The Effectiveness of Lingual Frenectomy and Myofunctional Therapy for Children: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of lingual frenectomy, as a standalone treatment or in association with myofunctional therapy, on the general and functional aspects of six- to 12-year-old children with anomalies in the lingual frenulum.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial involved 40 children diagnosed with altered lingual frenulum. Children who received a frenectomy were evaluated 15 and 30 days after the procedure. After 15 days, the children were randomized into two groups: a group that received isotonic tongue exercises (Study Group [SG]) and a group that did not receive isotonic tongue exercises (Control Group [CG]). The outcome evaluator was blinded to group assignment. Statistical tests were used to compare between and within groups (P <0.05).
Results: There were 20 children in each group. SG children improved significantly when compared to CG subjects regarding tongue mobility (P =0.016), maximum mouth opening (MMO; P =0.024), and MMO with the tip of the tongue touching the incisive papilla (P =0.026).
Conclusion: Frenectomy associated with myofunctional therapy benefitted tongue mobility.

Factors Associated with Longitudinal Changes in the Caries Activity Profile of Children.

Purpose: To evaluate the factors associated with longitudinal changes in the caries activity profile of high caries risk children.
Methods: The sample consisted of clinical records of children who had undergone dental care in a public setting during a one-year period. Patients with active carious lesions (non-cavitated and/or cavitated) at the initial examination and who completed treatment were considered for the analysis. A caries-controlled profile was set as the main outcome based on arresting active carious lesions. Poisson regression was used to evaluate the association of patient- and treatment-related factors with the outcome ( P <0.05).
Results: The analysis included 130 caries-active children (7.8±2.4 [standard deviation - SD] years), with a mean missing and filled teeth index score of 8.3±4.4 SD. Patients with lower caries experience (prevalence ratio [PR]=0.93; 95 percent confidence interval [95% CI]=0.87 to 0.99) who received more appointments focused on oral health promotion based on dietary and oral hygiene instructions (PR=1.28; 95% CI= 1.03 to 1.58) had a greater rate of moving to caries-controlled status. The number of invasive treatments was not associated with a shift from caries-active to caries-controlled status (PR=0.98; 95% CI=0.87 to 1.11).
Conclusion: A preventive regimen focused on dental and diet guidance may play an important role in arresting active carious lesions in high caries risk children.

Effect of different placement techniques on color stability and surface roughness of resin composites / Efeito das técnicas de inserção e alisamento na estabilidade de cor e rugosidade superficial de resinas compostas

Abstract Introduction Longevity and clinical success of dental restorations can be influenced by many factors during the restorative procedures. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different placement techniques on color stability and surface roughness of two resin composites. Material and method The groups of specimens (n=10) were divided according to resin composite (FiltekTM Z250 XT and FiltekTM Z350 XT) and placement technique: Mylar strip, spatula, dry brush, modeling liquid, and surface sealant. Color stability and surface roughness were accessed using a spectrophotometer (CIELab color space) and a rugosimeter (standard cutoff of 0.8 mm), respectively, after water storage. Subsequently, the specimens were immersed in coffee for 48 h and final color was measured. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey's post hoc test (α=5%) and the correlation between surface roughness (Ra) and color change (∆Eab) was assessed using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Result The different placement techniques influenced Ra and ∆Eab on both resin composites. The groups treated with surface sealant showed greater difference in ∆Eab for both resin composites. The FiltekTM Z250 XT resin showed greater color stability compared with the FiltekTM Z350 XT resin regardless of the placement technique used. Ra of each placement technique was similar among the resin composites except for the FiltekTM Z350 XT modeling liquid group, which presented lower Ra values compared with those of FiltekTM Z250 XT. A correlation between Ra and staining was identified (p=0.268). Conclusion Color stability and Ra are influenced by different placement techniques.

