Performance of resin composite restorations placed in high caries risk children: a clinical retrospective study

Background: Resin composite has been usually used for restoring primary teeth. Nevertheless, there is a lack of supporting clinical data regarding the survival of resin composite restorations and risk factors that may dictate the service time of the treatment in children. Aim: To evaluate the survival and factors associated with composite resin restoration failure in high caries risk children treated under risk-factor management clinical protocol for dental caries prior to restorative therapy. Design: A total of 230 restorations in primary teeth from records of 48 patients were included in the study. Restoration longevity, up to 3-year follow-up, was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with shared frailty was used to evaluate the factors associated with failures (p<0.05). Results: Mean survival time was 2.7 -year (95 %CI: 0.75-0.87). Restoration survival reached 82.5 % up to 3-year evaluation, with an overall annual failure rate of 6.2 %. The unadjusted model showed restorations performed in children with dmf-t greater than 10 had more restoration failure risk (HR 5.59, 95 % CI 1.03-30.34; p=0.04) However, this association lost significance in the adjusted analysis (p=0.08). Conclusions: Composite resin restorations in primary teeth presented satisfactory survival after 3-year follow-up

Antecedentes: El composite de resina se ha utilizado habitualmente para restaurar dientes primarios. Sin embargo, se carece de datos clínicos de apoyo sobre la supervivencia de las restauraciones de resina compuesta y los factores de riesgo que pueden dictar el tiempo de servicio del tratamiento en los niños. Objetivo: Evaluar la supervivencia y los factores asociados al fracaso de las restauraciones de resina compuesta en niños con alto riesgo de caries tratados con un protocolo clínico de gestión de factores de riesgo de caries dental antes del tratamiento restaurador. Diseño: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 230 restauraciones en dientes primarios de registros de 48 pacientes. La longevidad de las restauraciones, hasta los 3 años de seguimiento, se evaluó mediante la prueba de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier. Se utilizó un análisis multivariante de regresión de Cox con fragilidad compartida para evaluar los factores asociados a los fracasos (p<0,05). Resultados: El tiempo medio de supervivencia fue de 2,7 -años (IC95%: 0,75-0,87). La supervivencia de la restauración alcanzó el 82,5 % hasta la evaluación a los 3 años, con una tasa global anual de fracasos del 6,2 %. El modelo no ajustado mostró que las restauraciones realizadas en niños con dmf-t superior a 10 tenían más riesgo de fracaso de la restauración (HR 5,59; IC 95 %: 1,03-30,34; p=0,04). Sin embargo, esta asociación perdió significación en el análisis ajustado (p=0,08). Conclusiones: Las restauraciones de resina compuesta en dientes primarios presentaron una supervivencia satisfactoria tras un seguimiento de 3 años.

A 12-month Follow-Up Study of Pulp Oxygen Saturation in Deciduous Molars After Selective and Nonselective Carious-Tissue Removal: A Randomized Pilot Trial

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the pulp vitality of deciduous molars before and after selective caries removal (SCR) or nonselective caries removal to hard dentin (NSCR) over one year, using oxygen saturation percentage (%SaO2). Material and Methods: Deciduous molars with deep occlusal/proximal-occlusal caries lesions were randomized to SCR (n=22) or NSCR groups (n=22). After the caries removal, the teeth were protected with calcium hydroxide cement and restored with composite resin (Filtek Z250). The pulp condition diagnosis was evaluated at baseline, immediately after caries removal, and follow-up (7 days, 1-, 6- and 12-months) by %SaO2. Pulp exposure and pulp necrosis were primary outcomes, and %SaO2 was secondary. Results: Intraoperative pulp exposure occurred in four teeth of the NSCR group (18.2%) and one tooth of the SCR group (4.5%) (p>0.05). Two cases of pulp necrosis occurred in the NSCR group (10%). No difference in %SaO2 pulp was observed in the inter-and intragroup comparison over time (p>0.05). Conclusion: Advantageously, the %SaO2 minimizes preoperatory pulp vitality diagnosis subjectivity before SCR/ NSCR treatments. Furthermore, the pilot study results suggest the pulp response of deciduous molars, when evaluated by clinical, radiographic, and pulp %SaO2 seems not to differ between teeth treated with SCR or NSCR.

