Comparative Evaluation of Success of NeoPutty Mineral Trioxide Aggregate® with Formocresol as Pulpotomy Medicaments in Primary Molars: A Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical study was aimed to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of NeoPutty MTA® (Nusmile), a novel mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy material, in primary teeth of children aged 4-6 years. METHODS: An in vivo study was done in children aged 4-6 years old. A total of 50 primary second molar teeth were included in the study, with 25 of them undergoing treatment with formocresol (FC) and 25 receiving treatment with NeoPutty MTA®. The subjects were divided into two groups for treatment: the first group received a treatment involving a 1:5 dilution of Buckley's FC. The second group, however, underwent treatment with NeoPutty MTA®. This study employs a meticulous approach to evaluate the impact of different treatments on a significant number of molar teeth, using FC and NeoPutty MTA® as the respective treatment methods. The demographics of the subject pool are well-documented, comprising a balance of male and female participants. The technique employed for pulp removal and the subsequent management of bleeding are outlined, underscoring the thoroughness of the process. RESULTS: At 12 months, the NeoPutty MTA® pulpotomy group showed a significantly higher success rate clinically (96%) compared to the FC group (72%) (P < 0.05), but radiographically although NeoPutty MTA® was better (92%) than FC (82%), it was not statistically significant. NeoPutty®-treated teeth exhibited no signs of pain or discomfort and demonstrated better pulp vitality compared to the FC group. CONCLUSION: NeoPutty MTA® demonstrated superior clinical success rates and better radiographic outcomes compared to traditional FC pulpotomy.

Effectiveness of white tea-mediated silver nanoparticles as an intracanal irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The probability of a positive outcome of root canal therapy is substantially higher if the infection is eradicated successfully before the obturation of the root canal system. Irrigation is an essential aspect of root canal debridement, as it enables more thorough cleaning than is possible with root canal instrumentation alone. To overcome the side effects of chemical irrigants, there has been a search for herbal medicines as substitutes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of white tea-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) formulated as an intracanal irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis, and to compare it with the efficacy of chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite irrigants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experimental groups were as follows: group I - white tea-mediated AgNPs; group II - 2% chlorhexidine; and group III - 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. The characterization of AgNPs was performed using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Enterococcus faecalis was inoculated onto Mueller-Hinton agar plates. The disks impregnated with irrigants were placed on the inoculated plates and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 h. Then, the growth inhibition zones were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the post hoc tests. RESULTS: A concentration of 50 µL of white tea-mediated AgNPs exhibited the greatest zone of inhibition (32 ±2 mm), followed by 2% chlorhexidine (25 ±1 mm) and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (23 ±3 mm). CONCLUSIONS: White tea-mediated AgNPs showed promising results in the elimination of E. faecalis, being superior to chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite irrigants.

Comparative evaluation of intranasal dexmedetomidine, intranasal midazolam, and nitrous oxide for conscious sedation of anxious children undergoing dental treatment: A randomized cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological methods, specifically sedatives, have gained popularity in managing the behavior of children during dental appointments. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare 1 m/kg intranasal dexmedetomidine, 0.3 mg/kg intranasal midazolam, and nitrous oxide in evaluating the level of sedation, behavior of the child, onset of sedation, physiologic signs, and adverse effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-over trial, 15 children aged 6-8 years were randomized to receive intranasal atomized dexmedetomidine, intranasal atomized midazolam, and inhalation nitrous oxide at three separate visits. After administering the sedative agent, a single pulpectomy was performed during each appointment, and the outcomes were recorded. The washout period between each visit was 1 week. RESULTS: All three sedative agents were equally effective in controlling overall behavior. Dexmedetomidine showed lower sedation level scores (agitated; score 9) than the other groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the onset of sedation, with dexmedetomidine having the longest onset of 36.2 ± 9.47 min. Coughing and sneezing were predominantly observed after administration of intranasal midazolam. Oxygen saturation levels were statistically lower in the intranasal midazolam group during local anesthesia administration and post-treatment. CONCLUSION: 0.3 mg/kg intranasal midazolam is as effective as nitrous oxide sedation for controlling behavior and providing adequate sedation in pediatric dental patients. However, 1 m/kg dexmedetomidine did not provide the same level of sedation and had a significantly longer onset. 0.3 mg/kg intranasal midazolam is an effective alternative to nitrous oxide sedation in anxious children.

