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Background and Aim: Dental caries is largely preventable, yet an important global health issue. Numerous systematic reviews have summarized the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI) models for the diagnosis and detection of dental caries. Therefore, this umbrella review aimed to synthesize the results of systematic reviews on the application and effectiveness of AI models in diagnosing and detecting dental caries., Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, IEEE Explore, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to retrieve studies. Two authors independently screened the articles based on eligibility criteria and then, appraised the included articles. The findings are summarized in tabulation form and discussed using the narrative method., Result: A total of 1249 entries were identified out of which 7 were finally included. The most often employed AI algorithms were the multilayer perceptron, support vector machine (SVM), and neural networks. The algorithms were built to perform the segmentation, classification, caries detection, diagnosis, and caries prediction from several sources, including periapical radiographs, panoramic radiographs, smartphone images, bitewing radiographs, near-infrared light transillumination images, and so forth. Convoluted neural networks (CNN) demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve in the caries detection, segmentation, and classification tests. Notably, AI in conjunction with periapical and panoramic radiography images yielded better accuracy in detecting and diagnosing dental caries., Conclusion: AI models, especially convolutional neural network (CNN)-based models, have an enormous amount of potential for accurate, objective dental caries diagnosis and detection. However, ethical considerations and cautious adoption remain critical to its successful integration into routine practice., (© 2024 The Author(s). Clinical and Experimental Dental Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the working time consumed during caries excavation and pain perception while using a novel Bioactive caries-detecting dye solution (BCD), an Air Polisher Prophy and a combination., Materials and Methods: Four groups (in each group, n = 20 permanent teeth) were selected from 60 people between 17 and 40 years of age. The study included teeth with occlusal dentinal caries in the molars with cavity entrance sizes of less than 2 mm (clinically and radiographically). Randomization software was used to assign patients to various groups. Group A: Conventional Rotary Drilling, Group B: BCD + Mechanical Excavation (Spoon Excavator), Group C: Air Polisher Prophy, and Group D: BCD + Air Polisher Prophy 0.5 mL BCD was applied with a micro brush to the carious tooth surface for 40 s in groups B and D. After that, radiographs were performed to see if the radiopaque extension was visible. For mechanical caries extraction, a spoon excavator was used for group B, and an air polisher prophy was employed for group D. For mechanical caries extraction, a spoon excavator was utilized for group B. An air polisher prophy was employed for group D. Multiple applications of the BCD were used in the event of residual caries. Working time and pain experienced during caries excavation were registered using the Verbal Pain Scale (VPS) (score 0-4), and caries removal was clinically graded using the modified Scale (score 0-5)., Results: The time taken was Group A, Group D, Group B, and Group C, according to statistical analysis using ANOVA and the Post Hoc Test (275.02, 403.8, 461.98, 615.41 s, respectively). Group A had the highest mean VPS (1.85), whereas Group B had the most minor pain (0.6), followed by Group D (1.2) and Group C (0.6). (1.45). Group C (2.35), followed by groups D (1.75), B (1.30), and A (1.30), had ineffective caries eradication (0.90). (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: compared to group C, groups B and D took less time and had less/no pain while excavating caries. Compared to traditional mechanized caries removal methods, the chemo-chemical BCD can diagnose and aid in successful caries removal with minimal pain., Clinical Relevance: The outcomes of the present study demonstrated that the chemo-chemical bioactive caries detecting dye solution has the potential to identify and help in effective caries removal before mechanized caries removal methods., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Aim: This research aimed to use an extra-oral 3D scanner for conducting volumetric analysis after caries excavation using caries-detecting dyes and chemomechanical caries removal agents in individuals with occlusal and proximal carious lesions., Methods: Patients with occlusal (A1, A2, A3) and proximal carious lesions (B1, B2, B3) were treated with the