Efficacy of Virtual Reality Distraction in Reduction of Pain and Anxiety of Pediatric Dental Patients in an Iranian Population: A Split-Mouth Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

Materials and Methods: This crossover clinical trial was conducted with eligible 6-8-year-old children requiring bilateral mandibular molar pulpotomy. At the first treatment visit, pulpotomy was performed for 15 children using VR glasses distraction while the other 15 children received a pulpotomy without any VR glasses; this trend was reversed at the second session and pulpotomy was performed for the contralateral tooth. Pulse rate (PR) and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS) measured the anxiety levels. Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale (WBFP) assessed the pain perception before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 using the Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests. Results: The mean PR was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the test group showed significantly lower scores of MCDAS (P value = 0.02) and WBFP (P value = 0.001) compared with the control group. Conclusion: The present results suggest that VR headsets can decrease the level of pain and anxiety of patients during primary mandibular pulpotomy. This trial is registered with IRCT20200315046782N1.

Comparison of Different Adhesive Systems on Bond Strength of Resin Composite Posts Placed in Primary Teeth.

Background: This study evaluated the push-out bond strength of resin composite posts to the intracanal dentin in primary teeth using different adhesive systems. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, sixty-eight primary lateral incisors were randomly allocated in four groups (n = 17): Adper Single Bond 2 (ASB), Clearfil SE Bond 2 (CSE), G-Premio Bond in etch-and-rinse mode (GP-ER), and G-Premio Bond in the self-etch mode (GP-SE). The coronal one third of root canals was filled with resin composite. The push-out test was performed using a universal testing machine. ANOVA and LSD tests were used to analyze the data (P < 0.05). Results: One-way ANOVA showed significant differences between the four groups in push-out bond strength (P = 0.002). The ASB and GP-SE groups showed lower and higher bond strengths, respectively. The failure mode distribution did not differ between the bonding agents used (P = 0.763). Adhesive and mixed failures were more frequent. Conclusion: The GP-SE, GP-ER, and CSE exhibited significantly higher push-out bond strength than ASB. A universal adhesive system and 6th generation self-etch adhesives are recommended for use with resin composite posts in primary anterior teeth. Regarding the advantages of these bonding agents, such as fewer clinical steps, lower technical sensitivity, and easy application, they can be a good option for restoring primary teeth with short resin composite posts.

The relationship between children's body mass index and periodontal status.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. Being overweight and obese are important risk factors for various adult diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and periodontal diseases. This study aimed to compare the periodontal findings in obese children with those exhibiting normal body mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present retrospective cohort study, 108 children, 12 years of age, were randomly assigned to the two groups with equal gender distribution, selected from the schools in Yazd, Iran: obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥25) and nonobese (BMI <25). After obtaining informed consent forms from their parents, each participant's demographic data and BMI were recorded, and periodontal indices were determined including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Then, a questionnaire on dietary and oral hygiene habits was completed by the participants. The data were collected and analyzed with a Chi-square test and t-test. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significantly higher mean PI, BOP, and PD in obese participants than nonobese participants (P < 0.05), with no statistically significant difference in CAL between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The periodontal indices of PI, BOP, and PD in obese children were significantly higher than in children with a normal weight. However, there was no statistically significant difference in CAL between the two groups.

The Effect of Breathing Exercise Using Bubble Blower on Anxiety and Pain during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Children Aged 7 to 10 Years: A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of breathing exercise using bubble blower on anxiety and pain during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in children aged 7 to 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized crossover clinical trial, thirty-five children with moderate to severe anxiety requiring bilateral pulp therapy of mandibular primary molars were enrolled. Based on random lists, 18 children received the BE + IANB and 17 children received a routine IANB at the first session. This trend became reverse at the second visit for each child. Anxiety was measured using Facial Image Scale (FIS), blood pressure, and pulse rate. Face Leg Activity Cry Consolability (FLACC) scale and Wong-Baker Facial Pain Scale (WBFPS) were used for pain measurement. The Paired Samples Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and Interclass Correlation Coefficient were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The means of FLACC, WBFPS, FIS, blood pressure, and pulse rate were higher at the control visit. However, these differences were statistically significant only for FLACC scale and WBFPS (P value <0.05). In subgroup analysis, only girls and children without any previous dental treatment showed significant differences in FLACC scale and WBFPS between the control and bubble blower side (P value <0.05). CONCLUSION: Breathing exercise using a bubble blower may be an efficient distraction and relaxation method to decrease pain of 7- to 10-year-old children with moderate to severe anxiety during inferior alveolar nerve block. However, anxiety levels were lower when applying BE, and the differences were not statistically significant.

