Clinical Comparison of Eggshell Derived Calcium Hydroxyapatite with Dycal® as Indirect Pulp Capping Agents in Primary Molars

Abstract Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of eggshell derived calcium hydroxyapatite with Dycal® as indirect pulp capping material in primary molars. Material and Methods: A total of 32 carious primary molars from 22 children (6-10-years) were screened, of which 26 primary molars meeting inclusion criteria were selected and equally divided into two groups. At the first appointment, the infected dentin was excavated using a spoon excavator after treating the carious part with Carie-Care™ chemomechanical caries removal agent. After this, eggshell derived calcium hydroxyapatite in Group 1 and Dycal® in Group 2 were used as liners followed by restoration of the cavity with type IX glass ionomer cement. Clinical assessment for pain and radiographic assessment for measurement of the amount of reparative dentin thickness formation was performed at baseline, 8 weeks and 3 months. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Higher mean reparative dentin formation was found in eggshell derived calcium hydroxyapatite group than Dycal® group at the end of 8 weeks and 3 months and the difference was significant statistically (p<0.001). Conclusion: Eggshell derived calcium hydroxyapatite seems to be a suitable alternative to Dycal® (calcium hydroxide) that can be used as a liner for indirect pulp capping in primary molars.

Amniotic Membrane versus Formocresol as Pulpotomy Agents in Human Primary Molars: An in vivo Study

Objective: To determine and compare the efficacy of Amniotic Membrane (AM) as a pulpotomy agent with Formocresol (FC) clinically and radiographically. Material and Methods: 30 deciduous molars warranted for pulpotomy in 24 children (4-9 years) were divided equally into two groups of 15 each. Group1: Amniotic membrane pulpotomy and Group 2: Formocresol pulpotomy, which was followed by placement of glass ionomer cement and stainless steel crown restoration. The patients were recalled after 1, 3, 6 and 9 months for clinical and radiographic evaluation. Fisher's exact test and Mcnemar test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Results indicated both clinically and radiographically amniotic membrane performed at par with formocresol. Conclusion: Amniotic membrane with its regenerative, antibacterial properties and the ability to deliver growth factors has shown promising results comparable to gold standard formocresol when used as a pulpotomy agent and hence can be recommended as an alternative pulpotomy agent.

Comparative Reliability of Rugoscopy and Dactyloscopy for the Predilection of Malocclusion and Dental Caries in Children: A Cohort Study

Objective: To identify specific predominant rugoscopy and dactyloscopy patterns in children associated with malocclusion and dental caries for the predilection of malocclusion and dental caries. Material and Methods: 800 children between 8-16 years were screened and among them, 150 were who met inclusion criteria were selected and divided into 2 Groups. Based on Angle's malocclusion, Group 1 (n = 90) was subdivided into Group 1A (30 - Class I), 1B (30 - Class II) and 1C (30 - Class III). Based on DMFT, Group 2 (n = 60) were subdivided as Group 2A (30 - Caries free) and 2B (30 - Caries active). Both Groups had an equal distribution of boys and girls. Finger and palm prints were analyzed using Cummins and Midlo; rugae patterns were analyzed using Thomas and Kotze classification. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using Chi-square test. Results: Based on dermatoglyphics, predominant loop pattern was observed in all the subgroups of Group 1 (1A, 1B and 1C). Based on rugae pattern, predominant wavy pattern in Group 1A and curved pattern in both 1B and 1C were observed. In Group 2, loop dermatoglyphic pattern and wavy rugae pattern were predominant in Groups 2A and 2B. Atd angle was highest in Groups 1A (41.60) and 2B (42.36). Gender distribution showed curved pattern of palatal rugae in Group 2B (Caries active) females. Statistical significance was seen in dactyloscopy and rugoscopy patterns among both Group I and Group II (p<0.05). Conclusion: The curved rugae pattern in Group 1B and 1C can be considered as a predictor in Class II and Class III malocclusions. Gender differentiation showed predominant curved pattern in females of Group 2B (Caries active).