Search

Pediatric dentistry plays a critical role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of children and adolescents. The quest for effective dental materials that are safe, biocompatible, and capable of promoting natural remineralization has led to the emergence of biosilicate cements as a promising advancement in this field. Biosilicate cements are bioactive materials composed of amorphous silica, calcium oxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and other trace elements. The bioactivity of biosilicate cements allows them to interact with living tissues, promoting remineralization and stimulating the formation of hydroxyapatite, a vital component of teeth and bones. Their ability to release essential ions, such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, supports the natural healing processes, aiding in the preservation of pulp vitality and reducing the risk of secondary caries. Biosilicate cements offer versatility in pediatric dentistry, finding application indirect pulp capping, indirect pulp capping, and small-sized restorations. Their rapid setting time proves advantageous when treating young patients with limited cooperation. Furthermore, the continuous release of fluoride contributes to caries prevention and enhances the long-term oral health of children. While the advantages of biosilicate cements in pediatric dentistry are promising, this manuscript also discusses the limitations and challenges associated with their use. Some biosilicate cements may have different handling characteristics compared to traditional materials, necessitating adaptations in clinical techniques. In addition, long-term clinical data on the performance of these materials in pediatric patients are still limited, requiring further research to establish their efficacy and longevity. This manuscript explores the potential of biosilicate cements in pediatric dentistry.