Articaine use does not routinely eliminate the need for palatal injections for primary maxillary molar extractions: a randomized cross-over clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare single buccal infiltration of 4% articaine versus routine buccal and palatal injections of 2% lidocaine during bilateral extraction of maxillary primary molars. METHODS: Thirty healthy children aged 6-9 years old requiring bilateral extraction of maxillary primary molars were enrolled into the trial. Randomization was performed in two steps. Routine buccal and palatal infiltrations were administered using 2% lidocaine in the control side. Four percent articaine was used for single buccal infiltration in the intervention side. WBFP scale (Wong-Baker FACES Pain scale) was employed for subjective assessment of pain. For objective evaluation of pain, FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) and physiological parameters of blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded. RESULTS: Analyses did not show any significant differences in blood pressure, pulse rate, and FLACC scale between groups (P value > 0.05). However, statistically lower WBFP scores were observed in articaine group as compared to lidocaine group (P value < 0.05); the difference was less than one unit which is not clinically considerable. CONCLUSION: Single buccal infiltration of 4% articaine can be administered as an alternative for conventional infiltration of 2% lidocaine to avoid fear or uncooperative behavior of the child patient. However, the assessment of palatal tissue anesthesia is quite necessary before the procedure is initiated. In case of failure in achieving palatal anesthesia, a palatal injection should be given.

Association of IL-10 -1082A>G, -819C>T, and -592C>A polymorphisms with susceptibility to chronic and aggressive periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Several epidemiological studies have evaluated association of interleukin 10 (IL-10) polymorphisms with risk of periodontitis. However, the results remain conflicting and inconclusive. Here, we carried out a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of IL-10 -1082A>G, -819C>T, and -592C>A polymorphisms with risk of chronic (CP) and aggressive (CP) periodontitis. METHODS: Electronic databases including PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO, and CNKI were systematically searched to identify all relevant studies published up to 01 June 2020. RESULTS: A total of 60 case-control studies with 5313 cases and 6528 controls met our inclusion criteria. Overall, the pooled data showed that the IL-10 -592C>A polymorphism was statistically associated with increased risk of periodontitis in the overall population, while no significant association was identified for IL-10 -1082A>G and IL-10 -819C>T polymorphisms. The subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed that the IL-10 -1082A>G polymorphism was significantly associated with periodontitis risk in Caucasians, IL-10 -819C>T polymorphism in mixed population, and IL-10 -592C>A polymorphism in both Asians and mixed populations. When further analyzed by periodontitis type, only the IL-10 -592C>A polymorphism was associated with CP risk, but not AgP; and the IL-10 -1082A>G and -819C>T polymorphisms have not positive association neither in the CP and AgP. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis showed that the IL-10 -592C>A polymorphism was statistically associated with periodontitis risk in the overall population. Moreover, the IL-10 -1082A>G, IL-10 -819C>T, and IL-10 -592C>A polymorphisms were associated with periodontitis risk by ethnicity. Therefore, the IL-10 polymorphisms are of high clinical relevance by ethnicity and would be a useful marker to identify patients who are at higher risk for periodontitis.

Anesthetic efficacy of single buccal infiltration of 4% articaine compared to routine inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine during bilateral extraction of mandibular primary molars: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) using lidocaine 2% is commonly used for anesthetizing primary mandibular molars; however, this technique has the highest level of patient discomfort compared to other local anesthesia techniques. Therefore, alternative anesthesia techniques are necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single buccal infiltration of 4% articaine with IANB using 2% lidocaine, for the bilateral extraction of primary mandibular molars. METHODS: The present study was conducted on 30 patients aged between 6 and 9 years, who required the extraction of bilateral primary mandibular molars. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as follows: In the first session, Group A received IANB with lidocaine 2% and group B received infiltration with articaine 4%. In the second session, another injection method was performed on the opposite side. The Wong-Baker Facial Pain scale (WBFPS), Face Leg Activity Cry, and Consolability (FLACC), and physiologic parameters were used to assess pain perception. RESULTS: The independent t-test showed no statistically significant difference in blood pressure and heart rate before and after extraction (P > 0.05). The mean FLACC index in the lidocaine and articaine groups was 0.89 and 1.36, respectively; there was no statistically significant difference between them (P > 0.05). According to the results of the chi-square test, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for WBFPS (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The articaine infiltration technique may be an alternative to the IANB for the extraction of primary mandibular molars.

