Silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment: a paradigm shift in dental caries management.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) are treatment modalities that are minimally invasive and used for the prevention and control of dental caries. The amalgamation of these two techniques has led to the development of silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment (SMART). In this approach the carious lesion is restored with glass-ionomer cement (GIC) after SDF application. SMART effectively arrests caries without removing additional tooth structure, making it a promising option for caries management in children who lack cooperative ability.This article reviews the literature on SMART, the evidence regarding its applications in dental practice, its advantages, drawbacks, the scope for research, and clinical use.

2-year survival and cost analysis of occlusoproximal ART restorations using encapsulated glass ionomer cement in primary molars: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The survival of ART restorations can be influenced by the choice of the restorative material. The aim of this randomized non-inferiority controlled trial was to compare the 2-year survival rate and cost analysis of two encapsulated glass ionomer cements (GIC) as occlusoproximal restorative materials in primary molars. METHODS: Children from public schools in Tietê (Brazil), aged 4-8 years with occlusoproximal dentine carious lesions in primary molars were selected and randomly assigned to receive either Equia Forte (EF) or Riva Self Cure (RSC) as restorative materials. Treatment was carried out by two trained final-year dental students in schools following ART premises. Restorations were assessed by a trained and calibrated examiner after 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was restoration survival after 2 years, analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis (α = 5%). Professional and materials costs for each group were collected in Brazilian Reais (R$) and converted into US dollars (US$) and analyzed using Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS: A total of 152 children (76 per group) were included in the study, and 121 (79%) were evaluated after 2 years. The overall 2-year restoration survival rate was 39% (EF = 45%; RSC = 32%) with no difference between the groups. The baseline and 2-year total cost of restorations using RSC was lower when compared to EF (incremental cost: US$ 6.18). CONCLUSION: After two years of follow-up, Riva Self Cure shows comparable restoration survival rates to Equia Forte, being more cost-effective in the Brazilian perspective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov - NCT02730000.

Cost-effectiveness of restorative treatments for permanent molars with severe molar incisor hypomineralization: perspectives for the Brazilian public health system.

OBJECTIVES: To undertake a cost-effectiveness analysis of restorative treatments for a first permanent molar with severe molar incisor hypomineralization from the perspective of the Brazilian public system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two models were constructed: a one-year decision tree and a ten-year Markov model, each based on a hypothetical cohort of one thousand individuals through Monte Carlo simulation. Eight restorative strategies were evaluated: high viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC); encapsulated GIC; etch and rinse adhesive + composite; self-etch adhesive + composite; preformed stainless steel crown; HVGIC + etch and rinse adhesive + composite; HVGIC + self-etch adhesive + composite, and encapsulated GIC + etch and rinse adhesive + composite. Effectiveness data were sourced from the literature. Micro-costing was applied using 2022 USD market averages with a 5% variation. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), net monetary benefit (%NMB), and the budgetary impact were obtained. RESULTS: Cost-effective treatments included HVGIC (%NMB = 0%/ 0%), encapsulated GIC (%NMB = 19.4%/ 19.7%), and encapsulated GIC + etch and rinse adhesive + composite (%NMB = 23.4%/ 24.5%) at 1 year and 10 years, respectively. The benefit gain of encapsulated GIC + etch and rinse adhesive + composite in relation to encapsulated GIC was small when compared to the cost increase at 1 year (gain of 3.28% and increase of USD 24.26) and 10 years (gain of 4% and increase of USD 15.54). CONCLUSION: Within the horizon and perspective analyzed, the most cost-effective treatment was encapsulated GIC restoration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study can provide information for decision-making.

