Comparison of retention rates of fissure sealants using two flowable restorative materials and a conventional resin sealant: two-year follow-up

The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the retention rates of two flowable restorative systems [Admira Flow and Grandio Flow] with that of a conventional resin-based sealant [Fissurit F]. The study was planned as a clinical trial with a split-mouth design. A total of 122 sealants [38 Admira Flow, 41 Grandio Flow, 43 Fissurit F] were randomly applied to completely erupted permanent molars in 35 patients aged 9-20 years and followed up for 24 months. Data were analyzed using Pearson's X[2] and multiple comparison tests. At the end of the follow-up period, Fissurit F had higher retention rates [81.0%] than both Admira Flow [60.5%] and Grandio Flow [57.1%], with p < 0.05. However, there was no significant difference in caries development among groups [p > 0.05]. The two flowable composite resin materials used as fissure sealant were less retentive than the conventional resin sealant

Clinical evaluation of a colored compomer in primary molars

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a new colored compomer material, Twinky Star, in primary molars. Eighty class II restorations were placed in a total of 36 subjects and the clinical success of the restorations was evaluated after 12 months based on modified US Public Health Services criteria. The failure rate of the restorations was 3.9% [3 out of 77] and the clinical success of the restorations, measured by anatomic form, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, surface texture, maintenance of interproximal contact and secondary caries, was acceptable. The clinical success of the colored compomer material, Twinky Star, indicates that it could be a good alternative to tooth colored compomers

Prevalence of dental anxiety in 7- to 11-year-old children and its relationship to dental caries

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to evaluate the level of fear of dental procedures among schoolchildren and assess the relationship between caries experience and fear of dental procedures. 275 children aged 7-11 years were recruited for the study. Before conducting a dental examination, each subject was asked to independently complete a Children's Fear Survey Schedule - Dental Subscale [CFSS-DS] questionnaire. Children having a score of >38 were included in the group 'with dental fear while those scoring <38 were placed in the 'without dental fear' group. All dental examinations were performed on the school premises according to WHO criteria. Mean CFSS-DS value was 28.1, and the number of children who experienced dental fear was 40 [14.5%]. It was found that Decayed, Missing and Filled Surface Index [DMFS-dfs] increased significantly with increasing CFSS-DS values. Fear scores were highest for 'Choking' [3.3], Injections' [2.6] and Having somebody put instruments in their mouth [2.6]. No significant differences in fear scores between boys and girls were found in this study. The data showed prevalence of dental fear in the 7-11-year-old children of this study. Dental fear scores decreased with increasing age