Tribochemical silicoating of amalgam promotes effective amalgam-resin repairs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective method for bonding composite resin to artificially aged amalgam. A spherical amalgam alloy was triturated and condensed by hand into cylindrical plastic molds (6 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height) to create 90 specimens, which were then aged for 2 weeks in closed plastic containers at 23°C. The amalgam surfaces underwent 1 of 3 surface treatments (n = 30 per treatment): (1) air particle abrasion (APA) with 50-µm aluminum oxide particles applied with a force of 45 psi from a 10-mm distance, followed by rinsing with deionized water for 60 seconds; (2) APA following the same protocol with subsequent application of a metal primer (Alloy Primer); or (3) coating with 30-µm silica (CoJet) at a force of 45 psi from a 10-mm distance until the surface turned black. Specimens were then treated with 1 of 3 adhesives (n = 10 per adhesive per surface treatment): (1) 2-step total-etch adhesive (OptiBond Solo Plus), (2) 1-step self-etching adhesive (Scotchbond Universal), or (3) dual-cured resin cement (Panavia F 2.0). Each adhesive was applied to the treated amalgam surfaces following its manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were placed in a bonding clamp, and nanocomposite resin columns, 2.38 mm in diameter and 2.00 mm in height, were photocured (40 seconds, 500 mW/cm2) against the treated amalgam surfaces. The specimens were stored for 24 hours in 37°C deionized water and underwent shear bond strength testing at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis with the Tukey test at 95% confidence. The mean (SD) shear bond strength values ranged from 12.3 (1.2) MPa for aluminum oxide-treated surfaces bonded with OptiBond Solo Plus to 25.9 (4.6) MPa for silicoated surfaces bonded with Panavia F 2.0. All bonding agents produced the highest shear bond strength when the amalgam surface was silicoated. These results indicate that composite can be effectively bonded to amalgam via silicoating.

In vivo study of the behavior of glass ionomer restorations in patients with special needs.

BACKGROUND: Glass ionomers may be a good alternative to composite resin restorations in special needs patients with challenging behaviours. The present study was carried out to evaluate the restorative efficacy of glass ionomer in the occlusal cavities of permanent molars among patients with special needs after one year of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized split-mouth study was made of a cohort of patients with special needs. First and second permanent molars with occlusal caries were treated with glass ionomer, silver amalgam and composite resin. Assessments were made at 3, 6 and 12 months, using a scale based on the original code of Ryge and the USPHS criteria. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients and 102 restorations comprised the study sample. The survival rate of both the glass ionomer and silver amalgam was 100%, versus 97.1% in the case of composite resin. The glass ionomer afforded good marginal adaptation and stable color, with no fractures or secondary caries. CONCLUSIONS: The glass ionomer remained successfully for one year in the occlusal cavities of the permanent molars, with the same survival rate as silver amalgam, and better survival than composite resin, in the patients with special needs.

Evaluating the accuracy of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer version 4 (ChatGPT-4) responses to United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) frequently asked questions about dental amalgam.

BACKGROUND: The use of artificial intelligence in the field of health sciences is becoming widespread. It is known that patients benefit from artificial intelligence applications on various health issues, especially after the pandemic period. One of the most important issues in this regard is the accuracy of the information provided by artificial intelligence applications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to the frequently asked questions about dental amalgam, as determined by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is one of these information resources, to Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer version 4 (ChatGPT-4) and to compare the content of the answers given by the application with the answers of the FDA. METHODS: The questions were directed to ChatGPT-4 on May 8th and May 16th, 2023, and the responses were recorded and compared at the word and meaning levels using ChatGPT. The answers from the FDA webpage were also recorded. The responses were compared for content similarity in "Main Idea", "Quality Analysis", "Common Ideas", and "Inconsistent Ideas" between ChatGPT-4's responses and FDA's responses. RESULTS: ChatGPT-4 provided similar responses at one-week intervals. In comparison with FDA guidance, it provided answers with similar information content to frequently asked questions. However, although there were some similarities in the general aspects of the recommendation regarding amalgam removal in the question, the two texts are not the same, and they offered different perspectives on the replacement of fillings. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that ChatGPT-4, an artificial intelligence based application, encompasses current and accurate information regarding dental amalgam and its removal, providing it to individuals seeking access to such information. Nevertheless, we believe that numerous studies are required to assess the validity and reliability of ChatGPT-4 across diverse subjects.