Effectiveness of non-operative approaches in active enamel carious lesions: a retrospective longitudinal study

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of non-invasive and micro-invasive treatments in active enamel carious lesions in high-caries-risk children. Clinical records of children treated in a dental school setting were retrospectively screened for active enamel carious lesions treated non-invasively (topical fluoride applications, oral hygiene instruction, or dietary guidance) or micro-invasively (sealant). The control of active carious lesions was set as the main outcome established by the combination of inactivation and non-progression of the lesions based on Nyvad and ICDAS criteria, respectively. Individual and clinical factors associated with the outcome were analyzed by Poisson regression. The sample consisted of 105 high-caries-risk children with a mean age of 8.3 (± 2.4) years. From a total of 365 active enamel carious lesions, most lesions (84.1%) were active non-cavitated carious lesions (ICDAS scores 1 and 2) and only 15.9% presented localized enamel breakdown (ICDAS score 3). Of these, 72.6% were inactivated and 92.1% did not progress (mean time of 6.5 ± 4.1 months). The prevalence of controlled carious lesions was higher among children older than 6 years (PR:1.43; 95%CI:1.00-2.03; p = 0.04) and in those with better biofilm control (PR:0.99; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99; p = 0.03). Non-operative approaches are effective for controlling active enamel carious lesions. The majority of active enamel carious lesions became inactive and did not progress after treatment. Caries control was associated with older children and better biofilm control.

Is there a better interceptive treatment for unerupted palatally displaced canines? A network meta-analysis

Abstract This systematic review aimed to investigate if there is a better interceptive treatment for palatally displaced canines (PDC) in the mixed dentition stage. The PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were searched for randomized clinical trials related to the research topic. The gray literature and reference lists were also assessed. Network meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of different approaches on PDC eruption. The surface under the cumulative ranking area was calculated to rank the treatments. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Of the 892 eligible studies, 18 were selected for full-text analysis and 9 for meta-analysis, involving 506 participants and 730 PDC, to compare 9 approaches. The proportion of erupted PDC was significantly higher for all interceptive treatments compared with control (no intervention). Furthermore, the proportion of erupted PDC was higher in patients subjected to rapid maxillary expansion (RME) than those who underwent double extraction of primary canine and primary molar (relative risk (RR) = 2.68 ICr95%: 1.12-9.35). A higher proportion of erupted PDC was found for RME (RR = 3.07 ICr95%: 1.31-10.67), RME plus use of transpalatal arch (TA) plus extraction of primary canine(s) (EC) (RR = 1.43 ICr95%: 1.09-1.95), EC plus use of cervical pull headgear (RR = 1.38 ICr95%: 1.11-1.79), and EC plus use of TA (RR = 1.36 ICr95%: 1.00-1.9) than for EC. RME was most likely to be considered as the best interceptive treatment. Overall, the certainty of the evidence was considered low due to imprecision and indirectness. In conclusion, no intervention in the mixed dentition stage is the worst choice for PDC.

Caries progression and need for reintervention on occlusal ICDAS 4 lesions after different treatments: a retrospective university-based study / Progressão de cárie e necessidade de reintervenção em lesões oclusais ICDAS 4 após diferentes tratamentos: um estudo retrospectivo de base universitária

Objective: To assess the caries progression and the need for reintervention on occlusal ICDAS 4 lesions after different treatments. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of records of children treated in a public setting who had at least an occlusal ICDAS 4 lesion in primary and/or permanent molars. The radiographic images of ICDAS 4 lesions at the first and last appointments were classified as absence of radiolucency, radiolucent image at the enamel­dentin junction, at the outer half or inner of the dentin. The need for retreatment after different treatments (non-invasive - topical fluoride applications, oral hygiene instructions and dietary guidance, micro-invasive - resin-based sealant, or invasive - restoration) was assessed by reviewing clinical and radiographic records. The need for retreatment was defined as any complication requiring mending (e.g., caries progression, total loss of sealant, or restoration failure). The Poisson regression model was used to investigate the association between individual and tooth-related variables and the outcome. Results: Among the 111 lesions in 81 patients, most (73.0%) lesions were in primary molars. Most lesions (52.3%) did not exhibit radiolucency, whereas 29.7% had radiolucency at the outer half of the dentin. The mean follow-up was 18.8 ± 6.5 months. After follow-up, 82.9% of the lesions did not require retreatment. The prevalence of ICDAS 4 lesions that did not need retreatment was higher among lesions with radiolucency at dentin (p=0.01). Conclusion: Most occlusal ICDAS 4 lesions did not require reintervention, especially those exhibiting radiolucency in the outer half of the dentin (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar a progressão de cárie e a necessidade de reintervenção em lesões oclusais ICDAS 4 após diferentes tratamentos. Material e Métodos: A amostra consistiu de prontuários de crianças atendidas em ambiente público que apresentavam pelo menos uma lesão oclusal ICDAS 4 em molares decíduos e/ou permanentes. As imagens radiográficas de lesões ICDAS 4 na primeira e última consultas foram classificadas como ausência de radiolucidez, imagem radiolúcida na junção esmalte-dentina, em metade externa ou interna da dentina. A necessidade de retratamento após diferentes tratamentos (não invasivo ­ aplicações tópicas de flúor, orientações de higiene e dieta, micro-invasivo ­ selante resinoso ou invasivo ­ restauração) foi avaliada por meio da revisão dos registros clínicos e radiográficos. A necessidade de retratamento foi definida como qualquer complicação que requer intervenção (por exemplo, progressão da lesão, perda total do selante ou falha na restauração). O modelo de regressão de Poisson foi utilizado para investigar a associação entre as variáveis individuais e dentárias e o desfecho. Resultados: Entre as 111 lesões em 81 pacientes, a maioria (73,0%) das lesões eram em molares decíduos. A maioria das lesões (52,3%) não exibiu radiolucidez, enquanto que 29,7% apresentaram radiolucidez em metade externa de dentina. O tempo de acompanhamento médio foi de 18,8 ± 6,5 meses. Após o acompanhamento, 82,9% das lesões não necessitaram de retratamento. A prevalência de lesões ICDAS 4 que não necessitaram de retratamento foi maior entre as lesões com radiolucidez em dentina (p=0,01). Conclusão: A maioria das lesões oclusais ICDAS 4 não requerem reintervenção, especialmente aquelas que exibem radiolucidez em metade externa da dentina.(AU)