5.5-year-survival of CAD/CAM resin-based composite restorations in severe tooth wear patients.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this prospective study was to assess full mouth rehabilitation of severe tooth wear patients using minimally invasive CAD/CAM resin-based composite (RBC) restorations and direct veneers by evaluating restoration survival up to 5.5-years. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with generalized severe tooth wear with functional and/or esthetic problems were included. Following minimally invasive preparation, CAD/CAM RBC restorations (LAVA Ultimate,3M) were adhesively luted, direct RBC veneers (Filtek Supreme XTE, 3M) were applied in the aesthetic region. Patients were recalled after 1m,1y,3y,5y and seen in between recalls by their general dentists or at the clinical study center if complaints occurred. Failures were categorized as F1 (severe deficiencies requiring replacement/extraction), F2 (localized deficiencies requiring re-cementation/repair) and F3 (small chippings requiring refurbishment/monitoring). Survival of indirect restorations was evaluated using lifetables and Kaplan-Meier-graphs, distinguishing between failure categories and tooth type (front teeth=FT, premolars=PM, molars=M). F1 + F2 and F1 + F2 + F3 failures were analyzed using Cox regression on the variables tooth type/ location, age, gender and VDO increase (p < 0.05). RESULTS: 568 indirect restorations and 200 direct veneers in 21 patients evaluated for up to 5.5-years. For indirect restorations, 96 failures were recorded (F1:6;F2:41;F3:49) and annual failure rates were 0.29%(FT), 1.56%(PM), 2.93%(M) for F1 +F2 and 0.53%(FT), 2.42%(PM), 6.11%(M) for F1 + F2 + F3. Reasons for failure were chipping fracture (48), adhesive fracture (32), complete debonding (7), caries (4), endodontic treatment (1) and reasons unknown (documentation general dentists, 4). Molar tooth type had a statistically significantly increased probability of failure compared with front teeth and premolars for F1 + F2 + F3 (p < 0.006). Direct veneer restorations showed 18 failures (F1:2;F2:9;F3:7). SIGNIFICANCE: Minimally invasive CAD/CAM RBC restorations combined with direct RBC veneers showed an acceptable clinical mid-term survival for restorative rehabilitation of severely worn dentitions.

Oral health with focus on dental fear and dental caries in Swedish preschool child populations attending public dental health care: Trends over 30 years.

OBJECTIVES: To study changes in oral health with focus on reported dental fear prevalence and interrelationships between dental fear and prevalence of dental caries and performed restorative dental treatment in preschool child populations attending regular public dental health care between 1983 and 2013. METHODS: Every 10 years, random samples of about 100 children aged 3 and 5 years, respectively, took part in cross-sectional studies based on oral examination and a questionnaire. One question, put to the child and answered by the parent, mirrored dental fear: "What do you feel at the prospect of an appointment with a dentist?". Agreement to at least one of three alternatives, ill at ease, frightened and sick, indicated dental fear. Frightened and/or sick mirrored severe dental fear. 79%-94% of the samples answered the question and constituted the study group. Prevalence of caries and number of filled tooth surfaces were recorded. Dental parameters were presented in mean values. RESULTS: During the 30 years, dental fear prevalence was fairly constant. 21% of 3-year-olds and 15% of 5-year-olds reported dental fear in 2013. Positive relationships between dental fear prevalence and caries prevalence and number of filled tooth surfaces were found. Dental caries was reduced during the study time, but to a lesser degree in children with dental fear compared to children without dental fear. CONCLUSIONS: Although children were offered public dental health care, the prevalence of dental fear remained high. Children with dental fear are caries risk individuals.

A narrative review of minimally invasive techniques in restorative dentistry.

This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of minimal invasive dentistry (MID) by synthesizing relevant articles obtained from various sources, including electronic databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, the COCHRANE library, and Science Direct, as well as through manual searches of cross-references and textbooks. The search employed MeSH terms and keywords related to MID, such as "minimally invasive dentistry," "atraumatic restorative treatment (ART)," "MID," and "minimum intervention dentistry." The inclusion criterion was English-language articles published between the years 2000 and June 2023 that aligned with the study objectives. After a thorough assessment of the included articles, 34 high-quality articles were selected for this review. The selected articles elucidate the characteristics of MID, the application of the ART, and the principles of minimum intervention in dentistry. Animal-based studies and narrative reviews on MID were excluded from the analysis. This narrative review serves as a valuable resource for dental professionals, researchers, and educators interested in staying abreast of the latest developments and evidence in the field of MID.

