Assessment of Remineralization Ability of Different Fluoride Varnishes on Artificial Enamel Lesion of Primary Teeth - A Comparative Study.

Aim: The current study's aim was to evaluate the potential of various fluoride varnishes to remineralize artificial enamel lesions on primary teeth. Materials and Methods: For the study, 90 deciduous molar teeth that were implicated for extraction were taken. A window region with a size of 3 × 3 mm was located in the middle of the tooth's coronal surface. The remaining portion was given a coat of nail polish and given time to dry. A demineralizing solution was used to create the artificial enamel lesion. The samples were randomized into three experimental groups at random, with 30 samples in each group. Group 1: Application of Clinpro White Varnish, Group 2: Application of Duraphat Varnish, and Group 3: Application of MI Varnish. After 14 days, samples from each group were examined under scanning electron microscopy at a magnification of 1000× to determine whether remineralization had occurred. Microhardness was also determined using a microhardness tester. Result: Before the intervention, the mean demineralized enamel lesion in the Clinpro White Varnish group was 134.44 ± 0.04, in the Duraphat Varnish group was 133.76 ± 0.12, and in the MI Varnish group was 133.89 ± 0.08. After intervention, the maximum remineralized area was found in the MI Varnish group (82.74 ± 0.18) followed by the Clinpro White Varnish group (101.43 ± 0.16) and the Duraphat Varnish group (104.11 ± 0.10). After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference found between the groups. After the intervention, the maximum microhardness mean value improved in the MI Varnish group (257.03 ± 1.09 to 261.18 ± 1.20) followed by Clinpro White Varnish (258.78 ± 1.64 to 260.10 ± 1.22) and Duraphat Varnish group (255.24 ± 1.51 to 258.02 ± 0.89). Conclusion: According to the findings of the current investigation, all of the varnishes utilized in this in vitro experiment are capable of correcting early enamel defects on primary teeth. However, MI Varnish group was very effective compared to the Clinpro White Varnish group and the Duraphat Varnish group.

Assessment of Two Different Obturation Systems in Primary Teeth: A Comparative Study.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two distinct obturation techniques in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: For this investigation, 40 primary molar teeth were taken into consideration. Every sample underwent sample preparation. All teeth were evenly split into two groups: Group 1-obturation using the lentulospiral method and Group 2-obturation using the NaviTip method. The comparison between the two procedures was established through radiographic evaluation of the obturation quality and voids in the obturated canals. Results: In the lentulospiral method, 12 (60%) were optimal filling, 6 (30%) were underfilling, and 2 (10%) were overfilling. In the lentulo spiral method, 40% voids were present, and in the NaviTip method, 15% voids were present. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the NaviTip syringe method was sufficiently effective in regulating voids and yielded the best results for the apical seal, whereas the lentulo spiral approach generated the best results in terms of length of obturation.

Different cavity disinfectant efficacy against S.mutans and shear bond strength of caries affected dentin bonded to resin restoration.