Effectiveness of Audiovisual Distraction in Reducing Children's Anxiety for Pain During Medical and Dental Treatments: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Audiovisual distraction is a potentially good technique to reduce medical treatment procedure-related fear and anxiety among children. However, few studies have assessed its effectiveness. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for evaluating the effectiveness of audiovisual distraction in reducing pain anxiety in pediatrics. Methods: Randomized control trials and experimental studies that reported the use of audiovisual distraction during medical/dental treatments among children aged 3-8 years, used the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale to assess pain, and were published between 2005-2021 and in English were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A random-effects model was used for evidence analysis. Results: A total of four studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis: two were from South Asia and one each were from Africa and North America. Three of these studies were randomized control trials. The variability among the studies was high. Three of the four studies found that AV techniques were significantly effective in reducing pain during procedures compared with the control group (P < 0.00001), while one study found no difference; the cumulative evidence in the forest plot was similar. Conclusion: Cumulative evidence suggests that the use of audiovisual distraction is an effective strategy in reducing medical/dental procedures-related pain anxiety among children aged 3-8 years. However, evidence on this is currently limited, and thus further studies are required using various AD techniques and on different populations to substantiate these findings. Funding: None. Registration: PROSPERO (Ref no.: CRD42021245874).

Revascularization Revisited with Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste and NeoPutty MTA®.

Introduction and Aim: Performing endodontic treatment in an immature permanent tooth that has experienced trauma or carious exposure can pose challenges. The root canals in these teeth are typically open and fragile, making instrumentation and obturation difficult. Traditional apexification, which involves placing calcium hydroxide paste in the root canal for a specified period to induce the formation of a calcified barrier, has been a long-standing approach. While it is a widely used method, leaving the paste in the root for extended periods can weaken it due to the paste's hygroscopic properties and the proteolytic activities of calcium hydroxide. As a result, researchers have been exploring alternative treatments that allow for the full development of immature teeth. Revascularization has emerged as one such alternative, with a variety of treatment protocols documented in scientific literature. Description of the Case: This case report, for the first time, describes the use of NeoPutty MTA® and triple antibiotics paste for revascularization in a young female child on a carious, exposed lateral incisor with opex apex with success. Conclusion: The revascularization process attempted on the infected tooth met with success and closure of apex was noticed in a short period of time.

Bioactive Biosilicate Cements in Pediatric Dentistry - A Review of the Latest Materials.

Pediatric dentistry plays a critical role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of children and adolescents. The quest for effective dental materials that are safe, biocompatible, and capable of promoting natural remineralization has led to the emergence of biosilicate cements as a promising advancement in this field. Biosilicate cements are bioactive materials composed of amorphous silica, calcium oxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and other trace elements. The bioactivity of biosilicate cements allows them to interact with living tissues, promoting remineralization and stimulating the formation of hydroxyapatite, a vital component of teeth and bones. Their ability to release essential ions, such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, supports the natural healing processes, aiding in the preservation of pulp vitality and reducing the risk of secondary caries. Biosilicate cements offer versatility in pediatric dentistry, finding application indirect pulp capping, indirect pulp capping, and small-sized restorations. Their rapid setting time proves advantageous when treating young patients with limited cooperation. Furthermore, the continuous release of fluoride contributes to caries prevention and enhances the long-term oral health of children. While the advantages of biosilicate cements in pediatric dentistry are promising, this manuscript also discusses the limitations and challenges associated with their use. Some biosilicate cements may have different handling characteristics compared to traditional materials, necessitating adaptations in clinical techniques. In addition, long-term clinical data on the performance of these materials in pediatric patients are still limited, requiring further research to establish their efficacy and longevity. This manuscript explores the potential of biosilicate cements in pediatric dentistry.

