Comparative Evaluation of Intraoral and Extraoral Periapical Radiographic Techniques in Determination of Working Length: An In Vivo Study.

OBJECTIVES/AIMS: This study was designed to determine the endodontic working length (WL) of root canals using digital extraoral periapical radiography (EOPAR) technique and comparing its accuracy with the standard digital intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty single-rooted mandibular first premolars indicated for orthodontic extraction were radiographed preoperatively to ensure closed apices. After gaining endodontic access, WL was determined by IOPAR using paralleling technique, followed by EOPAR, by placing a cone at +35° from the contralateral side. Accessed tooth was then extracted to obtain the actual root canal length and was compared with the radiographic lengths. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using paired t test. RESULTS: The actual length and the extraoral radiographic length showed no statistical significant difference (p = 0.326). The difference between the mean WL obtained by IOPA and EOPA was also not statistically significant (p = 0.096). The accuracy of IOPA technique was 97.87 ± 0.91% and that of EOPA technique was 94.65 ± 2.57%. CONCLUSION: The EOPA technique with an angulation of +35° can be used as an alternative to IOPA for mandibular premolars in apprehensive children, dental phobic patients with low pain threshold, neurological difficulties, and exaggerated gag reflex. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Sridhara A, Konde S, Noojadi SR, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Intraoral and Extraoral Periapical Radiographic Techniques in Determination of Working Length: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(3):211-216.

Antibiotic overusage and resistance: A cross-sectional survey among pediatric dentists.

INTRODUCTION: Most human orofacial infections originate from odontogenic infections and prescribing antibiotics has become a ubiquitous phenomenon. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the inappropriate, indiscriminate, and irrational use of antibiotics leading to antibiotic resistance as a global problem. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this survey is to compare the antibiotic prescription pattern and the awareness of antibiotic resistance among Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) practitioners and pediatric dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred BDS practitioners and 100 pediatric dentists included in the study were given a questionnaire containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The questionnaire comprised information pertaining to antibiotic prescription for most common oral conditions, commonly prescribed antibiotics, their dosage, etc. RESULTS: The majority of the practitioners prescribed antibiotics for managing oral diseases. On comparing the prescription patterns between the BDS practitioners and pediatric dentists, there was an overprescription in the BDS group for many conditions, which was statistically significant. Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed drug in both the groups. In the presence of an anaerobic infection, the most preferred drug was a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid with metronidazole. With regard to the duration of antibiotic prescription, 74% BDS practitioners prescribed antibiotics as a 3-day course and 60% pediatric dentists resorted to a 5-day course, which was statistically significant. The awareness regarding antibiotic prophylaxis and antibiotic resistance was found to be adequate in both the groups. However, there was a general lack of awareness with regard to the guidelines for antibiotic prescribing in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Practitioners should prescribe antibiotics in accordance with the guidelines to curb antibiotic resistance, an emerging public health problem.

Moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant: A boon.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pit and fissure sealants are highly effective in preventing occlusal caries. The present study clinically evaluated and compared the retention and development of caries when sealed with moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant, conventional resin-based sealant with and without a bonding agent, and Glass Ionomer Cement Sealant in young permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 healthy cooperative children aged 6-9 years who were at high caries risk with all four newly erupted permanent first molars were included in the study. Teeth were divided into 4 groups using a full-factorial design, and each of the molars was sealed with the four different sealant material. Evaluation of sealant retention and development of caries was performed at 6 and 12 months using Modified Simonsen's criteria. The data obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney Test. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The result from the present study indicated that moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant could be successfully used as a pit and fissure sealant because its hydrophilic chemistry makes it less technique sensitive and simplifies the sealant application procedure.