Correction: The investigation of WNT6 and WNT10A single nucleotide polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for dental pulp calcification in orthodontic patients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288782.].

Intratubular Sealer Penetration: Scanning Electron Microscopy Associated with Cathodoluminescence Analysis.

AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the ability of three endodontic sealers, Endofill (END), AH Plus (AHP), and Sealer Plus BC (SPB), to penetrate dentinal tubules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five human teeth, single-rooted and previously instrumented mandibular premolars, were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 15): END (n = 15), AHP (n = 15), and SPB (n = 15). After obturation, dental sections were performed horizontally, at 2 and 5 mm from the root apex. The samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy associated with cathodoluminescence. Percentage penetration (PP%) and maximum penetration depth (MPD) of the sealers were evaluated by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, for general and paired data, respectively. The Wilcoxon test was applied to analyze the differences between the 5 and 2 mm distances. A 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: As for PP%, AHP and SPB were similar (p = 0.127) and presented higher values than END (AHP, p = 0.024 and SPB, p <0.001); with regard to MPD, AHP and SPB did not differ either (p = 0.450), but were higher than END (p <0.001); in both analyses, penetration was greater at 5 mm than at 2 mm (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: SPB showed satisfactory performance in penetrating dentinal tubules, being similar to AHP, and superior to END. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Greater penetration of sealer into the dentinal tubules may increase the chance of successful endodontic treatment.

Human Development Index, Ratio of Dentists and Inhabitants, and the Decayed, Missing or Filled Teeth Index in Large Cities.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the associations between human development and the demographic ratio of dentists with the prevalence of dental caries at 12 years of age in large Brazilian cities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from 27 state capitals, Secondary databases were used: the municipal human development index (MDHI); the ratio of dentists qualified to exercise their profession according to the number of inhabitants; and the decayed, missing or filled teeth index (DMFT). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and multiple logarithmic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: The MDHI showed a strong correlation with DMFT and explained 48.1% of the variation in the cities. The ratio of dentists to the number of inhabitants displayed an insignificant, weak correlation with the variations in the DMFT. CONCLUSION: Social factors strongly influence the oral health/ disease process in Brazilian capitals, thus actions are needed for the promotion of health at more distal, or structural levels that modify the environment, thus enabling healthier choices for individuals. These results challenge traditional beliefs that only the ratio of professional dentists to inhabitants and the provision of dental services have beneficial effects on the prevention and control of oral health problems. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The prevalence of dental caries is strongly correlated with social factors, as the MDHI.