Pulp calcification in traumatized primary teeth: prevalence and associated factors.

AIM: To establish the prevalence of pulp calcifications in 946 patients at the Research and Clinical Center of Dental Trauma in Primary Teeth. STUDY DESIGN: The clinical and radiographic records of l675 traumatized primary teeth were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and univariate logistic regression. RESULTS: 197 (20.8%) patients showed pulp calcification (PC). A total of 250 (14.9%) calcified teeth were observed In most teeth, PC appeared within the first 12 months following trauma. PC prevalence was higher in cases of repeated trauma (29.6%) than in single trauma (16.4%), p < 0.05, with a 2.14 chance of showing pulp calcification when a child suffered recurrent trauma. Most teeth showing calcified pulp, suffered trauma to the supportive tissue (67.4%), being statistically significant in relation to the trauma to dental tissue (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PC is a sequelae in cases of trauma to the primary dentition; teeth that suffered recurrent traumatic injuries show higher risk of presenting.

Ex vivo performance of five methods for root canal length determination in primary anterior teeth.

AIM: To evaluate in a laboratory setting the performance of five methods for the determination of root canal length in primary anterior teeth. METHODOLOGY: Twenty extracted primary incisors, with at least two-thirds of the root, were used. After access cavity preparation, the teeth were embedded in alginate mixed with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. One operator determined root canal length using tactile sense (T), conventional radiography (RAD), tactile sense and conventional radiography (T + RAD), digital radiography (RDIG) and Root ZX electronic apex locator (EAL) methods. Next, the actual length (AL) was visually determined using a K-file from the coronal reference to the apical foramen or apical resorption level. The measurements obtained through each method were compared to the AL using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with the limits of agreement calculated with Bland and Altman analysis. The measurements were classified as acceptable (+/-1 mm from the AL) or not (>1 mm shorter or longer), and the McNemar test was employed for method comparison. RESULTS: Differences, limits of agreement and ICCs for each method were respectively EAL = -0.29; -1.02 to 0.44; 0.990; T + RAD = 0.17; -2.18 to 2.51; 0.929; RAD = 0.50; -3.41 to 4.41; 0.818; RDIG = 0.95; -3.76 to 5.65; 0.700; and T = -0.48; -5.59 to 4.64; 0.499. The most accurate and acceptable method was the EAL, followed by the T + RAD. : The EAL method performed best for root canal length determination in primary teeth.

Multidisciplinary approach on rehabilitation of primary teeth traumatism repercussion on the permanent successor: 6-year follow-up case report.

Traumatic lesions in primary teeth are frequent in pediatric patients and can cause problems both to the deciduous tooth and permanent successor. The impact strength on deciduous tooth can reach the growing permanent tooth, affecting its morphology, structure and position, or even hampering its proper development. This report describes an aesthetic-functional rehabilitation process in an 8 year 10 month old boy during a multidisciplinary treatment held at the Clinical Center of Dental Trauma in Primary Teeth of the Pediatric Dentistry of Dental College of University of São Paulo, Brazil. The patient presented bilateral posterior cross bite and the permanent left upper central incisor with ectopic eruption and enamel hypoplasy, preceded by avulsion of element 61, occurred when the patient was 1.6 years old. After diagnosis and treatment planning, a quick expansion of jaws was recommended with Hass-type rapid expander and orthodontic leveling with fixed braces. Due to the ectopic eruption, the gingival contour had been altered and hypertrophia was found, compromising aesthetics and avoiding local hygienic procedures. Gingivoplasty was carried out with high-intensity Diode Laser, followed by aesthetic restoration with compound resin. It was concluded that after deciduous teeth traumatism it is important that the patient undergoes clinic and radiographic assistance until the permanent teeth erupt so that an adequate multidisciplinary treatment can be offered to the patient.