The management of deep carious lesions and the exposed pulp in fully developed and immature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: a questionnaire-based study among Greek dentists.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify the preferred management techniques used by dentists in Greece for treating deep carious lesions or pulp exposure during the removal of carious tissue in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Additionally, the study sought to explore how patient-related factors (such as age and symptoms) and operator-related factors (like material choice and the use of antibiotics) influence these management decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire, developed by five investigators, was divided into two parts: the first gathered respondent demographics, and the second presented clinical scenarios of deep carious lesions, requesting treatment strategies, materials used, and antibiotic prescription practices. The scenarios described patients with intense spontaneous pain and very deep carious lesions, differentiated by age and tooth development status.Data collection was via Google Drive, with analysis performed using SPSS 28, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study polled 453 Greek dentists about their treatment choices, for deep carious lesions in mature and immature teeth with irreversible pulpitis The majority favored root canal treatment for mature teeth, however quite a few opted for partial or cervical pulpotomy. MTA emerged as the preferred capping material, emphasizing its biocompatibility. Hemostasis management varied, with saline and sodium hypochlorite as popular choices. In cases of immature teeth, a shift towards vital pulp therapy was evident, reflecting a preference for preserving healthy pulp to avoid complex procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Challenges identified include varying treatment preferences, the significance of bleeding control in vital pulp therapy, and the limited use of antibiotics for irreversible pulpitis. While the study has limitations, including sample size and potential biases, its findings offer valuable insights into the decision-making processes of Greek dentists. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Future research and ongoing education within the dental community could contribute to standardizing treatment approaches and optimizing outcomes for patients with deep carious lesions and irreversible pulpitis.

In vitro remineralization of adjacent interproximal enamel carious lesions in primary molars using a bioactive bulk-fill composite.

BACKGROUND: Surface remineralization is recommended for the management of active non-cavitated interproximal carious lesions in primary teeth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a recently recognized category of materials called bioactive restorative materials can be used for remineralization. This study aimed to evaluate the release of fluoride (F), calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ions from Predicta® Bioactive Bulk-fill composite compared with EQUIA Forte® and Filtek™ Z350 and to determine the remineralization effect of these 3 restorative materials on adjacent initial interproximal enamel carious lesions. METHODS: The release of F, Ca and P ions from 3 groups ((n = 10/group) (Group 1- Predicta®, Group 2- EQUIA Forte® and Group 3- Filtek™ Z350)) was determined at 1st, 4th, 7th and 14th days. After creating artificial carious lesions, human enamel samples were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 13/group) which were placed in contact with occluso-proximal restorative materials and exposed to a 14-day pH cycling period. Surface microhardness was determined using a Knoop microhardness assay at baseline, after artificial carious lesions formation and after pH cycling. The difference in the percentage of surface microhardness recovery (%SMHR) among groups was compared. Mineral deposition was analyzed with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and the enamel surface morphology was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Kruskal-Wallis's test with Dunn's post hoc test and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: EQUIA Forte® released the highest cumulative amount of F and P ions, followed by Predicta® and Filtek™ Z350. Predicta® released higher amount of Ca ions than EQUIA Forte® and Filtek™ Z350. Predicta® demonstrated the highest %SMHR, followed by EQUIA Forte® and Filtek™ Z350. There was a significant difference in the %SMHR between Predicta® and Filtek™ Z350 (p < 0.05). However, EQUIA Forte® demonstrated the highest fluoride content, followed by Predicta® and Filtek™ Z350. The SEM images of EQUIA Forte® and Predicta® revealed the greater mineral deposition. CONCLUSION: Predicta® demonstrated a marked increase in surface microhardness and fluoride content of adjacent initial interproximal enamel carious lesions in primary molars compared with Filtek™ Z350. Predicta® is an alternative restorative material to remineralize adjacent initial interproximal enamel carious lesions in primary molars, especially in high-risk caries patients.

The Assessment of Resin-Based Composite Sealants' Effectiveness in Arresting Non-Cavitated Dentin Carious Lesions (ICDAS 3)-A 12 Month Follow-Up Preliminary Study.

