Relationship between Physiological Resorption of Primary Molars with Its Permanent Successors, Dental Age and Chronological Age.

The aim of the present study was to analyse root resorption of the primary mandibular molars and their relationship with their permanent successors and the age of the patient. METHODS: The sample consisted of 408 digital panoramic radiographs. The mesial and distal crown-to-root ratios (CRR) of #74 and #75 were calculated by dividing the measures of the length of each root by its coronal height. The Demirjian formation stage of the premolar was established, and dental age was determined. A descriptive and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to determine the correlation between the variables (Pearson's correlation coefficient) and to identify the differences between them (Student's t-test), with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: 723 molars were measured, and tables of CRR depending on dental and chronological age were obtained. The CRR decreased with increasing dental and chronological age, but not uniformly. The CRR of #74 and #75 decreased slightly when the successor premolar was in the initial stages of formation. Gender differences were obtained with respect to chronological age, mainly in girls, because the root resorption of #74 was always more advanced, and the formation of the #34 more advanced. CONCLUSIONS: Root resorption of the molar is slight and progressive when the successor premolar begins formation until stage D, and becomes higher starting at stage E. It is possible to determine the state of the child's maturation and the CRR according to dental and chronological age.

Estudio de la prevalencia de manifestaciones radiográficas por fracaso pulpar en dentición decidua / Study of radiographic manifestations prevalence for pulp failure in temporary dentition

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue estudiar los signos patológicos observados en molares temporales en los que se había realizado una pulpotomía. Material y método. Fueron evaluadas 79 radiografías intraorales de molares en los que se había realizado una pulpotomía. Se estudiaron los patrones de reabsorción radicular interna y externa y la presencia de lesiones radiolúcidas en la furca. Resultados. La reabsorción radicular interna patológica fue observada en el 43% de los molares temporales y la reabsorción radicular externa patológica, en el 34,2% del total de la muestra. Las lesiones radiolúcidas de la furca radicular estuvieron presentes en el 39,1% de los molares deciduos. Conclusiones. La manifestación radiográfica más frecuente fue la reabsorción radicular interna patológica. Sin embargo, este fracaso radiográfico puede ser considerado tan solo un efecto secundario, si no se acompaña de manifestaciones clínicas y no compromete la función del diente hasta su exfoliación fisiológica (AU)

Objective. The study of pathological signs observed in temporary molars that received pulpotomy treatment. Material and method. 79 intraoral x-ray of temporary molars that received pulpotomy treatment were evaluated. The patterns of internal and external root resorption and the presence of radiolucent lesions in the fork were studied. Results. The internal pathological root resorption was observed in 43% of the molars and pathologic external root resorption in 34.2% of the total sample. Radiolucent furcation lesions were present in 39.1% of deciduous molars. Conclusions. The most common radiographic manifestation was pathological internal root resorption. however, this radiographic failure can be considered as only a side effect, if it is not accompanied by clinical manifestations and does not compromise the function of the tooth until its physiological exfoliation (AU)

Estudio de la estructura genética poblacional del S Mutans en niños / Update: study of the population genetic structure of S Mutans in children

Streptococcus mutans ha sido identificado como el principal agente etiológico de la caries dental. A pesar los avances en la odontología preventiva, continúa siendo una de las enfermedades mediadas por el biofilm más prevalentes en el ser humano. Si bien en lo últimos años su prevención se ha centrado en la implementación de medidas como el control de placa o la aplicación de flúor, el estudio de las características genéticas propiedades y composición del biofilm ha hecho que aparezcan nuevos conocimientos sobre la etiología y prevención de dicha patología. Es por esto que el objetivo de este estudio es realizar una puesta al día actualizada sobre la distribución de los distintos serotipos de S. mutans y su relación con la caries dental en la población infantil (AU)

Streptococcus mutans has been identified as the main etiological agent related to dental caries. Despite the development of preventive dentistry, dental caries is still regarded as one of the most prevalent biofilm-mediated human diseases. Although its prevention has been focused on measures such as plaque control or fluoride application, research on biofilm properties, genetic characteristics and composition has caused new knowledge about etiology and prevention of this patology. The aim of this research is to develop an update about the distribution of different serotypes of S. mutans and its association with dental caries in children (AU)