Organic antibacterial modifications of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement for atraumatic restorative treatment: A review.

High viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC) has been employed as a restorative material for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). As residual caries persist after caries removal in ART, the antibacterial activity of HVGIC gains importance. Organic and inorganic substances with antibacterial properties have been incorporated into HVGIC over the years, and their effects on the antibacterial and physical properties have been studied. The objective of this paper is to review the various alterations made to HVGIC using organic compounds, their effect on the antibacterial activity, and the physical properties of the cement. Various in vitro investigations have been conducted by adding antiseptics, antibiotics, and naturally occurring antibacterial substances. Most of these compounds render superior antibacterial properties to HVGIC, but higher concentrations affect physical properties in a dose-dependent manner. However, some naturally occurring antibacterial substances, such as chitosan, improve the physical properties of HVGIC, as they enhance cross-linking and polysalt bridging. There is potential for clinical benefits to be gained from the addition of organic antibacterial compounds to HVGIC. In-depth research is required to determine the optimum concentration at which the antibacterial effect is maximum without affecting the physical properties of the cement.

Experiences of Dental Hygienists Providing Restorative Care.

Purpose The intent of this inquiry was to explore the lived experiences of dental hygienists who provide restorative patient care.Methods Phenomenology was the qualitative approach used. Purposive sampling ensured participants had relevant experiences. An Interview Guide was emailed one week prior to the interview to help participants prepare responses. Informed consent included selecting a pseudonym, which was used throughout the interview and on the written transcript to protect the participants' identities. One-hour semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded on Zoom. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously. Verbatim transcription accuracy was verified. Data were initially coded and then focused coding created themes. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results After eight interviews data saturation was achieved. Seven females and one male participated. All participants experienced a restorative curriculum in their entry-level program and most felt well-prepared. The motivation for becoming a restorative dental hygienist included having positive restorative experiences during the entry-level program, wanting to keep restorative skills current after graduation, and having an opportunity to provide restorative care. Challenges experienced included the dentists' negative attitudes, dental hygienists' not valuing restorative abilities and not having a qualified dental assistant. Personal benefits were related to career fulfillment. Benefits to patients involved improving access, efficiency, and convenience. The benefit to the office was increased production. Differences between restorative and preventive care involved demands of care and patient care flow.Conclusion The findings provide insight into the unique experiences of dental hygienists who provided restorative patient care and a foundation for future research.

Short-term Clinical and Microbiological Performance of Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement Containing Chlorhexidine for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment.

Aim: This study evaluated the short-term clinical and microbiological performance of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) cement containing chlorhexidine (CHX) for atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in primary teeth. Materials and methods: The clinical trial was conducted in 36 children that received ART in primary molars either with GIC (group I, n = 18) or GIC containing 1.25% CHX (group II, n = 18). The survival rate of restorations was checked 7 days, 3, and 6 months after their application when saliva and biofilm were collected for microbiological assessment of mutans streptococci (MS) counts. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U tests for clinical analysis and microbiological evaluations (p < 0.05). Results: The survival rate of restorations was similar comparing groups I with II. Microbiological analysis showed a significant reduction in MS levels 7 days after the treatment in both saliva and biofilm of children treated with RM-GIC containing CHX (group II); however, MS counts at 3 and 6 months did not differ from the initial counts. Conclusion: A total of 1.25% CHX improved the microbiological properties of GIC in the short term without impairing the clinical performance of ART restorations. Clinical significance: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) containing CHX could be an alternative in ART procedures with the objective of promoting an additional antimicrobial effect, which is interesting for children with high counts of MS during the initial phase of adaptation to dental treatment. How to cite this article: da Silva ME, de Sena MD, Colombo NH, et al. Short-term Clinical and Microbiological Performance of Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement Containing Chlorhexidine for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S27-S32.

The experiences of dental hygienists providing restorative patient care.