AIMS: The existing study aimed to assess the survival rate of S.mutans and shear bond strength (SBS) of resin adhesive restoration bonded to carious affected dentin (CAD) after using different cavity disinfectants (Chitosan, Fotoenticine®, and CO2 laser) in comparison to Chlorhexidine (CHX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included human mandibular molars assessed on International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) score 4 and 5. The cusp part of the clinical crown was cut off until the reduction reaches the central fossa while being continuously supplied with water coolant till the tooth cementoenamel junction (CEJ). The root sections were embedded in polymethyl methacrylate acrylic resin followed by culturing S.mutans biofilm on the CAD surface. Specimens were arbitrarily allocated into four groups(n = 10) based on the type of disinfection. Group 1 (2% CHX), Group 2 (Chitosan), Group 3 (Fotoenticine), and Group 4 (CO2 laser). S.mutans survival rate was assessed and CAD was restored with a composite restorative material. Thermoocycling of the samples was performed and a universal testing machine (UTM) and Stereomicroscope were used to identify bond integrity and type of fracture. ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison tests were used to assess SBS. Data on the survival rate of S. mutans were compared between groups using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test RESULTS: Outcomes revealed that Group 1 (CHX) displayed the highest survival rate (0.65 ± 0.10). However, lowest survival rate was demonstrated by Group 3 (Fotoenticine) treated specimens (0.25 ± 0.06). It was also discovered that CHX unveiled highest bond strength values (21.48 ± 1.39 MPa). Nevertheless, Group 2 (Chitosan) showed lowest SBS (11.01 ± 1.00 MPa). Intergroup comparison analysis presented that group 1, and group 4 (Co2 laser) (17.76 ± 0.41 MPa) displayed no significant difference in their bond integrity achieved. (p > 0.05). However, group 3 (Fotoenticine) (16.28 ± 0.51 MPa) and group 2 demonstrated comparable outcomes of SBS. (p > 0.05) CONCLUSION: The use of CHX and CO2 lasers as disinfectants on the CAD surface resulted in a positive impact on the SBS of resin composite, according to the study's findings. However, it is worth noting that Fotoenticine exhibited better antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans.

Relation between Childhood Asthma and Dental Erosion in Al-Kharj Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a long-lasting disease that affects large number of the society and could impact on the oral health leading to increase in the needs of prevention and treatment. Currently, the prevalence of childhood asthma in Saudi Arabia is ranging from 9% to 33%. OBJECTIVE: the objective was to evaluate dental erosion in control children and those with asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 100 children aged 3-12 years. Equally distribution of subjects was between the asthmatic and non-asthmatic group, at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Dental Clinics, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. The assessment consisted of an oral examination assessing erosive wear according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 2018 guidelines and a questionnaire to the parents/guardians addressing the background details and information about the child asthma. RESULTS: Among 12 (24%) asthmatic children and 9 (18%) non-asthmatic children had dental erosion. In the adjusted analysis, no association was found between asthma and erosion. It has been shown that oral hygiene may have an effect occurrence or severity of erosion; brushing teeth once or more per day appeared to have less incidence of dental erosion compared with those not brushing their teeth regularly. CONCLUSIONS: This article provided no additional data than that given earlier, where no correlation was observed between asthma and dental erosion in children aged from 3 to 12 years.

To Compare and Analyze the Potency of two Topical Anesthetic Gels in Reducing Inferior Alveolar Injection Pain in Children of 8-12 Years: A Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

AIM: To compare and analyze the clinical adequacy of two topical anesthetic gels, Precaine (8% lidocaine + 0.8% dibucaine) and Precaine B (20% benzocaine) in children before intraoral local anesthetic injections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical study included thirty children who needed an inferior alveolar nerve block. They were divided into three groups: Group A: Precaine topical gel group, Group B: Precaine B topical gel Group, Group C: no anesthetic topical gel group (control group). These two effective topical gels were applied before giving intraoral local anesthesia, and afterward, the child's pain response was surveyed utilizing the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. The scores obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Intergroup comparison showed a significant mean difference between the control group and Precaine group (P > 0.05) as well as Precaine B group (P > 0.05). However, there is no significant difference obtained between Group A and Group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is psychologically and clinically beneficial to apply a topical anesthetic agent before injecting any intraoral anesthesia. In this study, both anesthetic gels showed a nonsignificant difference in reducing inferior alveolar injection pain, but Precaine B shows more promising results than Precaine.

Oral Rehabilitation Using Noninvasive Restorative Approach for Late Mixed Dentition of Preterm Birth Child with Amelogenesis Imperfecta.

Preterm birth children comprise about 6% of live births around the world. It is known that premature children exhibit oral anomalies that could affect the function and/or appearance of their dentition in addition to their medical needs. A diagnosis of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) can present a challenge for both the patient and the treating clinician. This can be more complicated in the case of child treatment, where cooperation and some of the treatment modalities for adults can not be considered. Conventional management of such children is not possible due to the ongoing process of growth and development and the ability of the child to cope with the extensive and lengthy treatment procedure. This article highlights a minimally invasive method for managing AI using adhesive and full-coverage restoration that requires no tooth preparation; this allows the structural integrity of the teeth to be maintained, along with their vitality. As a result, the child will have teeth with better function and aesthetic, to improve eating, appearance, and self-confidence.