Association of BMP4 rs17563 Polymorphism with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate Risk: Literature Review and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although published individual studies have reported associations between BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) risk, the results are conflicting. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association based on multiple studies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search up to October 1st, 2019 was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases. Results: Fourteen case-control studies with 2,058 NSCLP cases and 2,557 controls were selected. There was no significant association between BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism and risk of NSCLP overall. Subgroup analysis revealed that BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism was associated with NSCLP risk in Chinese and Brazilian populations. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism was not associated with NSCLP risk in overall population. However, BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism may be a risk factor for development of NSCLP in Chinese and Brazilians.

Evaluating the additive effect of Persica and chlorhexidine mouthwashes on oral health status of children receiving chemotherapy for their hematomalignancy: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: No definitive protocol has been introduced for treatment or prevention of chemotherapy induced mucositis. The aim of this study was to assess the additive effect of Persica and chlorhexidine on chemotherapy induced mucositis of children with hematomalignancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 44 children aged 6 to 12 years who were under a similar maintenance chemotherapy protocol for their hematomalignancies. The clinician instructed oral hygiene cares to the patients and their parents and the severity of the mucositis and oral health status of patients were evaluated according to Oral Assessment Guide index. Then, the patients were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups and were instructed to rinse either with Persica oral drops or normal saline, twice a day for two weeks. Subsequently, the patients in both groups were educated to rinse with chlorhexidine for 30 seconds and avoid eating for an hour. Second and third oral examinations were performed on the 8th and 15th day using the same questionnaire. RESULTS: Comparing severity of mucositis and oral health status of patients did not show any significant difference between treatment groups in either of examination sessions (p>0.05). However, both treatment groups showed statistically significant oral health improvement, in terms of mucositis, plaque accumulation and gingival condition, in 14 days following mouthrinses administration (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both mouth-rinse combinations were effective on mucositis, plaque and gingival status of children receiving chemotherapy. However, Persica does not seem to pose additional effect on chlorhexidine in decreasing severity of chemotherapy induced mucositis. Key words:Mucositis, chemotherapy, children, chlorhexidine, Persica.

The effect of different re-mineralizing agents and diode laser irradiation on the microhardness of primary molar enamel: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dental caries is a global concern and different materials and methods were proposed for its prevention.The aim of this study was evaluation of the effect of different demineralizing agents with and without diode laser radiation on the microhardness of primary molars enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 primary molar teeth were used in this study. The enamel blocks were prepared. Primary microhardness values were also measured. All samples were demineralized, then demineralization was approved by a DIAGNOdent pen. The remineralization was done into the buccal and lingual surfaces of the samples as follows:Group 1: CPP-ACP, Group 2: CPP-ACPF, Group 3: MI varnish, Group 4: NaF varnish. The lingual surfaces received diode laser irradiation. Finally, a secondary microhardness test was performed on all samples. Statistical analyses were done and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: A comparison between the primary and the secondary microhardness values showed significant differences (P = 0.003). The highest secondary microhardness values belonged to the MI varnish +laser group. CONCLUSION: Application of the agents, containing the combination of Ca, P, and F, was significantly better than others in increasing the microhardness of the enamel. Although the application of diode laser increased the hardness of the enamel.

Effects of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen on Pulpal Anaesthesia Immediately after Pulpectomy of Primary Maxillary Molars.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen on pulpal anaesthesia immediately after pulpectomy of primary maxillary molars. Methods and Materials: In this placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 60 children (aged 5 to 9) were referred to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Yazd Dental School; for primary maxillary molar pulpectomy. Local anaesthesia and analgesic drugs were used for the pre-operative stage. A five-face scale was considered to evaluate pain reaction during the pulp therapy. Pain scores were determined when the dental procedure was complete. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were finally used at the confidence level of 95%. Results: Use of analgesics before pulpectomy in children can reduce pain score compared to placebo group (P<0.001) and increase the effectiveness of pulpal anesthesia. Additionally, ibuprofen exhibited lower pain scores compared to acetaminophen although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Pre-operative use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen might be a useful way to achieve analgesia during pulpectomy of primary maxillary molars in children.

Thermal Changes of Root Surface of Anterior Primary Teeth in Pulpectomy with Er:YAG Laser.

