In Vitro Assessment of Enamel Permeability in Primary Teeth with and without Early Childhood Caries Using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the permeability of the enamel of primary teeth from individuals free of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) with that from individuals affected with ECC by assessment of dye penetration using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (LSCM). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental in vitro study. Exfoliated primary maxillary anterior teeth (n = 44) were collected and divided into two groups (n=22 per group): samples with ECC (Group 1) and without ECC (Group 2). The samples were immersed in Rhodamine B dye solution for 1 day, cut longitudinally into 3 sections, observed using LSCM. Dye penetration depths in the incisal, middle, cervical thirds and on labial, lingual surfaces were recorded. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test (α = 5%, p < .005). RESULTS: The overall mean penetration depth for group 1 (100.6 µm ± 58.48 µm) was significantly higher than that of group 2 (31.55 µm ± 23.40 µm, p < .000). Mean penetration depth in the incisal, middle, and cervical thirds and on the labial and lingual surfaces of group 1 also presented significantly higher scores than in group 2 (p < .005). CONCLUSION: There was significantly more dye penetration in the ECC group than in the non-ECC group. This could be related to a higher level of enamel permeability in teeth affected with ECC.

Computed Tomographic Evaluation of K3 Rotary and Stainless Steel K File Instrumentation in Primary Teeth.

INTRODUCTION: The intention of root canal preparation is to reduce infected content and create a root canal shape allowing for a well condensed root filling. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove excessive dentine for successful root canal preparation and concern must be taken not to over instrument as perforations can occur in the thin dentinal walls of primary molars. AIM: This study was done to evaluate the time preparation, the risk of lateral perforation and dentine removal of the stainless steel K file and K3 rotary instrumentation in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five primary molars were selected and divided into three groups. Using spiral computed tomography the teeth were scanned before instrumentation. Teeth were prepared using a stainless steel K file for manual technique. All the canals were prepared up to file size 35. In K3 rotary files (.02 taper) instrumentation was done up to 35 size file. In K3 rotary files (.04 taper) the instrumentation was done up to 25 size file and simultaneously the instrumentation time was recorded. The instrumented teeth were once again scanned and the images were compared with the images of the uninstrumented canals. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data was statistically analysed using Kruskal Wallis One-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U-Test and Pearson's Chi-square Test. RESULTS: K3 rotary files (.02 taper) removed a significantly less amount of dentine, required less instrumentation time than a stainless steel K file. CONCLUSION: K3 files (.02 taper) generated less dentine removal than the stainless steel K file and K3 files (.04 taper). K3 rotary files (.02 taper) were more effective for root canal instrumentation in primary teeth.

Five canalled and three-rooted primary second mandibular molar.

A thorough knowledge of root canal anatomy and its variation is necessary for successful completion of root canal procedures. Morphological variations such as additional root canals in human deciduous dentition are rare. A mandibular second primary molar with more than four canals is an interesting example of anatomic variations, especially when three of these canals are located in the distal root. This case shows a rare anatomic configuration and points out the importance of looking for additional canals.

Study of pulp chamber morphology of primary mandibular molars using spiral computed tomography.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pulp chamber morphology in primary mandibular molars using spiral computed tomography (SCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted primary mandibular molars were scanned using SCT for the (i) distance between the central fissure to furcation, (ii) distance between the central fissure to the floor of the pulp chamber, (iii) height of the pulp chamber (roof-floor), (iv) distance between the floor of the pulp chamber to the furcation. The mean and standard deviation was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) program. RESULTS: The results of this study show that the average mean distance from the central fissure to the floor of the pulp chamber is 5.07 mm in first mandibular primary molar and 5.54 mm in second mandibular primary molar. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the greatest depth to which a bur can go during access opening without perforating the furcation in first primary mandibular molar is 5.07 mm and 5.54 mm in second primary mandibular molar.

Mandibular talon cusp in primary lateral incisor: a rare case report.

A talon cusp is a dental anomaly commonly occurring in the permanent dentition compared to the primary dentition. It commonly affects the maxillary anterior teeth. In primary dentition, the most commonly affected tooth is the maxillary central incisors. This is a rare case report of a 5-year-old male patient with a talon cusp affecting the mandibular primary lateral incisor. Recognition and treatment of this anomaly at early stages is important to avoid complications.