Identification of the Ideal Reference Site and Pain Threshold Values for the Placement of Electric Pulp Testers in Permanent Upper and Lower Anterior Teeth: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Electric pulp testers (EPTs) are widely used diagnostic tools for diagnosing traumatized teeth. Several factors can affect the result of an electric pulp test. One such factor that will affect the diagnosis is the electrode tip placement. Hence, the current study aims to identify the most painful site and response time threshold in healthy anterior teeth. METHODS: A total of 90 individuals, 48 male and 42 female, aged 19 to 25 years, were recruited. An EPT was placed on three different sites: the cervical, middle, and incisal third of the labial surface of both upper and lower anterior teeth (central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine) with an appropriate electrolyte as a conducting medium. Later, the threshold values were recorded, and pain assessment was done using the Memojis pain scale (MPS). Finally, the data was analyzed statistically using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation values of reaction time were collected from 540 EPT readings (three sites from 180 teeth). Among the three sites tested, the difference between the upper and lower central incisors was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Similarly, when upper and lower lateral incisors and canines were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed among the three sites (p<0.05). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the pain scores only on the incisal and cervical thirds of the upper and lower central incisors. Only the incisal third showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the pain scores in the upper and lateral incisors. At the same time, a statistically significant difference in the pain scores was observed among the three tested sites between the upper and lower canines (p<0.05).  Conclusion: Lower threshold values were appreciated at the incisal third of all the upper and lower anterior teeth for placing the EPT. Most individuals have experienced a score of 2 (hurts little bit) for the perceived pain using EPTs for both the upper and lower anterior teeth.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Midazolam versus Nitrous Oxide as Sedative Agents during Paediatric Dental Treatment: A Systematic Review / Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Midazolam versus Nitrous Oxide as Sedative Agents during Paediatric Dental Treatment: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify and study the existing literature on the efficacy and safety of midazolam compared to inhalation of nitrous oxide in children undergoing dental treatment. Material and Methods: Electronic resources such as PubMed Central, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Lilacs, Science Direct, and SIGLE were thoroughly searched. The title scan was used to find randomised controlled trials reviewed for inclusion by reading the abstract. Studies comparing the sedative, behavioural, and anxiolytic effects and safety in children undergoing dental treatment under midazolam and nitrous oxide inhalation were included. The Cochrane Reviews system software, Revman 5.4.1, was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: 11328 articles were identified by screening the electronic databases, of which 10906 were eliminated after titles were read and duplicates were removed. Ten full-text articles were examined, of which three were excluded as they did not match the eligibility criteria. Hence, a total of 7 studies were included. Midazolam and nitrous oxide inhalation were not statistically different in terms of the success of treatment and behaviour modification. However, midazolam showed a deeper level of sedation and resulted in amnesia in more children when compared to nitrous oxide sedation. All of the included studies were found to have a high risk of bias. Conclusion: Though all the studies included showed an increased risk of bias, midazolam and nitrous oxide inhalation seem equally effective sedative agents for controlling behaviour in children undergoing dental treatment. Midazolam shows a deeper sedation level when given orally and produces a higher rate of anterograde amnesia.

Effectiveness of Nitrous Oxide Sedation on Child's Anxiety and Parent Perception During Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction Dental anxiety is a common phenomenon among children and can have significant implications for their overall oral health and well-being. Among the various dental procedures that induce anxiety in pediatric patients, the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) stands out as one of the most feared due to its perceived pain and discomfort. Dental anxiety not only affects the child's cooperation during the procedure but can also lead to long-lasting negative perceptions of dental care, resulting in the avoidance of necessary treatments in the future. Nitrous oxide (N2O) sedation is a well-established sedation technique in dentistry, widely used to manage anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. However, its efficacy in reducing anxiety during the administration of IANB to pediatric patients remains the subject of ongoing research. The administration of N2O sedation during IANB may not only alleviate the child's anxiety but also influence the parent's perception of the procedure, which can have additional effects on the child's dental experience and future adherence to dental care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of N2O sedation on pain and anxiety in children before and after IANB administration and the parent's perceptions of sedation following the procedure. Methods The current study was a single-centered, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. The participants were assigned randomly to two groups, with each group consisting of 20 participants. Group 1 (n = 20) was given only oxygen, and Group 2 (n = 20) was given N2O for sedation. Pain perception for local anesthesia was evaluated using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale. The anxiety of children was evaluated using the Facial Image scale. Parent satisfaction was analyzed using the Likert scale. Data were extracted before and after the procedure using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results Pain perception evaluated with the FLACC scale showed statistically low pain perception in Group 2 after the procedure with a p-value of 0.001, and anxiety levels assessed with FIS showed a significant difference in Group 2 after the procedure with a p-value of 0.003. Parent satisfaction was analyzed using the Likert scale, and Group 2 showed a statistically significant difference with a p-value of 0.001 after the procedure. Conclusion The administration of the N2O sedation results in a notable reduction in anxiety levels and pain perception, as well as better parental satisfaction. This method allows for a practically pain-free and anxiety-free environment.