OBJECTIVE: The intent of this inquiry was to explore the lived experiences of dental hygienists who provide restorative patient care. METHODS: Phenomenology was the qualitative approach used. Purposive sampling ensured participants had relevant experiences. An interview guide was emailed 1 week prior to the interview to help participants prepare responses. Informed consent included selecting a pseudonym, which was used throughout the interview and on the written transcript to protect the participants' identities. One-hour semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded on Zoom. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously. Verbatim transcription accuracy was verified. Data were initially coded and then focused coding created themes. Demographic data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: After eight interviews, data saturation was achieved. Seven females and one male participated. All participants experienced a restorative curriculum in their entry-level program and most felt well-prepared. The motivation for becoming a restorative dental hygienist included having positive restorative experiences during the entry-level program, wanting to keep restorative skills current after graduation, and having an opportunity to provide restorative care. Challenges experienced included the dentists' negative attitudes, hygienists' not valuing restorative abilities and not having a qualified dental assistant. Personal benefits were related to career fulfilment. Benefits to patients involved improving access, efficiency, and convenience. The benefit to the office was increased production. Differences between restorative and preventive care involved demands of care and patient care flow. CONCLUSION: The findings provide insight into the unique experiences of dental hygienists who provided restorative patient care and a foundation for future research.

Perception of oral health related quality of life and orofacial aesthetics following restorative treatment of tooth wear: A five-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: Non-carious tooth wear often has a multifactorial etiology and may lead to functional or aesthetically related problems. The most common complaints associated with tooth wear are dissatisfaction with dental appearance and a negative impact on the experienced Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). The aim of this study was to investigate the change in OHRQoL and the perception of aesthetics, following restorative treatment of moderate to severe tooth wear patients, with a five-year follow-up. METHODS: An explorative study, based on prospective data, was performed. OHRQoL and the perception of aesthetics were measured with the OHIP-NL and OES-NL. These questionnaires were completed before treatment, one month after treatment, and at 1-, 3- and 5-years post-treatment. Treatment involved full mouth reconstruction with composite resin restorations. The data was analysed as repeated measures by using a linear mixed-effects model. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three tooth wear patients that received restorative rehabilitation were included (97 males, 26 females, 37.5 ± 8.8 years-old). Data showed a statistically significant increase in both experienced OHRQoL and orofacial appearance after restorative treatment. The OHIP-scores remained stable over time, while the OES-scores slightly decreased during the years after treatment. Regarding the seven domains of the OHIP, the largest difference in OHIP-score was found in the domain of 'Psychological Discomfort'. The mean overall OHIP-score was 1.8 at baseline and 1.3 at the 5-years recall. The mean OES score increased from 41.8 at baseline to 66.1 at the 5-years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth wear patients reported significant improvements in their OHRQoL and their perception of orofacial aesthetics after restorative treatment. This increase remained at least five years post-treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical impact of restorative treatment for tooth wear patients is considerable. This paper emphasizes the need to include a discussion of the patient related outcome measures when planning care.

The clinical success of ART restorations and Hall technique in primary molars: a randomized 18-month follow-up study.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of the Hall technique (HT) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations using high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement for the management of occlusal carious lesions in primary molars. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical study observed 40 children (aged 5-6 years). For each child, one tooth was treated with HT and one with ART. The primary outcome measures for HT restorations were successful, minor, and major failure rates. Clinical evaluations of ART restorations were performed according to the modified United States Public Health Service criteria during 18-month follow-up. McNemar test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Thirty of 40 (75%) participants returned for 18 months of follow-up. In the clinical evaluations of teeth that were treated with HT, the patients did not have complaints of pain or other symptoms, all crowns remained in the oral cavity, the gums were healthy, and the teeth were functional in all evaluations. At the end of the 18-month follow-up, the surface texture and marginal integrity criteria of ART restorations were recorded as 26.7% and 33.3%, respectively. In the radiographic evaluation of 30 patients treated with ART and HT, all restorations were considered successful. Conclusions: The 18-month clinical and radiographic results after treatments applied to single-surface cavities in anxious children showed that both treatment methods were successful.

