesthetic than did topical anesthetic (P < .0001). There was no difference in patient preference (P = .09). CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Injected anesthetic decreased the intensity of pain and the need for rescue anesthetic during scaling and root planing, but the risk of developing pain yielded similar results for injected and topical anesthetics.

The influence of the lining material on the repair of the infected dentin in young permanent molars after restoration: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: This study evaluated the impact of liner material on the fluorescence, morphological and mineral characteristics of permanent carious dentin after cavity sealing. METHODS: Thirty children (11.0 ± 2.7 years old) presenting at least one active deep carious lesion in permanent molars were selected. Fragments of carious dentin were removed from teeth before lining the cavity (baseline samples) with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (G1) or an inert material (wax - G2). Cavities were restored with composite resin and reopened 60 days later, and other fragments were removed (60-day sample). The laser fluorescence (LF) readings and morphological and mineral changes of both groups were compared. RESULTS: After 60 days, forty teeth were available for evaluation. Lower LF means were obtained (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; P < 0.05), and enhanced calcium and phosphorus levels were detected for both groups (t-test, P < 0.05). An uptake of fluorine was observed only in G1 (t-test; P < 0.05). Regardless of the group, baseline samples exhibited clear signs of bacterial invasion, and the collagen fibers were exposed; the 60-day samples showed a better-organized tissue with a more compact intertubular dentin. CONCLUSION: Caries arrestment with dentin reorganization occurs regardless of the lining material placed in contact with the infected dentin.

Clinical, mineral and ultrastructural changes in carious dentin of primary molars after restoration.

INTRODUCTION: Partial caries removal has been shown to be an effective method to treat deep carious lesions in deciduous teeth. Nevertheless, the possibility of keeping infected dentin in the cavity still requires additional investigation. The objective of this research was to describe changes in primary infected dentin after restoration with glass ionomer cement. METHODS: Dentin from 45 primary molars with deep and active carious lesions was evaluated using clinical and laboratory criteria, before and 60 days after restoration. The clinical analysis evaluated dentin colour (CO), dentin consistency (COS) and laser fluorescence (LF). The laboratory procedures assessed bacterial contamination and mineral content (MC), and evaluated the dentin ultrastructure and collagen content. Data on CO, COS, LF and colony forming units were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test; MC, bacterial counts and collagen evaluations were evaluated using the Student's t-test. RESULTS: After 60 days, lower values of LF were observed, together with a lower bacterial count, and a higher COS was found, with an increase in calcium, phosphorus and collagen contents. Differences were not detected for CO or for fluorine content. Baseline samples showed enlarged tubules with bacterial invasion; 60-day samples showed better organised tissue, with a more compact intertubular dentin and narrower tubules. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that appropriate cavity sealing can promote beneficial changes in deep carious lesions of primary teeth, even in the presence of infected dentin.

Clinical performance of a micro invasive treatment based on demineralization-remineralization for dental fluorosis: case report

Introduction: Dental fluorosis manifests clinically as white to brown spots on the enamel teeth that were exposed to excessive fluoride during the formation process. Esthetic treatments were described in the literature to reduce or eliminate the fluorotic stains on the enamel surface. Objective: The aim of this study is to present an alternative treatment for fluorosis-stained teeth. Case report: This case report describes the clinical performance of a treatment of a 12-year-old male patient whose teeth presented moderate fluorosis. This treatment is based on tooth demineralization and remineralization. The material has an acid phase made by hydrochloric acid with tricarboxylic acid, and an alkaline phase made by Calcium Hydroxide. Results: This pain less and fast treatment presented good results. The treatment eliminated the spots during the follow-up and preserved most of the dental structure, improving the appearance of the patient's teeth. Conclusion: The appearance of the treated enamel showed a surface almost completely free of fluorotic stains, demonstrating the satisfactory results of this treatment.

Introdução: A fluorose dentária manifesta-se clinicamente como manchas brancas a marrons no esmalte de dentes expostos ao excesso de flúor durante o processo de formação. Tratamentos estéticos foram descritos na literatura para reduzir ou eliminar as manchas fluoróticas na superfície do esmalte. Objetivo: Apresentar uma alternativa de tratamento para dentes manchados por fluorose dentária. Relato do caso: Este relato de caso descreve o desempenho clínico do tratamento para dentes com fluorose moderada em um paciente de 12 anos. Esse tratamento foi baseado numa técnica de desmineralização e remineralização do dente. O material possui uma fase ácida composta por ácido clorídrico com ácido tricarboxílico, e uma fase alcalina composta por Hidróxido de Cálcio. Resultados: Observou-se que esse tratamento, sem dor e rápido, apresentou resultados satisfatórios, pois eliminou as manchas durante o acompanhamento. Além disso, preservou ao máximo a estrutura dentária, beneficiando o paciente com uma melhor aparência dos seus dentes. Conclusão: O aspecto do esmalte tratado mostrou uma superfície quase sem manchas fluoróticas, demonstrando resultados satisfatórios deste tratamento.