Resumo Introdução A longevidade e o sucesso clínico das restaurações dentárias podem ser influenciados por muitos fatores durante os procedimentos restauradores. Objetivo Avaliar a influência da técnica de alisamento na estabilidade de cor e rugosidade superficial de duas resinas compostas. Material e método Os grupos de amostras (n=10) foram divididos conforme a resina composta (FiltekTM Z250 XT e FiltekTM Z350 XT) e as técnicas empregadas: tira de poliéster, espátula, pincel seco, selante de superfície. A cor e a rugosidade da superfície foram avaliadas por espectrofotômetro (espaço de cor CIELab) e rugosímetro (corte padrão de 0,8 mm), respectivamente, após o armazenamento em água. Posteriormente, as amostras foram imersas em café por 48h e a cor final foi aferida. Os dados foram analisados usando teste ANOVA e Tukey post hoc (α = 5%) e a correlação entre rugosidade da superfície (Ra) e variação de cor (∆Eab) através do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Resultado As técnicas de alisamento influenciaram a Ra e a ∆Eab em ambas as resinas compostas. Os grupos tratados com selante de superfície apresentaram maior diferença na ∆Eab. A resina FiltekTM Z250 XT apresentou maior estabilidade de cor comparada à FiltekTM Z350 XT, independentemente da técnica utilizada. A Ra das técnicas de alisamento foi semelhante entre os compósitos, exceto para o grupo do líquido modelador da FiltekTM Z350 XT, que apresentou os menores valores. Uma correlação entre Ra e manchamento (p = 0,268) foi identificada. Conclusão A estabilidade da cor e a Ra são influenciadas pelas técnicas de alisamento utilizadas.

Repair increases the survival of failed primary teeth restorations in high-caries risk children: a university-based retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated factors associated with failure of adhesive restorations in primary teeth and whether repair may increase the survival of failed restorations placed in high-caries risk children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised children who attended a university dental service to perform restorative treatment in primary teeth. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical records to assess the longevity of restorations. The outcomes were calculated in two levels: "Success" (Level 1)-when any re-intervention was considered as failure; "Survival" (Level 2)-when repaired restorations were considered clinically acceptable. The Kaplan-Meier survival test was used to analyze the longevity of restorations. Multivariate Cox regression with shared frailty was used to assess factors associated with failures (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 584 primary teeth restorations (178 patients) were included in the analysis. The longevity of restorations up to 36 months (Level 1) was 34.8% (AFR 29.6%). Multi-surface restorations showed significantly more failures than single-surface ones (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.18, 2.41), and endodontically treated teeth presented more failures compared to vital teeth (HR 2.22; 95% CI 1.35, 3.65). There was an increase in restoration survival when repair was not considered as failure (p < 0.001). The survival of repaired restorations (Level 2) reached 43.7% (AFR 24.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Adhesive restorations placed in primary teeth of high-caries risk children showed restricted longevity; however, the repair of failed restorations has increased its survival over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Repair is a more conservative and technically simple procedure that increases the survival of failed restorations in primary teeth.

Pulp Revascularization or Apexification for the Treatment of Immature Necrotic Permanent Teeth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed clinical, radiographic and functional retention outcomes in immature necrotic permanent teeth treated either with pulp revascularization or apexification after a minimum of three months to determine which one provides the best results. The literature was screened via PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases up to June 2017 to select observational studies that compared pulp revascularization and apexification treatments assessing clinical, radiographic and functional retention outcomes. Two reviewers independently performed screening and evaluation of articles. A total of 231 articles were retrieved from databases, wherein only four articles were selected for full-text analyses. After exclusion criteria, three studies remained in quantitative and qualitative analyses. Pooled-effect estimates were obtained comparing clinical and radiographic outcomes ('overall outcome') and functional retention rates between apexification and pulp revascularization treatment. The meta-analysis comparing apexification vs. revascularization for 'overall outcome' (Z=0.113, p=0.910, RR=1.009, 95%CI:0.869-1.171) and functional retention rates (Z=1.438, p=0.150, RR=1.069, 95%CI:0.976-1.172) showed no statistically significant differences between the treatments. All studies were classified as high quality. The current literature regarding the clinical, radiographic and functional retention outcomes in immature necrotic permanent teeth treated either with pulp revascularization or apexification is limited. Based on our meta-analysis, the results do not favor one treatment modality over the other.