Oral health in children with physical (Cerebral Palsy) and intellectual (Down Syndrome) disabilities: Systematic review I.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally, patients with physical and/or intellectual disabilities presented greater oral pathology, owing to their condition and to other external factors. Improved social and health conditions make it necessary to update knowledge on their oral and dental health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, a bibliographic review was done regarding the state of oral health of children with these two types of disability, in comparison with a control group. Some of the guidelines of the PRISMA statement were taken into account. The ranking of the articles found is based on the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The final number of articles evaluated was 14. Parameters such as dental caries, oral hygiene, gingival health, dental traumas, malocclusion and habits were considered. RESULTS: There is no consensus among authors regarding dental caries, oral hygiene and gingival health. The different results obtained are due in part to the fact that the methodologies used were not the same. However, it has been noted that, when studying other parameters and regardless of the methodology employed, the results obtained are similar. CONCLUSIONS: Children with physical and intellectual disabilities constitute a group that needs early and regular dental care in order to prevent and limit the severity of the pathologies observed. KEY WORDS: Oral health, dental caries, malocclusion, oral habits, dental trauma, oral hygiene, disabled child, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Incidence of oral health in paediatric patients with disabilities: Sensory disorders and autism spectrum disorder. Systematic review II.

INTRODUCTION: We are currently witnessing an increase in the number of disabled patients, creating the need for knowledge of each of the pathologies and of the different oral and dental conditions they present, in order to achieve efficient management and treatment. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the existing scientific literature on the oral conditions of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children with sensory deficits (SD), in comparison with the healthy child population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The bibliographic search was carried out in Pubmed/Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Library and included articles taking a sample of children between 0 and 18 years of age diagnosed with the abovementioned disorders and including at least one of the following oral hygiene conditions - oral hygiene, dental caries, malocclusion, oral habits, dental trauma, and gingival-periodontal status - comparing them with a healthy population. RESULTS: A total of 10 articles were obtained for autism spectrum disorder and six for sensory deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the variables studied, only the state of oral, gingival and/or periodontal hygiene can be considered worse in patients with ASD and SD, although we believe a larger number of research studies is needed to corroborate these results. KEY WORDS: Oral health, dental caries, malocclusion, oral habits, dental trauma, oral hygiene, disabled child, autism, autism spectrum disorder, deaf, blind.

Evolución histórica de la prevalencia del síndrome incisivo molar / Prevalence of the incisor molar hypomineralization: an historical view

El propósito de este trabajo es conocer la evolución de la prevalencia del Síndrome Incisivo Molar, no sólo a nivel mundial sino también en nuestro ámbito nacional. Constituye una revisión bibliográfica sobre los artículos científicos publicados en relación con dicha alteración. Tras el análisis y teniendo en cuenta el año de publicación independientemente de la zona geográfica de estudio, no se observa un aumento de la prevalencia de hIM. Los países que experimentan mayores porcentajes son Australia, Brasil y Reino unido (44%, 40,2% y 40% respectivamente). Los que presentan menor prevalencia son China y Libia (2,8% y 2,9% respectivamente). En el ámbito nacional claramente se ha observado un incremento con el tiempo en la prevalencia del hIM. Las variaciones en los resultados obtenidos pueden reflejar diferencias reales entre regiones y países. Sin embargo, podrían explicarse, al menos en una parte, por las diferentes edades de la muestra, diferentes fechas de nacimiento, criterios de diagnóstico, variabilidad en cuanto a la posible etiología, entre otros factores (AU)

The purpose of this paper is to know the evolution of the prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization, both on a national and international scale, comprising a bibliographical review of the scientific papers published on the subject. Following the analysis and taking into consideration the year of publication, but not the geographical area of the study, an increase in the prevalence of MIh is not observed. The countries with the highest prevalence percentages are Australia, Brazil and the united Kingdom (with 44%, 40.2% and 40%, respectively). On the other hand, the countries with the lowest prevalence percentages are China and Libya, with 2.8% and 2.9%, respectively. On a national scale, a clear increment of the prevalence of MIh has been observed over time. Disparities in the obtained results show real differences between countries and regions. On one hand, they can be explained due to the different ages within the sample, dates of birth, diagnosis criteria and possible etiologies, among other factors (AU)

Bruxismo infantil: tratamiento precoz en dentición temporal. A propósito de un caso / Bruxismo infantil: tratamiento precoz en dentición temporal. A propósito de un caso