Background and Objectives: The therapeutic management of carious lesions remains a significant focus for researchers, given their persistently high prevalence despite being largely preventable. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a composite resin-based sealant material in halting extended non-cavitated dentin carious lesions when used therapeutically versus preventively on caries-free teeth over a period of twelve months. Materials and Methods: out of the 236 children examined, 45 were excluded from the study due to non-compliance with the inclusion criteria. Thus, the study included 191 children aged 10-12 years, and 764 molars in total. Results: among these molars, 171 were caries-free (ICDAS II code 0), forming the Control group, while 180 molars were classified with an ICDAS II score of 3, forming the Study group. All molars were sealed and evaluated at 6- and 12-month follow-up intervals. Both intervals revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in sealant retention and carious lesion development between sound (ICDAS code 0) and decayed (ICDAS code 3) teeth. Conclusions: the findings did not support the effectiveness of sealants in halting non-cavitated dentin carious lesions classified as ICDAS II with code 3 compared to their preventive application in sound teeth classified as ICDAS II with code 0.

Dental caries as a source of Helicobacter pylori infection in children: An RT-PCR study.

BACKGROUND: Findings on the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity are conflicting. This bacterium can occur either transiently in the oral cavity or, in some situations, pose a threat to oral/gastric tissues. AIM: We investigated the presence of H. pylori in deep carious lesions of children and assessed its association with dental status and caries severity. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study involved 20 children aged 3-6 years attending the paediatric outpatient clinic. Demographic and oral hygiene-related data were obtained from parents/caregivers. Caries status and severity were assessed using the DMFT and ICDAS II indices respectively. Dentine samples were collected and stored in phosphate-buffered saline solution. These samples were assessed for H. pylori using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. DMFT and ICDAS II scores were compared between children with and without H. pylori. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: H. pylori was detected in 70% of children with severe carious lesions (95% confidence interval: 46%-88%). The mean DMFT score was significantly higher in the group with H. pylori than in the group without (p = .001). The prevalence of H. pylori was greater in those with ICDAS II code 6 than in those with ICDAS II code 5 caries. Cavitated carious lesions can serve as a reservoir for H. pylori. Its presence was associated with higher caries status and caries severity (ICDAS II code 6). The presence of H. pylori in such cavities may tip the balance of plaque ecosystem in favour of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacterial source in dental caries.

Deep carious lesions and their management among Finnish adolescents: a retrospective radiographic study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective study was to find out (i) the prevalence of deep carious lesions, both untreated and previously treated, among 14- and 15-year olds and (ii) how deep carious lesions were managed in a Finnish public health care setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 278 patients was taken from 3990 patients at the oral health care of the City of Helsinki. Radiographic subsample consisted of patients with bitewing and periapical radiographs (n = 128, 46% of the total sample). Deep carious lesions (extending to at least the inner half of dentine), deep restorations, direct pulp cappings, root canal treatments, and extractions in permanent premolars and molars were recorded from the radiographs. Patients with untreated deep carious lesions were followed up for 24 months. RESULTS: In the total sample 12% had at least one untreated deep carious lesion, 10% at least one deep restoration, and 19% at least one untreated or previously treated deep carious lesion. The follow-up cohort included 48 deep carious lesions in 26 patients. Complete excavation was the most frequently chosen method (81% for lesions reaching the inner half of dentine and 56% the inner third or deeper), followed by stepwise excavation (19% and 37%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: One-fifth of 14-15-year-olds had at least one untreated or previously treated deep carious lesion. The choice for the carious tissue removal did not follow the current recommendations for less invasive methods. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Continuing education is needed to improve the diagnostics and management of deep carious lesions.

The Opinions and Practices of Saudi Arabian Dentists about Cervical Margin Relocation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the opinions and practices of different dentists about the cervical margin relocation (CMR) concept. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 432 general dentists, advanced general dentists (AGDs), periodontists, restorative dentists, and prosthodontists practicing in Saudi Arabia were approached in person or asked to complete an electronic survey (Google Forms) assessing demographic data and their opinions and practice of CMR. Differences between groups were assessed using the Chi-squared test, and binary regression models were constructed to identify predictors of opinions and practice of CMR. RESULTS: About half of the surveyed dentists practiced CMR when indicated, but many felt that it represents an invasion of the biological width and might affect crown survival. Participants had several, often concurrent concerns about CMR. The opinions and practices of CMR were influenced by several factors including educational degree, work setting, country of clinical training, years of experience, and specialty. CONCLUSION: The relatively conservative attitude of dentists towards CMR is justifiable, as it is a relatively new concept with little long-term clinical data. Clinical trials with sufficient follow-up periods are now needed to evaluate outcomes from CMR to provide further confidence to dentists to implement the procedure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Deep proximal carious lesions extending subgingivally is a common clinical scenario. Assessing the opinion and practice of dentists towards conservative treatment with CMR provides the basis for encouraging practitioners to use the procedure both clinically and in clinical trials.