Dental restorative materials and halitosis: a preliminaryin-vitrostudy.

Despite the widespread use of dental restorative materials, little information exists in the literature regarding their potential impact on bad breath. This in vitro study aims to fill this gap by investigating the influence of different restorative materials on the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Thirteen diverse dental restorative materials, including composites, flowable composites, glass ionomer restorative materials, high-copper amalgam, and CAD-CAM blocks, were examined. Cellulose Sponge models were used as negative and positive control. All samples were prepared with a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. Except for the negative control group, all samples were embedded into Allium cepa L., and the emitted H2S was measured using the Wintact W8802 hydrogen sulfide monitor. Surface roughness's effect on emission was explored by roughening the surfaces of CAD-CAM material samples, and gas emission was measured again. The data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and DSCF pairwise comparison tests. Fiber-reinforced flowable composite (EverX Flow), amalgam (Nova 70-caps), and certain composite materials (IPS Empress Direct, Tetric Evoceram, Admira Fusion X-tra) released higher H2S concentrations compared to the negative control. The H2S release period lasted longer in the same materials mentioned above, along with G-aenial Universal Injectable. Indirectly used materials, such as GC Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and Vita YZ HT, demonstrated significantly lower emissions compared to other direct restoratives. Importantly, the surface roughness of indirect materials did not significantly affect peak H2S concentrations or release times. The study reveals variations in H2S release among restorative materials, suggesting potential advantages of indirect restorative materials in reducing H2S-induced halitosis. This comprehensive understanding of the relationship between restorative materials and halitosis can empower both dental professionals and patients to make well-informed treatment choices. Notably, there is evidence supporting the enhanced performance of indirect restorative materials for individuals affected by halitosis.

Repair versus replacement of defective direct dental restorations: A multinational cross-sectional study with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: When dental practitioners encounter a defective restoration, they are faced with a crucial decision whether to repair or replace it. This study aims to explore international preferences for repair procedures and the clinical steps taken during the repair process. METHOD: An 11-question survey was distributed to dentists across 21 countries via different platforms. The survey comprised two sections: the first included five questions aimed at gathering demographic information, while the second consisted of six questions focusing on participants' practices related to the repair of composite or amalgam restorations A meta-analysis was employed to ascertain the pooled odds ratio of repairing versus replacement. The statistical analysis was carried out using the RevMan 5.3 program and forest plots were generated using the same program to visualize the results. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 3680 dental practitioners. The results indicated a strong tendency to repair defective composite restorations (OR: 14.23; 95 % CI: 7.40, 27.35, p < 0.001). In terms of amalgam, there was a significant tendency to replace the restorations (OR: 0.19; 95 % CI: 0.12, 0.30, p < 0.001). When repairing restorations, the most common protocols were etching with orthophosphoric acid and creating an enamel bevel, regardless of the restorative material used. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that there exists a knowledge gap among dental practitioners regarding restoration repair. It is imperative that dental practitioners receive proper education and training on restoration repair, to ensure the usage of adequate protocols and restoration survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A significant portion of dental practitioners lack the necessary knowledge and education required for the repair of restorations. Therefore, it is imperative to establish guidelines aimed at enhancing the management of defective restorations, along with protocols for clinical interventions. This includes the incorporation of proper courses in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs.

[Temporomandibular joint disorder after dental treatment]. / TMD-klachten na een tandheelkundige behandeling.

A 56-year-old woman presented with persistent unilateral gnathological complaints after replacing an amalgam restoration. The patient reported tension and pain in the right side of her jaw, along with crackling sounds in the temporomandibular joint. Physical examination revealed tenderness in the right masseter muscle and temporomandibular joint, as well as anterior disc replacement with reduction on both sides. The initial treatment focused on providing rest to the temporomandibular joint, the Yoda exercise, and later, wet-needling. Despite initially limited improvement, the symptoms persisted. This case underscores the complexity and various treatment options for temporomandibular joint issues following dental procedures.

Health complaints before and at one and five years after removal of dental amalgam restorations - data from a prospective cohort study in Norway.