Actualmente se está experimentando en las consultas odontopediátricas un incremento en la demanda de tratamiento por parte de los padres de nuestros pacientes infantiles, resultado de una mayor preocupación por parte del responsable del niño e incremento de la incidencia de la patología bruxista en periodos en desarrollo. Las opciones de tratamiento son limitadas y es por ello que se propone la rehabilitación neuromuscular, técnica descrita y desarrollada por el Dr. Planas como opción terapéutica, siendo los resultados obtenidos satisfactorios en un corto período de tiempo. Es por ello que se propone esta técnica como tratamiento de estas parafunciones (AU)

Nowadays in paediatric consultations, there has been an increase in the demand for treatment by parents of young patients, as a result of a greater concern in their own responsibility and in an increased incidence of bruxism disease in developing periods. Treatment options are limited, that is the reason why the neuromuscular rehabilitation technique, developed by Dr. Planas, which obtains good results in a short period of time, is proposed as a therapeutic option for the treatment of these malocclusion (AU)

Análisis de la simetría ósea mandibular mediante el trazado de líneas angulares en niños con mordida cruzada unilateral / Analysis of the skeletal symmetry of the mandible by the drawing of angular lines in children with unilateral crossbite

Introducción: Los pacientes con mordida cruzada pueden desarrollar a largo plazo una asimetría esquelética. Considerando esta premisa, nos planteamos si la mordida cruzada puede llegar a provocar cambios óseos cuantificables en edad infantil. El objetivo fundamental de este estudio es determinar si la mordida cruzada unilateral puede producir precozmente, alteraciones óseas cuantificables a nivel del ángulo mandibular. Métodos: Se utilizaron en el estudio las radiografías panorámicas de 217 niños con mordida cruzada unilateral, de edades comprendidas entre 6-9 años y cuyo estadio de dentición fue mixto 1ª fase. Se trazaron, se midieron y se compararon los ángulos goniacos del lado de la mordida cruzada y del lado de la mordida no cruzada, mediante el programa informático tpsDig2 y posteriormente, se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo y comparativo. Resultados: Los pacientes con mordida cruzada unilateral derecha presentaban un ángulo mandibular de mayores dimensiones en el lado izquierdo siendo esta diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Los pacientes con mordida cruzada unilateral izquierda presentaban también mayor el ángulo mandibular izquierdo, aunque en este caso dicha diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: No existió una relación entre el lado de la mordida cruzada y el tamaño óseo mandibular a nivel del ángulo mandibular en niños en dentición mixta 1ª fase

Introduction: Patients with crossbite may develop skeletal asymmetry in the long term. The fundamental aim of this study is to determine whether the unilateral crossbite may produce precocious skeletal alterations that may be quantifiable at the angle of the mandible. Method: 217 panoramic radiographies of children with crossbite were used. The children used in the study were between 6 and9 years old and in the first stage of mixed dentition. All the goniac angles of the cross-bite side and the non-crossbite side were drawn, measured and compared with the computer program tpsDig2. Afterwards, a descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was done. Results: The patients with a right unilateral crossbite presented a bigger goniac angle on their left side, being this difference statistically significant. The patients with a left unilateral crossbite also showed a bigger goniac angle on their left side, but in this case the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: There was no relationship between the side of the crossbite and the size of the mandibular bone at the goniac angle in children in their first stage of mixed dentition

Osteogénesis imperfecta: alteraciones orales y médicas en niños / Osteogenesis imperfecta: oral and medical alterations in children

INTRODUCCIÓN: La osteogénesis imperfecta, también llamada enfermedad de los huesos de cristal, es un desorden caracterizado por una alteración en los tejidos conectivos de todo el cuerpo, incluida la dentición. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la presencia de fracturas y los huesos afectados por las mismas, la presencia de dentinogénesis imperfecta, el tratamiento de la osteogénesis imperfecta y el tipo de bifosfonato administrado. MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron las historias clínicas de 17 pacientes con osteogénesis imperfecta. RESULTADOS: El 81% de los pacientes sufrió fracturas, el 24% fueron de fémur, un 53% de los pacientes presentaron dentinogénesis imperfecta, el 71% de los pacientes son tratados con bifosfonatos y en un 83% con pamidronato. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los pacientes ha sufrido fracturas a lo largo de su vida, la dentinogénesis imperfecta se da frecuentemente en estos pacientes y la mayoría de ellos están bajo tratamiento con bifosfonatos

