Preventive treatment of post-traumatic dental infraocclusion: study on the knowledge of dental decoronation in a sample of Italian dental students and dentists.

AIM: The aim of the present work is to investigate whether dental decoronation is a procedure known by a sample of dental students and Italian dentists. Dental decoronation technique is performed in order to mitigate the outcomes which may occur after a delayed tooth replantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cognitive survey about the knowledge of the dental decoronation technique was carried on two groups: a sample of 120 dental students (5th year of dental school), from University of Cagliari, Sassari and of Chieti-Pescara (60 males and 60 females), and a group which involved 200 Italian dentists (age comprised between 25 and 45, 130 females and 70 males) enrolled at pedodontics and orthodontics Masters and CE courses (University of Roma Sapienza, Chieti- Pescara, Cagliari). The latter group's main field of work was paediatric dentistry and orthodontics, two dental specialties often involved in treating Traumatic dental injuries. RESULTS: Only 20 dentists out of the 200 interviewed answered that they knew this technique and only 5 of them proved to know it and were able to describe it correctly. No students interviewed knew this technique. CONCLUSION: It is apparent from the results of this survey that there is very little information about the dental decoronation technique both during the Degree Course in Dentistry and Post Graduate specialty programmes (Continuing Education Courses and Masters).

Prosthetic rehabilitation interventions in adolescents with fixed bridges: a 5-year observational study.

AIM: The aim of this work is to verify the rate of success and failure causes of 32 FRC-FPD (Fiber Reinforced Composite Fixed Partial Dentures) placed on 30 adolescents with dental agenesis, over a follow-up period of 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study sample involved 30 subjects (10 males and 20 females) aged between 13 and 17 years who have been rehabilitated with FRC Maryland bridges to treat agenesis of maxillary incisors (for a total of 32 FRC-FPD). The observational study spans 5 years following the general rules coded by the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) system. RESULTS: After 5 years of follow-up of a sample of 32 FRC-FPD bridges, 30 were still in effective use (so 2 were excluded). All the bridges were FRC, replacing a missing lateral incisor, and had a double wing retention. All requirements of stability, peripheral seal and morphology preservation were well satisfied. The two failed bridges had a structural failure after about two years from placement. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In adolescents our orientation about the edentulous rehabilitation is towards solutions that, when possible, provide an acceptable aesthetic and functional restoration with fixed partial dentures, or removable dentures in cases of severe oligodontia. Obviously, techniques involving the placement of dental implants before the end of skeletal growth were never adopted. In our study FRC bridges showed a great functional performance and good compliance from young patients. Considering the positive cost-benefit ratio and the reversibility of the treatment in case of failure, such interventions can be considered a highly reliable early rehabilitation. Further studies are necessary to verify the maintenance requirements tested for longer periods.

Modifications of periodontal tissues associated with Williams syndrome. A case report.

Williams syndrome, also known as Williams-Beuren syndrome, or elfin-facies syndrome, was described by Dr. Williams and Dr. Beuren for the first time in 1961 and 1962. This multisystem, congenital and panethnic disorder is characterized by a number of developmental and physical abnormalities like excess of gingiva. The goal of this article is to present the application of a protocol of periodontal treatment leading to the functional rehabilitation of the oral areas affected by excess of gingiva. A 19-year-old boy, diagnosed as suffering from Williams Syndrome, was brought to the dental school, University of Cagliari, seeking for orthodontic and periodontal treatment. During the consultation the excess of gingiva needing periodontal treatment was noticed. This report reveals a classic presentation of the syndrome, with emphasis on its oral and periodontal manifestations. Periodontal management included periodontal flap surgery to treat the excess of gingiva performing clinical crown lengthening. Re-evaluation of the patient after two months showed remarkable reduction of the excess of gingiva. Williams syndrome is clinically important to the periodontist, because of its associated features of excess of gingiva. Periodic examinations are recommended to identify any possible recurrence or complications.