OBJECTIVE: Health complaints attributed to dental amalgam fillings comprise both intraoral and general health complaints. There are data suggesting that patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) attributed to amalgam fillings show improvement in symptoms after removal of all amalgam fillings. However, data indicating changes of specific health complaints are limited. This study evaluated the changes of health complaints after removal of amalgam restorations in patients with health complaints attributed to dental amalgam fillings. METHOD: Patients with MUPS attributed to dental amalgam (Amalgam cohort) had all their amalgam fillings removed. The participants indicated an intensity of 11 local and 12 general health complaints on numeric rating scales before the treatment and at follow-up after 1 and 5 years. The comparison groups comprising a group of healthy individuals and a group of patients with MUPS without symptom attribution to dental amalgam did not have their amalgam restorations removed. RESULTS: In the Amalgam cohort, mean symptom intensity was lower for all 23 health complaints at follow-up at 1 year compared to baseline. Statistically significant changes were observed for specific health complaints with effect sizes between 0.36 and 0.68. At the 5-year follow-up, the intensity of symptoms remained consistently lower compared to before the amalgam removal. In the comparison groups, no significant changes of intensity of symptoms of health complaints were observed. CONCLUSION: After removal of all amalgam restorations, both local and general health complaints were reduced. Since blinding of the treatment was not possible, specific and non-specific treatment effects cannot be separated.

Adverse reactions to dental biomaterials: Experiences from a specialty clinic.

OBJECTIVES: The Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit was initiated by the Norwegian health authorities in 1992 as a response to the public concern regarding the safety of dental amalgam and other dental materials. In this paper, experiences from the Unit are briefly summarized. METHODS: The Norwegian health authorities' strategy included four main topics: (i) development of a manufacturer-independent system for monitoring adverse reactions related to dental materials, (ii) funding of a specialty unit for clinical examinations of referred patients, (iii) development of official guidelines for examination and treatment of patients with health complaints attributed to dental materials, and (iv) funding of an experimental treatment project for patients with health complaints attributed to dental amalgam. RESULTS: From the start, more than 2700 adverse reaction reports were received. In the initial years, amalgam was the most frequent material mentioned in the reports. Reports about polymer-based composite materials have not increased after the prohibition of amalgam in Norway. Clinical examination of referred patients is complex and time consuming, and it is important to consider differential diagnoses. There are methodological challenges associated with the design of experimental treatments used on patients with adverse reactions attributed to dental materials. However, the results from the treatment project indicate lower symptom load after replacement of amalgam with other dental restorative materials. SIGNIFICANCE: Producer independent adverse reaction reporting can provide valuable information about the safety of these materials and could serve as a complement to the mandatory reporting system described in the European medical device regulations (MDR).

Estimated mercury vapor exposure from amalgams among American pregnant women.

This study examined the impact of mercury (Hg) vapor exposure from amalgams among all American pregnant women. Amalgam-Hg vapor exposure among 1,665,890 weighted-pregnant women (n = 37) was examined in the 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Correlation coefficients between amalgam surfaces and daily micrograms (µg) of urinary Hg excretion and daily µg of Hg vapor exposure from amalgams per kilogram (Kg) bodyweight were calculated. Daily Hg vapor exposure from amalgams was compared to Hg vapor safety limits. About 600,000 pregnant women (∼36%) had at least one amalgam surface. Median daily urinary Hg excretion was ∼2.5-fold higher among pregnant women with amalgams as compared to pregnant women without amalgams. A significant correlation was observed between the number of amalgam surfaces and daily urinary Hg excretion. Among pregnant women with amalgams, it was estimated that the median daily Hg vapor dose from amalgams was 7.66 µg of Hg and 0.073 µg of Hg/Kg bodyweight. Among all pregnant women, ∼28% received daily Hg vapor doses from amalgams above the least restrictive United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety limit and ∼36% received above the most restrictive California (CA) EPA safety limit. Given the potential for fetal toxicological effects from prenatal Hg vapor exposure, special emphasis needs to be placed on reducing/eliminating amalgams in pregnancy/women of reproductive age and future studies should evaluate adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Mercury air, urine monitoring and health effects on occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers in Delhi, India.

