Neonatal teeth: Importance of histological findings in management update.

BACKGROUND: Presence of teeth in a newborn represents a rare finding and a disturbance of biological chronology of teeth. The aim of this paper is to report two cases with neonatal teeth histologically examined. CASE REPORT: In this paper two cases of patients with neonatal teeth are reported and histological examinations of three extracted teeth are described. We report an exceptional finding in one of the neonatal teeth microscopically examined: a massive inflammatory infiltration in the pulp tissue similar to that in pulpitis. RESULTS: The management of natal and neonatal teeth usually includes the extraction in case of ulceration on the tongue or severe tooth mobility to prevent accidental inhalation or feeding disturbances. The presence of an inflammatory infiltration of pulp tissue in one of teeth histologically examined suggests to review the indications for extraction considered to date. CONCLUSION: The management of natal and neonatal teeth should consider the presence of an inflammatory infiltration of pulp tissue. An anamnestic interview is advisable in ordert to deeply investigate about possible behaviours of the child due to pain or discomfort.

Pain perception using a computer-controlled anaesthetic delivery system in paediatric dentistry: A review.

AIM: In paediatric dentistry it is essentials to reduce axiety and fear induced by local anaesthetic injection, in order to obtain patient's cooperation and achieve a successful treatment. Hence, this review is aiming to primary evaluate pain perception in paediatric patients when using a computer-controlled local anaesthetic delivery system (C-CLADS) compared to traditional injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database literature search was conducted on both MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and a data extraction table was created to perform a critical evaluation of each scientific article. The primary results were the perception of pain during anaesthesia and the patient's behaviour, the secondary the amount of anaesthetic required and its duration over time. RESULTS: In the review were included 7 clinical studies regarding paediatric patients where split-mouth designs or group division were used. The age range was between 5 and 17 years old. Pain and fear parameters were measured by visual analogue scales, behavioural scales, heart rate and satisfaction questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Substantial heterogeneity between clinical trials was observed, which led to difficult comparison. Computerised devices have proved to be interesting in reducing pain during anaesthesia, improving the approach to the paediatric patient. It is advisable to conduct research with anxious subjects and patients under the age of 4, because no evidence has been found in the literature. It is recommended to conduct further research with anxious subjects and patients below the age of 4, where Relative Analgesia by Langa or pharmacological anxiolysis are frequently used.