An in vitro comparative evaluation of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride, tricalcium phosphate and grape seed extract on remineralization of artificial caries lesion in primary enamel.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the remineralization potential of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride, tricalcium phosphate and grape seed extract on artificial caries lesions in primary enamel. STUDY DESIGN: A sample of 40 non-carious, primary molar teeth was collected and cut in longitudinal sections into three equal halves. Those 120 samples were divided into four equal groups. Group A: Sections treated with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF), Group B: Sections treated with tricalcium phosphate, Group C: Sections treated with grape seed extract Group D: Sections treated with deionized water (control group). Samples were evaluated for change in surface characteristics, mineral content using Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and microhardness using Vicker's microhardness tester. Cavitated lesions were evaluated for Cone beam computer tomography to obtain baseline data post remineralization. RESULTS: The remineralization potential of grape seed extract was found to be greater compared to tricalcium phosphate followed by CPP-ACPF. CONCLUSION: All the three groups viz. CPP-ACPF, tricalcium phosphate and grape seed extract showed remineralization under the in vitro pH cycling model, while grape seed extract group showed significantly greater remineralization compared to the CPP-ACPF and tricalcium phosphate groups.

[Home treatment of dental hyperesthesia symptoms]. / Simptomaticheskoe lechenie giperestezii zubov v domashnikh usloviyakh.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Was to assess the efficacy of Sensodyne toothpast for the improvement of dental hypersensitivity of various origin and the duration of the achieved effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 142 patients of which 95 people had tooth sensitivity. Of these, 4 groups were formed homogeneous by age and sex. Group 1 comprised 27 people (average age 34±3 years) with I grade dental abrasion. Group 2 comprised 23 people (average age 33±5 years) with II grade dental abrasion. Group 3 consisted of 23 people (average age 37±4 years) with grade 3 abrasion with gingival recession of varying severity. Group 4 (comparison) comprised 22 people (mean age 36±4 years) with tooth hypersensitivity who were offered a different toothpaste. The severity of hyperesthesia was assessed using the Schiff method. RESULTS: The study revealed statistically significant decrease in dental sensitivity in all studied groups. The first positive results were noted by day 3. The maximum effect was achieved by day 30 regardless of the etiology of the primary pathology. The hypersensitivity decreased in group 1 from 1.69±0.59 to 0.48±0.20 (by 71.5%), in group 2 from 1.78±0.88 to 0.3±0.22 (by 83.1%), in group 3 from 1.94±0.6 to 0.35±0.17 (by 82%). The duration of the effect obtained was 60 days. In the comparison group, the symptom of hyperesthesia decreased by 51% after 30 days with gingival recession and increased abrasion of hard tissues when using another toothpaste. The achieved effect of reducing hyperesthesia was less stable. At day 60 it decreased by 30% from the maximum value. CONCLUSION: The study proved the high efficiency of the Sensodyne toothpaste as a home remedy for symptomatic treatment of hyperesthesia.

Dental professionals' experiences of managing children with carious lesions in their primary teeth - a qualitative study within the FiCTION randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The lack of evidence for the effective management of carious lesions in children's primary teeth has caused uncertainty for the dental profession and patients. Possible approaches include conventional and biological management alongside best practice prevention, and best practice prevention alone. The FiCTION trial assessed the effectiveness of these options, and included a qualitative study exploring dental professionals' (DPs) experiences of delivering the different treatment arms. This paper reports on how DPs managed children with carious lesions within FiCTION and how this related to their everyday experiences of doing dentistry. METHODS: Overall, 31 DPs from FiCTION-trained dental surgeries in four regions of the UK participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of the three treatment arms (conventional management of carious lesions and prevention (C + P), biological management of carious lesions and prevention (B + P) or prevention alone (PA)). A theoretical framework, drawing on social practice theory (SPT), was developed for analysis. RESULTS: Participants discussed perceived effectiveness of, and familiarity with, the three techniques. The C + P arm was familiar, but some participants questioned the effectiveness of conventional restorations. Attitudes towards the B + P arm varied in terms of familiarity, but once DPs were introduced to the techniques, this was seen as effective. While prevention was familiar, PA was described as ineffective. DPs manage children with carious lesions day-to-day, drawing on previous experience and knowledge of the child to provide what they view as the most appropriate treatment in the best interests of each child. Randomisation undermined these normal choices. Several DPs reported deviating from the trial arms in order to treat a patient in a particular way. Participants valued evidence-based dentistry, and expect to use the results of FiCTION to inform future practice. They anticipate continuing to use the full range of treatment options, and to personally select appropriate strategies for individual children. CONCLUSIONS: RCTs take place in the context of day-to-day practices of doing dentistry. DPs employ experiential and interpersonal knowledge to act in the best interests of their patients. Randomisation within a clinical trial can present a source of tension for DPs, which has implications for assuring individual equipoise in future trials.

