Attitude of parents towards oral health and dental treatment of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic / Atitude dos pais em relação à saúde bucal e tratamento odontológico de seus filhos durante a pandemia do COVID-19

Objective: Increased rate of dental caries among children necessitate regular pediatric dental treatments; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for dental visits of children, compromising their oral health. To assess the attitude of parents towards oral health and dental treatment of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: 232 eligible parents presenting to the Pediatric Dentistry Department of Qazvin Dental School during March and April 2021 seeking dental care for their children were requested to fill out a questionnaire included data regarding demographic information, child's dental history, attitude about the COVID-19 and risk of dental treatments. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient (alpha=0.05). Results: One-third of the parents reported that fear of contraction of COVID-19 was the reason for not seeking dental care during the pandemic. The majority of the parents stated no change in oral hygiene behavior or consumption of sugary foods during the pandemic. Cancellation of previous dental appointments (P=0.038) and unwillingness to seek dental care at present (P=0.015) were significantly correlated with the susceptibility score. The susceptibility score of the parents was also correlated with their psychological status (P=0.016). A significant correlation was noted between the susceptibility score and attitude as well (r=0.287, P<0.001). Conclusion: High level of concern regarding the COVID-19 prevents parents from seeking dental care for their children. It is imperative to take measures to reassure the parents regarding the safety of dental care for their children during the pandemic to ensure continuation of dental care. (AU)

Objetivo: O aumento da incidência de cárie dentária entre as crianças exige que tratamentos odontológicos pediátricos regulares sejam realizados; no entanto, a pandemia da COVID-19 trouxe desafios significativos para as consultas odontológicas de crianças, comprometendo a saúde bucal. O objetivo do estudo foi mensurar a atitude dos pais em relação a saúde bucal e o tratamento odontológico de seus filhos durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Material e Métodos: 232 pais elegíveis que se apresentaram ao Departamento de Odontopediatria da Faculdade de Odontologia de Qazvin durante março e abril de 2021 em busca de atendimento odontológico para seus filhos foram solicitados a preencher um questionário, incluindo dados sobre informações demográficas, histórico odontológico da criança, atitude sobre a COVID-19 e risco de tratamentos odontológicos no contexto da COVID-19. Os dados foram analisados usando o teste t independente, ANOVA um fator e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (alfa = 0,05). Resultados: Um terço dos pais relatou que o medo de contrair COVID-19 foi o motivo para não procurar atendimento odontológico durante a pandemia. A maioria dos pais afirmou não haver mudança no comportamento de higiene bucal ou consumo de alimentos açucarados durante a pandemia. Cancelamento de consultas odontológicas anteriores (P=0,038) e falta de vontade de procurar atendimento odontológico no momento (P=0,015) foram significativamente correlacionados com o escore de suscetibilidade. O escore de suscetibilidade dos pais também foi correlacionado com seu estado psicológico (P=0,016). Também foi observada correlação significativa entre o escore de suscetibilidade e a atitude (r=0,287, P<0,001). Conclusão: O alto nível de preocupação em relação a COVID-19 impede que os pais procurem atendimento odontológico para seus filhos. É imperativo tomar medidas para tranquilizar os pais quanto à segurança do atendimento odontológico de seus filhos durante a pandemia para garantir a continuidade do atendimento odontológico. (AU)

Indication of clear aligners in the early treatment of anterior crossbite: a case series

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anterior crossbite (AC) is defined as a reverse sagittal relationship between maxillary and mandibular incisors. According to an evidence-based orthodontic triage, the treatment need of AC is indicated if any occlusal interference is forcing the mandible towards a Class III growth pattern. Removable and fixed appliances have been suggested to correct AC. Objective: The present report aims at presenting the benefits of an alternative therapy for the early treatment of anterior crossbite using clear aligners. Methods: Two cases of anterior crossbite corrected using clear aligners in 8-years-old children are presented. Results: In both cases, AC was successfully corrected within 5 months. At the end of the treatment, overjet and overbite were corrected. No major discomfort or speech impairment was noticed by the parents. Conclusions: Due to the perceived shortcomings of alternative approaches, the use of clear aligners for correcting AC in mixed dentition should be considered as a comfortable and well tolerated appliance for young patients.

RESUMO Introdução: A mordida cruzada anterior (MCA) é definida como uma relação sagital reversa entre os incisivos superiores e inferiores. De acordo com a evidência científica, o tratamento da MCA é indicado em casos em que a interferência oclusal favorece o crescimento mandibular em direção a um padrão de Classe III. A literatura descreve diversos aparelhos removíveis e fixos para a correção dessa má oclusão. Objetivo: A presente série de casos tem como objetivo apresentar os benefícios de uma terapia alternativa para o tratamento precoce da MCA por meio do uso de alinhadores transparentes. Métodos: Apresentação de dois casos de MCA tratados com alinhadores transparentes em crianças de 8 anos de idade. Resultados: Em ambos os casos, a MCA foi corrigida com sucesso em um período de 5 meses. Ao fim do tratamento, obteve-se sobressaliência e sobremordida ideais. Segundo o relato dos pais, nenhum grande desconforto ou comprometimento na fala foi observado. Conclusões: Tendo em vista os problemas associados a algumas abordagens alternativas, o uso de alinhadores transparentes para correção da MCA durante a dentição mista pode ser considerado confortável e bem tolerado por pacientes jovens.

A prospective case series on surgical treatment of circumferential and semi-circumferential defects due to peri-implantitis

Abstract Different surgical treatment strategies for peri-implantitis with the use of graft material and membranes have been suggested without any longitudinal remarkable success rate. The present preliminary study was aimed to analyze a new clinical approach based on the disinfection of the implant connection, the disinfection of the implant surface and GBR approach in the treatment of circumferential and semi-circumferential bony defect resulting from peri-implantitis. Six consecutive patients were selected for the present study. After removal of factors that could potentially influence peri-implant pathology, the prosthetic rehabilitation was always removed and a full thickness flap was elevated to allow access to the peri-implant defect and the exposed implant surface. Once the defect was degranulated and the implant surface cleaned, a mixture (50:50) of autogenous bone and allograft was used. Guided bone regeneration technique using membranes was adopted and the flaps were closed for a submerged healing. Six months thereafter, a new re-opening procedure was performed and cleaned superstructures and crowns were repositioned. Patients were followed for one year thereafter and recalled for a customized oral hygiene every three months. Radiological and periodontal analysis was performed before surgery and every six months. The studied procedure was associated with a pronounced increase in REC and CAL with stable peri-implant conditions at 6 and 12 months. PI, BOP and PD values were significantly reduced both at 6 and 12 months. At 12 months, a mean PD gain of 4.5 mm and a bone loss reduction of 5.1 mm was obtained. Within the limitation of the present preliminary study, the proposed technique might represent a promising result for treatment of circumferential and semi-circumferential bone defects around implants affected by peri-implantitis.