Restorative Treatment in a Patient with Symptomatic Valvular and Structural Heart Disease.

Heart failure (HF) and valve replacements are common conditions encountered by dental professionals. Identification and differentiation between acute versus chronic HF symptoms will be key to providing safe and effective dental care. Vasoactive agents should be used cautiously in individuals with advanced HF. People with underlying cardiac conditions that put them at an increased risk of developing infectious endocarditis require antibiotic prophylaxis before all dental procedures. Establishing and maintaining optimal oral health is necessary to minimize the risks of bacterial seeding from the oral cavity to the heart.

Pre-orthodontic restorative treatment of microdontia diastema teeth using composite injection technique with a digital workflow-Case report.

Restorative treatment of microdontia teeth is often considered as the final step of post-orthodontic treatment. Based on digital workflow, this clinical report presents pre-orthodontic reshaping of anterior teeth in the smile disharmony of a young patient using bilayering composite injection technique. Transparent silicone indexes for dentin and enamel fillings were fabricated from three-dimensional-printed models of the digital wax-up. This noninvasive, simple and straightforward injection technique was able to provide semipermanent reversible aesthetic restorations while awaiting for adulthood and definitive prosthodontic solution. Closure of diastemas before orthodontic treatment were carried out to restore functional contact point and to guide future teeth movements.

Odontologia minimamente invasiva em atenção primária à saúde: integração ensino-serviço / Odontología mínimamente invasiva en la atención primaria de salud: integración enseñanza-servicio / Minimally invasive dentistry in primary health care: education-service integration

O objetivo do presente estudo foi apresentar um relato de experiência com utilização de Odontologia Minimamente Invasiva em intervenção, tratamento e prevenção de cárie em crianças de escola pública por meio da integração de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior com o sistema público de saúde e comunidade. Para tal ação, a intervenção foi dividida em: Fase 1 -aplicação funcional das diretrizes de atendimento odontológico seguindo o Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático (ART) e Fase 2 -análise crítica da efetividade das ações da fase 1, para potencial reprodução sob contexto de retomada das atividades escolares presenciais. Na Fase 1, graduandos do último período de Odontologia de uma universidade estadual realizaram o levantamento clínico e atendimento com a técnica do ART em 275 pacientes provenientes de uma escola da rede pública municipal de ensino fundamental, em escolares na faixa etária de 6 a 15 anos de idade. A partir da Fase 2 (Análise crítica de efetividade de ações) foi possível reconhecer, por meio de uma análise descritiva das experiências vivenciadas e da avaliação do resultado do primeiro controle realizado dois meses após realização ART, que essa atividade foi efetivamente um modelo desucesso na integração ensino-serviço, capaz de exemplificar uma experiência potencialmente significativa para emprego em contextos de retomada das atividades escolares presenciais, minimizando os problemas gerados pelo distanciamento social e interrupção temporária das consultas eletivas em Odontologia. A integração ensino-serviço com a ação realizada promoveu a qualidade de vida e redução da vulnerabilidade e riscos à saúde bucal (AU).

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar un relato de experiencia con el uso de la Odontología Mínimamente Invasiva en la intervención, tratamiento y prevención de caries en escolares públicos a través de la integración de una Institución de Educación Superior con el sistema de salud pública y la comunidad. Para esta acción, la intervención se dividió en: Fase 1 -aplicación funcional de las pautas de atención dental siguiendo el Tratamiento Restaurador Atraumático (TRA) y Fase 2 -análisis crítico de la efectividad de las acciones de la fase 1, para la reproducción potencial en el contexto de reanudación de actividades escolares presenciales. En la Fase 1, estudiantes del último período de Odontología de una universidad estatal realizaron la encuesta clínica y atención con la técnica de TRA en 275 pacientes deuna escuela de la red de escuelas primarias públicas municipales, en estudiantes de 6 a 15 años. A partir de la Fase 2 (Análisis crítico de la efectividad de las acciones) se pudo reconocer, mediante un análisis descriptivo de las experiencias vividas y la evaluación del resultado del primer control realizado dos meses después de la realización de la TAR, que esta actividad fue efectivamente un modelo de éxito en la integración enseñanza-servicio, capaz de ejemplificar una experiencia potencialmente significativa para su uso en contextos de reanudación de actividades escolares presenciales, minimizando los problemas generados por el distanciamiento social y la interrupción temporal de las consultas electivas en Odontología. La integración enseñanza-serviciocon la acción realizada promovió la calidad de vida y redujo la vulnerabilidad y los riesgos para la salud bucal (AU).