conventional rotary technique, caries detecting dyes (CDD) and chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) method on 90 teeth (n = 45 for each). Group A1, B1: Excavation was performed using diamond points. Group A2, B2: CDD (Sable Seek™ caries indicator, Ultradent) was applied and left for 10 s, and then the cavity was rinsed and dried. For caries removal, diamond points or excavators were used. Group A3 and B3: BRIX3000 papain gel was applied with a micro-brush for 20 s and was activated for 2 min, and then the carious tissue was removed with a sharp spoon excavator. Post-excavation cavity volume analysis was performed using a 3D scanner. The time required and the verbal pain score (VPS) for pain were scored during excavation. Post-restoration evaluation was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months FDI (Federation Dentaire Internationale) criteria., Results: Comparison of age, time and volume with study groups were made using Independent Sample' t' test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for two and more than two groups, respectively. Using Cohen's Kappa Statistics, evaluators 1 and 2 agreed on caries removal status aesthetic, functional and biological properties at different follow-ups. The chi-square test revealed that the rotary groups [A1(2.5 ± 0.4 min) B1(4.0 ± 0.4 min)] had significantly less (p = 0.000) mean procedural time than CDD [A2(4.5 ± 0.4 min) B2(5.7 ± 0.4 min)] and CMCR [A3(5.4 ± 0.7 min) B3(6.2 ± 0.6 min)] groups. The CMCR group showed better patient acceptance and less pain during caries excavation than the rotary and CDD groups. CMCR group showed significantly less mean caries excavated volume(p = 0.000). Evaluation of restoration after 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals was acceptable for all the groups., Conclusion: Brix3000 helps effectively remove denatured teeth with less pain or sensitivity. The time required for caries removal was lowest in the rotary method and highest in the brix3000 group, while the volume of caries removed was the lowest for brix3000 and highest for the rotary group., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Digital tools and apps are revolutionizing healthcare and provide creative answers to urgent problems. Through teamwork and the incorporation of digital technologies, dentistry has experienced a remarkable revolution. A large body of scholarly research backs up this trend. The context, trends, and content of digital health technology in oral and dental health are examined in our bibliometric analysis. Using targeted keywords and synonyms, an organized searching technique was used in the Scopus database, yielding 1942 articles that were extracted into a CSV file. To acquire insights into the content, trends, and context, visualization using VOSviewer 1.6.18 and a variety of analyses-including coauthorship, citation, cooccurrence of author keywords, bibliographic coupling, and cocitation-were executed. The analysis revealed that the USA and the UK contributed to a significant quantity of the literature, with newer contributions coming from nations like India. Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Dental Caries, and Artificial Intelligence were prominent keywords. It is important to note that BMC Oral Health was associated with a sizable number of the papers. This bibliometric analysis provides insightful information about the context, content, and trends of digital health in the field of oral and dental health. By implementing the right technology, policymakers can use this information to increase oral health, encourage dental literacy, and improve access to dental treatment. It is vital to take into account the wide variety of technologies and their classifications based on dental services and contextual variables., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Chaitanya S. Buddhikot et al.)

Background: The actual burden of dental caries prevalence varies with the caries assessment tool used. Therefore, the present study evaluated the caries diagnostic potentials of Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT); International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II and Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) indices in estimating the caries prevalence rate of first permanent molar (FPM) in Saudi male children aged 7-9 years., Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 390 children by multistage stratified cluster sampling method in Al-Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia. The prevalence rates of FPM caries were determined by DMFT, ICDAS II and CAST indices at various diagnostic cut-off points. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability was determined., Results: The prevalence rates of FPM caries determined by DMFT (decayed), ICDAS II (codes 1-6) and CAST (codes 3-7) were 64.4% (61.6-67.2), 71.5% (69.2-73.2) and 71.0% (68.7-73.3), respectively. The prevalence rates of FPM caries determined by ICDAS II at various diagnostic cut-offs were as follows: 'sound' (code '0'), 28.5% (26.3-30.8); 'enamel caries' (codes 1-3), 57.2% (54.7-59.7) and 'dentinal caries' (codes 4-6), 14.3% (12.6-16.1). Similarly, the prevalence rates estimated by CAST at different diagnostic cut-off points were: 'healthy' (scores 0-2), 28.1% (25.9-30.4); 'premorbid' (score 3, enamel carious), 56.5% (54.0-59.0); 'morbid' (scores 4-5, cavitated carious dentin), 7.9% (6.6-9.3); 'severe morbidity' (scores 6-7, pulp exposure/fistula/abscess), 6.6% (5.4-8.1) and 'mortality' (score 8, lost), 0.8% (0.4-1.4)., Conclusion: Enamel caries lesions were found in more than half of the FPMs investigated in the current study. CAST index is preferable because it detects the complete spectrum of caries. ICDAS II at codes 1-6 and CAST at codes 3-7 projected similar caries prevalence rates in FPMs., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The caries preventive effect of Colgate Duraphat® and GC Tooth Mousse Plus® has been widely studied, but the remineralisation potential of initial occlusal caries using these two remineralisation materials remains unclear., Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating and comparing the remineralisation of early enamel caries on the occlusal surface of permanent posterior teeth using ICDAS II caries scoring system and DIAGNOdent Pen (DDPen) after remineralisation with Colgate Duraphat® and GC Tooth Mousse Plus®., Materials and Methods: Extracted posterior teeth ( N = 120) with incipient occlusal caries were included in this study. The occlusal surface of each tooth was scored using DDPen and ICDAS II scoring before remineralisation. Then, remineralisation of the teeth of the experimental group was carried out using either CPP-ACP-F or fluoride varnish. After the remineralisation procedures, the occlusal surface of each tooth was again scored using DDPen and ICDAS II scoring. The teeth were then fixed in dental stone blocks and sectioned longitudinally for histological examination using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of DDPen and ICDAS II to detect remineralisation and compare with the gold standard histological examination., Results: According to ICDAS-II scores, a significant difference was noted in GC Tooth Mousse Plus® and Duraphat® study samples, whereas the difference between the pre-and post-remineralisation of the control group was not significant. According to the DDPen score criteria, a statistically significant difference was noted among all study groups; however, a greater significance level was noted in the GC Tooth Mousse Plus® and Duraphat® study samples compared with the control group. The Spearman's rank correlation of ICDAS-II and DDPen with Downer's histological score (gold standard) revealed a higher association of DDPen score (.738) as compared to ICDAS-II scores (.430)., Conclusion: The study concluded that both ICDAS II and DDPen could detect remineralisation of early enamel occlusal caries. DDPen was more sensitive than ICDAS-II to detect remineralisation compared with the Downers histological scores., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to report regarding the present study., (Copyright © 2022 Mohammed Fadhil Rashid et al.)

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and the socio-behavioral risk indicators associated with untreated dental caries (UDC) and its clinical consequences., Study Design: A multi-stage cluster sampling approach was used to evaluate 168 preschool children in this cross-sectional study. The risk indicators associated with the presence of one or more decayed teeth (dt ≥ 1) and pulp-involved teeth (pt ≥ 1) were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis., Results: Overall, the prevalence of dt ≥ 1 and pt ≥ 1 was 82.1% and 27.9%, respectively. Children whose mothers had lower maternal education were 3.7 times more likely to have dt ≥ 1 than those whose mothers were graduates (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-10.91). Children whose mothers had a history of maternal caries were 4.2 times more likely to have dt ≥ 1 (AOR = 4.23, 95% CI 1.56-11.44). Children whose mothers had lower maternal education were 5 times more likely to have pt ≥ 1 (AOR = 4.99, 95% CI 2.57-13.39). Underweight children were 7.2 times more likely to have pt ≥ 1 (AOR = 7.17, 95% CI 1.88-5.10). Children whose mothers had a history of maternal caries were 6.6 times more likely to have pt ≥ 1 (AOR = 6.62, 95% CI 7.17-18.88)., Conclusions: Maternal education and caries were found to be significant risk indicators for UDC. The clinical consequences of UDC were related to child age, maternal education and caries, socioeconomic status and underweight.