It is essential for a dental student about to graduate to possess robust fundamentals in both basic and clinical dental science. There should be a perfect harmony and blend of basic and clinical science integration and application among final year graduating students. They should also demonstrate readiness and competence in performing various clinical skills independently, after correctly interpreting and diagnosing a dental disorder. Besides the clinical aspects of dentistry, the newly graduating dental student should understand the principles of professionalism and ethos. The main aim and objective were to conduct a study to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on practice readiness among the fifth‐year dental students at Oman Dental College (ODC). A study was conducted to measure self‐preparedness among graduating students, especially during the challenging times of the COVID‐19 pandemic when education was significantly impacted. This study used a validated Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU‐PAS). The DU‐PAS consists of 50 items, including 24 items related to clinical skills (part A) and 26 items related to scientific knowledge and affective skills (part B). Each item in part A was scored on a three‐point scale ranging from no experience (0), with verbal and/or practical input from a colleague (1), to independently (2). Items in part B of the DU‐PAS are scored on a three‐point scale: no experience (0), mostly (1), and always (2). The maximum score for the 50 items on the DU‐PAS is 100. Interestingly, the current study showed that the ODC final‐year students were confident in performing several clinical procedures and had a good understanding of various professional aspects of clinical dentistry. The didactic online classes and preclinical sessions conducted while adhering to social distancing and other safety norms during the COVID‐19 pandemic, were positively received by the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The goal of materials should be early caries detection, removal of carious lesions, and reduction of dentin hypersensitivity. Thus, the study aims to determine the efficacy of a bioactive caries detecting dye (BCD) for the diagnosing and mechanical removal of occlusal and proximal dental caries. Methods: Patients with occlusal (A1, A2) and proximal carious lesions (B1, B2) were treated with the rotary technique and BCD solution on 120 teeth (n = 60 for each). Group 1: Excavation was performed using diamond points. Group 2: 0.5 mL of BCD solution was scrubbed for 20 sec and excavation was performed with a sharp spoon excavator. Post-excavation cavity volume analysis was performed using a 3D scanner. The time required, VAS for pain, VAS for facial expression, and sound eye motor scoring were scored during excavation. Post-restoration evaluation was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months (FDI criteria). Results: The chi-square test revealed that the A1 (197.90 30.97 s) and B1 (273.06 69.95 s) had significantly less mean procedural time than the A2 (292.13 44.87 s) and B2 (411.86 88.34 s). BCD (A2, B2) group showed good patient acceptance, less pain during caries excavation VAS (p = 0.001, FACE (p = 0.001), and SEM (p < 0.001) analysis than the rotary group. There was a statistically insignificant difference between groups immediately (p = 0.235), (p = 0.475) and after 24 h (p = 0.561), (p = 0.688). Color score, hardness of excavated surface, and caries removal score for occlusal and proximal groups showed insignificant differences between the groups. BCD group showed significantly less mean caries excavated volume for the occlusal group (p = 0.003) as compared to the proximal group (p = 0.417) evaluated by 3D scanner. Evaluation of restoration after 3-, 6-, and 12 months intervals (Occlusal caries group (p = 0.247), (p = 0.330), and (0.489) and Proximal caries group (p = 0.299), (p = 0.594), and (0.494)) was acceptable for both the groups. Conclusion: BCD helps in identification of dental caries clinically, radiographically, and in effective removal of denatured teeth with less pain or sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research study assessed the cell viability and cytotoxic effect of mineral tri-oxide aggregate (MTA), Tetric N-Bond Universal bonding agent, Theracal PT (pulpotomy treatment), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as pulp capping agents on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The cells were isolated from the pulp tissue of an extracted healthy permanent third molar. After four passages in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, the primary cells were employed for the investigation. The test materials and untreated cells (negative control) were subjected to an Methylthiazol-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) cytotoxicity assay and assessed at 24-, 48-, and 72-h intervals. The Wilcoxon matched-paired t-test and Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were applied (p < 0.05). PRF imparted the highest cell viability at 48 h (p < 0.001), followed by MTA, Theracal PT, and Tetric N-Bond. Similarly, PRF had the highest potential to enhance cell proliferation and differentiation (p < 0.001), followed by Theracal PT, MTA, and the bonding agent at the end of 24 h and 72 h, respectively. Finally, PRF sustained the viability of human primary dental pulp stem cells more effectively than Theracal PT and MTA; however, the application of a Tetric N-Bond as a pulp capping agent was ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) is a rare anomaly that can occur alone or be associated with other systemic abnormalities. Early diagnosis of SMMCI is crucial as it might indicate the presence of an associated congenital or developmental abnormality. The prevalence of live-born children with SMMCI is determined to be 1:50,000 and is more common among females. The purpose of this paper was to report an unusual case of a 9-year-old girl with SMMCI who had no growth deficiency or any other systemic involvement. Since pediatricians and dentists are the first professionals to evaluate an SMMCI's patient in most cases, it is important that they be aware of the possibility of other related systemic problems that require systemic care. Appropriate treatment, diagnosis, and referral should also include neuropediatric evaluation, genetic testing, and craniofacial profile analysis along with multidisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the existing knowledge, attitude, and practices of "oral health care" in the prevention of early childhood caries (ECCs) among parents of children in Belagavi city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, Karnataka. Institutional Ethical Clearance was obtained. The study was conducted during the month of April 2014 to October 2014 after taking prior informed consent from the 218 parents. Inclusion criteria were parents getting their children treated for dental caries and who were willing to participate. Parents who could not read and write were excluded from the study. The self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was written in English. It was then translated in local languages, i.e. Kannada and Marathi, and a pilot study was conducted on 10 parents to check for its feasibility and any changes if required were done. Results: The response rate was 100% as all 218 parents completed the questionnaire. Of 218 parents, 116 were mothers and 102 were fathers. The overall mean knowledge score was 69.5%. The overall mean attitude score was 53.5%. The overall attitude toward prevention of ECC was not in accordance to knowledge. The overall mean of "good" practices and "bad" practices score was 33.5% and 18.5%, respectively. Good knowledge and attitude toward oral health do not necessarily produce good practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bactericidal activity of propylene glycol, glycerine, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), and polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG 1000) against selected microorganisms in vitro. Materials and Methods: Five vehicles, namely propylene glycol, glycerine, PEG 400, PEG 1000, and combination of propylene glycol with PEG 400, were tested for their bactericidal activity. The minimum bactericidal concentration was noted against four standard strains of organisms, i.e. Streptococcus mutans American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 25175, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 12598, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 35550, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, using broth dilution assay. Successful endodontic therapy depends upon thorough disinfection of root canals. In some refractory cases, routine endodontic therapy is not sufficient, so intracanal medicaments are used for proper disinfection of canals. Intracanal medicaments are dispensed with vehicles which aid in increased diffusion through the dentinal tubules and improve their efficacy. Among the various vehicles used, glycerine is easily available, whereas others like propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol have to be procured from appropriate sources. Also, these vehicles, being viscous, aid in sustained release of the medicaments and improve their handling properties. The most commonly used intracanal medicaments like calcium hydroxide are ineffective on many microorganisms, while most of the other medicaments like MTAD (Mixture of Tetracycline, an Acid, and a Detergent) and Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP) consist of antibiotics which can lead to development of antibiotic resistance among microorganisms. Thus, in order to use safer and equally effective intracanal medicaments, newer alternatives like chlorhexidine gluconate, ozonized water, etc., are being explored. Similarly, the five vehicles mentioned above are being tested for their antimicrobial activity in this study. Results: All vehicles exhibited bactericidal activity at 100% concentration. Conclusion: Propylene glycol was effective against three organisms namely S. mutans E. faecalis and E. coli and its bactericidal activity was at 50%, 25% and 50% respectively. PEG 1000 was effective against S. mutans and E. coli at 25%. Hence propylene glycol was effective on more number of organisms of which E. faecalis is a known resistant species. PEG 1000 was bactericidal at a lower concentration but was effective on two organisms only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric angioedema exhibits a different cause and clinical manifestations than does adult angioedema. Unlike angioedema in adults, pediatric angioedema is caused mostly due to food, followed by insect bites, infection and antibiotics. Reactions to insect stings, both allergic and toxic, are commonly seen in medical pediatric practice but uncommonly encountered by pediatric dentists. Here we present two cases of angioedema involving the face mainly in children who presented insect bite in the affected region. Treatment and case resolution are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes an eighteen month follow-up after treatment of intrusive luxation of 11 and extrusive luxation of 12 with severe bone loss and inflammatory root resorption. Splinting extending from 13 to 23 with root canal therapy followed by apical curettage and apicoectomy in relation to 11 and 12 and placement of bioactive synthetic bone graft mixed with PRP was done. In order to extrude 11, light orthodontic forces were used to reduce the chances of ankylosis. Extrusion of 11 was completed in 4 months and followed up to 18 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nasal foreign body was discovered on routine radiographic examination of a 7-year-old girl following traumatic injury to permanent maxillary central incisors. The mother and the patient were unaware of the object's presence and the child had no nasal symptoms. The child was referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon to have the object assessed and removed. This was accomplished successfully without sequelae on an outpatient basis. This article highlights the role of a dentist in the proper detection and diagnosis, prompt referral for its management and reduction in complications related to foreign bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 9-year-old girl who complained of missing teeth and was later diagnosed with vitamin D-resistant rickets which is considered as a rare disease.

The article describes the case of an 11-year-old boy who suffered from a metal ring getting stuck on to the tooth. The examination revealed that the metal ring is on the mandibular left first permanent molar. A band remover was used in removing the metal ring. The gingiva surrounding the mandibular left first permanent molar was found to be inflamed due to the pressure by the metal ring and food accumulation between the tooth and the metal ring.