INTRODUCTION: Osteogenesis imperfecta, also called the brittle bone disease, is a disorder characterised by an alteration in the connective tissues of the entire body, including teething. The objective of the study was to evaluate the presence of fractures and the bones affected by them, the presence of dentinogenesis imperfecta, the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta and the type of biphosphonate administered. METHODS: The clinical histories of 17 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the patients, 81% suffered fractures, 24% were of the femur, 53% of the patients presented dentinogenesis imperfecta, 71% of the patients are treated with biphosphonates and 83% with pamidronate. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the patients have suffered fractures during their life, the dentinogenesis imperfecta occurs frequently in these patients and the majority of them are under treatment with biphosphonates

Estudio de la erupción de la dentición permanente en niños y adolescentes de la Comunidad de Madrid (España) / Study of eruption of permanent teeth in children and adolescents in Madrid (Spain)

Introducción: El momento de aparición de un diente en la cavidad oral ha sido estudiado, a lo largo de los años, por diversos autores, por su relación con distintos factores (sistémicos y ambientales) y debido a su influencia en diversos ámbitos de la odontología. Material y método: Con el fin de analizar el patrón eruptivo de nuestra población decidimos realizar un estudio descriptivo de tipo transversal sobre las características de la erupción de la dentición permanente en 752 niños y adolescentes de la Comunidad de Madrid (España), de los que el 46,2% eran del sexo masculino y el 53,8% del femenino. Resultados: Observamos que los dientes permanentes emergen en la cavidad oral entre los 6,99 y los 12,45 años de edad en las niñas y entre los 7,06 y los 12,81 años de edad en los niños. En general, no encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al momento de emergencia entre dientes homólogos contra laterales. Observamos que los dientes de la arcada inferior erupcionan antes que los de la superior y que la erupción de la dentición permanente ocurre antes en las niñas que en los niños. Conclusiones: El orden de aparición de los dientes permanentes en ambos sexos fue: primer molar, incisivo central (en el lado derecho; en el izquierdo el incisivo central precede al primer molar), incisivolateral, primer premolar, segundo premolar, canino y segundo molar en la arcadasuperior. Y en la arcada inferior: incisivocentral, primer molar, incisivo lateral, canino, primer premolar, segundo premolar y segundo molar (..) (AU)

Introduction: The moment of appearance of a tooth in the oral cavity has been studied, over the years, by different authors, for its relation to different factors (systemic and environmental) and due to its influence on different areas of dentistry. Material and method: With the aim of analyzing the eruptive pattern of our population, we decided to carry out a descriptive transversal-type study on the characteristics of the eruption of permanent dentition in 752children and adolescents of the Community of Madrid (Spain), of which 46.2% were males and 53.8% were females. Results: We observe that the permanent teeth emerge in the oral cavity between 6.99and 12.45 years of age in the girls and between 7.06 and 12.81 years of age in the boys. In general, we did not find statistically significant differences as regards the moment of emergence of the (..) (AU)

Estudio transversal de hipodoncias no sindrómicas en una muestra de pacientes infantiles / Cross-sectional study of nonsyndromic hypodontia in a sample of pediatric patients

Introducción: Denominamos agenesia la falta de formación o desarrollo de los gérmenes dentales, pudiendo encontrarnos con que uno o más dientes, en dentición temporal o permanente, se encuentran ausentes. Las agenesias en dentición temporal son poco comunes (menos del 1%); sin embargo, en dentición permanente constituyen las alteraciones más frecuentes del desarrollo dentario (1,6-9,6%). El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de agenesias en dentición permanente no asociadas a síndromes y comprobar si su distribución se cumplía con respecto a otros trabajos de referencia. Métodos: En una muestra de 387 pacientes entre 6,4 y 15,8 años, (189 mujeres y 198 varones) se estudiaron las ortopantomografías de las historias clínicas pertenecientes al Departamento de Estomatología IV de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Los resultados de frecuencia y porcentaje de agenesia fueron analizados mediante tablas de contingencia, el test chi-cuadrado y el test exacto de Fisher. Para la comparación de dos medias de edad se ha utilizado la t de Student. Resultados: Presentaron algún tipo de ausencia dental un 6,5% (n=25). Los dientes ausentes en un mayor número de casos fueron: segundo premolar inferior derecho de forma aislada 32% (n=8),segundos premolares inferiores bilateralmente 28% (n=7) e incisivos laterales superiores bilateralmente 12% (n=3).Conclusiones: Las agenesias en la muestra fueron más frecuentes en mujeres que en varones. Los dientes ausentes en mayor proporción fueron los segundos premolares inferiores, existiendo mayor frecuencia de ausencia bilateral que unilateral de los mismos (AU)