The aims of this study were to present an experience case report on the use of Minimally Invasive Dentistry in the intervention, treatment, and prevention of dental cavities in children attending public schools through the integration of a Higher Education Institution along with the Brazilian public health system known as Unified Health System, and the community. For this action, the intervention was dividedinto: Phase 1 -application of the dental care guidelines following the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) and Phase 2 -critical analysis of the effectiveness of phase 1 actions, for potential reproduction under the context of resumption of face-to-face school activities after COVID-19 pandemic. During Phase 1, last period undergraduates of Dentistry from a state university carried out a clinical survey with the ART technique in 275 patients from a public municipal elementary school, in schoolchildrenaged 6 to 15 years old. Based on Phase 2 findings, it was possible to recognize, through a descriptive analysis of the experiences lived and the evaluation of the first follow-up, carried out two months after performing ART, that this initiative was highly successful. It served as a valuable model in the context of resuming face-to-face school activities, mitigating the challenges caused by social distancing measures and the temporary suspension of elective dental appointments due to the pandemic. The education-service integration with the implemented action promoted a better quality of life and reduced vulnerability and risks to oral health (AU).

Direct restorations and enhanced caries prevention among 20- to 60-year-olds attending Helsinki City Public Dental Service - a register-based observation.

OBJECTIVE: Our retrospective register-based observational study evaluated age-specific aspects and changes in volume and content of direct restorative procedures, pulp cappings and enhanced caries prevention measures given to adults. METHODS: Data included all treatments provided for 20- to 60-year-olds visiting the Helsinki City Public Dental Service (PDS) in 2012 and 2017. For both years, the data were aggregated into 5-year age groups. Data included means of DMFT indices, number and size of direct restorations, number of specific codes for pulp cappings and enhanced prevention. RESULTS: Around half of all patients received restorations, 39,820 (50.9%) in 2012 and 43,392 (45.9%) in 2017. The greatest increase in DMFT means by age cohort was found for the 2012 age cohort of 25- to 29-year-olds and the smallest for the 2012 age cohort of 45- to 49-year-olds. In each same-age group and each age cohort, the enhanced prevention in 2017 was less frequent than in 2012. The proportion of two-surface restorations accounted for 44.7% of procedures in 2012 and 45.9% in 2017, followed by an increasing proportion of one-surface restorations, from 28.3% in 2012 to 32.9% in 2017. Associations between restoration size and age group were highly significant (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The volume of direct restorative procedures and enhanced prevention measures were strongly age-dependent. Restorative treatment procedures were more frequent in older age groups than in younger age groups, and vice versa for enhanced prevention and pulp cappings. The magnitude of restorative treatment decreased slowly from 2012 to 2017, and overall enhanced preventive treatment was limited.

Restoratively guided orthodontic treatment: The pre-orthodontic bonding concept.

OBJECTIVE: Communication between the orthodontist and the restorative dentist has always been difficult due to the inability of the orthodontist to achieve the desired orthodontic goals with just words in a referral note. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: A better method of communication is for the restorative dentist to create the ideal tooth anatomy either before or during orthodontic treatment to direct the orthodontic tooth movement. CONCLUSION: It is the purpose of this article to present a technique, which makes the pre-restorative orthodontic treatment both more accurate and more efficient. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is very difficult for the orthodontist to move teeth into their correct positions when the teeth are anatomically incorrect due to attrition/erosion or due to developmental malformation. When the restorative dentist makes the teeth anatomically correct with either pre-orthodontic or intermediate orthodontic bonding, the orthodontist has the benefit of ideal tooth anatomy to finalize the tooth positions. This then allows the restorative dentist to create final restorations, which are ideal, both functionally and esthetically.