Short-term aging and the dentin bond strength of adhesive systems.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 aging methods on the dentin bond strength of different adhesive systems, including a universal adhesive. Seventy-two third molars were sectioned to create flat midcoronal dentin surfaces, which were randomly assigned to 12 groups (n = 6 each) according to the aging method (conventional aging, defined as 6 months of water storage; accelerated aging by means of a pH-cycling method; or negative control [immediate bond strength]) and adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2, Clearfil SE Bond, Prime & Bond 2.1, or Scotchbond Universal). Composite resin blocks were constructed on the flattened dentin surfaces after application of the appropriate adhesive, and the specimens were stored in water for 24 hours. Specimens from the control group were immediately sectioned into resin-dentin sticks (0.8 mm2) and subjected to a microtensile bond strength test. Specimens from the experimental groups were sectioned and tested after undergoing the assigned aging method. Data were analyzed with 2-way analysis of variance and a Tukey test (α = 0.05). The study findings showed that neither aging method significantly affected the dentin bond strength (P = 0.917). Of the 4 adhesives, Adper Single Bond 2 had the highest bond strength value after aging (P < 0.001). Scotchbond Universal adhesive demonstrated statistically significantly higher bond strength values than Clearfil SE Bond and Prime & Bond 2.1, which had statistically similar values. Adhesive failures at the resin-dentin interface or adhesive failures mixed with cohesive failure of the adjacent substrate predominated in all groups. The 2 aging processes did not result in degradation of the adhesive interface or jeopardize the dentin bond strength of any of the adhesives tested.

Prevalence of defective restorations and factors associated with re-intervention in primary teeth: A retrospective university-based study.

AIM: This retrospective study investigated the prevalence of defective restorations in a public dental service and factors associated with re-intervention in primary teeth. DESIGN: The sample consisted of all clinical records (census) of children presenting restorations in primary teeth, who had undergone dental treatment in a public set during 1-year period. For analysis, only restorations presenting defects related to esthetic, functional, or biological reasons at first clinical examination were included. The outcome 'Success' was set when the restoration received no treatment (monitored), refurbishing, sealing of margins, or was repaired. Otherwise, 'Failure' was set whenever the restoration was either replaced or if another treatment affecting the restoration was necessary (endodontic treatment or tooth extraction). Poisson regression model was used to assess the prevalence of patient- and tooth-related factors that may influence the re-intervention decision (repair or replacement). RESULTS: From a total of 302 restorations placed in 114 children, 37.7% presented some type of defect. Restorations with recurrent caries were more frequently present in caries-active patients (P = 0.03) and were frequently replaced (95% CI, 1.05-3.22, RR = 1.84, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Presence of recurrent caries influences the re-intervention decision, leading to restoration replacement in most cases.

Does Endodontic Re-Treatment in Primary Teeth Increase the Functional Tooth Retention? A Clinical, Retrospective, University-Based Study

Objective: To investigate the longevity of endodontic treatments and the survival of endodontic re-treatments performed in primary teeth. Material and Methods: The sample included endodontic treatments and re-treatments conducted in anterior and posterior primary teeth without sedation or general anesthesia among children attending a university dental service. Information collected retrospectively from clinical records was used for analyzing data. The Kaplan-Meier estimator test was used to analyze the longevity and survival of endodontic treatment and re-treatments, respectively. Results: A total of 73 patients with endodontic therapy in primary teeth were included in the study, and 116 teeth were analyzed. After one year, the longevity of endodontic treatments performed on primary teeth was 65.74% with an annual failure rate (AFR) of 34.2%. From 47 endodontic treatment failures, 14 teeth (29.8%) were endodontically re-treated. When the endodontic re-treatment was considered as survival, the longevity of treatments reached 68.06% with 31.9% of AFR after one year of follow-up. There was a significant increase in functional tooth retention in those patients that received an endodontic re-treatment (p<0.001). Retreatment provided an additional mean survival time of 8.3 months. Conclusion: Endodontic treatments performed in primary teeth presented a limited longevity. Endodontic re-treatment is a more conservative alternative for endodontically treated primary teeth that have failed and significantly increase tooth retention.

Patient- and treatment-related factors may influence the longevity of primary teeth restorations in high caries-risk children: A university-based retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the longevity and factors associated with failure of primary teeth restorations placed in high caries-risk children. METHODS: The sample was comprised of children treated in a University Dental Service. Patients' records were screened retrospectively to determine whether they had received restorative treatment in primary teeth presenting cavitated caries lesions. Kaplan-Meier estimator and Multivariate Cox regression analysis with shared frailty were used to assess restorations' survival and factors associated with failure, respectively. RESULTS: 123 high caries-risk children (10.3±4 DMF-T) with 316 restorations were analyzed. The 3-year survival reached 53.4% (AFR=18.8%). Restorations placed without rubber dam (P= 0.04), over selective caries removal (P= 0.03), with calcium hydroxide liner (P< 0.01) and glass-ionomer cement (P= 0.04) presented lower survival rates. Caries-controlled patients presented significantly (P= 0.03) higher rates of restoration survival (77.7%) than caries-active patients (49.9%). The adjusted model showed that restorations placed in teeth after selective caries removal showed 3.41 times higher risk of failure compared with restorations over complete caries removal (95%CI:1.37-8.46). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Adhesive restorations placed in high-caries experience patients have limited survival rates. Some treatment-related factors may influence the performance of these restorations. A strict preventive regimen to control dental caries activity must be followed in order to increase the restoration survival.

