Influence of the method for determining working length on the obturation level of primary molars

Abstract Efficient working length determination is essential for a successful endodontic treatment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the method for determining the working length of root canals (radiographic or electronic) influences the obturation level of primary molars. Thus, a controlled, triple-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted. Sixty-four children aged 6 to 9 years with an indication for primary molar pulpectomy were included. Participants were divided into two groups according to the method used to determine the working length of the root canals: (G1) radiographic and (G2) using an electronic apex locator. The study had 3 operators: #1 performed the clinical procedures, except the electronic measurement; #2 performed radiographic measurement and final evaluation of obturation level; and #3 performed eligibility criteria and electronic measurement. Adequacy of obturation level was evaluated based on the final conventional radiography and it was recorded as acceptable or unacceptable (short or overfilled). Data were analyzed with repeated measures logistic regression. There was no difference between the obturation level of primary molars measured by radiographic and electronic methods (p > 0.05). The other investigated variables (age, tooth type, dental arch position, last instrumentation file, and canal location) also did not influence the obturation level (p > 0.05). In conclusion, both measurement methods resulted in similar adequacy of obturation level in primary molars after pulpectomy.

Is there an association between crown discoloration and pulp necrosis in traumatized permanent teeth? A meta-analysis

Abstract The present study aimed to identify the scientific evidence regarding the association between crown discoloration and pulp necrosis in traumatized permanent teeth. A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Lilacs/BBO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and grey literature. Quality assessment and bias control were carried out according to the Fowkes and Fulton guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed, and the odds ratio was calculated with a 95% confidence interval. The quality assessment of the evidence was determined for the meta-analysis outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. From 2,702 studies identified, five articles met the inclusion criteria. One among these showed no methodological soundness and was excluded from the meta-analysis, and the remaining four studies were included in the meta-analysis. The total number of traumatized permanent teeth evaluated in the meta-analysis was 367. The results showed a positive association between crown discoloration and pulp necrosis in permanent teeth. Teeth with crown discoloration showed 23 times more chance to present pulp necrosis than teeth without crown discoloration (OR 23.82 [1.25, 452.87]; p = 0.03), with a very low certainty of evidence. There is a significant association between crown discoloration and pulp necrosis of traumatized permanent teeth. Due to the very low strength of evidence according to GRADE, this result should be viewed with caution.

Risk Factors, Perception of Caregiversand Impact of Early Childhood Caries on Quality of Life Related to Oral Health of Preschool Children and their Families

To identify risk factors, feeling of guilt, perception of caregivers and to evaluate the impact of early childhood caries(ECC) on quality of life related to oral health of children and their families.Material and Methods:40 preschoolers were included in this study. Data were collected through an interview with caregivers regarding sociodemographic data, risks factors and ECC. Data on perception of caregivers related to childÆs oral health, as well of questionnaire to evaluate quality of life ûBECOHIS were also collected thought interview.Results:Analysis of categorical variables investigated, such as the risk factors for ECC, was performed using Chi-square test. For numeric variables, such as the parentsÆ perceptions and the BECOHIS questionnaire score was performed with Mann Whitney test. Significance level was set at 5%. A difference was found between groups for the following investigated issues: ôreason for seeking treatmentõ, and ôtype of feedingõ (breastfeeding or milk bottle) (p< 0.05). Caregivers felt guilty in relation to the oral health of their children and also by perceiving changes in their oral health statussuch as the presence of pain. The feeling of guilt expressed by parents was observed when related to toothache (p=0.01). Association between presence of caries and perception of caregivers of the oral health condition was observed (p<0.05). ECC impacts quality of life related to oral health of children (p=0.003) and caregivers (p=0.003).Conclusion:Among the risk factors investigated, type of feeding is associated with ECC. ECC affects the quality of life related to oral health of children afflicted and their families...