Selective outcome reporting in paediatric dentistry restorative treatment randomised clinical trials-A meta-research.

BACKGROUND: Selective outcome reporting (SOR) is a bias that occurs when the primary outcome of a randomised clinical trial (RCT) is omitted or changed. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of SOR in RCTs on restorative treatment in primary teeth. DESIGN: We conducted an electronic search on ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization platform (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) on 1st of April 2021, with no registry time or language restrictions. We included RCT protocols that evaluated restorative treatments in primary teeth and excluded trials that did not have a complete publication in a scientific journal. The chi-squared test was used to identify the association between SOR and variables as a discrepancy in the follow-up period, the timing of registration, the type of sponsorship and the type of study design (α = 5%). RESULTS: Of the 294 identified protocols, 30 were included in the study. 83.3% of trials were registered retrospectively. SOR was observed in 53.3% (n = 16) of the published trials and was significantly associated with a discrepancy in the follow-up period (p = .017). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of SOR in RCTs on restorative treatment proves that this is a prominent threat. A proper preregistered protocol, declaration of any protocol deviation and allowance of stakeholders to compare the protocol with that of the submitted papers will achieve transparency.

Pronounced mediastinal emphysema after restorative treatment of the lower left molar-a case report and a systematic review of the literature.

This case report presents an iatrogenic induced mediastinal emphysema after restorative treatment of the lower left second molar, aimed to highlight the potential life-threatening consequences, and providing diagnostics and treatment concepts of complicated dental induced emphysema based on literature review. A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department due to a fall on her shoulder. Additional finding was a significant swelling of the face and neck. In the computer tomography of the head, neck, and thorax, a humerus fracture and pronounced soft tissue emphysema from the infraorbital region to the mediastinum was detected. The patient reported that she had been treated by her dentist 4 days earlier. The treatment had to be discontinued after beginning of a pronounced swelling. Other reasons for the emphysema could be excluded out on an interdisciplinary teamwork. The patient was monitored as an inpatient for 5 days and received intravenous antibiotic therapy. This case report shows the rare complication of pronounced mediastinal emphysema after root canal treatment. Emphysema should always be a differential diagnosis of soft tissue swelling and, in case of doubt, a general medical presentation should be made.

Survival Analysis and Cost Effectiveness of Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (SMART) and ART Occlusal Restorations in Primary Molars: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the clinical performance and cost effectiveness of Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (SMART) and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) restorations in primary molars over 12 months follow up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven children, aged 5-9 years old having at least one asymptomatic primary molar with active caries, were randomly assigned to either the test arm (SMART) or the control arm (ART). Clinical performance was assessed after 6 and 12-months using the modified United States Public Health Services criteria. The trial was registered at Clinical Trial.gov with a registration number (NCT03881020). Treatment time for each restoration was recorded, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were performed (p<0.05) and cost effectiveness was measured at the end of the study. RESULTS: Both techniques showed comparable clinical performance and the mean survival time was 11.8 and 11.6 months for SMART and ART restorations respectively with no detected significant differences (p=0.416). Mean treatment time for SMART restorations (7.8 min.), however, was significantly lower than ART (15 min.) (p < 0.001). SMART technique, also, showed statistically significant lower mean total cost per restoration (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Though SMART and ART have comparable clinical performance and survival in single-surface occlusal restorations in primary molars, SMART is less time consuming and more cost effective. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using SMART technique could change paradigms in caries management. Being a patient friendly and cost-effective approach, it could be adopted as a superior treatment option when dealing with young children, those with behavioral and medical challenges and for promoting access to oral care among the underprivileged.