Association of sugar-sweetened drinks with caries in 10- and 15-year-olds.

BACKGROUND: Sugar-sweetened drinks (SSDs) are known to be cariogenic, but this association has not been well investigated in population-based repeated cross-sectional studies in recent years. Therefore, this study examined whether SSD intake is associated with higher caries experience in 10- and 15-year-olds. METHODS: The study sample included participants from the Munich study centre of two birth cohorts with data on non-cavitated caries lesions (NCCL/S), caries experience (DMF/S index), overall caries burden (DMF + NCCL/S) and SSD intake. In total, 915 and 996 children were included from the 10- and 15-year follow-ups, respectively. Intake (g/day) of SSDs, comprising cola, lemonade, ice-tea, sport/energy drinks, fruit squashes and nectars, was calculated from food frequency questionnaires. For analyses, the SSD intake was converted into portions (250 ml/day). Multiple logistic regression and prospective analysis models were performed to test associations between SSD intake and various definitions of caries, adjusting for sex, parental education, body mass index (BMI) categories, study cohort, plaque-affected sextants, mode of SSD consumption, energy content of SSDs, and total energy intake. RESULTS: The mean overall caries burden at 10 and 15 years of age was 1.81 (SD: 2.71) and 6.04 (SD: 8.13), respectively. The average consumption of SSDs at the 10- and 15-year follow-ups was 0.48 (SD: 0.85) and 0.83 (SD 1.40) portions/day, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, in 10-year-olds, SSD intake was significantly associated with higher caries experience based on the indices DMF/S (adjusted odds ratio: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.06-1.57), NCCL/S (1.24; 1.03-1.49) and DMF + NCCL/S (1.27; 1.05-1.55). At the 15-year follow-up, SSD consumption was significantly associated with increased DMF/S index (1.12; 1.01-1.25) only. Prospective model associating 10-year SSD intake with 15-year caries experience was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: SSD intake significantly increases the caries burden in 10-year-olds, with attenuated effects in 15-year-olds. To prevent caries, SSD consumption should be reduced, especially in children and adolescents.

Effect of Different Liners on Pulpal Outcome after Partial Caries Removal: A Preliminary 12 Months Randomised Controlled Trial.

AIM: The aim of this double-blinded parallel randomised controlled trial was to compare the effect of different liners on 12-month pulp health outcomes after partial caries removal (PCR) with composite restorations in permanent molars. METHODS: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with registration No. NCT0328695 and conducted in the Department of Conservative dentistry and Endodontics, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak with no external financial support. One hundred and ninety-eight participants (116 males, 82 females and age 14-54 years) with vital permanent mature mandibular molars having deep caries involving two-thirds or more of dentin were randomised to calcium hydroxide (CH), resin-modified GIC (RMGIC) and no liner (DC) groups after PCR. After a follow-up time of 12 months, success was defined as positive response to pulp sensibility and absence of periapical alterations. RESULTS: Categorical variables were compared using chi-square test. Two analytical approaches were used, such as intention-to-treat and per-protocol approach. Success rates in per-protocol approach were 96.8, 96.5, and 94.6% for CH, RMGIC and DC groups, respectively with no significant difference between 3 groups (p = 0.811). None of the baseline variables had any significant influence on the treatment success. CONCLUSION: Partial caries excavation has a high success rate to treat deep carious lesions in permanent teeth after 12 months of follow-up, indicating that the retention of carious dentin does not interfere with pulp vitality or restoration survival. Also, the success of the treatment is independent of the lining material used over the demineralized dentin.

Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Lasers and Biodentine in Dentine Regeneration: A Clinical Study.