OBJECTIVES: Successful root treatment depends on elimination of microorganisms from the root canal. Considering incomplete removal of bacteria from the canal by usual methods, lasers have been suggested as a new modality. Despite their anti-bacterial properties, lasers can cause thermal changes. This study assessed the thermal changes of root surface in pulpectomy of primary teeth following the use of Er:YAG laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty primary anterior teeth were collected and prepared by K-file up to number 50. Then, they were randomly divided into two groups and were irradiated with Er:YAG laser. The first group was irradiated with 1 W laser and the second group with 1.5 W laser. The laser irradiation time was two 10-second cycles with a 2-second interval in both groups. Thermal changes were measured by a thermometer in the apical and coronal areas per second. The results were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA considering the laser power as between-subject variable. RESULTS: There was a temperature increase in the coronal and apical areas in use of 1 W power. There was a temperature rise in the coronal and apical areas in use of 1.5 W power. The temperature rise in the apical third was more than that in the coronal third; also, the average temperature rise was more in use of 1.5 W power than 1 W power. CONCLUSIONS: As the average temperature increase was not more than 7°C in any group, this type of laser seems to be suitable for root treatment of primary anterior teeth.

Comparison of Visual Analog Scale Scores in Pain Assessment during Pulpotomy using Different Injection Materials in Children Aged 6 to 8 and 8 to 10 Years.

AIM: Proper anesthesia and pain management during treatment are most important concerns in dentistry for people of all ages, especially children. This study compared the success rate of lidocaine block with articaine buccal infiltration during anesthesia of the primary mandibular second molars in children aged 6 to 8 and 8 to 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present clinical trial was conducted on 40 children aged 6 to 8 and 8 to 10 years who were referred to the Department of Pediatrics of the Faculty of Dentistry at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd (Islamic Republic of Iran) and needed to be treated with pulpotomy on both primary mandibular second molars. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. At the first session, a group received articaine buccal infiltration and the other group experienced inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block. At the next visit, this trend was reversed. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain during pulpotomy. RESULTS: Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 17) software using Mann-Whitney test. According to the results of this test, the pain during pulpotomy was significantly lower in the articaine group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Articaine buccal infiltration can be employed for pulpotomy treatment in primary mandibular second molars. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This research will eliminate block injection of lidocaine in children and utilize infiltration of articaine for pulpotomy treatment of mandibular teeth, hence preventing lingual nerve damage and prolonging paresthesia of IAN, lip, and cheek bite due to IAN block anesthesia.

The Effect of Er:YAG Laser on Entroccocus faecalis Bacterium in the Pulpectomy of Anterior Primary Teeth.

Introduction: Successful root canal therapy depends on the complete elimination of microorganisms such as Entroccocus faecalis, which is impossible to achieve with the traditional methods. Lasers are recently introduced as a new method to solve the problem. The present study is planned and performed to examining the antibacterial effect of Er: YAG laser. Methods: Sixty extracted anterior primary teeth were prepared and sterilized. E. faecalis bacterium was cultured in canals. Samples were randomly divided into two groups. The first group was disinfected by NaOCl 5/25% and Er: YAG laser and the second group just by NaOCl 5/25%. Samples of canal contents were cultured and colony counts were calculated. The results were analyzed statistically by SPSS software and Mann Whitney test. Results: There was no significant difference between colony counts in both groups (P=0.142). But the number of colonies in the first group was lower than in the second group. Conclusion: Although, Er: YAG laser cannot completely eliminate E. faecalis bacterium, its simultaneous use with NaOCl decreases E. faecalis.

Antibacterial Effect of Diode Laser in Pulpectomy of Primary Teeth.

Introduction: Laser irradiation has been suggested as an adjunct to traditional methods of canal preparation but few studies are available on the antibacterial effect of diode laser in pulpectomy of primary teeth. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the antibacterial effect of diode laser in pulpectomy of primary teeth, in addition to define the optimal and harmless diode lasing conditions in the root canal. Methods: A total of 125 single rooted primary teeth were selected. After traditional canal cleaning, they were divided in 2 groups. Sixty-five specimens after culturing of Enterococcus faecalis into the canals, were divided in 3 groups: (1) traditional canal cleaning with 0.5% NaOCl irrigation, (2) method of group 1+ 1.5 W diode laser (980 nm, pulse), (3) without treatment (5 specimens). Then the specimens were cultured and after colony counting under light microscope, were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. For 60 specimens, temperature rise of apical and cervical parts of the external root surface were measured using 2 thermocouple type K, when radiating a 1.5 W diode laser into the canal. Results: In the first experiment, the diode laser group showed tmost reduction in bacterial count. And in the second experiment, the mean temperature rise of external root surface was less than the threshold of periodontal ligament (PDL) damage. Conclusion: Diode laser with a power output of 1.5 W, is effective in reduction of E. faecalis bacterial count without damaging periodontal structures.

