Tactile perception of roughness to assess activity in artificial initial caries lesions with a novel force-controlled probe

Abstract Roughness-tactile perception is part of activity assessment in initial-caries-lesions. Hypothesizing that a probe's design influences this examiner's assessment, four probes were designed. The aims of this study were to select the probe with highest inter-/intra-examiners' roughness-assessment agreement and to determine its diagnostic accuracy on artificial initial-caries lesions. A pilot study was conducted with trained dentists to select one controlled-pressure probe design (n = 4) by assessing roughness on known-roughness metal plaques with 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy of roughness assessment was conducted with the selected controlled-pressure probe and the WHO-probe on sound and artificial initial-caries-lesion (n = 20) human enamel blocks. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and quadratic weighted-Kappa scores were used to assess examiners' reproducibility and Multilevel Poisson models to determine diagnostic accuracy between both probes controlling for confounding variables. The probe design with the highest inter/intra-examiner's agreement (ICC = 0.96) was selected for subsequent analyses. Unadjusted sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values were for the controlled-pressure and the WHO probes: 71.1%,90.6%,81.2%, and 67.4%,84.6%,75.8%, respectively (p > 0.05). Examiner remained the most important factor influencing diagnostic accuracy. While this study did not show significantly higher diagnostic accuracy of the designed controlled-pressure vs. the WHO-probe when used by trained dentists, all over roughness-assessment accuracy and reproducibility were high.

Pulp vitality of primary molars with deep caries treated with ART restorations: 2-year RCT

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the pulp vitality of primary teeth with deep caries treated with two restorative techniques. The restoration survival rate was also evaluated as a secondary outcome. Children aged from 4 to 8 years with at least one deep carious lesion in molars were selected at the Ibirapuera University dental clinic. One hundred and eight deciduous molars were allocated into two groups: (1) restoration with calcium hydroxide cement lining followed by filling with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (CHC+HVGIC) or (2) restoration with HVGIC. Pulp vitality and restoration survival were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months. Intent-to-treat analysis was used for pulp vitality, and survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method (α=5%). Results: At 24 months, 86 restorations were evaluated, and 91 were evaluated at least once during the study. There was no significant difference between the restorative treatments regarding pulp vitality (CHC +HVGIC=70% and HVGIC=68.5%) (OR=1.091; CI95%=0.481-2.475). However, HVGIC (73%) restorations showed a higher survival rate than CHC+HVGIC (50%) (p=0.021). Thus, it can conclude that deep caries in primary molars should be restored with HVGIC, since the technique results in similar pulp vitality to the CHC +HVGIC, but with a higher restoration survival rate.

E-learning Activities to Complement Education in Cariology for Undergraduate Students

Objective: To evaluate activities performed in an e-learning platform after 2-year of implementation in terms of contents and functionality. Material and Methods: Elearning courses were prepared and created by two lecturers. Contents were intended for last year undergraduate students attending the pediatric dentistry discipline, and included different topics considered as relevant to the area. Given tele-courses from 2010-2012 as well as statistics and contents, provided by the platform, were collected for analysis. Results: Five tele-courses were proposed and the total participation was 322 students (mean-per-course±SD=64.4±17.2). On average, 15 tutors/course accompanied the process. Caries lesion detection and fluoride therapy were discussed in all modules, but different activities were focused in various aspects. Other topics were also included: caries activity (60%), caries risk assessment, oral hygiene and clinical examination (40%). Two lecturers were responsible for preparing exercises and tutors helped in the creation, revision and correction. The main type of validation was open questions (83%). A High level of students' access was observed during the 2-year-period (mean-per-course±SD=21372±6775,2). More than 32000 external visits of the topics were also seen. On average, 14 tutor/student feedbacks were sent per student in each tele-course. Conclusion: The use of an e-learning system has been used especially to complementing teaching in caries detection and management using fluorides. Telecourses have been highly accessed by undergraduate students and also, external participants.

Perfil de problemas orales en infantes y preescolares atendidos en el servicio de urgencias odontológicas de un centro de salud infantil de Brasil / Perfil de problemas orais em infantes e pré-escolares tratados no serviço de urgências odontológicas de um centro de saúde infantil do Brasil / Oral health problems profile in infants and preschool children attended at the dental emergency service of a children ́s health centre of Brazil

