RESUMO
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) in deep decayed primary molars and the inflammatory status and bacterial composition of the corresponding coronal pulp. We hypothesized that RDT could be used as a reference for clinicians in assigning the indication for pulpotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pulpotomies were conducted on the cameral pulp of 48 primary molars. Microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., and Prevotella sp., were identified and quantified and levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed. The correlation between the pre-operative RDT based on radiographic images and inflammatory-microbial profiles in vitro was evaluated using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. All data analysis was performed using a statistical software program (SPSS 20.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Immunological and microbiological studies revealed elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, and Lactobacillus sp., Streptococcus sp. and Prevotella sp. in the cameral pulp with an RDT measuring up to 1.1 mm. No significant relationship could be established between RDT, inflammatory status and microbial content of the pulps. CONCLUSION: The RDT remains a key clinical factor that needs to be assessed when establishing the indication for pulpotomy. Additional parameters that can improve this therapy should be investigated in the future.
RESUMO
Las coronas metálicas preformadas son el tratamiento de elección al restaurar extensas caries en molares temporales. Para lograr un óptimo tratamiento es necesario conocer los anchos mesiodistales de las piezas involucradas en la terapia restauradora. En nuestro medio se utilizan los anchos mesiodistales de otras poblaciones, al conocer que pueden existir diferencias significativas con nuestra población en particular decidimos estudiar el ancho mesiodistal en nuestros pacientes. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar anchos mesiodistales de molares temporales sanos en niños chilenos, analizando dimorfismo sexual, simetría intraarcada y con la pieza contralateral, así como la concordancia con los tamaños estandarizados de las coronas metálicas preformadas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo odontométrico, seleccionando 34 niños (17 hombres y 17 mujeres) que asistían a la Clínica de Odontopediatría. Se procedió a medir anchos mesiodistales con un calibre ortodóncico en modelos de yeso obtenidos de cada paciente. Simultáneamente se midieron anchos mesiodistales de coronas metálicas preformadas. No se observan diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los diámetros de piezas derechas e izquierdas ni entre géneros. Molares inferiores presentaron mayor ancho mesiodistal que los superiores. El promedio de ancho mesiodistal de molares temporales se corresponde de manera significativa con un solo tamaño de corona metálica preformada, salvo en las piezas 5.5 y 8.5 donde la correlación es con 2 tamaños de coronas metálicas.
Metallic preformed steel crowns are the best treatment choice to restaurate extense cavities in temporary molars. To achieve optimal results it is necessary to know the mesiodistal width of the temporary teeth involved. We currently use other populations data regarding mesiodistal width, and since we believe there could be significant variations in between populations we decided to study mesiodistal width in our patients. The purpose of this investigation was to determine mesiodistal widths of healthy temporary molars in Chilean children.Sexual dimorphism, interarch symmetry and with the contralateral tooth, and comparison with the standard preformed steel crown were analyzed. This is a descriptive odonthometric study. 34 children (17 male, 17 female) assisting to the Pediatric Clinic were selected. Mesiodistal widths were assessed with an orthodontic caliper on a plaster model obtained from each patient. Simultaneously, preformed steel crown mesiodistal widths were measured. Results and conclusions: There were no statistically significant differences between right and left teeths mesiodistal width, nor between genders. The mean mesiodistal width of temporary molars corresponds with only one size of preformed steel crown, except on 5.5 and 8.5. In these teeth the width corresponds with two sizes of the preformed steel crown.
