Prevalence of semi-erupted first permanent molar occlusal caries and evaluation of related clinical factors in children

Occlusal caries in semi-erupted first permanent molars may be the result of special anatomy, long eruption period and incomplete enamel calcification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between occlusal caries of those teeth and dmft, oral hygiene and plaque on the occlusal surface. Total of 193 semi-erupted first permanent molars were evaluated in 85 Zahedanian children concerning the occlusal caries, the amount of plaque on this surface, molar dmft, oral hygiene, dental arch, side and sex. The occlusal surface of 21.8% of the samples was decayed and there was only a significant correlation between the amount of plaque on the occlusal surface and also dmft with occlusal carries [p=0.03]. Too much plaque on the occlusal surface and dmft are related with occlusal carries

In vitro comparison of microleakage ot of nanofilled and flowable composites in restoring class V cavities in primary molars

Composite resins undergo microleakage due to polymerization shrinkage particularly when located in cementum or dentin. The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage of flowable and nanofilled composites in Class V cavities extending on to the root in primary molars. Forty eight class V cavities in the cervical part of buccal and lingual surfaces of 24 intact mandibular second primary molars were prepared, with occlusal margins on enamel and gingival margins on cementum. After restoring cavities randomly with nanofilled or flowable composite by incremental technique, specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 hours, thermocycled, immersed in a basic Fuchsin solution for 24 hours and sectioned buccolingually. Microleakage was evaluated according to the depth of dye penetration along the restoration wall using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by Mann- Whitney U test at a significance level of 0.05. Microleakage of flowable and nanofilled composites at the cervical margin showed no statistically significant difference, however occlusal margin in nanofilled composite exhibited significantly less microleakage than flowable composite [p=0.013]. In contrast to occlusal margin, there was no statistically significant difference in microleakage between the 2 composites on the gingival margin. Microleakage on the gingival wall was greater compared to occlusal wall for both composites

Oral and dental laser treatments for children: applications, advantages and considerations

It is of utmost importance to make children interested in and willing to use dental services in order to prevent and treat oral diseases. Therefore, pediatric dental practitioners need to learn new technologies such as lasers, in addition to basic principles. Lasers have opened new horizons in the treatment of both soft and hard oral tissue problems in children. The present article describes application of the most commonly used lasers and their advantages and considerations