Molar-incisor hypomineralization and dental caries: A hierarchical approach in a populational-based study

Abstract The last couple of decades has seen an increasing interest in molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) studies. Hypomineralized defects can have several consequences such as hypersensitivity, increased dental plaque accumulation, and consequently higher caries risk. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MIH and its association with dental caries in schoolchildren from a city in southern Brazil. A random cluster sample of schoolchildren was selected. Clinical examinations were carried out to collect information on MIH (following the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry criteria), dental caries (using the DMF-T index) and gingivitis. Socioeconomic, demographic and behavior variables were collected using a standardized questionnaire answered by the children's parents/caregivers. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using Poisson regression analysis with robust variance through a hierarchical approach (p<0.05). A total of 513 schoolchildren were included in the study. MIH and caries prevalence was 19.7% and 31.6%, respectively. The mean age was 11.6 (+1.9) years. Dental caries was more prevalent in children with MIH (PR 1.39; 95% CI 1.05 - 1.85). Older children and children whose families were enrolled in conditional cash transference programs (PR 1.97 95% CI 1.47 - 2.64), and children who did not have their mother or father as the head of the family (PR 1.56 95% CI 1.06 - 2.30) presented a higher prevalence of dental caries. Our findings suggest that children with MIH are more likely to have dental caries.

Resumo Nas últimas duas décadas, observou-se um interesse crescente nos estudos de hipomineralização molar-incisivo (HMI). Os defeitos hipomineralizados podem ter várias consequências, como hipersensibilidade, aumento do acúmulo de placa dentária e, consequentemente, maior risco de cárie. Este estudo transversal teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência de HMI e sua associação com cárie dentária em escolares de um município do sul do Brasil. Uma amostra aleatória de alunos por conglomerado foi selecionada. Os exames clínicos foram realizados para coletar informações sobre HMI (seguindo os critérios da European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), cárie dentária (usando o índice DMF-T) e gengivite. Variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e comportamentais foram coletadas por meio de um questionário padronizado respondido pelos pais / responsáveis pelas crianças. Razões de prevalência (RP) foram estimadas por meio de análise de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta por meio de abordagem hierárquica (p <0,05). Um total de 513 escolares foram incluídos no estudo. A prevalência de MIH e cárie foi de 19,7% e 31,6%, respectivamente. A média de idade foi de 11,6 (± 1,9) anos. A cárie dentária foi mais prevalente em crianças com HMI (RP 1,39; IC 95% 1,05 - 1,85). Crianças mais velhas e crianças cujas famílias estavam matriculadas em programas de transferência condicional de renda (RP 1,97 IC95% 1,47 - 2,64), e crianças que não tinham a mãe ou o pai como chefe da família (RP 1,56 IC95% 1,06 - 2,30) apresentaram maior prevalência de cárie dentária. Nossos resultados sugerem que crianças com HMI são mais propensas a ter cárie dentária.