Early Childhood Caries: A Review.

AIM: To review and update the current knowledge about early childhood caries (ECC) and its etiology, prevalence, risk factors, management, and preventive strategies. BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries is a disease affecting significantly both well-developed and industrial nations. The ECC can significantly affect the child's quality of life, as it may lead to infection, swelling, pain, and other symptoms. The ECC affects children after eruption of primary teeth until age of around 5 years. REVIEW RESULTS: The ECC affects all parts of the tooth including the smooth surface. Upper anterior teeth and primary molars are usually affected. The lower anterior teeth are less likely affected. The risk factors for ECC are diet, bacteria, and host susceptibility. The additional factors, such as presence of enamel defect and the feeding practices also contribute to the initiation and progress of ECC. CONCLUSION: Dentists must focus on utilizing existing techniques to distinguish indications of right on time and propelled caries and give guidance on the best way to counteract and control caries in children. Approaches should be directed to preventive caries control strategies among children. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Preventing and controlling the development of ECC among children is important to maintain effective eating, speech development, and formation of a positive self-image.

A survey of pediatric dentists' caries-related treatment decisions and restorative modalities - A web-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To identify current practices and the preferred caries-related treatment decisions and restorative modalities of primary teeth among pediatric dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted among licensed pediatric dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Following the retrieval of the email addresses from the Saudi Dental Council, an email explaining the purpose of the study and a link to SurveyMonkey electronic survey consisting of 23 questions was sent to all the members registered under the pediatric dentistry practitioners, starting in September till December 2013. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square with and without tabulation processes. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 108 [54 (50%) male and 54 (50%) female] pediatric dental practitioners responded to the survey out of 308 targeted individuals for an overall response rate of 35.1%. About 65% of the respondents reported that they have never considered pre-veneered or Zirconia crowns as a restorative option for carious vital anterior primary teeth. About 40% reported doing pulpectomy and restored with composite strip crowns at all times. About 86% of the respondents reported doing pulpotomy and stainless steel crown for restoring carious vital posterior primary teeth whereas 73.8% reported restoring with composite resin. However, 83.1% of the respondents reported that they never used pre-veneered or Zirconia crowns after pulpotomy for restoring carious vital posterior primary teeth. A significantly higher number of male participants reported that they used esthetic pediatric crowns in their practice compared to female participants (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of use of composite resin to restore primary teeth was higher compared to glass ionomer cements and amalgam whereas a limited use of esthetic pediatric crowns was found among the sample surveyed. Esthetic pediatric crowns were more utilized by male compared to female participants.

Correlation between handwriting, drawing skills and dental skills of junior dental students.

UNLABELLED: Learning fine motor skills is a pre-requisite for succeeding in dental practice and it is sometimes challenging for dental students. Most of the methods used in the selection process depend on evaluation of intellectual ability or structured interview while manual competence is not. However, no test on aptitude or manual dexterity is used as criteria. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study intended to evaluate the fine motor skills of beginning dental students which could in turn be used as a method of selection of students for the dental degree admission process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was conducted among 71 second year dental students at College of Dentistry, King Saud University in Riyadh. A test composed of three parts, writing an answer for a question in four lines, drawing a picture of a smile and doing a class 1 amalgam preparation on a plastic molar tooth. The students were evaluated based on their handwriting, basic drawing skills and their skills in performing the tooth preparation by experts in each fields following certain criteria. RESULTS: The results showed a significant correlation between writing and drawing skills and dental skills of the student with p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study support the use of the writing or drawing test as one of the test used for the applicants for dental school admission. However, the value given to such test in the selection of students needs further investigations and consensus.