The Effect of Er:YAG Laser Irradiation and Different Concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite on Shear Bond Strength of Composite to Primary Teeth's Dentin.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various concentrations of NaOCl on shear bond strength of composite resin to dentin of primary teeth, prepared with laser and bur. Methods: In this in vitro study, 48 primary molars were sectioned at mesiodistal direction and were randomly divided into 6 groups; G1: bur, G2: bur + NaOCl 2.5%, G3: bur + NaOCl 5.25%, G4: laser, G5: laser + NaOCl 2.5%, G6: laser + NaOCl 5.25%. One-Step Plus adhesive was applied after phosphoric acid gel and NaOCl over the dentin surfaces for all groups, and composite resin cylinders were bonded to the samples. After thermocycling, shear bond strengths of composite resin to dentin were measured and statistical analyses were done by means of t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The mean shear bond strength showed no significant difference between the groups prepared with bur (13.82 ± 3.49) and laser (14.18 ± 3.65) (P > 0.05). The mean difference of shear bond strength between three groups G1, G2 and G3 and between G4, G5 and G6 were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) figures showed an irregular surface in laser groups and fairly complete removal of smear layer from the orifices of the dentinal tubules, in the group in which NaOCl was used. Conclusion: The application of different concentrations of NaOCl does not significantly improve the bond strength in dentin surfaces prepared with laser or bur.

Effect of Er:YAG Laser on Shear Bond Strength of Composite to Enamel and Dentin of Primary Teeth.

OBJECTIVES: Bond strength of composite resin to enamel and dentin of primary teeth is lower than that to permanent teeth; therefore, it may compromise the adhesive bonding. New methods, such as laser application have been recently introduced for tooth preparation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tooth preparation with bur and Er:YAG laser on shear bond strength of composite to enamel and dentin of primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five primary molar teeth were collected and 150 specimens were obtained by mesiodistal sectioning of each tooth. In each of the enamel and dentin groups, the teeth were randomly assigned to 3 subgroups with the following preparations: bur preparation + etching (37% H3PO4), laser preparation + etching, and laser preparation without etching. Single Bond adhesive and Z250 composite were applied to all samples. After thermocycling, the shear bond strength testing was preformed using the Instron Testing Machine. Data were analysed using SPSS-17 and two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The bond strength of enamel specimens was significantly higher than that of dentin specimens, except for the laser-non-etched groups. The enamel and dentin laser-non-etched groups had no significant difference in bond strength. In both enamel and dentin groups, bur preparation + etching yielded the highest bond strength, followed by laser preparation + etching, and the laser preparation without etching yielded the lowest bond strength (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In both enamel and dentin groups, laser preparation caused lower shear bond strength compared to bur preparation.

Accuracy of an Electronic Apex Locator for Working Length Determination in Primary Anterior Teeth.

OBJECTIVES: Correct determination of working length is an important step for success of endodontic therapy. Conventional radiography has limitations in providing the accurate location of apical foramen. For this reason, electronic apex locators (EALs) were developed to shorten the treatment time and decrease the radiation dose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Root ZX EAL for working length determination in primary anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in-vitro study, 50 extracted primary anterior teeth with root resorption were selected with no obstructed canals or history of previous root canal therapy. Working lengths were measured by direct observation of actual length (AL), radiography and Root ZX EAL. A variation of ±0.5 mm from the AL was considered acceptable. The results were analyzed statistically using paired t-test and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) at 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: Considering an acceptable 0.5 mm margin from AL (direct measurement), the accuracy of Root ZX EAL and radiography was found to be 86% and 76%, respectively. Absolute value of error from AL was significantly lower for ZX compared to radiography (P<0.001). Interclass correlation comparing both radiography and Root ZX with AL showed strong correlations. CONCLUSION: Root ZX EAL can be used as a reliable tool for obtaining root canal length in primary anterior teeth with resorption.

Effect of Diode Laser Irradiation Combined with Topical Fluoride on Enamel Microhardness of Primary Teeth.

OBJECTIVES: Laser irradiation has been suggested as an adjunct to traditional caries prevention methods. But little is known about the cariostatic effect of diode laser and most studies available are on permanent teeth.The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of diode laser irradiation combined with topical fluoride on enamel surface microhardness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five primary teeth were used in this in vitro study. The teeth were sectioned to produce 90 slabs. The baseline Vickers microhardness number of each enamel surface was determined. The samples were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1: 5% NaF varnish, group 2: NaF varnish+ diode laser at 5 W power and group 3: NaF varnish+ diode laser at 7 W power. Then, the final microhardness number of each surface was again determined. The data were statistically analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: In all 3 groups, microhardness number increased significantly after surface treatment (P<0.05). However, Microhardness change after treatment was not significantly different among groups (P >0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined application of diode laser and topical fluoride varnish on enamel surface did not show any significant additional effect on enamel resistance to caries.