The Bonding Performance of a Universal Adhesive to Artificially-created Caries-affected Dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the bonding performance of a universal adhesive to sound and artificially-created caries-affected dentin, using either the etch-and-rinse or self-etch strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flat midcoronal dentin surfaces from 48 third molars were randomly assigned to eight groups according to the substrate (sound dentin and artificially-created caries-affected dentin [pH cycling for 14 days]) and the adhesive or application mode (Scotchbond Universal: self-etch or etch-and-rinse strategies; Adper Single Bond 2 and Clearfil SE Bond, a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive and a two-step self-etch adhesive as controls, respectively). Then, composite blocks were constructed, the specimens were further stored in water for 24 h, and composite-dentin sticks were prepared (0.8 mm2) and tested under tension at 1.0 mm/min. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All adhesives tested on artificially-created caries-affected dentin presented similar µTBS (p > 0.05), and inferior bonding performance when compared to sound dentin (p = 0.000). On sound dentin, Scotchbond Universal presented higher bond strengths when applied in the etch-and-rinse than self-etch mode, but comparable bond strength in each application mode in relation to the respective control adhesive (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Scotchbond Universal can be used in different application modes when bonded to artificially-created caries-affected dentin; however, the etch-and-rinse strategy improves its bonding ability to sound dentin. Moreover, Adper Single Bond 2 and Clearfil SE Bond presented similar bond strengths, regardless of the dentin condition and comparable performance in relation to each strategy of Scotchbond Universal.

The Thickness of the Adhesive Layer Increases the Misdiagnosing of the Radiolucent Zones and Restoration Replacement Indication.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the thickness of the adhesive layer and demineralized dentin on the decision to replace composite restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty human third molars with occlusal preparations (Class I) were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 10): adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond [CSE] or Scotchbond Universal Adhesive [SBU]); the number of adhesive layers (one or two); and substrate (sound or demineralized dentin). A blinded examiner evaluated radiographs of each restored tooth. Obtained scores for the presence or absence of radiolucent zone under restoration were submitted to a relative risk (RR) calculus and Z-test, and the scores for the decision to replace restorations were submitted to Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The relative risk of identifying a radiolucent zone under restoration in sound and demineralized dentin were, respectively, 2 and 1.85 times higher when two layers of adhesive were applied. Demineralized dentin did not increase the probability of identifying a radiolucent zone. A higher relative (1.6, p = 0.01) was observed when two layers of SBU were applied. The number of layers did not influence the relative risk for CSE (RR = 1.3, p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Thicker layers of SBU increase the relative risk of identifying a radiolucent layer under restoration and the decision to replace a/composite restoration, irrespective of the substrate. The presence of demineralized dentin did not increase the probability of identifying a radiolucent zone when compared to sound dentin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this in vitro study suggest that thicker layers of a particular adhesive under resin composite restorations can negatively influence the decision to replace them. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:193-200, 2017).

A comparative evaluation of endodontic treatments for immature necrotic permanent teeth based on clinical and radiographic outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dental trauma and deep caries are frequent findings in children and adolescents that may lead to pulp necrosis in young permanent teeth. As a consequence, the root stops its development, and managing these immature teeth becomes challenging due to the presence of open apexes and fragile dentinal walls. AIM: We aimed to carry out a systematic review including a meta-analysis to compare the endodontic treatments available in the management of immature necrotic permanent teeth and determine which one provides the best clinical and radiographic outcomes. DESIGN: The literature was screened via PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials databases until August 2015 to select randomized clinical trials that compared at least two different treatments regarding immature necrotic permanent teeth comprising clinical and radiographic success as outcome. Two reviewers independently performed the screening and evaluation of the articles. A total of 648 studies were retrieved from the databases, in which only 14 were selected to full-text analysis by the appliance of inclusion criteria. After the exclusion criteria, the remaining seven studies had their data extracted and assessed for bias risk. Pooled-effect estimates were obtained comparing clinical and radiographic success rates among MTA Versus other treatments. RESULTS: Evaluation of clinical (Z = 2.32, P = 0.02, OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 1.29-22.23, I = 0%) and radiographic (Z = 2.45, P = 0.01, OR = 4.31, 95% CI: 1.34-13.82, I = 0%) outcomes favored the MTA (control group) when compared to other endodontic treatments (P < 0.05). No evidence of heterogeneity was detected among the studies (I < 50%), whereas a moderate risk of bias was identified in five of them. CONCLUSIONS: Although almost all of the identified studies presented moderate risk of bias, MTA apexification seems to produce overall better clinical and radiographic success rates among the endodontic treatment available in immature necrotic permanent teeth.

