A biochemical and histopathological evaluation of generalized pulp calcification in young permanent teeth.

Pulp calcifications are a frequent finding on bitewing and periapical radiographs in older age-groups but their occurrence in the entire dentition in young subjects is unusual. We report such an unusual occurrence of generalized pulp calcification in a 13-year-old Indian female. Radiographic examination of the dentition revealed pulp calcifications in all permanent teeth, located mostly in the pulp chamber but with some in the root canals. The patient's dental, medical, and family history was noncontributory. Biochemical analysis of the removed pulp calcification from one of the teeth during endodontic treatment showed large amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and carbonate. However, metabolic evaluation of patient through liver and kidney function tests and other blood investigations did not reveal any metabolic disorder. The patient was also evaluated for any systemic, syndromic, or genetic involvement but this was also noncontributory. Therefore, we propose that this unusual case of generalized pulp calcification is of idiopathic origin. In this work, histopathological and biochemical evaluations of the pulp calcification was done to try and understand the initiation and progress of calcifications in pulpal tissue.

A comparative evaluation of intranasal midazolam, ketamine and their combination for sedation of young uncooperative pediatric dental patients: a triple blind randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of intranasal (IN) administration of midazolam (M), ketamine (K) and their combination (MK) to produce moderate sedation in young, uncooperative pediatric dental patients. STUDY DESIGN: In this three stage crossover trial forty five uncooperative ASA type-1 children, who required dental treatment, were randomly assigned to receive one of the three drugs/combination by IN route during three subsequent visits. The efficacy and safety of the agents were assessed by overall success rate and by monitoring of vital signs, respectively. RESULTS: The onset of sedation was rapid with K as compared to M and MK. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01) between K and M. The overall success rate was 89% with K, MK was 84% and 69% with M. The difference between the overall success rates of K and M was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Vital signs were within physiological limits and there were no significant adverse effects with any medication. CONCLUSIONS: M, K and MK are safe and effective by IN route to produce moderate sedation for providing dental care to pediatric dental patients who have been otherwise indicated for treatment under general anesthesia.

Popliteal pterygium syndrome: orofacial and general features.

This report describes the case of a 13-year-old Indian boy with popliteal pterygium syndrome. The popliteal pterygium syndrome is an extremely rare hereditary disorder thought to occur with an incidence of approximately 1 in 300000 live births. It is a congenital malformation syndrome affecting the face, limbs, and genitalia with highly characteristic features, including popliteal webbing, cleft palate (with or without cleft lip), lower lip pits, syndactyly, and genital and nail anomalies. This patient was referred to our department because of complaints of pain in the mouth and poor oral health. The orofacial findings included cleft lip, cleft palate, lower lip pits, a few missing teeth, and severely decayed teeth. In this syndrome, the orodental problems are overshadowed by the major syndromic manifestations but nevertheless need appropriate management. These patients have special dental needs and early diagnosis of the affected children is therefore important in order to initiate preventive dental care and carry out appropriate dental treatment at the optimal time.

A comparative evaluation of drops versus atomized administration of intranasal ketamine for the procedural sedation of young uncooperative pediatric dental patients: a prospective crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy and safety of drops and atomized administration of intranasal ketamine (INK) in terms of behavioral response for agent acceptance during administration and for agent efficacy and safety for the sedation of young uncooperative pediatric dental patients. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-four uncooperative ASA grade-1 children, requiring dental treatment were randomly assigned to receive INK as drops and atomized spray in one of the subsequent visit. This was a two stage cross-over trial and each child received INK by both modes of administration. The vital signs were monitored continuously during each visit. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in patients acceptance (P < 0.0001) was observed in the atomized administration when compared to drops administration for the procedural event of drug administration. Moreover there were also significant differences (P < 0.05) between onset of sedation and recovery time between two groups. All the vital signs were within normal physiological limits and there were no significant adverse effects in either group. CONCLUSIONS: INK is safe and effective by either mode of intranasal (IN) drug administration for moderate sedation in facilitating dental care for anxious and uncooperative pediatric dental patients. Moreover, INK when administered with the mucosal atomization device, the acceptance of the drug was associated with less aversive reaction, rapid onset and recovery of sedation, as compared to the drop administration of the same agent.