Inter-relations between infraocclusion of primary mandibular molars, tipping of adjacent teeth, and alveolar bone height.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine inter-relations between infraocclusion of primary mandibular molars, tipping of adjacent teeth, and alveolar bone height of infraoccluded teeth. METHODS: A total of 402 periapical radiographs of infraoccluded primary mandibular molars were reviewed. Infraocclusion, alveolar bone height, and tipping of adjacent teeth were measured. RESULTS: Infraocclusion was most prevalent among primary mandibular first molars. The amount of infraocclusion was most profound among primary mandibular second molars (2.79±1.25). The shortest distal alveolar crest (reflected by the highest distance between the cementoenamel junction and bone crest) was observed among infraoccluded primary mandibular first molars (0.9±0.92). The permanent mandibular first molar and the primary mandibular first molar demonstrated the maximum tipping mesially and distally. CONCLUSIONS: Infraocclusion of primary mandibular molars, tipping of adjacent teeth, and alveolar bone height of the infraoccluded teeth are inter-related.

Knowledge of elementary school teachers in Tel-Aviv, Israel, regarding emergency care of dental injuries.

BACKGROUND: Immediate management of traumatized teeth is often critical to the prognosis of the teeth. Most of the traumatic dental injuries occur at home, followed by school. There is a high probability that first aid would be given by lay people such as parents, teachers, or coaches. Knowledge of those people regarding emergency management of dental trauma is crucial for better prognosis. AIM: To investigate: (i) the knowledge of elementary school teachers regarding traumatic dental injuries to permanent teeth and emergency treatment, (ii) their source of information, and (iii) the demand for more education in dental trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-part questionnaire comprised of questions regarding demographic data, attitude, and knowledge about dental injuries was distributed to teachers in 12 elementary schools in the Tel-Aviv area, Israel. RESULTS: The average knowledge score was 4.59 (in a scale of 0-10). Three individual predictors significantly improved the respondents' knowledge: being in the 35-49-year age group (P-value = 0.042), those who had children themselves (P-value = 0.002) and those who had previous experience with trauma (P-value = 0.049). There was no correlation between the demand for further education in dental trauma and knowledge score. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge regarding management of traumatic dental injuries in a group of teachers in the Tel-Aviv area is inadequate. Educational programs as well as addition to the curriculum are necessary to improve their emergency management of traumatic dental injuries and provide better protection to the students.

Reaction of children to dental injection with 27- or 30-gauge needles.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess children's reaction while receiving dental local anaesthesia with a 27- and a 30-gauge needle and to record their sensation. METHODS: Ninety-five children (43 boys and 52 girls) participated in this study. A random crossover design was used so that each child served as his or her own control, receiving each treatment on the opposite sides of the same arch (right vs. left). Each patient received an injection either with a 27- or 30-gauge needle during the first visit and during the second visit with the other needle. Objective and subjective evaluation were performed. RESULTS: Children's reactions to maxillary buccal infiltration either with a 27- or 30-gauge needle were similar. Significantly more children cried while receiving mandibular block injection with a 27-gauge needle than they did when receiving the injection with a 30-gauge needle (P = 0.002). According to subjective evaluation, most children rated both injections as a positive, non-painful experience. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular block is less unpleasant, and children cry less when administered with a 30-gauge needle than they do when it is delivered with a 27-gauge needle. No difference in crying during injection is observed when maxillary infiltration is provided with 27- or 30-gauge needles.

Developmental stages of the third molar in Israeli children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the developmental stages of the third molar in Israeli children, compare its development in boys and girls, in the maxilla and mandible, right to left sides in various age groups, and relate the developmental stage to chronological age. METHODS: Panoramic radiographs of 693 healthy children and adolescents (328 boys and 365 girls) ages 7 to 16 were analyzed using a modified 6-stage method. Since the 16-year-old group was too small for statistical analysis, it was later excluded from the study. Radiographs were obtained from patient files. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the development of the third molar between boys and girls and between right and left sides. Slight differences were found between the maxilla and mandible. The first appearance of a radiolucent bud was at age 8.7 in the mandible and 9.3 in the maxilla. Crown completion was observed on average at age 11.7 in the maxilla and 11.8 in the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high correlation between third molar development and chronological age. Agenesis can be determined conclusively if no radiolucent bud is present beyond age 14. The modified 6-stage method allowed more accurate determination of developmental stages.