Is There a Best Protocol to Optimize Bond Strength of a Universal Adhesive to Artificially Induced Caries-affected Primary or Permanent Dentin?

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the etch-and-rinse or self-etching mode of a universal adhesive is the best protocol to optimize bond strength to primary and permanent artificially-induced caries-affected dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flat midcoronal dentin surfaces were exposed in 24 primary and 24 permanent molars and submitted to pH cycling for 14 days to induce artificial caries-affected dentin. For each tooth type (primary and permanent), the teeth were randomly assigned to 4 different groups according to the adhesive systems and bonding strategy: a universal adhesive, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, in self-etching and etch-and-rinse modes; a twostep etch-and-rinse adhesive, Adper Single Bond 2 (control); and two-step self-etching system, Clearfil SE Bond (control). After bonding and restorative procedures, specimens were sectioned to obtain rectangular sticks (0.8 mm2) that were submitted to microtensile tests (crosshead speed: 1 mm/min). The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The universal adhesive showed bond strengths similar to those of the control groups, irrespective of the bonding strategy. Likewise, statistically similar bonding performance was observed for all adhesives to either artificially- induced caries-affected primary or permanent dentin. CONCLUSION: The new universal adhesive, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, can be used in both application modes in artificially-induced caries-affected primary and permanent dentin, as the bond strength was not influenced by the different substrates or application mode.

An Alternative Method to Treat Ankyloglossia.

Ankyloglossia entails short lingual frenum, impairing satisfactory tongue movement and leading to problems related to deglutition, feeding and diction. This clinical report uses laser technology, rather than traditional surgical procedure with scalpel, to perform a lingual frenulotomy on a 9-year old child diagnosed with ankyloglossia, aiming to investigate more conservative and less traumatic dental procedures. Due to the many advantages of the laser device, such as bloodless surgical field, absence of sutures, minimal swelling and post-surgical pain, the high intensity diode laser is a viable alternative technique in soft tissue surgeries.

Selective Acid Etching Improves the Bond Strength of Universal Adhesive to Sound and Demineralized Enamel of Primary Teeth.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of enamel condition and etching strategy on bond strength of a universal adhesive in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six primary molars were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6) according to the enamel condition (sound [S] and demineralized [DEM]/cariogenic challenge by pH cycling prior to restorative procedures) and adhesive system (Scotchbond Universal Adhesive [SBU]) used in either etch-and-rinse (ER) or selfetching (SE) mode, with Clearfil SE Bond as the self-etching control. The adhesives were applied to flat enamel surfaces and composite cylinders (0.72 mm2) were built up. After 24-h storage in water, specimens were subjected to the microshear test. Bond strength (MPa) data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found considering the factors adhesive system (p = 0.003) and enamel condition (p = 0.001). Demineralized enamel negatively affected the bond strength, with µSBS values approximately 50% lower than those obtained for sound enamel. SBU performed better in etch-and-rinse mode, and the bond strength found for SBU applied in self-etching mode was similar to that of CSE. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel etching with phosphoric acid improves the bond strength of a universal adhesive system to primary enamel. Demineralized primary enamel results in lower bond strength.

Effect of a surface sealant on the color stability of composite resins after immersion in staining solution.

This study evaluated the influence of surface sealants on the color stability of 2 different composite resins after immersion in coffee. Four groups were created (n = 10): microhybrid composite, microhybrid with surface sealant, nanofilled composite, and nanofilled composite with surface sealant. Half of the specimens of each group were immersed in distilled water and half were immersed in coffee for 48 hours. Color was measured before and after immersion. Groups with surface sealants presented less color variation when compared with the groups without surface sealants. The nanofilled resin specimens presented the greatest color variation within the groups without sealant. The surface sealant positively influenced the color stability of composite resin specimens immersed in coffee. When surface sealant was not applied, the microhybrid specimens had better color stability than the nanofilled.