Are glass carbomer sealants more efficient in preventing carious lesions in children's permanent molars when compared to other sealant materials? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: This systematic review was performed to evaluate the efficacy of glass carbomer when compared with other sealant materials in preventing carious lesions in children and retention in pit and fissures. Sources of data: The paper included only randomized clinical trials that compared pit and fissure sealants with glass carbomer and other sealant materials in children's permanent molars with at least six-monthfollow-up. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, Cochrane Library and Grey literature (December 2020/January 2021). The risk of bias tool from the Cochrane Collaboration was used for quality assessment of the studies and GRADE approach for the quality of the evidence. Meta-analysis was performed on studies from which data could be achieved. Synthesis of data: A total of 1685 papers were identified, 54 were selected for review. From these, 40 articles were excluded after the reading of the abstract and 14 articles were put aside for assessment. Eight papers were included in qualitative and quantitative synthesis. The prevalence of caries-free pit and fissures did not show differences after six (p=0.77; I2= 0%) or 12 months (p=0.60; I2= 0%) and the quality of the evidence was judged as low; after 24 months, other sealant materials performed better (p=0.30; I2=7%) and the quality as moderate. There were no differences in the retention rates of the different materials after six-month (p<0.0001; I2= 96%), 12-month follow-up (p<0.0001; I2= 99%) and 24 months (p<0.00001; I2= 100%); the quality of the evidence was considered very low. Conclusion: Glass carbomer sealants have a similar performance to other sealant materials when retention is considered. For the development of new carious lesions, other sealant materials performed better over time. However, new clinical trials are needed to corroborate these findings since it still lacks quality to the evidence raised.

Objetivo: Esta revisão sistemática foi realizada para avaliar a eficácia de selantes de fóssulas e fissuras em carbômero de vidro comparados a outros materiais seladores na prevenção de lesões cariosas em crianças e retenção em fóssulas e fissuras. Fontes dos dados: Este estudo incluiu apenas estudos clínicos randomizados que compararam selantes em carbômero de vidro com selantes em outros materiais em molares permanentes em crianças com um acompanhamento mínimo de 6 meses. Uma busca sistemática foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, Cochrane Library e literatura cinzenta. Resumos de IADR, registros de triagens clínicas não publicadas, bases de dissertações e teses também foram pesquisados. O risco de viés dos estudos foi avaliado por meio da ferramenta Cochrane e a qualidade da evidência com o GRADE. Metanálises foram realizadas com os estudos que permitiram a coleta de dados. Síntese dos dados: Um total de 1685 artigos foram identificados e 54 selecionados para revisão. Destes, 40 artigos foram excluídos depois da leitura do resumo e 8 foram incluídos na análise qualitativa e quantitativa. A prevalência de fóssulas e fissuras livres de cárie foi similar após 6 (p=0,77; I2= 0%) e 12 meses (p=0,60; I2= 0%) e qualidade da evidência foi considerada baixa; após 24 meses, os outros materiais tiveram melhor desempenho (p=0,30; I2=7%) com evidência moderada. Não houve diferença nas taxas de retenção dos diferentes materiais após 6 (p<0,0001; I2= 96%), 12 meses (p<0,0001; I2= 99%), ou 24 meses (p<0,0001; I2= 100%) de acompanhamento; a qualidade foi considerada muito baixa. Conclusão: Selantes de carbômero de vidro tem retenção similar aos outros materiais seladores utilizados. Em relação ao desenvolvimento de novas lesões de cárie, os outros materiais apresentaram melhor desempenho ao longo do tempo. Todavia, novos estudos clínicos devem ser desenvolvidos para corroborar estes achados, uma vez que há falta de qualidade na evidência obtida.

The role of glass ionomer cement on the remineralization of infected dentin: an in vivo study.

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to investigate the effect of a glass ionomer cement as a liner over infected unexcavated dentin after 60 days and at 10 to 15 months. METHODS: Forty-five permanent molars with deep carious lesions were selected. Fragments of carious dentin were removed prior to lining the cavity (baseline sample) with glass ionomer cement (G1) or an inert wax material (G2). Cavities were restored with composite resin and reopened 60 days later, when other fragments were removed (60-day sample). The dentin morphology (scanning electron microscopy) and mineral content of calcium, phosphorus, and fluorine were assessed. During the follow-up periods (60 days and 10 to 15 months), restorations were evaluated and standardized radiographs were taken. A postprocessing routine was used to identify changes in the radiographic density between periods. RESULTS: After 60 days, the dentin exhibited a better organization, fewer bacteria, and signs of remineralization. The weight percents of calcium and phosphorus were higher 60 days after the cavity sealing, regardless of the group. Higher gray levels of carious and sound dentin were seen on the 10- to 15-month radiographs, irrespective of the group. The success rates of G1 and G2 were 89 percent and 88 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The lining material isn't fundamental for caries arrestment. Early (60-day) and late (10 to 15 months) dentin changes occurred, indicating the remineralization of dentin carious tissue.