AIM: To compare and evaluate the effect of different liners separately and in combination with lasers that is resin modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC), Laser+RMGIC, Biodentine, Laser+Biodentinein the treatment of deep carious lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with deep caries indicated for pulp capping were selected. Curative procedure including the cavity preparation with maximal removal of softened dentine using spoon excavator, slow speed handpiece with round burs was performed. Patients were divided into four groups with 10 patients in each group In group A RMGIC liner, group B laser biostimulation followed by RMGIC liner, group C biodentine liner, group D laser biostimulation followed by Biodentine liner were placed in the cavity after caries removal. Cavities were temporarily restored with IRM for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, liners in each group were removed, and cavities were permanently restored lower half of the cavity with a layer of flowable Z350 XT composite, and then the remaining half of the cavity with P60 filled composites (3 M ESPE, USA) in all the groups. The observation period was 12 months. RESULTS: All the patients showed a positive response to cold test and electric pulp test at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months follow-up. In group A (RMGIC) two patients and in group B (Laser+Biodentine) three patients did not return back for the follow-up. To standardize the samples, seven patients were selected from each group with a total of 28 samples included in the study (n = 7) and statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The mean for the total amount of dentine deposited after 12 months was highest in: Group D-(Laser+Biodenitne) 0.32 mm > Group C-(Biodentine) 0.25 mm > Group B-(Laser+RMGIC) 0.10 > Group A-(RMGIC) 0.07 mm Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study the following conclusion was drawn: • Lasers and biodentine are good indirect pulp capping agents • Laser has an additional effect on the tertiary dentine formation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Lasers with antibacterial effect penetrate into dentinal tubules and accelerate the rate of dentin bridge formation in deep carious lesions.

Gingival Health Around Cervical Carious Lesions Restored with Calcium Silicate-based Cement (Biodentine™) Compared with Glass-ionomer Cement: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM: The study aims to assess the gingival health around cervical lesions restored with calcium silicate-based cement (Biodentine™) compared to treatment with glass-ionomer cement (GIC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 healthy subjects with carious lesions on the cervical third of the buccal surfaces of posterior teeth (class V-Black's classification) have participated and were distributed over two equal groups. The participants in each group received one type of the tested cements: Biodentine™ or GIC. The oral hygiene and the gingival health of the restored teeth were evaluated clinically at 1, 3, and 6 month intervals. RESULTS: Comparing clinical parameters of gingival and periodontal tissues adjacent to cervical restorations indicated significant differences. Plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were higher in the Biodentine™ group at 1, 3, and 6 months of evaluation with a significant difference (p < 0.05), a rise in pocket depth has been noticed at 3 and 6 months (p < 005). Gingival recession (GR) did not show any difference between groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, bleeding on probing (BOP) values were higher for Biodentine™ restorations compared with GIC with a significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical restorations of Biodentine™ were associated with more plaque accumulation with a higher degree of gingival inflammation in comparison with GIC.

Histologic validation of ICDAS-II and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography to detect smooth surface early carious lesions.

AIM: This in vitro study aimed to histologically validate and compare the methods for detection of smooth surface early carious lesions (ECLs) that is, International caries detection and assessment system for the smooth surface (ICDAS-II-SSC), Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT), and radiography. METHODOLOGY: PS-OCT images for scores 0-3 of ICDAS-II-SSC were standardized according to ECLs' depth. Preliminary PS-OCT images for ICDAS-II-SSC score-2 of pigmented ECLs showed reduced lesion depth and therefore were dichotomized into scores 2 and 2p for white and pigmented lesions (ICDAS-II-SSCm). ECLs on one hundred freshly extracted teeth were scored by three examiners for ICDAS-II-SSCm, PS-OCT, radiography, and histology. RESULTS: Compared to histology, ICDAS-II-SSCm showed a strong positive correlation followed by PS-OCT and radiographic evaluation. ICDAS-II-SSCm had a strong positive correlation with PS-OCT, while both variables had a weak positive correlation with radiography. PS-OCT detected the activity of ECLs by directly relating the image depth of ECLs to their mineral volume content. CONCLUSION: The current scope of ICDAS-II should be reviewed since the pigmentation can be misinterpreted as an active lesion. Till then, ICDAS-II-SSC is an effective visual method for early caries detection. PS-OCT has the potential to become a probe with the proper algorithm for diagnostic purposes.

