In vivo Comparative Evaluation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Formocresol Pulpotomy in Primary Molars: A 60-month Follow-up Study.

INTRODUCTION: Pulpotomy is a regular procedure in the management of inflamed primary teeth. Diverse materials have been reviewed for the pulpotomy, some of them being formocresol, glutaraldehyde, ferric sulfate, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). AIMS: The aim was to evaluate and compare clinically and radiographically the effects of MTA as a pulp dressing after coronal pulp amputation (pulpotomy) in primary molars. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Sixty primary molars of thirty healthy children using split mouth design aged between 4 and 6 years were treated by pulpotomy technique. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty primary mandibular molars of thirty healthy children aged between 4 and 6 years were treated by pulpotomy technique. The teeth on the right side were assigned to MTA (Group A) and the left side for the formocresol (Group B). The children were then examined clinically and radiographically every 6 months. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test using the SPSS version 19.0 was used to compare between the two groups. RESULTS: Results showed that both MTA and formocresol have the same outcome on the primary molars, with Chi-square value being 1.1483 (P ≥ 0.05). None of the teeth in any children in the study showed any clinical pathology. CONCLUSION: The principle conclusions of this study are that there are no significant differences in MTA and formocresol. The success rate of MTA and formocresol pulpotomy can be considered comparable till this therapy influences the development and growth of the permanent teeth.

Evaluation of marginal alveolar bone height for early detection of periodontal disease in pediatric population: clinical and radiographic study.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a normal range for the radiographic distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest and the factors affecting distances for the early assessment of periodontal disease in Dravidian pediatric population. METHODS: Fifty children aged 6 to 8 years were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical and radiographic examination was performed. All the surfaces were examined starting from the distal surface of primary canine to the mesial surface of first permanent molar. The various risk factors like plaque, calculus, proximal caries, restoration and bleeding on probing were recorded. A pair of bitewing radiographs was taken for each child. Bitewing radiographs were traced and analyzed. RESULTS: It showed that CEJ-ABC distance in primary teeth is about 1 ± 0.5 mm. In the permanent teeth, it was found to be 0.6 ± 0.5 mm in 6 to 8 years age group. CEJ-ABC distance was also affected by different variables like physiologic (eruption and exfoliation) and pathologic factors (plaque, calculus, dental caries, restorations, stainless steel crowns, bleeding on probing and probing depth). CONCLUSION: CEJ-ABC distances greater than 2.5 mm should be considered under recall and follow-up. Children and adolescents susceptible to periodontal disease should be identified by radiographic means as early as possible in order to prevent the advance of an otherwise possibly destructive disease. The concept of oral health examination and treatment must include examination of the periodontal status of the patient.

Effect of sucrose in different commonly used pediatric medicines upon plaque pH in human subjects.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the acidogenic potential of three commonly used pediatric medicines (benadryl syrup, crocin syrup, and novamox dry syrup) upon plaque pH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protocol used in the study followed the guidelines laid down at Scientific Consensus Conferences on methods for assessment of cariogenic potential of food, San Antonio, Texas. Ten young healthy adult volunteers were selected for the study. Subjects were refrained from brushing their teeth for 48 h and did not eat or drink for at least 2 ½ h prior to each appointment. pH measurements were taken at baseline to determine resting plaque pH and at time interval of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min following a 1 min rinse with each medication. A pooled sample of plaque was removed from buccal / lingual surfaces, thoroughly mixed with 0.6 ml of double distilled deionized water and plaque pH was determined using a glass combination electrode. Data were compared with plaque pH changes after rinsing with control solution of 10 % sucrose and 10 % sorbitol. Analysis of minimum pH, maximum pH drop, and area under the baseline pH was computed for each medicine and for each case and the test of significance was conducted through the unpaired Student 't' test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the benadryl syrup, crocin syrup, and sucrose solution as the medicines behaving essentially same as ten percent sucrose solution with respect to their potential to generate acids.

Microbiological evaluation of salivary Streptococcus mutans from children of age 5-7 years, pre- and post-atraumatic restorative treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to monitor Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts in saliva of children aged 5-7 years old over a period of 6 months with the subsequent use of Fuji IX, glass ionomer cement in atraumatic restorative technique (ART). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred children were selected to receive ART using Fuji IX glass ionomer cement. Caries status was recorded using DMFT index (WHO 1997) and revaluated after 6 months using DMFS index (WHO 1979). Saliva was collected for microbiological assessment of SM count on four occasions, baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after ART approach. The results of the microbiological tests were statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney rank test. RESULTS: The results showed a significant reduction of SM levels in saliva immediately 1 week following the ART approach with mean SM counts of 1.5763 (10(6) CFU/ml) and 1.1286 (10(5) CFU/ml) pre- and 1 week post-ART, respectively. Reduction in the SM count was seen in 89.47% of children after 1 week of ART treatment. The mean SM count after 1 month and 6 months post-ART was 1.4814 (10(6) CFU/ml) and 1.4722(10(6) CFU/ml), respectively. CONCLUSION: It was concluded from the results that the ART technique was successful in reducing the SM counts in saliva significantly for a period of 1 week post treatment. Although the mean SM counts remained less than the baseline after 6 month evaluation, a trend toward re-establishment of SM to the baseline count was noticed.

Comparative investigation of clinical/radiographical signs of mineral trioxide aggregate and formocresol on pulpotomized primary molars.

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate clinically and radiographically the effects of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a pulp dressing after coronal pulp amputation (pulpotomy) in primary molars, (2) to compare the effects of MTA and formocresol in pulpotomized primary teeth. Sixty primary mandibular molars of thirty healthy children aged between 5-8 years were treated by conventional pulpotomy technique. The teeth on the right side are assigned to MTA (Group A) and the left side for the Formocresol (Group B). The children were examined clinically and radiographically every 6 months over a period of 36 months. Results of present study revealed that both MTA and Formocresol has the same effect on the first as well as second primary molars, with chi-square value being 1.1483 (P ≥ 0.05). None of the teeth in either group showed any clinical pathology, showing 100% success rate but radiographically formocresol group showed one case of internal resorption that was regarded as failure in the present study. MTA seems to be more promising predictable with positive response in vital pulp therapy in future than formocresol pulpotomy except for the cost factor.

Microleakage of restorative materials: an in vitro study.

The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating and comparing the microleakage of glass ionomer, composite resin and compomers. Class V cavities were made in thirty intact caries free premolars and restored with restorative materials to be tested respectively. The teeth were thermocycled and subjected to silver nitrate dye penetration. They were subsequently sectioned buccolingually. Microleakage was evaluated under a stereomicroscope and data subjected to statistical analysis. The study concluded that microleakage was evident in all restorative materials, with glass ionomer showing maximum leakage followed by composite resin. Compomer demonstrated the best results with minimum leakage.