Analysis of treatments performed at a university dental trauma service in southern Brazil / Análise dos tratamentos realizados em um serviço universitário de trauma dental no sul do Brasil

This retrospective observational study aimed to analyze cases assisted at the Dentoalveolar Trauma Clinic of the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (FO-UFRGS) from March 2015 to March 2018, according to the treatments performed on traumatized permanent teeth and the results after one year of follow-up. The sample was based on information collected from clinical records of 92 patients, referring to a) data before treatment, b) data on the diagnosis and proposed treatment, and c) data on the follow-up period. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Most patients were male (56.5%) and aged six to 11 (30.4%) and older than 18 (29.1%) years. The prevalent cause of trauma was falling, and 59% of patients were first assisted within 24 hours. The most frequent traumas were enamel and dentin fractures with and without pulp exposure (6.3%), lateral luxation (1.4%), and avulsion (1.9%). Endodontic treatment was usually performed on traumatized teeth (7.2%). Of the 92 patients, 58 returned for maintenance visits with a mean follow-up of one year. Most patients had successful treatments. Prompt care and patient follow-up were essential for the good prognosis of traumatized teeth.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo observacional retrospectivo foi analisar os casos atendidos na clínica de trauma dentoalveolar da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (FO-UFRGS) no período de março de 2015 a março de 2018, de acordo com os tratamentos realizados em dentes permanentes traumatizados, assim como os resultados observados após 1 ano de seguimento. A amostra foi baseada na coleta de informações em prontuários clínicos de 92 pacientes, referentes a: a) dados anteriores ao tratamento; b) dados referentes ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento proposto; e c) dados referentes ao período de acompanhamento. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (56,5%), com idades entre 6 e 11 anos (30,4%) e mais de 18 anos (29,1%). A principal causa do trauma foi queda, sendo que 59% dos pacientes receberam o primeiro atendimento em 24 horas. Os traumas mais frequentes foram fratura de esmalte e dentina, com e sem exposição pulpar (6,3%), luxação lateral (1,4%) e avulsão (1,9%). O tratamento endodôntico foi frequentemente realizado nos dentes traumatizados (7,2%). Dos 92 pacientes, 58 retornaram para consultas de manutenção com um acompanhamento médio de 1 ano. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou sucesso após o tratamento. O atendimento no tempo correto, assim como o acompanhamento dos pacientes, foi fator fundamental para o bom prognóstico dos dentes traumatizados.(AU)

Reduction in erosive tooth wear using stannous fluoride-containing dentifrices: a meta-analysis

Abstract Dentifrices containing different active agents may be helpful to allow rehardening and to increase the resistance of the eroded surface to further acids or mechanical impacts. This study aimed to compare the effects of conventional (sodium fluoride [NaF]) and stannous fluoride (SnF2)-containing dentifrices on reducing erosive tooth wear (ETW). The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, BBO, EMBASE, TRIP electronic databases, and grey literature were searched until January 2021 to retrieve relevant in vitro and in situ studies related to research question. There were no restrictions on publication year or language. Two authors independently selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. ETW data were pooled to calculate and compare both dentifrices (overall analysis) and in vitro and in situ studies separately (subgroup analysis). Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan5.3 with a random effects model. Of 820 potentially eligible studies, 101 were selected for full-text analysis, and 8 were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. There was a significant difference between SnF2-containing dentifrices and NaF dentifrices only for in vitro studies (p=0.04), showing a higher effect of the SnF2-containing dentifrices against the erosion/abrasion (effect size: -6.80 95%CI: -13.42; -0.19). Most in vitro and in situ studies had high and low risk of bias, respectively. In vitro literature suggests that the ETW reduction is greater when using SnF2-containing dentifrices instead NaF-containing dentifrices. However, the evidence level is insufficient for definitive conclusions. Clinical trials are necessary for a better understanding of the effect of these compounds on ETW.

Como reparar uma restauração oclusal de resina composta em dentes decíduos? Relato de caso / How to repair an occlusal composite resin restoration on primary teeth? Case report

Frente à necessidade de reintervenção em restaurações insatisfatórias, os clínicos podem, em geral, optar pela substituição ou reparo. Este artigo relata um caso clínico de reparo de uma restauração de resina composta com falha em dente decíduo. Após profilaxia e isolamento relativo, a porção da resina composta a ser reparada foi asperizada com uma ponta diamantada em alta rotação com o intuito de melhorar a união mecânica entre a resina envelhecida e a nova (reparo). Foi realizado o condicionamento com gel de ácido fosfórico a 34% por 15 segundos, seguido de lavagem e secagem. Uma camada do sistema adesivo Single Bond Universal (3M ESPE) foi aplicada ativamente durante 20 segundos, seguido de jato de ar comprimido por 5 segundos e fotoativação por 10 segundos. Por fim, a resina composta fluida (Filtek Z350 XT Flow; 3M ESPE) foi inserida e fotoativada por 20 segundos. A realização de um adequado protocolo clínico envolvendo tratamentos físicos e químicos de superfície é fundamental para a efetividade da intervenção e a manutenção do dente decíduo clinicamente funcional até a esfoliação fisiológica.

