Effect of root immaturity and depth of intrusion on spontaneous re-eruption and healing complications: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dental trauma resulting in tooth intrusion is a severe injury of permanent dentition, with a prevalence of 0.5%-1.9% among traumatic dental injuries. Currently, treatment guidelines for intruded permanent teeth depend on root development and the degree of intrusion. However, the categorization of tooth maturity as mature or immature simplifies a complex continuum of root development stages. This study aims to investigate the impact of various stages of root development on the success of spontaneous re-eruption (SRE) of intruded teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analysed data from 80 children (125 teeth) aged 6-12 years who experienced dental intrusion between 2018 and 2022. Root maturation was classified based on Cvek's classification, eight were categorized as stage 1, 29 as stage 2, 44 as stage 3, 25 as stage 4, and 19 as stage 5. Intruded teeth with immature roots (Cvek's class 1-4) underwent SRE, while mature teeth (Cvek's class 5) were treated with SRE, orthodontic repositioning, or surgical repositioning based on the degree of intrusion. Primary outcome measures were successful re-eruption and secondary outcomes included observed complications during follow-up. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed that the patient's age, degree of root maturation, and degree of intrusion significantly affected spontaneous re-eruption (p < .05). SRE was more successful in teeth with Cvek's stages 1 and 2 compared to stages 3 and 4. Complications were associated with the treatment method, degree of root immaturity, and degree of intrusion. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that as root maturation progresses, the likelihood of re-eruption decreases, and the risk of pulp necrosis and infection increases. Therefore, teeth in later stages of immaturity (Cvek stage 4) should be repositioned orthodontically or surgically without waiting for spontaneous re-eruption.

Schematic Treatment Tree for the Presurgical Nasoalveolar Moulding of Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

Background: Cleft lip and palate is the most common and unfortunate congenital defect that is debilitating for both the patients and their parents. Such complex condition demands for a precise and judicious management, as its outcome can drastically influence the quality of life of the child. Aim: To provide a concise treatment algorithm or tree which might guide the clinicians and make it easier for them to opt for a better treatment option when confronting different severities and types of this defect. Material and Methods: The clinical experience at our center alongwith review of current literature is used to propose a decision making treatment tree. Discussion: For the better aesthetics, function and ease of cosmetic surgery, several presurgical procedures have been introduced including the nasoalveolar moulding (NAM) appliance, adhesive tapes with nasal elevators, Figueroa's appliance, Hotz appliance, etc. Conclusion: The schematic decision-making tree may prove beneficial to the healthcare providers specially pedodontists who frequently come across such situations to choose the best treatment option for their patients.

Management of Pediatric Mandibular Fractures Using Orthodontic Archwires and Elastic Traction: An Alternative to Conventional Treatment Methods.

Introduction: Maxillofacial trauma in children consists of >15% of all facial fractures, which is usually associated with sports injuries and falls while playing. Pediatric mandibular fractures are relatively less frequent when compared to adults, and the reason can be attributed to the child's protected anatomic features and infrequent exposure of children to alcohol-related road accidents. Management principles vary in children, and the main concern is about mandibular growth and the development of dentition. Treatment can be done by either closed reduction or open reduction and internal fixation. Case description: A 5-year-old boy reported to the Department of Pediatric and preventive dentistry with the history of falling from a bike. The patient presented with bruise over chin, deviated mouth opening and deranged occlusion. OPG revealed right condylar fracture and left parasymphysis fracture. Treatment with closed reduction was favored over open reduction in order to decrease the risk of any undue trauma to developing tooth buds and to avoid any growth-related injury in children. Hence, a new approach was performed for closed reduction. The patient was kept on follow-up for a period 6 months. Discussion: Earlier treatment options in closed reduction were limited to intraoral cap splints, circummandibular wiring, eyelet wiring, and even bridle wiring. This case report highlights the use of orthodontic archwires and elastic traction in the management of pediatric mandibular fractures, which is something new to conventional treatment methods and can be used as an alternative method. How to cite this article: Kakran A, Singhal R, Namdev R, et al. Management of Pediatric Mandibular Fractures Using Orthodontic Archwires and Elastic Traction: An Alternative to Conventional Treatment Methods. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):864-867.

Can silver diamine fluoride be an alternative to aerosol-based dentistry during the COVID scenario? A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Restrictions on routine dental procedures involving aerosols during COVID-19 have resulted in a significant increase in the suffering of pediatric patients. AIM: The study reported the alternative measures followed in our department using SDF during the COVID era when routine elective dental procedures were prohibited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective data of patients aged 2-13 years with carious molar teeth who were treated with silver diamine fluoride without (Group 1) or with (Group 2) caries excavation were collected. RESULTS: One thousand and seventy-two patients (646 males and 426 females) with 2459 carious molar were treated. On follow-up assessment at 3 months, 28 teeth in Group 1 and 21 teeth in Group 2 showed progression of carious lesion using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II criteria). Out of these failure cases, 32 (1.8%) teeth were primary and 17 (2.5%) were permanent. Complete relief in sensitivity/pain on stimulation was reported in 2381 teeth (96.83%), whereas in 78 (3.17%) teeth, mild sensitivity/pain on stimulation was reported. The average time consumed during treatment per tooth in Group 1 was 5.04 min and in Group 2 was 5.78 min. CONCLUSION: SDF application can be carried out as a nonaerosol-generating procedure and is a simple technique for children and clinicians.