Introduction: We refer to agenesia as the lack of formation or development of the dental germs, the finding of one or more teeth, in temporary or permanent dentition, being absent. Agenesia in temporary teeth is rather uncommon (less than1%); however, in permanent dentition, this is the most frequent dental development disorder (1.6-9.6%). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of agenesia in permanent dentition not associated to syndromes and to verify if their distribution was in line with other works of reference. Methods: In a sample of 387 patients between 6.4 and 15.8 years of age (189 female and 198 male), we studied the or thopantomographs from the clinical histories belonging to the Department of Dentistry IV of the School of Dentistry of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. The results of frequency and percentage of agenesia were analysed by means of contingency tables , the chi-square test and the Fisher's exact test. For the comparison of the two mean ages Student’s t-test was used. Results: About 6.5% (n=25) presented some type of dental absence. The absent teeth in the majority of the cases were: second lower right premolar, unilaterally 32% (n=8), second lower premolars, bilaterally 28% (n=7) and upper lateral incisors, bilaterally 12% (n=3).Conclusions: The agenesia in the same was more frequent in females than in males. Most of the absent teeth were the second lower premolars, with the greater frequency of bilateral absence than unilateral (AU)

Cronología y secuencia de erupción de los dientes temporales en una muestra infantil de la Comunidad de Madrid / Chronology and sequence of eruption of the temporary teeth in a sampling of children in the region of Madrid

La erupción de la dentición temporal ha sido objeto de estudio en múltiples poblaciones, sin embargo, son escasos los llevados a cabo en la población española. Objetivo: Determinar la cronología y la secuencia de erupción de la dentición decidua en una muestra de niños de la Comunidad de Madrid. Material y Método: La muestra para la realización de este estudio transversal estuvo constituida por 120 niños, 62 hombres y 58 mujeres, de entre 5 y 40 meses de edad, que fueron revisados en distintas guarderías de la Comunidad de Madrid. Resultados: En general, los dientes de la arcada superior erupcionaron antes que los de la inferior, a excepción de los incisivos centrales inferiores y del incisivo lateral inferior izquierdo. En el caso del segundo molar las edades medias de emergencia en ambas arcadas fueron muy similares. En los niños, los dientes maxilares erupcionaron antes que los mandibulares, sucediendo lo contrario en las niñas. Además, se observó una emergencia más adelantada en los varones, presentando éstos en cambio, un proceso eruptivo más largo. Conclusiones: En la muestra general, el primer diente en erupcionar fue el incisivo central inferior izquierdo y el último el segundo molar inferior derecho. No se encontraron diferencias en la erupción de los dientes homólogos contra laterales (AU)

The eruption of temporary teeth has been subject of study in many populations; however, there are few that have been conducted on the Spanish population. Objective: Determine the chronology and the sequence of eruption of the deciduous teeth in a sampling of children from the Region of Madrid. Material and Method: The sampling for this cross-sectional study was composed of 120 children, 62 male and 58 females, between the ages of 5 and 40 months, which were sampled in different childcare centres of the Region of Madrid. Results: In general, the teeth of the upper arcade erupted before those of the low erarcade, except for the lower central incisors and of the lower left lateral incisor. In the case of the second molar, the average ages of emergence in both arcades were very similar. In the boys, the maxillary teeth erupted before the mandibular teeth, with the opposite occurring in the girls. In addition, an earlier emergence was observed in the males, with them presenting, however, a longer eruptive process. Conclusions: In the general sample, the first tooth to erupt was the lower left central incisor and the last was the lower right second molar. No differences were found in the eruption of the contralateral counterpart teeth (AU)

Program for coordinated dental care under general anaesthesia for children with special needs