Facing need for reintervention in unsatisfactory resto-rations, clinicians may generally choose for replacement or repair. This paper reports a clinical case of repair of a composite resin restoration with failure in primary tooth. After prophylaxis and relative isolation, the portion of the composite resin to be repaired was roughed with a high-speed diamond bur to improve the mechanical bond between the aged and new resin (repair). Conditioning with 34% phosphoric acid gel was performed for 15 seconds, followed by washing and drying. One layer of the adhesive system Single Bond Universal (3M ESPE) was actively applied for 20 seconds and light- cured for 10 seconds. Finally, the flowable composite resin (Filtek Z350 XT Flow; 3M ESPE) was inserted and light-cured for 20 seconds. An adequate clinical protocol involving physical and chemical surface treatments is essential for the effectiveness of the intervention and the main-tenance of the primary tooth clinically functional until physiological exfoliation.

Shortening of etching time of the dentin in primary teeth restorations: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of shortening of etching time for dentin on the restoration survival after selective carious tissue removal in primary molars. This two-arm randomized clinical trial included sixty-two subjects (5-8 year-old) and 100 primary molars presenting moderate dentin carious lesions on occlusal surface. The sample was randomly assigned into groups previously to adhesive application (Adper Single Bond 2; 3M ESPE): etching time recommended by manufacturer (15 s) or reduced (7 s). Resin composite (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative; 3M ESPE) was inserted in a single increment for all restorations. Restorations were evaluated at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months using FDI criteria. Survival estimates for restorations' longevity were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with shared frailty was used to assess the factors associated with failures (p < 0.05). The etching time did not influence the restorations' survival (HR 0.35 95%CI 0.11-1.12; p = 0.06). Mean estimated time of survival was 17.6 months (95%CI, 17.2-17.9). The survival rates at the 18-month follow-up were 75.7% and 91.4% (AFR: 16.9% and 5.7%) when primary dentin was acid etched for 15 and 7 s, respectively (log-rank p = 0.06). In conclusion, the etching time for dentin did not influence the clinical behavior of adhesives restorations. However, there was a tendency for better clinical outcome when using etching time of 7 s.

Does use of silane-containing universal adhesive eliminate the need for silane application in direct composite repair?

Abstract This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of a silane-containing universal adhesive used with or without a silane agent on the repair bond strength between aged and new composites. Forty nanohybrid composite resin blocks were stored in distilled water for 14 d and thermo-cycled. Sandpaper ground, etched, and rinsed speciments were randomly assigned into four experimental groups: silane + two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system, two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system, silane + silane-containing universal adhesive system, and silane-containing universal adhesive system. Blocks were repaired using the same composite. After 24 h of water storage, the blocks were sectioned and bonded sticks were submitted to microtensile testing. Ten unaged, non-repaired composite blocks were used as a reference group to evaluate the cohesive strength of the composite. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests were used to analyze average µTBS. One-way ANOVA and Dunnet post-hoc tests were used to compare the cohesive strength values and bond strength obtained in the repaired groups (α = 0.05). The µTBS values were higher for the silane-containing universal adhesive compared to the two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (p = 0.002). Silane application improved the repair bond strength (p = 0.03). The repair bond strength ranged from 39.3 to 65.8% of the cohesive strength of the reference group. Using universal silane-containing adhesive improved the repair bond strength of composite resin compared to two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive. However, it still required prior application of a silane agent for best direct composite resin repair outcomes.

Does Endodontic Re-Treatment in Primary Teeth Increase the Functional Tooth Retention? A Clinical, Retrospective, University-Based Study

Objective: To investigate the longevity of endodontic treatments and the survival of endodontic re-treatments performed in primary teeth. Material and Methods: The sample included endodontic treatments and re-treatments conducted in anterior and posterior primary teeth without sedation or general anesthesia among children attending a university dental service. Information collected retrospectively from clinical records was used for analyzing data. The Kaplan-Meier estimator test was used to analyze the longevity and survival of endodontic treatment and re-treatments, respectively. Results: A total of 73 patients with endodontic therapy in primary teeth were included in the study, and 116 teeth were analyzed. After one year, the longevity of endodontic treatments performed on primary teeth was 65.74% with an annual failure rate (AFR) of 34.2%. From 47 endodontic treatment failures, 14 teeth (29.8%) were endodontically re-treated. When the endodontic re-treatment was considered as survival, the longevity of treatments reached 68.06% with 31.9% of AFR after one year of follow-up. There was a significant increase in functional tooth retention in those patients that received an endodontic re-treatment (p<0.001). Retreatment provided an additional mean survival time of 8.3 months. Conclusion: Endodontic treatments performed in primary teeth presented a limited longevity. Endodontic re-treatment is a more conservative alternative for endodontically treated primary teeth that have failed and significantly increase tooth retention.