Barriers to sealant guideline implementation within a multi-site managed care dental practice.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify barriers frequently endorsed by dentists in a large, multi-site dental practice to implementing the American Dental Association's recommendation for sealing noncavitated occlusal carious lesions as established in their 2016 pit-and-fissure sealant clinical practice guideline. Although previous research has identified barriers to using sealants perceived by dentists in private practice, barriers frequently endorsed by dentists in large, multi-site dental practices have yet to be identified. Identifying barriers for these dentists is important, because it is expected that in the future, the multi-site group practice configuration will comprise more dental practices. METHODS: We anonymously surveyed the 110 general and pediatric dentists at a multi-site dental practice in the U.S. The survey assessed potential barriers in three domains: practice environment, prevailing opinion, and knowledge and attitudes. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The response rate to the survey was 62%. The principal barrier characterizing the practice environment was concern regarding liability; endorsed by 33% of the dentists. Many barriers of prevailing opinion were frequently endorsed. These included misunderstanding the standard of practice (59%), being unaware of the expectations of opinion leaders (56%) including being unaware of the guideline itself (67%), and being unaware of what is currently being taught in dental schools (58%). Finally, barriers of knowledge and attitudes were frequently endorsed. These included having suboptimal skill in applying sealants (23% - 47%) and lacking knowledge regarding the relative efficacy of the different ways to manage noncavitated occlusal carious lesions (50%). CONCLUSIONS: We identified barriers frequently endorsed by dentists in a large, multi-site dental practice relating to the practice environment, prevailing opinion, and knowledge and attitudes. All the barriers we identified have the potential to be addressed by implementation strategies. Future studies should devise and test implementation strategies to target these barriers.

[Morphological study of enamel and dentin teeth with carious process and non-carious lesions].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The condition of hard teeth tissues while choosing treatment method becomes particularly important due to the large development of adhesive technologies and the choice of filling materials. The quality of adhesion is one of the key factors that affects effectiveness of the entire range of therapeutic interventions, that determines the success of therapeutic treatment and the reliability of therapeutic restorations fixation. The aim of the work is to study the condition of hard teeth tissues in carious and non-carious pathology for further rationale of the choice of filling material and adhesive system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A thorough examination included teeth that were removed according to the indications. The age of patients, whose teeth were examined, was 25-55 years old according to the classification of age periods adopted at the International Symposium on the Age Periodization (Moscow, 1965). We conducted a morphological study of enamel and dentin of teeth with carious and non-carious lesions (increased erasability, cuneal defects), by obtaining chips and microsections of teeth, followed by examination of the number of enamel prisms, dentinal tubules,their diameter, the thickness of the gaps between these structures. The studies were carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) "Mira 3 LMU" ("Tescan", Czech Republic) with a maximum resolution of 1 nm and a maximum magnification of 1,000,000. Dentally removed teeth were washed in running water, cleaned of plaque, dried by filter paper and crushed by vice, that was followed by the selection of the wreckage for the study. Then, markings in the dentine and enamel zones were made to fix the sizes of enamel prisms and dentinal tubules. RESULTS: Results: After the completion of the determination of enamel prisms and dentinal tubules diameter, counting of their number was carried out according to the method proposed by I.M. Tkachenko, by obtaining a series of digital images of the examined tooth's enamel and dentin with varying degrees of magnification. The number of prisms per unit area characterized the enamel density, on which permeability, hardness, tissue resistance to fracture, bending and modulus of elasticity depends. The number of dentinal tubules characterized the density of dentin and the peculiarities of trophic processes that occur in dentin. Also, in our opinion, the amount of dentinal tubules determines the damping properties of dentin and strength enamel values. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Thus, the structure of enamel and dentin has peculiarities of the morphological structure at various clinical conditions of hard teeth tissues. This peculiarity can be associated with a decrease of enamel density, that is associated with a decrease in the number of prisms in the non-carious teeth pathology and an increase of the gaps between them.

Dentists' attitudes and behaviour regarding deep carious lesion management: a multi-national survey.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed, using a questionnaire, to assess and compare behaviour, attitudes and beliefs of French, German and Norwegian dentists regarding deep carious lesion management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mail survey was applied to simple random national samples of dentists. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Sample size was 661 (response rate, 33 %) in France, 622 (25 %) in Germany and 199 (33 %) in Norway. Hardness was the criterion used most often for assessing carious tissue removal in all three countries (>95 %), with most dentists aiming for only hard dentine remaining at the pulpal wall (>66 %); dentine colour was not found relevant by most respondents. The majority of French and German practitioners (>66 %) would perform complete excavation even for deep lesions, while most Norwegian dentists (84 %) opted for stepwise excavation. Most dentists thought complete removal was required to avoid lesion progression and were uncertain if remaining sealed bacteria would harm the pulp. Treatment decisions were guided by prior experience and familiarity. For example, stepwise removal was performed less often by dentists who were male, French, German or those in the private sector. CONCLUSIONS: Less invasive strategies for managing deep lesions have not widely entered clinical practice in France and Germany. Underlying beliefs shape decision-making. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study is the first of its nature to analyse and compare deep carious lesion management between three European countries. It shows that there is an urgent need to practically educate dentists in less invasive strategies.