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Aim: To draw up a program for coordination of dental care for children with special needs between the Course at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCMC) (Specialisation in holistic dental care for children with special needs), and the Disabled Children’s Oral Health Unit (DCOHU) within the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS).Material and methods: UCMC Protocol for children with special needs. Design of a clinical pathway based on consensus amongst the professionals involved.Results: Algorithm for dental care for children with special needs. Matrix covering all activities and timing for full dental diagnosis in such patients (general health, oral health and behaviour) to facilitate proper referral of patients requiring general anaesthesia. Inclusion in the matrix of those responsible for each activity.Conclusions: Improved team work (University – primary health care) in patient evaluation, in provision of informationto parents and guardians and in health care quality. From the teaching point of view, students learn to adopt a systematic approach in the decision-making process

Criteria for selecting children with special needs for dental treatment under general anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To study criteria for helping to select children with special needs for dental treatment under general anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group of 30 children (aged under 18) examined on the Course at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) (Specialisation on holistic dental treatment of children with special needs) and subsequently referred to the Disabled Children's Oral Health Unit (DCOHU) within Primary Health Care Area 2 of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) where dental treatment under general anaesthesia was given during 2005. Relevant data were taken from their case histories with regard to their general health, oral health and behaviour. RESULTS: In most of the children (22 children), it was possible to carry out a complete dental diagnosis. With regard to medical diagnoses, the most frequent pathology was cerebral palsy (8 children), but it was not possible to establish a link between the pathology and the use of general anaesthesia. With regard to oral health, most of the children received restorative treatment in all 4 quadrants (26 children). On the basis of scales for behavioural evaluation and movement, most of the children (17 children) showed clearly negative behaviour, with movements that interrupted or hindered examination. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of certain specific medical problems, the reasons for using general anaesthesia for dental treatment in children with special needs are extensive treatment needs and bad behaviour, both of which can be judged objectively.

Criteria for selecting children with special needs for dental treatment under general anaesthesia

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Objective: To study criteria for helping to select children with special needs for dental treatment under general anaesthesia.Materials and methods: Group of 30 children (aged under 18) examined on the Course at the Universidad Complutensede Madrid (UCM) (Specialisation on holistic dental treatment of children with special needs) and subsequently referred to the Disabled Children’s Oral Health Unit (DCOHU) within Primary Health Care Area 2 of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) where dental treatment under general anaesthesia was given during 2005.Relevant data were taken from their case histories with regard to their general health, oral health and behaviour.Results: In most of the children (22 children), it was possible to carry out a complete dental diagnosis. With regard to medical diagnoses, the most frequent pathology was cerebral palsy (8 children), but it was not possible to establish a link between the pathology and the use of general anaesthesia. With regard to oral health, most of the children received restorative treatment in all 4 quadrants (26 children). On the basis of scales for behavioural evaluation and movement,most of the children (17 children) showed clearly negative behaviour, with movements that interrupted or hindered examination.Conclusions: With the exception of certain specific medical problems, the reasons for using general anaesthesia for dental treatment in children with special needs are extensive treatment needs and bad behaviour, both of which can be judged objectively (AU)

Dental treatment for disabled children in the Spanish Public Health System

Cada vez son más los esfuerzos del Sistema Sanitario Público Español por cubrir todas las necesidades médicas que pueda tener la población. La salud bucodental es un aspecto que cada día interesa más a la sociedad, fundamentalmente a los padres que desean que sus hijos tengan una adecuada condición oral. Los niños discapacitados, tanto físicos como psíquicos, constituyen un colectivo que no siempre recibe las atenciones odontológicas que precisan. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es valorar los servicios que presta la Sanidad Pública Española a estos niños. Hemos observado que existe una importante discrepancia en cuanto a los diferentes tipos de tratamientos bucodentales que se realizan a estos pacientes según sea la Comunidad Autónoma a la que pertenezcan. Así, en ciertas Comunidades Autónomas, como Asturias, Navarra y Extremadura, incluso se lleva a cabo una atención específica de los pacientes discapacitados infantiles. En otras como, Ceuta, Melilla, la atención, por parte de la Sanidad Pública, es más generalizada

The Spanish Public Health System is stepping up its efforts to meet all the medical needs of the population. Oral health is of increasing interest for society, especially for parents who are keen for their children to have healthy teeth. Disabled children with both physical and mental disabilities do not always receive the dental care they need. The purpose of this bibliographical review is to evaluate the services provided by the Spanish Public Health System to such children. We have noted marked differences in the types of dental treatment given to these patients in the different Autonomous Communitiesof Spain. Some, such as Asturias, Navarra and Extremadura, offer specific care for disabled children. Others, such as Ceuta and Melilla, provide more general care (AU)