Graduate and Undergraduate Teaching of Primary Tooth Pulpectomy: A Comparison among Brazilian Dental Schools

Objective: To compare the teaching of the pulpectomy in primary teeth among graduate and undergraduate Brazilian dental schools. Material and Methods: From August 2015 to July 2016, an 11-question survey was sent to 44 graduate and 207 undergraduate dental schools. Data obtained were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: The response rate was higher from graduate (56.8%) than undergraduate (41.1%) courses. Pulpectomy was taught by all participating schools. More than 90% of the undergraduate and graduate courses recommend the use of hand instruments for canals debridement, but the widening of root canals was advised in 69.4% of undergraduate and in 84% of graduate schools. Regarding the irrigatings, 1% sodium hypochlorite as a single irrigating solution was the most taught for both biopulpectomy and necropulpectomy. The iodoform-based Guedes-Pinto paste as the single indication was the preferred root canal filling material in undergraduate schools (30.6%), while the zinc oxidethickened calcium hydroxide paste as the single option was the most recommended in graduate courses (36%). Endodontic hand file associated with lentulo drill for filling root canals was recommended by most courses. Overall, biopulpectomy was performed in one session, while necropulpectomy led two sessions. Periapical radiograph for diagnosis and final obturation was the most adopted conduct by undergraduate (68.2%) and graduate (72%) schools. Gutta-percha and glass ionomer cement were preferred materials to seal the entrance of the pulp chamber. Conclusion: There was variability in the techniques and materials taught to perform pulpectomy in primary teeth among Brazilian graduate and undergraduate dental schools. Calcium hydroxide paste has been used in similar proportion to iodoform-based paste.

Survival and Factors Associated with Failure of Pulpectomies Performed in Primary Teeth by Dental Students

Abstract Although endodontic treatment is widely recommended for compromised dental pulp, there is no information regarding the factors associated with failures in primary teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival and factors associated with failure of pulpectomies performed in primary teeth by dental students. The sample comprised patients treated at a University Dental Service and required endodontic treatment in primary teeth. The study investigated treatment-related variables and patient factors potentially associated with treatment failure. Pulpectomy survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier estimator followed by log-rank test (p<0.05). The analysis included 81 pulpectomies performed in 62 children (5.6±1.5 years). The survival reached 62.9% up to 12 months follow-up. Most failures occurred in the first 3 months (p<0.001). Teeth with carious lesions at the start of treatment presented more failures than those with restorations or history of trauma (p=0.002). The survival of endodontically treated teeth restored with composite was higher than the ones filled with GIC (p=0.006). Pulpectomy performed in two or more sessions resulted in more failures (p=0.028). Patients presenting gingivitis had more failures in the endodontic treatment (p=0.022). The failures of root canal treatment in primary teeth were more prone to occur in a short time and when the treatment was performed in teeth presenting carious lesions. The use of composite instead of GIC increased the survival of pulpectomies. Repeated sessions for endodontic treatment and lack of oral hygiene habits had a negative effect on the results.

Resumo Embora o tratamento endodôntico seja amplamente recomendado para polpa dentária comprometida, não há informações sobre os fatores associados ás falhas nos dentes decíduos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a sobrevida e os fatores associados à falha de pulpectomias realizadas em dentes decíduos por estudantes de odontologia. A amostra foi constituída por pacientes atendidos em um Serviço Odontológico Universitário e necessitaram de tratamento endodôntico em dentes decíduos. O estudo investigou variáveis relacionadas ao tratamento e fatores do paciente potencialmente associados à falha do tratamento. A sobrevivência das pulpectomias foi analisada pelas curvas de Kaplan-Meier seguido do teste de log-rank (p<0,05). A análise incluiu 81 pulpectomias realizadas em 62 crianças (5,6 ± 1,5 anos). A sobrevida atingiu 62,9% em até 12 meses de seguimento. A maioria das falhas ocorreu nos primeiros 3 meses (p<0,001). Os dentes com lesões cariosas no início do tratamento apresentaram mais falhas do que aqueles com restaurações ou história de trauma (p = 0,002). A sobrevida de dentes endodonticamente tratados restaurados com compósito foi maior do que os preenchidos com cimento de ionômero de vidro (p = 0,006). Pulpectomias realizadas em duas ou mais sessões apresentaram mais falhas (p = 0,028). Os pacientes com gengivite apresentaram mais falhas no tratamento endodôntico (p = 0,022). As falhas do tratamento do canal radicular em dentes decíduos foram mais propensas a ocorrer em um curto período de tempo e quando o tratamento foi realizado em dentes com lesões cariosas. O uso de compósito em vez de cimento de ionômero de vidro aumentou a sobrevivência pulpectomias. Sessões repetidas para o tratamento endodôntico e a falta de hábitos de higiene bucal tiveram um efeito negativo sobre os resultados.