Reasons for Crown Failures in Primary Teeth: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is a tendency nowadays to restore large defects in primary dentition with pediatric crowns instead of conventional restorations. Thus, understanding the factors contributing to the survival or failure of dental crowns in pediatric dentistry is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this protocol is to outline the methodological approach for analyzing data from observational studies and randomized controlled trials to investigate reasons for the failure of dental crowns in primary teeth and to compute their survival and failure rates. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review will be performed in electronic databases, including PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science. As per predefined inclusion criteria, we will include observational studies (prospective clinical studies) and randomized clinical trials that have an English abstract and involve children aged 1-10 years undergoing crown restorations. Two independent reviewers will independently screen all retrieved records and full-text articles and extract data. The study's methodological quality will be appraised using suitable tools. Assessments of publication bias will be performed using funnel plots. The findings will be described qualitatively for the systematic review. If possible, a meta-analysis will be performed to estimate failure rates by dividing the number of failures by the total exposure time. A Poisson regression model, assuming constant event rates, will be used to compute 3-year and 5-year survival proportions. The Pearson goodness-of-fit statistics will be used to assess the heterogeneity of the model. A P value <.05 will be considered significant. All analyses will be performed using R Statistical software (version 4.1.2; R Core Team). RESULTS: This systematic review and synthesis aim to assess the survival and failure rates of dental crowns in pediatric dentistry. By following this rigorous methodology, we seek to provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to the success or failure of these restorations. The results of our full review will have implications for pediatric dentists, researchers, and policy makers, helping to improve dental care for children. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review protocol helps in establishing a thorough approach for reviewing failures in pediatric crowns. By following this methodology, standardization and transparency of the process as well as accountability for the stated methods and outcomes will be ensured. The findings of this review and analysis will provide useful data on the survival of crowns to pediatric dentists and researchers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023442266; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=442266. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/51505.

Influence of Temperament on the Acceptance of Two Conscious Sedation Techniques in Toddlers Undergoing Dental Treatment: A Randomised Cross Over Trial.

Background: Pediatric dentists often find it challenging to handle pediatric patients due to their fear, unease, and anxiety toward dental procedures. To address this, sedation agents such as intranasal midazolam and nitrous oxide are commonly used as pharmacological behavior management methods. A child's temperament affects their behavior in unfamiliar settings. Aim: To study the effect of child temperament on the acceptance of the nasal mask and intranasal drug administration in children undergoing dental treatment. Methods: Thirty-two anxious children aged three to five were randomly assigned to two groups. During the first visit, one group received intranasal midazolam sedation, while the other group received nitrous oxide administered through a mask. On the subsequent visit, the groups crossed over. The parent assessed the child's temperament, and the acceptance of the sedation methods was recorded. The Ohio State University Behavioral Rating Scale (OSUBRS) was employed to assess behavior during the administration of local anesthesia. Statistical analysis was carried out using the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test (p value <0.05). Results: Children exhibited greater acceptance of the nasal mask compared to using the intranasal route for delivering midazolam during the induction process. A significant statistical influence of temperament was observed on the acceptance of the nasal mask and the intranasal atomisation device (p value <0.05). The mean OSUBRS scores did not show any statistically significant differences between the sedation groups (p = 0.14). Conclusion: Most children demonstrated a more favorable acceptance of the nasal mask during the induction process; however, intranasal midazolam can serve as an effective alternative for anxious patients who struggle to keep the nitrous oxide mask on during the dental procedure. The adoption of these methods is influenced directly by the child's temperament.