Objetivo: Determinar el perfil de los problemas orales en lactantes y preescolares atendidos en el servicio de urgencias de la Clínica de Especialidades infantil/ Clínica de Bebés de la Universidad Estatal de Londrina, Brasil. Materiales y métodos:Estudio retrospectivo donde se analizaron 776 historias clínicas de pacientes en el rango de edad de 0 a 72 meses, atendidos entre abril de 2007 a abril de 2008. Los datos recolectados fueron: Género, edad, lugar de residencia, ocupación y grado de escolaridad de los padres, motivo de consulta, dientes involucrados e intervenciones realizadas. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi2(χ2) y un nivel de significancia de 5% para la asociación entre variables. Resultados: Se observó una mayor proporción de pacientes de género masculino en la búsqueda del servicio (55,5%) y la mayoría de pacientes se ubicaron en el rango de edad de 0 a 24 meses (27,3%). Se verificó que el 62,9% residían en la zona urbana y la mayoría de los padres/responsables habían cursado secundaria completa (30,5% padres, 33,8% madres). Los motivos de consulta más frecuentes en la atención fueron caries dental (38,9%) siendo el dolor la queja principal (42,0%) y trauma dental (28,9%). Los dientes más afectados por caries fueron los segundos molares inferiores primarios y, por trauma los incisivos centrales superiores primarios. Dentro de las intervenciones más comunes se encontraron el tratamiento endodóntico (16,0%) y la adecuación del medio bucal (15,1%). Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre escolaridad de la madre y motivo de consulta en el servicio de urgencias (p=0,001). Conclusión: El servicio analizado es necesario y útil, sin embargo, la resolución de problemas orales en la población infantil de Londrina, ocurrirá por medio de una reorganización de los servicios odontológicos actuales.

Objective: To determine the profile of oral problems in infants and preschool children treated at an emergency service from Clinic of Infantile Specialities / Clinical Baby of the State University of Londrina, Brazil. Materials and method: Retrospective study where 776 clinical histories of patients aged 0 to 72 months, treated between April 2007 and April 2008 were analysed. Data collection included gender, age, place of residence, parental occupation and educational level, reason for consultation, involved teeth and performed intervention. Chi-square test (χ2) and a significance level of 5% were used for variables associations. Results:A greater proportion of male patients (55.5%) attended the service and the main age group was the 0-24 months (27.3%). It was found that 62.9% lived in urban areas and most parents/caregivers had completed secondary school (30.5% parents, 33.8% mothers). The main reason for consultation was caries (38.9%) - pain as main complaint (42.0%) and dental trauma (28.9%). The most affected tooth by caries was the lower second primary molar and, regarding trauma, the upper central primary incisors were the most injured. Interventions varied from endodontic treatment (16.0%) and adequacy of oral environment (15.1%). There was a statistically significant association between mother educational level and reason for consultation (p = 0.001). Conclusion:The assessed health service was necessary and useful. However, oral health problems resolution in the paediatric population in Londrina will only occur after the implementation of reorganised dental services from the currently available.

Objetivo: Determinar o perfil dos problemas bucais em lactantes e pré-escolares atendidos no pronto socorro da Clínica de Especialidades Infantis / Bebê Clínica da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Brasil. Materiais e métodos: Estudo retrospec-tivo onde foram analisados 776 prontuários odontológicos de pacientes na faixa etária de 0 a 72 meses, atendidos entre abril de 2007 a abril de 2008. Os dados coletados foram: Gênero, idade, lugar de moradia, ocupação e grau de escolaridade dos pais, motivo da consulta, dentes envolvidos e intervenções realizadas. Foi usado o teste qui-quadrado (χ2) e estabeleceu-se um nível de significância de 5% para a associação entre variáveis. Resultados: Observou-se uma maior proporção de pacientes de sexo masculino na procura do atendimento (55,5%) e a maioria dos pacientes pertenciam à faixa etária de 0 a 24 meses (27,3%). Verificou-se que, 62,9% moravam na zona urbana e a maioria dos pais/responsáveis possuíam escolaridade de segundo grau completo (30,5% pais, 33,8% mães). Os motivos mais frequentes pelo atendimento foram cárie dentária (38,9%) sendo a dor a principal queixa 42,0%, e trauma dentário (28,9%). Os dentes mais acometidos pela cárie foram os segundos molares infe-riores e por trauma, os incisivos centrais superiores decíduos. As intervenções mais comuns foram o tratamento endodôntico (16,0%) e adequação do meio bucal (15,1%). Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre escolaridade da mãe e moti-vo da consulta do pronto socorro (p=0,001). Conclusão: O serviço de urgência é necessário e útil, porém, a resolução dos pro-blemas bucais na população infantil de Londrina, ocorrerá por meio de uma reorganização dos serviços odontológicos atuais.