Anxiety in Children submitted to Dental Appointment

Objective: To determine anxiety in children undergoing dental treatment and to evaluate associated factors. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 48 children during dental appointment in dental clinics of the Franciscano University Center, 48 caregivers, and 46 dentistry students. The modified Venham Picture Test was used to determine anxiety of children during dental appointment, before and after treatment. For determining anxiety related to dental care among caregivers, the modified Corah's dental anxiety scale was used. The Lipp`s stress symptoms inventory for adults was applied to determine the stress level of dentistry students. In addition, the individual characteristics of participants were recorded to determine their association with the presence of anxiety. Results: Anxiety was observed in 60.4% of children, and it was related to invasive dental procedures (p = 0.021), history of dental pain (p = 0.002), presence of bruxism (p = 0.028), anxious caregivers (p = 0.023), and stress of the dental student that conducted the appointment (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Overall, the majority of pediatric patients showed anxiety, which was directly related to misbehavior during dental care. Moreover, anxiety was related to individual characteristics of children and was influenced by the anxiety level of caregivers, as well as the emotional state of dentistry students during the dental appointment.

Self-medication in Children and Young Patients at University Dental Service

Objective: To analyze the pattern of self-medication in cases of dental infection for children and pre-teens at University Dental Service. Material and Methods: It was performed a structured survey interview with the parents/caregivers of the patients. The survey consisted in seventeen questions about tooth infection episodes experienced by the children during their lives, and which medication was used, as well as information about demographic characteristics of the patient and parents/caregivers. Statistical analysis was performed with the Software SPSS for Windows, version 15.0. Descriptive analysis was performed (mean and standard deviation [SD] or median and percentis). The association between the self-medication and the variables (child age, mother age, mother educational level) was measured by chi-squared test. Results: One hundred and fifty questionnaires were analyzed. In episodes of dental infection, the most common medicaments were amoxicillin (34.8%) and acetaminophen (32.6%). The practice of self-medication was observed in 21.7% of cases. There was no association between the self-medication and the variables as child age, mother age and mother educational level (P>.05; chi-squared test). Conclusion: Children treated at University Dental Service were exposed to frequent previous use of medicines without prescription, and the data revealed a non-rational use of medications.

Influence of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Scaffold's Pore Size on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)-based scaffold's pore size on the proliferation and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The scaffolds were prepared in pulp chambers of 1-mm-thick tooth slices from third molars using salt crystals (150-250 µm or 251-450 µm) as porogen. DPSC (1x105 cells) were seeded in the scaffolds with different pore sizes, and cultured in 24-well plates. The cell proliferation was evaluated using the WST-1 assay after 3-21 days. Furthermore, RT-PCR was used to assess the differentiation of the DPSCs into odontoblasts, using markers of odontoblastic differentiation (DSPP, DSP-1 and MEPE). RNA from human odontoblasts was used as control. Cell proliferation rate was similar in both scaffolds except at the 14th day period, in which the cells seeded in the scaffolds with larger pores showed higher proliferation (p<0.05). After 21 days DPSCs seeded in both evaluated scaffolds were able of expressing odontoblastic markers DMP-1, DSPP and MEPE. In summary, both scaffolds tested in this study allowed the proliferation and differentiation of DPSCs into odontoblast-like cells.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência do tamanho dos poros de um scaffold à base de poli ácido láctico (PLLA) sobre a proliferação e diferenciação de células tronco da polpa dental (dental pulp stem cells - DPSC). Os scaffolds foram preparados dentro da câmara pulpar de discos de terceiros molares (1 mm), utilizando sal como porógeno (150-250 µm ou 251-450 µm). DPSC (1x105 células) foram semeadas nos scaffolds com diferentes tamanhos de poros e cultivadas em placas de 24 poços. A proliferação celular foi avaliada utilizando WST-1 após 3-21 dias. Além disso, RT-PCR foi utilizado para avaliar a diferenciação odontoblástica das DPSC utilizando marcadores da diferenciação odontoblástica (DSPP, DMP-1 e MEPE). RNA obtido de odontoblastos humanos foi utilizado como controle. A taxa de proliferação celular foi semelhante nos dois scaffolds avaliados, exceto no 14° dia, no qual as células cultivadas nos scaffolds com os maiores poros apresentaram uma maior taxa de proliferação (p<0,05). Após 21 dias, as DSPC cultivadas em ambos scaffolds avaliados foram capazes de expressar os marcadores odontoblásticos DMP-1, DSPP e MEPE. Em resumo, ambos scaffolds avaliados nesse estudo permitiram a proliferação e diferenciação odontoblástica das DPSC. .