BACKGROUND: Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal with multiple uses in various medical devices. Hg is used in dentistry as a restorative material. Such use creates significant exposure to dental practitioners. Hence, it is important to assess the risk created by Hg use in healthcare. OBJECTIVE: To quantify airborne Hg vapour exposure and Hg levels in dental healthcare workers, and determine the association of various symptoms and diseases to Hg exposure. METHODS: Air monitoring of Hg vapours were conducted in dental clinics and amalgam rooms. Urine samples were collected from occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers and urine Hg levels were measured. A cross-sectional health survey was conducted in 23 healthcare units of Delhi to determine an association between Hg exposure and various health effects. RESULTS: Hg vapour concentration ranged from 0.96µg/m3 to 15µg/m3, the highest concentration was recorded in the amalgam room (15µg/m3). Urine Hg levels in healthcare workers (0.51±0.17µg/L) were higher than the control (0.29±0.05µg/L). A cross-sectional health survey revealed a significant prevalence of confusion, forgetfulness, muscle spasm, and tremors by the respondents. CONCLUSION: Hg concentration in dental clinics may hover above the prescribed safe levels posing a definitive health risk to healthcare workers. Urinary Hg measurements did not reveal an excess of body burden except in one case. Since Hg bio accumulates, it is probable as these workers grow older, they may end up with a higher body burden of Hg that may lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes.

Mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam contact.

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of mast cell markers toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase and presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam. Nineteen specimens of OLP, OLLC, and healthy oral mucosa were selected. Mononuclear inflammatory cells were analyzed. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using toluidine blue, anti-c-kit and anti-tryptase reagents, and the results were quantified in areas A and B of connective tissue. Mast cells of all OLP and OLLC samples were positive for toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase. The density of toluidine blue+, c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells was higher in tissue with OLP and OLLC compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). No difference was noted in mast cells density between OLP and OLLC (p > 0.05). The density of tryptase+ mast cells was higher in the subepithelial region (area A) than the region below it (Area B) in OLLC (p = 0.047). The mononuclear inflammatory cell density was higher in OLLC compared to OLP, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). A positive statistical correlation was found between mononuclear immune cells and density of c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells in OLP (r = 0.943 and r = 0.886, respectively). Our data demonstrate that the etiopathogenesis process of OLP and OLLC modulates the expansion and degranulation of mast cells; mast cells density, however, was similar between OLP and OLLC. The distribution of mast cells appears to vary along the lamina propria.

Association between dental restorations and artefacts on head magnetic resonance images in paediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important diagnostic tool for paediatric patients. The association between dental restorations and MRI artefacts/distortions, however, is unclear. AIM: To investigate the association between dental restorations and artefacts in head MRI in children. DESIGN: This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent head MRI and dental examination at Ramathibodi Hospital from January 2015 to March 2021. From dental records and dental radiographs, a dentist reviewed the amount and type of restorative materials used. Two radiologists examined the MRI scans in five sequences for the presence of distortions and quantified the magnitude and grading of any artefacts. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients aged 3-15 years were included. Twenty-four patients who received preformed metal crowns (PMCs) had MRI distortions. Subjects with no restorations or with tooth-coloured material or amalgam restorations or both did not exhibit distortions. The number of PMCs was related to the size of an artefact. Almost all distortions were confined to the oral cavity and maxillary sinus and did not affect the diagnostic brain area. CONCLUSION: Among the commonly used dental restorative materials for children, only PMCs were associated with artefacts on head MRI scans.

Contact allergies to dental materials in patients.

BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding contact allergies and intolerance reactions to dental materials are widespread among patients. Development of novel dental materials and less frequent amalgam use may alter sensitization profiles in patients with possible contact allergy. OBJECTIVES: To analyse current sensitization patterns to dental materials in patients with suspected contact allergy. METHODS: This retrospective, multicentre analysis from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) selected participants from 169 834 people tested in 2005-2019 and registered with (i) an affected area of 'mouth' (and 'lips'/'perioral'), (ii) with the dental material in question belonging to one of three groups (dental filling materials, oral implants or dentures or equivalents) and (iii) with patch-testing done in parallel with the German baseline series, (dental) metal series and dental technician series. RESULTS: A total of 2730 of 169 834 tested patients met the inclusion criteria. The patients were predominantly women (81.2%) aged ≥ 40 years (92.8%). The sensitization rates with confirmed allergic contact stomatitis in women (n = 444) were highest for metals (nickel 28.6%, palladium 21.4%, amalgam 10.9%), (meth)acrylates [2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) 4.8%] and the substances propolis (6.8%) and 'balsam of Peru' (11.4%). The most relevant acrylates were HEMA, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and pentaerythritol triacrylate. Few men were diagnosed with allergic contact stomatitis (n = 68); sensitization rates in men were highest for propolis (14.9%) and amalgam (13.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Allergic contact stomatitis to dental materials is rare. Patch testing should not only focus on metals such as nickel, palladium, amalgam and gold, but also (meth)acrylates and the natural substances propolis and 'balsam of Peru'.

The "Phase Down" of Dental Amalgam Restorations - What are the Criteria for Replacement and Indication?

ABSTRACT Objective: To guide professionals about the criteria for replacing amalgam restorations and inform them about the new guidelines regarding the use/indication of this (amalgam) material after the Minamata Convention - COP-4. Material and Methods: The articles were selected from the databases (PubMed, Scielo, Bireme), and relevant articles on the subject between the years 2003-2021 were selected. Recently, social media have been flooded with dental treatments that aim to perform restorations only with composite resins or other types of esthetic material and completely replace all dental amalgam restorations, irrespective of their time in place, size, and functionality. Results: Although improperly, it has been noted that this information reaches patients, and they are led to believe in the inaccurate data that is passed on, such as, for example, (that amalgam leads to) permanent contamination by mercury, causing systemic problems and the loss of the tooth. Conclusion: The "phase down" of amalgam in research and teaching has previously been observed in several countries worldwide; however, its use is still necessary given particular circumstances, which, theoretically, make it a material with exact indication.

O ensino do amálgama na formação odontológica ainda é necessário? Percepção de cirurgiões-dentistas / ¿Sigue siendo necesaria la enseñanza de la amalgama en la carrera odontológica? Percepción de los dentistas / Is the teaching of amalgam in dental training still necessary? Perceptions of dentists

A Odontologia tem vivenciado, nos últimos tempos, um declínio acentuado do uso do amálgama, em consequência da evolução dos materiais e técnicas adesivas e das discussões acerca dos riscos de contaminação pelo mercúrio. Assim, buscou-se identificar a percepção dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre a necessidade da continuidade do ensino do amálgama nos cursos de Odontologia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, usando um questionário semiestruturado com aspectos relativos às condições sociodemográficas, capacitação para executar os procedimentos, conhecimento acerca do manejo do material e gerenciamento dos resíduos. As respostas objetivas foram analisadas pela estatística descritiva e as subjetivas processadas no software IRaMuTeQ. Dos 257 respondentes, 60,7%afirmam utilizar esse material, 91,8% usam amálgama encapsulado e 95,7% descartam os resíduos em lixo hospitalar. Sobre a permanência do material, 63,4% acreditam ser necessária e 88% concordam que o ensino deva continuar sobretudo considerando o perfil do egresso sugerido pelas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais. Dos dados subjetivos emergiram cinco classes/categorias que retratam a percepção dos profissionais sobre relação custo-benefício, acesso ao serviço, condições de trabalho e longevidade das restaurações. Conclui-se que, mesmo com a evolução dos materiais adesivos, o amálgama ainda é necessário, principalmente no serviço público, onde a demanda por restaurações de baixo custo e grande longevidade é alta. Assim, para essa amostra, enquanto não houver um material restaurador livre de mercúrio, barato, de fácil manuseio e durável, o ensino desse conteúdo deve permanecer nos cursos de graduação em Odontologia (AU).