Assessment of Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) Restorations after Acidic Erosive Challenges: An in vitro Study

Objective: To analyze the marginal adaptation of two different Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) after erosive challenges. Material and Methods: Sixty sound extracted primary canines were selected and class V cavities were made. Teeth were allocated into 6 groups according to restorative material: 1) high-viscosity GIC (Ketac™Molar Easymix) and 2) resin-modified GIC with nanoparticles (Ketac™N100), low pH beverage erosive challenge (Orange juice and Coca-Cola) or distilled water as control. Thereafter the sample was restored and subjecting to thermocycling. The sample was immersed for a 10-days period for the erosive simulation and then embedded in methylene blue solution during 4 hours. Finally teeth were sectioned for further analysis. Marginal adaptation test was performed by two trained examiners using the Salama et al. criteria. Descriptive and Kruskal-Wallis test (α=5%) were used to analyze the data. Results: The groups treated with Ketac™Molar EasyMix were similar in terms of marginal sealing ability when submitted to Orange juice and Coca-Cola but significantly worse than water. For samples restored with the Ketac™N100 the worst results were found in the Coca-Cola group. Conclusion: Erosive challenges with acidic drinks affected the marginal adaptation of the tested GIC.

Desenvolvimento de um objeto educacional para o uso do ICDAS na detecção de lesões de cárie oclusal primária e sua correlação histológica utilizando o Projeto Homem Virtual / Developing a learning object to the use of ICDAS in detecting occlusal caries lesions and their primary histologic correlation using the Virtual Human Project

O ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) é um sistema de classificação de cárie atual que busca ser estandardizado e globalizado. No entanto este sistema ainda não abrange um alto número de pessoas envolvidas e enfrenta o desafio da ampliação da sua utilização. As ferramentas pedagógicas são importantes para conseguir divulgar eficazmente estes novos conceitos (Fejerskov O 2004). O objetivo desta dissertação foi a construção de um objeto educacional para capacitar cirurgiões-dentistas e estudantes de odontologia no uso do ICDAS para o diagnóstico de lesões de cárie em superfícies oclusais. O objeto foi desenvolvido usando o Projeto Homem Virtual e as tecnologias educacionais interativas relacionadas. Para exploração da percepção de dificuldade de alguns subtemas considerados importantes na elaboração e inclusão do objeto educacional, foram aplicadas 2 planilhas de conteúdos a alunos de graduação do diurno (n=36), noturno (n=31), alunos de pós-graduação (n=24) e, docentes da área (n=7). Os subtemas percebidos com maior grau de dificuldade para todos os grupos foram: Histopatologia da doença cárie e, detecção visual e tátil de lesões de cárie em superfícies proximais. O produto final produzido enfatizou nestes subtemas e pretende avaliar os conteúdos em termos de usabilidade e utilidade em uma etapa posterior.

The ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) is a current caries classification system that seeks to be standardized and globalized. However the system still does not cover a large number of people involved and faces the challenge of expanding its use. The teaching tools are important then, to achieve effectively the dissemination of these new concepts (Fejerskov O, 2004). The aim of this project was the construction of a learning object to train dentists and dental students in the use of the ICDAS for the diagnosis of caries on occlusal surfaces. The object was developed using the Virtual Man Project and the related interactive educational technologies. To explore the perception on the difficulty of some subtopics considered as important in the development and inclusion of the learning object, two worksheets were applied to undergraduate students (n = 67), graduate students (n = 24) and teachers in the area (n = 7). The subthemes perceived with a greater degree of difficulty for all groups were: Histopathology of caries, and visual and tactile detection of caries on proximal surfaces. The final product here presented emphasized in those subtopics. In order to evaluate the usability and usefulness of the educational object a later estage of evaluation is under construction.

Penetración de tres adhesivos en lesionesinterproximales de caries de mancha blanca: estudio in vitro / Penetration of three adhesives in proximal white-spot carious lesions: an in vitro study

Introducción: el tratamiento de lesiones interproximales de caries temprana representa un reto en la concepción moderna de la cariología y la operatoria. Como respuesta, además del diagnóstico temprano, emergen nuevos materiales para controlar laprogresión de la caries temprana. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar in vitro el grado de penetración de tres adhesivos: Excite (Ivoclar-Vivadent), Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply) y Single Bond (3M-ESPE), en el sellado de lesiones interproximales no cavitacionales de mancha blanca.Métodos: 117 premolares humanos extraídos con lesión interproximal de mancha blanca I CDAS-II 2 montados enyeso, simulando la situación en cavidad oral, fueron asignados aleatoriamente a uno de los tres grupos; se sellaron las lesiones con cadamaterial previamente mezclado con azul de metileno; se obtuvieron secciones longitudinales de 250 μm y se analizaron en fotografíasobtenidas bajo estereomicroscopía. Se valoró cubrimiento total de la lesión, profundidad histológica de la lesión en zonas y en micrómetros y, penetración máxima del adhesivo. Resultados: se analizaron 116 dientes. Se encontró cubrimiento total de la lesión en52,5%; 75% se ubicaron en la mitad interna del esmalte, con profundidad promedio de 854 ± 493 μm. La máxima penetración promedio del adhesivoen la lesión fue de 697 ± 412 μm. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre grupos para las variables (Kruskal Wallis y correlación de Spearman; p > 0,05). Conclusión:estos tres adhesivos de baja viscosidad, con alto contenido de TEGDMA y HEMA,lograron el cubrimiento y la penetración de material para el sellado de lesiones tempranas de caries interproximal.