Dental avulsion: are the dentist prepared to the correct management?

To evaluate the knowledge of dentists from the health units (HU) of Porto Alegre -Brazil, regarding the management of avulsion of permanent teeth.Material and Methods:All dentists (n = 117) from HU were invited to answer a self-applied questionnaire regarding the treatment and preservation of avulsed permanent teeth in different clinical scenarios, based on the guidelines of the International Association of Dental Trauma (IADT). The professional data were also collected. The correlation between the performance of each professional and professional data was performed, (StudentÆs t test, PearsonÆs and SpearmanÆs correlations), assuming 5% significance.Results:The response rate was 56.41%. The mean performance rate of the dentists regarding the clinical questions was 69.3%, but 37.4% had poor performance (less than 70% correct). The greatest number of hits was where the patient comes with the already replanted teeth (89.2%); 87.3% agreed in situations where the injured child reaches two hours of trauma with the tooth in a liquid medium, however in cases that period of trauma was more than two hours and tooth was dehydrated, the professionals performance was reduced (64.9%). There was a lack of knowledge about the use of intracanal medication (error rate of 56.9%); 41% are mistaken about the period to start endodontics procedures; 32.8% did the wrong about contention of avulsed teeth and clinical and radiographs follow-up. Dentists with postgraduate performed better than those without (p = 0.011)...

Molar incisor hypomineralization: three case reports and discussion of etiology, diagnosis, and management strategies / Hipomineralização de molar e incisivo: três relatos de caso e discussão sobre etiologia, diagnóstico e estratégias de tratamento

O objetivo deste artigo, que inclui três relatos de caso, é discutir brevemente a etiologia, o diagnóstico e as estratégias de tratamento de três pacientes com hipomineralização de molares e incisivos. Nos três casos apresentados, a etiologia estava relacionada a fatores sistêmicos que ocorreram durante o primeiro ano de vida, especialmente deficiência do sistema respiratório e episódios de febre alta. O diagnóstico foi realizado com base em exame clínico de características específicas como mudanças na cor e opacidade e perda de estrutura dentária. Decisões de tratamento foram tomadas de acordo com a severidade da hipomineralização em cada paciente, variando desde conduta expectante/acompanhamento até a restauração estética de incisivos permanentes. Nossos relatam indicam que a hipomineralização de molares e incisivos pode ocorrer, predominantemente, em crianças com história de deficiência respiratória e episódios de febre alta durante o primeiro ano de vida. O diagnóstico inicial normalmente é determinado pelo exame visual, e a decisão de tratamento dependerá da severidade da hipomineralização.

The aim of this article including three case reports is to briefly discuss the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with molar incisor hypomineralization. In all three cases presented, the etiology was related to systemic factors that occurred in the first year of life, especially respiratory deficiency and episodes of high fever. Diagnosis was based on clinical examination of specific characteristics such as changes in color and opacity and loss of tooth structure. Treatment decisions were made according to severity of hypomineralization in each patient, ranging from expectant management/follow-up to esthetic restoration of permanent incisors. Our reports suggest that molar incisor hypomineralization occur predominantly in children with a history of respiratory deficiency and episodes of high fever in the first year of life. Early diagnosis is usually determined by visual examination and treatment decision is dependent on condition severity.

Socioeconomic and clinical factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian preschool children

The aim of this paper was to assess the epidemiology of traumatic dental injury (TDI) in preschool children and its relation to socioeconomic and clinical factors. This study was carried out in Santa Maria, Brazil, during National Children's Vaccination Day, and 441 children aged 12 to 59 months were included. Data about socioeconomic status were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire administered to parents. Calibrated examiners evaluated the prevalence of TDI, overjet, and lip coverage. Data were analyzed with a Poisson regression model (PR; 95% confidence intervals). The TDI prevalence was 31.7%. The maxillary central incisors were the most frequently traumatized teeth. The most common TDI was enamel fracture. No association was found between TDI prevalence and the socioeconomic status of children. After adjustments were performed, the eldest children with an overjet > 3 mm were more likely to have TDI than their counterparts. The data indicated a high prevalence of TDI. Only overjet was a strong predictor for TDI, whereas socioeconomic factors were not associated with TDI in this age group.