Detection of Occlusal Carious Lesion using the SoproLife® Camera: A Systematic Review.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the in vivo scientific evidence regarding the ability of a recently developed light fluorescence device, SoproLife® (Sopro-Acteon group, La Ciotat, France) in detecting occlusal carious lesions. The PubMed database was searched for in vivo trials that evaluated the validity of the SoproLife® camera for the detection of occlusal carious lesions. Among the 11 articles originally identified with the keyword "Soprolife," only three articles were included. The three included surveys used the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS)-II criteria as gold standard for the assessment of SoproLife® compared or not to other detection devices (DIAGNOdent® and Spectra Caries Detection Aid®). Two of the included studies reported only on permanent teeth or both primary and permanent teeth. The SoproLife® validity values varied markedly among studies with a sensitivity ranging between 0.43 and 0.95 and a specificity between 0.55 and 1. Interobserver reproducibility with the SoproLife® was reported in two of the three studies (0.98 and 0.72) and none of the studies reported about intraobserver reproducibility. No clear-cut conclusion can be made based on the three included clinical studies; further in vivo investigations are needed to confirm the validity of the SoproLife® camera in terms of detection of occlusal carious lesions.

Resin penetration in artificial enamel carious lesions after using sodium hypochlorite as a deproteinization agent.

OBJECTIVES: To study the degree of penetration of an adhesive resin in artificial enamel carious lesions after using sodium hypochlorite as deproteinization agent. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty included human third-molars, extracted for surgical indication, were used. Artificial lesions were created in the buccal and lingual sides of each specimen through a cycle of demineralization-remineralization. Samples were then incubated in human saliva for 7 days at 37 ° C. After surface cleaning, lesions and the peripheral sound enamel were etched with 37% orthophosphoric acid for 20 seconds. One lesion of each specimen was treated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for one minute. The other lesion of each specimen was used as a control. Experimental and control lesions were sealed with a fluid resin marked with Rhodamine B. Lesions were sectioned for microscopic observation by epifluorescence and polarized light. The images obtained were analyzed morphometrically. The micrometer measurements were made with ImageJ ® software. The level of significance was assessed at p<0.05. RESULTS: The average sealant depth penetration in the control group was 94.9 ± 28.6 µm versus 122.8 ± 25.3 µm in the experimental group. This represents Δ 20.1% significantly greater penetration when using sodium hypochlorite (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated a significant penetration of the sealing resin when the conventional technique is complemented with the application of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for one minute in artificial enamel carious lesions.

The Prevalence of Dental Carious Lesions and Associated Risk Factors in Chinese Children Aged 7-9 Years.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence, severity, oral distribution, and associated risk factors of carious lesions in the pri- mary teeth in children in Jinzhou, China, aged 7-9 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1603 primary school students aged 7-9 years old from public and private schools in Jinzhou were recruited using multi-stage, stratified, and random sampling methods for cross-sectional studies. Carious lesions in the primary teeth of school-age children were detected and recorded according to the World Health Organiza- tion standard, and a questionnaire was collected from a parent or guardian with information on the relevant risk factors for the child. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of factors related to carious lesions were estimated using binary logistic regression analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of carious lesions in the primary teeth was 74.5%, the average number of carious lesions was 3.02, and dmft was 4.08 ± 2.74. There were 655 cases (77.1%) of dental carious lesions in boys and 546 cases (72.5%) in girls, and the difference between them was statistically significant (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the mother's educational level, brushing frequency, brushing time, and consumption of soft drinks, desserts, and sweets were all associated with a higher prevalence of carious lesions (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The children in our sample had a high incidence of carious lesions of the primary teeth, especially the man- dibular primary molars. Social demographic factors, oral hygiene habits, and dietary habits all play an important role in the occurrence of carious lesions.