Evaluation of the Cytocompatibility of Fluoride Varnish and Its Effect on Human Gingival Fibroblasts (hGFs): An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Untreated dental decay poses a significant oral health challenge, leading to pain, tooth loss, and infections. Fluoride varnishes are in prolonged contact with the tooth surface and this prevents dental decay. However, limited research has been conducted regarding the cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility of varnishes on oral cells. Recent studies have shed light on the cytotoxic effect of these varnishes on human fibroblast cells. Material and Methods The fibroblasts were isolated and cultured in 0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 % fluoride concentration The cells were incubated for 72 hours at a temperature of 37°C and cell viability after the application of varnish was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results This study observed that fluoride varnish had a concentration dependant cytotoxic effect on human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs). As the concentration of fluoride increased, the cell viability decreased. At 1% concentration, there was maximum cell cytotoxicity. At the lowest concentration (0.00001), more than 78% of the cells were found to be viable. Conclusion Further research is necessary to develop safer and more biocompatible fluoride varnish formulations to ensure their efficacy in preventing dental caries without causing harm to oral tissues.

Assessment of Pain During Pediatric Dental Treatment Using Different Sedative Agents: A Crossover Trial.

Background Behavioral management techniques are employed for children who are fearful and uncooperative. Pharmacologic sedation and anesthesia are frequently utilized to manage pain and anxiety in pediatric dental patients. Aim  To evaluate the intraoperative and postoperative pain levels during dental treatment of children sedated with 1.5 µg/kg intranasal dexmedetomidine, 0.3 mg/kg intranasal midazolam, and nitrous oxide. Materials and methods In this crossover study, 24 children between the ages of five and seven years were randomly assigned to receive intranasal atomized dexmedetomidine, intranasal atomized midazolam, and inhaled nitrous oxide during three different visits. At each visit, a single pulp therapy procedure was conducted after administering the respective sedative agent, and the pain levels were documented. There was a one-week interval between each visit to allow for a washout period. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (Released 2013; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, United States) using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Kruskal-Wallis H test (p < 0.05). Results All three sedative agents were equally effective in controlling postoperative and intraoperative pain. Although there was no statistically significant difference among the groups, clinically, midazolam showed lower intraoperative pain levels (mean 1.78 ± 1.42). Conclusion  In pediatric dental patients, intranasal midazolam at a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg and intranasal dexmedetomidine at a dosage of 1.5 µg/kg demonstrate comparable effectiveness to nitrous oxide sedation in pain management. These options serve as effective alternatives for anxious children who may not tolerate nitrous oxide sedation.

Reasons for Failure of CAD/CAM Restorations in Clinical Studies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

AIM: The systematic review presented herein was performed to descriptively analyze the causes for the failure of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) restorations. The meta-analysis reported herein was performed to estimate long-term survival and success rates of CAD-CAM fabrications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the PICOS paradigm, a systematic search was carried out in the PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies reporting survival data for CAD/CAM restorations. After selecting studies with a predefined set of selection criteria, data from included prospective clinical studies and RCTs were used for a systematic review aimed at a descriptive analysis of factors associated with failure of CAD-CAM restorations. Data from the included prospective clinical studies were used for meta-analysis, wherein 5-year and 10-year survival and success rates were estimated using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The systematic review included data from 9 RCTs and 6 observational studies, which had a median follow-up of 36 months and 60 months, respectively. About 58 failures and 118 technical/ biological complications were noted in the included RCTs and 9 failures along with 58 technical/biological complications were noted in the prospective clinical studies. Poisson regression indicated an estimated 5-year and 10-year survival rates of 85.55-100 and 71-100, respectively. The estimated 5-year and 10-year success rates were 74.2-92.75 and 33.3-85.5, respectively. CONCLUSION: Several technical and biological complications contribute to failure of CAD/CAM restorations. However, CAD/CAM restorations with routine chairside materials might have clinically meaningful success rates in the long term. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results presented herein indicate that optimal strategies for mitigation of biological and technical complications may augment the success of CAD/CAM fabrications in restorative dentistry. Studies aimed at identification of such strategies are needed to further enhance the long-term success rates of CAD/CAM restorations.

