Histologic response and tenascin and fibronectin expression after pulp capping in pig primary teeth with mineral trioxide aggregate or calcium hydroxide.

This study evaluated the histological response and the expression of tenascin (TN) and fibronectin (FN) after pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or calcium hydroxide (CH). Class V cavities and pulp exposure were performed in 40 primary pig teeth. The pulps were capped with either MTA or CH, and the cavities were sealed with resin-modified glass ionomer cement. CH was used as a control. Seven and 70 days posttreatment, the animals were sacrificed and teeth were prepared for histological evaluation. TN and FN were detected by immunostaining. A severe inflammatory response was observed after 7 days in the CH group (p<0.043), while in the MTA group, a mild response was observed. Similar reparative dentin deposition was observed after 70 days for both groups (p<0.005). The expression of FN and TN was similar for both groups in the two periods evaluated. TN and FN were expressed during pulp reparative events, independently of the capping material.

Traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth: severity and related factors observed at a specialist treatment centre in Brazil.

AIM: This retrospective study aimed to analyse demographic data and the severity of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) to the primary dentition based on children's dental records at a university clinic. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional retrospective study. METHODS: The records of all patients were analysed according to gender, age, aetiology, teeth involved, number of affected teeth, place of occurrence, witness to the trauma, time elapsed between trauma occurrence and care-seeking, type of trauma and severity of injury. RESULTS: A total of 576 children aged 8-89 months suffered injuries to 1,043 teeth. Severe injuries were the most prevalent (45.5%). These occurred at all ages, but their frequency was higher in children aged between 13 and 24 months. The prevalence of mild injury was higher when the cause was a fall from one's own height. No differences were detected in severity according to the place of occurrence and witnesses of the accident. The prevalence of severe injury was higher in cases where three or more teeth were involved. CONCLUSIONS: In this specialist treatment centre, severe injuries were the most common TDIs, which occurred in children aged 13-24 months, mainly due to falls and most occurred at home. Professionals must be prepared to deliver the best and most efficient care to this population.

Radiographic evaluation of the relationship between the projection of genial tubercles and the lingual foramen.

OBJECTIVE: Reports in specialized literature present divergent opinions about what corresponds to the radiopaque areas surrounding the lingual foramen. The purpose of this study is to radiographically evaluate whether these areas correspond to the genial tubercles. METHODS: We selected 15 dry mandibles and obtained images of the lower incisors region by computed tomography (CT) and periapical radiography at vertical angles of -10 degrees, -20 degrees and -30 degrees. For periapical radiography, the genial tubercles and the lingual foramen were marked with stainless steel wire to demonstrate the relationship between them. RESULTS: The images on periapical radiographs, as well as on CT scans of the region, showed that there is no relationship between radiopaque areas around the lingual foramen and the genial tubercles. CONCLUSION: The radiopaque area surrounding the lingual foramen corresponds to the walls of a nutrient canal and not to the genial tubercles. Therefore, we recommend that the information about this anatomical landmark be reviewed in specialized literature.