Fluoride release and fluoride-recharging ability of three different sealants.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the fluoride release and fluoride-recharging ability of a sealant containing surface pre-reacted glass (S-PRG) ionomer filler particles (BeautiSealant) with a fluoride-releasing resin sealant (Helioseal F), and a glass-ionomer sealant (Fuji VII). METHODOLOGY: Forty-eight disc-shaped specimens of each material were immersed in deionized water to determine the fluoride release utilizing a fluoride ion-selective electrode. After 21 days, 8 specimens were soaked in 0.22% Sodium Fluoride solution for 2 min; 8 specimens were coated with 1.23% Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) gel for 4 min, and the fluoride-recharging ability was evaluated for 40 days. Data were analyzed using one way-ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. RESULTS: Total fluoride release over the 21-day period was: Fuji VII > BeautiSealant > Helioseal F, (P = 0.000). After refluoridation of the specimens with 0.22% Sodium Fluoride solution, the cumulative fluoride release during the 40-day period for each material was: BeautiSealant > Fuji VII > Helioseal (P = 0.000). After exposure to 1.23% APF gel, the cumulative fluoride release during the 40-day period for each material was: BeautiSealant > Fuji VII > Helioseal F (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Glass ionomer-based sealants (Fuji VII) exhibited higher initial fluoride release whilst the surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer filler containing sealant (BeautiSealant) demonstrated superior fluoride recharging properties.

A bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited articles on early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: Bibliometric analysis aids to quantify the research prolificacy. The citation count acquired by a scientific article is one of the measures of its influence within a field. AIM: To employ bibliometrics to offer a quantitative-qualitative analysis of publications on early childhood caries (ECC) published between 1950 and 2019. DESIGN: Two researchers independently read all the titles and abstracts of articles retrieved from Scopus database on 16 October 2019. The articles were categorized according to citation and study characteristics. Collaboration network amongst authors, countries, and keywords were generated using VOSviewer software. RESULTS: Amongst a total of 10 578 articles published on ECC, 100 most cited articles were sorted. The top-cited articles appeared in 34 journals, with Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology journal (n = 18) contributing maximum number of articles. The papers originated from 25 countries, with the United States (n = 54) accounting for largest number. Amid the papers with high levels of evidence, 11 were systematic reviews and 8 were randomized clinical trials. The topic most commonly addressed was aetiology/associated factors (63%). Amongst a total of 990 keywords, 'dental caries' appeared 89 times. CONCLUSION: The findings of this paper will help researchers, academicians, and students for appropriate article referrals for evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Apexogenesis of a symptomatic mandibular first permanent molar with calcium hydroxide pulpotomy.

Vital pulp therapy of immature, symptomatic permanent posterior teeth presents a challenge in pediatric endodontics. A case report is presented in which cervical pulpotomy with calcium hydroxide was performed on a cariously exposed mandibular first permanent molar. The patient was seen every 3 months for a total of 18 months for a clinical and radiographic follow up. During the follow-up period, root development, as evidenced by root lengthening, was observed. Apical closure was evident at the end of 19 months. As the root canals showed a tendency toward calcification, root canal treatment was carried out, followed by restoration of the tooth with a stainless-steel crown. The success of this single-visit apexogenesis procedure supports the contention that young pulp possesses remarkable reparative capacity, as well as resistance to bacterial infection due to greater vascularity, and that apexogenesis with calcium hydroxide apical closure pulpotomy can be attempted for continued root development of symptomatic, vital, permanent teeth.