Determination of the Ideal Tooth Surface and Pain Threshold to Improve the Efficacy of an Electric Pulp Tester in the Diagnosis of Pulp Sensitivity and Vitality in Premolar and Molar Teeth: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction The electric pulp tester (EPT) is an extensively used diagnostic tool in endodontics. However, several factors, especially the location and thickness of the tooth structures, such as enamel and dentine, can affect the result of an electric pulp test. Further, these factors also alter the pain threshold, which may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis. Hence, it is crucial to ascertain the optimal tooth surface that requires minimal time to elicit a response and pain threshold to enhance the effectiveness of the electric pulp tester for diagnosing the status of the pulp. Methods Fifty volunteers (36 males and 14 females) aged 18 to 32 years without any prior experience with the EPT were recruited. The EPT was placed on the seven premolar sites, and molar teeth with an appropriate electrolyte as a conducting medium were tested. The pain threshold values were recorded using the stopwatch, whereas pain assessment was carried out using the Memojis pain scale. An independent sample t-test and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data statistically. Results The buccal occlusal third in males (27.3±8.6 seconds) and the buccal middle third in females (28.5±8.2 seconds) showed lower response times than other sites in premolar teeth. The mesiobuccal cusp showed a lower response time for males (21.3±6.6 seconds) and females (21.5±6.2 seconds) in molar teeth. Of all the various sites tested, the majority of the individuals chose pain scores of 0 (36 in premolars, 84 in molars), two (138 in premolars, 180 in molars), and four (96 in premolars, 42 in molars) in both the premolars and molars. Conclusion The ideal sites for placing the EPT in premolars for males and females are the buccal occlusal third and the buccal middle third. At the same time, the mesiobuccal cusp is the ideal site for molars in both males and females, as it is responded to the quickest by the electric current. Most individuals have experienced a score of two (hurts a little bit) for the perceived pain using EPT for both the molars and premolars.

Comparative Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of NeoPutty MTA and Modified NeoPutty MTA: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a relatively new versatile dental material. MTA has many advantages as well as disadvantages. To reduce most of the drawbacks of MTA, a premixed bioceramic MTA, NeoPutty MTA, was introduced in 2020. In this study, we assessed the antimicrobial activity of the newer MTA, NeoPutty MTA. We modified NeoPutty MTA and compared both against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Materials and Methods: Using the agar diffusion method, NeoPutty MTA was tested for antibacterial activity against the above-mentioned microorganisms. A base layer of Petri plates was done using Muller-Hinton agar for S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa and brain heart infusion agar for E. faecalis. A total of 32 plates were employed; the plates were divided randomly into four test groups having eight plates each, so microorganisms were tested eight times. Three cavities were made in agar and filled with freshly mixed materials after 24 h. A pour plate seeded the microorganisms. The plates were pre-incubated for 2 h at room temperature and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. An independent observer measured the inhibition zone diameters. Results: NeoPutty MTA, when tested alone, did not show much antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, S. aureus, and E. coli but had significant antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa when used at different concentrations. Modified NeoPutty (NeoPutty with antibiotics added individually) showed significant antibacterial activity against these microorganisms, as seen by the zone of inhibition of these bacteria. Conclusion: Modified NeoPutty with antibiotics has a better antimicrobial effect than NeoPutty MTA.

Comparison of the Oral Hygiene Status in Children With and Without Juvenile Diabetes - A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The rise in awareness programs with regard to the maintenance of oral hygiene in children with diabetes has led to a hypothetical question if children with juvenile diabetes are still under the risk of developing dental caries and having poor oral hygiene. AIM: To compare the oral hygiene status of the children with and without juvenile diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted as age and sex matched case-control study. Sixty-six children diagnosed with juvenile diabetes were compared with the age and sex matched 66 healthy controls with respect to the oral hygiene index, gingival index and DMFT/def index. Mean of the obtained scores of the variables were compared between the groups using Mann-Whitney test with significance level set at 5%. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No statistically significant differences were noted in the gingival condition and dental caries experience between the children with and without juvenile diabetes (P = 0.820; 0.504; 0.422). However, the overall oral hygiene status was found to be poor in children with juvenile diabetes (P = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in the gingival status and the dental caries prevalence between the two groups.

