THREE-YEAR OUTCOME OF DIODE LASER PULPOTOMY OF PRIMARY MOLARS USING THREE PULP CAPPING AGENTS: A SPLIT-MOUTH RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

OBJECTIVES: Pulpotomy is the most commonly performed treatment for asymptomatic primary molars with exposed dental pulp. This study aimed to assess the clinical /radiographic success of diode laser pulpotomy with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide (CH), and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement as pulp capping agents. METHODS: This split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted initially on 34 children aged 3-8 years but 4 patients left the study before the first follow-up visit and the study was accomplished and analyzed with 30 cases. The patients had at least 3 first/second molars with deep caries that in radiographic evaluation revealed that they required pulpotomy. Following pulpotomy, the pulp stump was irradiated with diode laser (noncontact mode, 632 nm, 30 mW power) as photobiomodulation mode. Pulp tissue was then capped with MTA, CH, or CEM cement (n = 30 in each group). Reinforced zinc oxide eugenol was applied over the capping agent, and the teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. Teeth were clinically/radiographically assessed at 6, 12, 18, and 36 months, after treatment. Data were analyzed by Cochran and McNemar tests. RESULTS: All 30 patients showed up for clinical/radiographic follow-ups for up to 36 months. Regarding clinical outcomes, the 6-, 12-, 18-, and 36-month success rates of all experimental groups were nearly similar with no significant difference (p > .05). Regarding radiographic outcomes, the 6-month success rates were similar among the groups (p > .05); however, the 12-, 18-, and 36-month outcomes of CEM and MTA groups were similar but significantly superior to that of CH group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Diode laser irradiation and subsequent capping of pulp tissue with MTA or CEM cement can be employed for pulpotomy of primary molars.

The effect of two calcium phosphate-containing agents on the enamel resistance of permanent molars to demineralization: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this experimental study was to determine the in vitro effects of two calcium phosphate-containing agents (Remin Pro® and GC Tooth mousse™) on the enamel resistance of permanent molars to demineralization. METHODS: Fifty extracted human third molars were randomly divided into four groups; that is the control group and three case groups treated with Remin Pro®, GC Tooth mousse™, and sodium fluoride gel. The three case groups were treated with 0.25 ml of the paste associated with each experimental group for 5 min, kept in fluoride-free artificial saliva, and incubated at 37°C for 28 days. After the treatment regimen, 10 samples of each case group were subjected to demineralization using an acetic acid-containing solution, and remineralization using a remineralizing solution. The morphology of enamel was observed via scanning electron microscopy and their enamel calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) ratios were measured before/after the demineralization cycle with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests. RESULTS: The enamel Ca/P ratios in the case study groups were significantly higher than that of the control group before/after the demineralization regimen (p < .0001). However, the ratios were not significantly different between the case study groups after the treatment regimen and demineralization cycle (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The outcomes of the current study indicated that all three agents seemed to increase the enamel resistance of permanent molar teeth to demineralization.

Comparison of pulse oximeter, cold test, and electric pulp test for assessment of pulp vitality in permanent immature teeth.

INTRODUCTION: Pulp sensitivity tests are commonly used for assessment of pulp vitality. However, indirect assessment of pulp vitality by evaluation of nerve response and subjective nature are the main limitations of these tests. Pulse oximetry is used for assessment of blood oxygen saturation in medicine, and its efficacy for assessment of pulp vitality needs to be evaluated.

In Vitro Evaluation of Enamel Microhardness after Application of Two Types of Fluoride Varnish.

INTRODUCTION: Use of fluoride compounds is one of the most effective ways of preventing decay and among these varnishes have high acceptance among different fluoride products. AIM: Hence, the aim of this research was to evaluate the micro-hardness of tooth enamel after the usage of two different commercial products of fluoride varnish. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro experimental study was performed on 51 extracted premolar teeth. The teeth were divided randomly into three 17-membered groups. The first group received Duraflor varnish, the second group received Ariadent Iranian varnish while the third group received no treatment. Micro hardness of tooth enamel was measured utilizing Vickers method before and after the use of fluoride varnish. ANOVA, Tukey, and Wilcoxon statistical tests were utilized for statistical analysis of data. RESULTS: The comparison of mean change in micro hardness before and after the use of fluoride showed that increase in micro hardness in Duraflor varnish and Ariadent varnish group was significant when compared to control group (p<0.05) but no significant statistical difference was observed in terms of mean of micro hardness after intervention between two groups of Duraflor varnish and Ariadent varnish (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the findings, the use of fluoride significantly increased the enamel micro hardness which did not show a significant difference between two groups of Duraflor varnish and Ariadent varnish.