La odontología ha experimentado recientemente una fuerte disminución en el uso de amalgamas como resultado de las discusiones sobre los riesgos de contaminación por mercurio, así como la evolución de los materiales y las técnicas adhesivas. Así, buscamos identificar la percepción de los odontólogos sobre la necesidad de continuar enseñando amalgama en los cursos de odontología. Se trata de un estudio transversal utilizando un cuestionario semiestructurado con aspectos relacionados con las condiciones sociodemográficas, capacitación para realizar los procedimientos, conocimientos sobre manejo de materiales y gestión de residuos. Las respuestas objetivas se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y las respuestas subjetivas se procesaron mediante el software IRaMuTeQ. De los 257 encuestados, el 60,7% afirma utilizar este material, el 91,8% utiliza amalgama encapsulada y el 95,7% desecha los residuos en la basura de hospital. En cuanto a la permanencia del material, el 63,4% cree que es necesario y el 88% está de acuerdo en que la enseñanza debe continuar, sobre todo para la graduación de profesionales que van al servicio público. A partir de los datos subjetivos, surgieron cinco clases/categorías que retratan la percepción de los profesionales sobre la rentabilidad, el acceso al servicio, las condiciones de trabajo y la longevidad de las restauraciones. Se concluye que, aún con la evolución de los materiales adhesivos, la amalgama sigue siendo necesaria, especialmente en el servicio público, donde la demanda de restauraciones de bajo costo y gran longevidad es alta. Así, mientras no exista un material restaurador libre de mercurio, económico, fácil de manejar y duradero, la enseñanza de este contenido O ensino do amálgama na formação odontológica ainda é necessário? Percepção de cirurgiões-dentistas debe permanecer en los cursos de graduación en odontología (AU).

Dentistry has recently experienced a sharp decline in the use of amalgam, as a result of the evolution of adhesive materials and techniques and discussions about the risks of mercury contamination. Thus, we sought to identify the perception of dentists about the need to continue teaching amalgam in dentistry courses. This is a cross-sectional study, using a semi-structured questionnaire with aspects related to sociodemographic conditions, training to perform the procedures, knowledge about material management and waste management. The objective responses were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the subjective ones processed in the IRaMuTeQ software. Of the 257 respondents, 60.7% claim to use this material, 91.8% use encapsulated amalgam and 95.7% dispose of waste in hospital waste. Regarding the permanence of the material, 63.4% believe it is necessary and 88% agree that teaching should continue, especially considering the profile of the graduate suggested by the National Curriculum Guidelines. From the subjective data emerged five classes/categories that portray the perception of professionals about cost-benefit ratio, access to service, working conditions and longevity of restorations. It is concluded that, even with the evolution of adhesive materials, amalgam is still necessary, especially in the public service, where the demand for low cost and high longevity restorations is high. Thus, for this sample, as long as there is no mercury-free, inexpensive, easy to handle and durable restorative material, the teaching of this content should remain in undergraduate courses in Dentistry (AU).

Materiais restauradores em odontopediatria: preferência de pais e crianças e análise bibliométrica-altimétrica / Restorative materials in pediatric dentistry: children's and adults' preference and bibliometric-altmetric analysis