Short- and long-term dental arch spatial changes following premature loss of primary molars: A systematic review.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dental arch spatial changes in maxillary and mandibular arches after premature loss of primary molars. Introduction: Primary teeth must be maintained during the change from primary to mixed and then permanent dentition, to preserve and maintain the dental arch. When this normal process is disturbed, usually due to severe decay requiring extraction before normal exfoliation, it can result in migration of adjacent teeth toward the missing space resulting in decreased arch length and malocclusion in the permanent dentition. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed Central, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, LILACS, and ScienceDirect. The title and abstract were screened to find relevant articles, which were then reviewed in full to see if they were worthy of inclusion. All longitudinal and observational studies that looked at space changes after the loss of primary first or second molars were included. Quality assessment of the studies was done based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale as all the included studies were non-randomized studies. Results: Four thousand five hundred and seventy-eight articles were identified by screening electronic database and assessed for eligibility, 12 full-text articles were assessed, and 4 full-text articles were excluded as they did not match the inclusion criteria. Thus, eight articles were included in this systematic review. Short term and long term space changes and loss of maxillary and mandibular molars were studied individually. In the short term changes, the distal migration of the primary cuspid towards the missing space within 1 month was attributable to early space changes after premature loss of the mandibular first molar, and the greatest space loss was recorded in the first 3 months after premature loss. After the premature loss of the maxillary first molar, immediate space loss of 1mm was documented due to distal migration of the primary canine. Studies found that space loss was caused by the distal migration of primary canines in the case of mandibular primary first molar loss, and that space loss was larger in the mandibular arch after premature loss of second primary molars. Conclusion: The greatest repercussions occurred during the first 3 months after the deciduous molars were extracted, and a space maintainer was recommended in the majority of cases, mainly when there is premature loss of mandibular second primary molar as it leads to mesial displacement of the first permanent molar.

Pulp oxygen saturation measurement as a diagnostic tool for assessing pulp status in primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the mean oxygen saturation values (SpO2) in primary teeth using pulse oximetry. Materials and Methods: This comprehensive literature search on pulse oximeter used for primary teeth in determining pulp vitality using MeSH terms in four electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and OvidSP, from January 1990 to January 2022. Studies reported the sample size and the mean SpO2 values (with standard deviations) for each tooth group were included. The quality assessment of all the included studies was done using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The meta-analysis included studies reporting means and standard deviations of SpO2 values. The I2 statistics were used to determine the degree of heterogeneity among the studies. Results: A total of 90 studies were identified, of which five met the eligibility criteria that were qualified for the systematic review, and among them, three were included in the meta-analysis. All five included studies were of low quality due to the high risk of bias related to the patient selection, index test, and uncertainties about outcome valuation. In the meta-analysis, the mean fixed-effect measure of oxygen saturation in the pulp of primary teeth was 88.45% (confidence interval: 83.97%-92.93%). Conclusion: Though most of the available studies were of poor quality, the SpO2 in the healthy pulp can be established (minimum saturation, 83.48%) in primary teeth. Reference values established might help clinicians to assess changes in pulp status.

Prevalence of Class V caries in maxillary and mandibular canines of 3-5-year-old children: A retrospective study.

Caries in primary teeth are a major health concern in socially disadvantaged populations and may alter the eruption pattern and function of their successor. The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of Class V caries in maxillary and mandibular canines in 3-5-year-old children. A single-centered retrospective study was conducted in a private dental institution, Chennai. The data were collected from the Dental Hospital Management System of Saveetha Dental College (DIAS). A test for significance was done with the help of the Chi-square test. The most prevalent caries in canines of children between the age group of 3 and 5 years were cervical caries or Class V caries. 5, 35,951 patient details that were available in DIAS, and 2,35,841 were details of pedodontic patients, 200 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were analyzed. It was observed that the prevalence of caries on the right maxillary and mandibular canines (80.00%) was higher than the left counterpart (20.00%) of the same arch. Maxillary canines (70.00%) had more prevalence of caries as compared to mandibular canines (30.00%). Caries prevalence on the right maxillary and right mandibular primary canine was higher than their left counterparts. Maxillary primary canines had more prevalence of caries as compared to mandibular primary canines.