Introduction: the treatment of early proximal carious lesions represents a challenge to modern conceptions of cariology and operative dentistry. The possible solutions include, besides an early diagnosis, development of new materials to control early cariesprogression. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the degree of penetration of three adhesives: Excite (Ivoclar-Vivadent), Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply), and Single Bond (3M-ESPE), in the process of sealing white-spot non-cavitated proximal lesions. Methods: 117 extracted human premolars with ICDAS 2 white-spot non-cavitated proximal lesions mounted on plaster, to simulate oral cavityconditions, were randomly sorted out in each of the three groups. The lesions were sealed with each of the materials previously mixed with methylene blue; longitudinal sections of 250 μm were obtained, and they were later analyzed on photographs taken with a stereomicroscope. These variables were evaluated: total lesion coating, lesion’s histologic depth (in micrometers), and the adhesive’s maximum penetration.Results: a total of 116 teeth were analyzed. Entire lesion coating was found in 52.5% of the cases; 75% were located in the enamel’s internal half, with an average depth of 854 ± 493 μm. The adhesive’s maximum average lesion penetration was 697 ± 412 μm. No statistical significant differences were found among the groups (Kruskal Wallis and Spearman correlation; p > 0.05). Conclusion: these three low-viscosity adhesives with high amounts of TEGDMA and HEMA effectively achieved covering and penetrating of the material for sealing early proximal carious lesions.

Correlación de un instrumento de calidad de vida relacionado con salud oral entre niños de 8 a 10 años y sus acudientes en Bogotá / Oral health related quality of life among colombian children

Introducción y Objetivo: Tradicionalmente el estado de salud oral de una población es evaluado mediante indicadores clínicos. Sin embargo, se ha venido reconociendo la importancia del impacto psicosocial de las enfermedades en la calidad de vida poblaciónal. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la calidad de vida relacionada con salud oral en niños de 8-10 años estratificando por género y tipo de institución. Materiales y Métodos: Validación lingüística del cuestionario COHQoL por medio de a)Traducciones reversas b)Prueba piloto c)Análisis de contenido por odontólogos pediatras. El cuestionario de 29-items fue distribuido a 168 niños de 8-10 años de edad. Se realizó análisis descriptivo incluyendo tablas de frecuencia y promedios. Se exploraron diferencias estadísticas entre género y tipo de institución mediante la prueba exacta de Fishers (p-value-<0.05). Resultados: Cerca del 50% de los niños percibieron que sus dientes estaban de más o menos amal, y 42% reportaron sentir dolor en el último mes. 43% reportó sentirse preocupado acerca delo que los otros piensan de sus dientes. 52% de las niñas experimentaron dolor dental durante el último mes (niños 33%), y además reportan haber faltado al colegio por esta razón (p-value 0.008). Finalmente, en las escuelas públicas se tiende a faltar más (14%) en comparación con las escuelas privadas (6%). Conclusión: La información de calidad de vida relacionada con salud oral es útil para evaluar salud oral en la población considerando el impacto psicosocial de las enfermedades orales en el bienestar general.

Introduction and Objective: Traditionally, the oral health status of a population is assessed through clinical indicators. However, in the last recent years, the importance of the psycho social impactof oral diseases on the population’s quality of life has been recognized. The objective of the studyis to describe quality of life factors related to oral-health among children 8-10 years-old stratifying by gender and type of institution. Materials and Methods: Linguistic validation of the COHQoL questionnaire was conducted through: a) Forward-backward independent-translations, b) Pilot testing, and c) Reconciliation of this translation by pediatric-dentists. The 29-item-questionnaire was self administered in a sample of 168 children 8-10 years old. Tables of frequencies and means were generated. Statistical differences between gender and type of institution were explored using Fishers Exact Test (p-value <0.05). Results: Around 50% of the subjects perceived that their teeth were in amore or less to a bad condition, and 42% reported feeling dental pain during the last month. Nearly 43% reported being worried about what others think about their teeth. 52% of females experienced dental pain during the last month compared to males (33%), and missed schooldays due to this cause (p-value 0.008). Finally, those in public schools tended to miss more frequently (14%) schooldays due to dental problems compared to subjects in private schools (6%). Conclusion: Information from an oral health quality of life questionnaire may be useful for assessing population’s oral health considering the psychosocial impact of oral conditions on the general wellbeing.