Atualmente, diversos materiais restauradores encontram-se disponíveis para aplicabilidade em Odontopediatria. Os avanços dos materiais restauradores conduzem à necessidade de novos estudos nessa temática. O presente estudo apresenta duas propostas de investigação: 1) Estudo transversal com objetivo de avaliar a preferência de pais/responsáveis e crianças quanto ao emprego do compômero colorido (Twinky Star®, Voco, Alemanha); 2) Estudo bibliométrico altimétrico com objetivo de analisar 50 artigos mais citados referente aos materiais restauradores utilizados em Odontopediatria e o alcance dessa informação científica nas mídias on-line. O estudo transversal envolveu 260 pares de pais/responsáveis e crianças de 5 a 11 anos de idade de dois serviços de saúde da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte-MG. Exame quanto à cárie dentária foi realizado por examinadora calibrada para o critério da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Um manequim odontológico contendo restaurações com compômeros coloridos e materiais convencionais (resina composta, ionômero de vidro e amálgama) foi apresentado aos participantes do estudo e realizou-se inquérito sobre a preferência dos materiais dentários. O Questionário de Estilo e Dimensões dos Pais (PSDQ) e o Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Junior (EPQ-J) foram aplicados, este último apenas para pais/responsáveis de crianças de 5 e 6 anos de idade. Análises descritivas, bivariadas e regressão multivariada de Poisson foram realizadas. A maioria dos pais/responsáveis (74,2%) preferiu materiais convencionais. A idade da criança (p=0,006), a renda familiar (p= 0,001) e o nível de escolaridade (p< 0,001) associaram se a essa escolha. A análise multivariada demonstrou que crianças menores de 7 anos apresentaram 1,20 vezes maior probabilidade de escolher compômeros coloridos do que seus pares mais velhos (p< 0,001), assim como pais/responsáveis com menos de 11 anos de escolaridade e cujos filhos eram menores de 7 anos apresentaram 2,17 e 1,74 maior probabilidade para escolher compômeros coloridos, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que responsáveis com maior escolaridade apresentaram maior resistência às restaurações coloridas e crianças menores de 7 anos aceitaram melhor este material. O estudo bibliométrico-altimétrico adotou estratégia de busca em três bases (Web of Science, Scopus e Google Scholar), independente da data de publicação. Após seleção dos artigos por um grupo de cinco pesquisadores, em março de 2023, foram incluídos estudos que avaliassem qualquer material restaurador empregado em dentes decíduos e analisados dados referentes ao título, número de citações, país/continente, autoria, periódico, instituição, desenho do estudo, tipo de material restaurador, e escore altimétrico. Os artigos, publicados entre 1991 a 2002, apresentaram variação de citações de 19 a 113. Os autores com maior número de citações foram Qvist V e Teglers PT. O estudo experimental foi o principal delineamento de estudo observado e o cimento de ionomero de vidro foi o material mais reportado. A Europa foi o continente, e o Brasil, o país com maior número de citações. O escore altimétrico esteve presente em 23 artigos, com ênfase para dois artigos (43/6º e 73/7º). Concluiu-se que o cimento de ionômero de vidro foi o material mais estudado. Ficou evidente o distanciamento entre a posição dos trabalhos nas análises bibliométrica e altimétrica, apontando necessidade de disseminação da informação além dos círculos acadêmicos.

Currently, an arsenal of restorative materials is available for applicability in pediatric dentistry. The advances in restorative materials conducted to need for further studies in this thematic. The present study presents two investigation proposals: 1) Cross-sectional study aiming to evaluate the preference of parents and children regarding the use of colored compomer (Twinky Star®, Voco, Germany); 2) Bibliometric-altmetric study aiming to analyze the 50-most cited papers regarding to restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry and the dissemination of scientific information in online media. The cross-sectional study included 260 pairs of caregivers/children aged 5 to 11, in two public health services, in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte-MG. Examination for dental caries was performed by an examiner calibrated to the criteria of the World Health Organization. A dental mannequin containing colored compomers restorations and conventional materials (composite resin, glass ionomer cement and dental amalgam) was presented to the population and a survey was conducted about the preference of dental materials. Parents' Style and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Junior (EPQ-J) were applied, the last one only for parents/caregivers of children aged 5 to 6. Descriptive, bivariate and Poisson regression analyzes were performed. Most adults (74.2%) preferred conventional materials. Family income (p= 0.001) and education level (p< 0.001) were associated with its choice. Age up to 7 (p< 0.001) associated with children's choice for colored restorations (72.3%). Children younger than 7 had 1.20 higher probability to choose colored compomers than their older pairs, while adults with children younger than 7 and less than 11 years of schooling had 1.74 and 2.17 higher probability to choose colored compomers, respectively. It was concluded that caregivers with higher educational level showed greater resistance to use of colored restorations and children younger than 7 had better acceptance of colored material. The bibliometrics-altmetrics study adopted a search strategy in three databases (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar), independent of the year of publication. After selection of papers by a panel of five researchers, in March 2023, any restorative material used in deciduous teeth was included and data about the title, number of citations, country/continent, authorship, journal, design of the study, type of restorative material, university and altmetrics score were analyzed. The papers, published between 1991 and 2002, ranged from 19 to 113 citations. The authors with the highest number of citations were Qvist V and Teglers PT. The experimental study was the main study design observed. Analyzing the continent and country with the highest number of citations, Europe highlighted and Brazil was predominant. The altmetric score was present in 23 papers, emphasizing two articles (43/6th and 73/7th). It was concluded that glass ionomer cement was the most studied material. A gap between the position of the papers correlating the bibliometrics and altmetrics analyzes was evident, demonstrating the need to disseminate the information beyond academic circles.