Objectives: To assess the association amongst oral hygiene practices, untreated dental caries (UDC) and clinical consequences of UDC in pre- and primary school children aged 3-5 and 6-7 years., Materials and Methods: A total of 250 subjects were recruited. The demographic and oral hygiene data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire. The UDC was measured using the 'd/D' component of the decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index, and its clinical consequences were recorded using the 'p/P' component of the pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula and abscess (pufa/PUFA) index. The data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression., Results: Overall, 94.2% and 56.5% of the participants had one or more UDC and pulp involvement (p ≥ 1), respectively in 3-5-year-old age group. In the 6-7-year- age group the prevalence of UDC was 26.7% and the pulp involvement was 11.6%. Children who brushed with their fingers were 4.7 times more likely to have UDC (crude odds ratio [COR] = 4.71; 95% CI: 1.21-18.40). Twice-daily brushing resulted in a 39% (p = 0.732) lower likelihood of having UDC compared with once-daily brushing (COR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.04, 10.09). Children with irregular brushing frequency were 3.2 times more likely to have pulpal involvement (COR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.74-5.93)., Conclusion: Finger brushing, irregular frequency of brushing and lack of parental supervision whilst brushing were associated with UDC and its consequences., (© 2021 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

There is a paucity of information concerning vital pulp treatment outcomes in the undergraduate teaching setting. This study aimed to determine which type of deciduous molar, arch location, type of vital pulp therapy, and the number of carious surfaces involved had a better prognosis when carried out by undergraduate dental students. The method used was the review of clinical records of 590 patients with 600 deciduous molars, that visited the outpatient undergraduate dental clinics for vital pulp therapy. Statistical analysis used to determine the associations of tooth type, arch location, treatment type, and the number of carious surfaces involved in successful outcomes was logistic regression analysis with significance set at p < 0.05. According to the regression analysis model results, there was a significant association based on tooth type ( p < 0.05) and arch location ( p = 0.003). In addition, there was a significant association based on the type of treatment performed ( p = 0.036). However, there was no significant association in success rates based on the number of carious surfaces involved ( p = 0.873). In conclusion, second deciduous molars and maxillary deciduous molars had a better overall prognosis, and indirect pulp therapy was revealed to be more highly associated with successful treatment outcomes in comparison to ferric sulfate pulpotomy in our setting.

Objective: To determine the maximum occlusal bite force (MOBF) of the complete spectrum of dental caries in first permanent molars (FPMs) in children aged 7-9 years., Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 children. The evaluation of the caries spectrum of FPMs was carried out using the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment index (CAST). The MOBF was measured in the FPM region using the portable occlusal force gauze. Independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance test were performed to compare MOBF with CAST scores of FPMs. Based on the CAST scores, FPMs were categorized into three groups, group 1: healthy (score 0, 1, 2), group 2: premorbid (score 3), group 3: morbid (score 4, 5)., Results: A significantly lower MOBF was observed (167.56 N ± 49.77) in the morbid stage (group 3) than in the premorbid stage (group 2: 291.57 N ± 56.64), and healthy (group 1; 320.93 N ± 54.23). Intergroup comparison also revealed that FPMs in the healthy stage was associated with a higher bite force compared to those in the premorbid and morbid stages (p<0.001)., Conclusions: The mean MOBF decreased with the progression of the caries spectrum of FPMs in early permanent dentition., (© 2020 Clinical Pediatric Dentistry.)

Introduction. Hall's technique preformed metal crown (HTPMC) has been used widely by pediatric dentists in developed countries as a new approach for managing decayed primary molars without local anesthesia, caries removal, and tooth preparation. Currently, inadequate information is available regarding the implementation of this technique (HTPMC) in Malaysia. This study is aimed at evaluating the implementation of HTPMC by Malaysia's pediatric dentists and identify the co-occurrence frequencies of the HTPMC implementation with the respondents' demographic profile. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based research was conducted among 65 pediatric dentists in Malaysia. Online questionnaires were distributed to the pediatric dentists employed at public hospitals (MOH) and universities in Malaysia. Result. It was found that over half of the respondents (65.6%) employed HTPMC. The analysis of the co-occurrence network frequency revealed that a high frequency of female pediatric dentists who were within the age group of 31-40 years old had fulfilled their postgraduation overseas and was employed in the university mainly applied HTPMC. Conclusion. The application of HTPMC among respondent pediatric dentists in Malaysia was high. However, most respondents considered HTPMC a treatment option only to manage carious primary molar rather than a treatment of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This article evaluates the fracture resistance of teeth with different endodontic access cavities and conducts literature review on the effects of truss endodontic cavity. Material and Methods Eighty human mandibular first molars were assigned randomly to four groups (n = 20); group 1: truss access cavity (TrussAC); group 2: conservative access cavity (ConsAC); group 3: traditional access cavity (TradAC); and group 4: served as control (no access). Accesses were prepared in groups 1 to 3, respectively. Endodontic treatment was performed on all accessed teeth and composite restoration placed. Teeth in all groups were loaded until fracture using a mechanical testing machine. The maximum load at fracture and patterns of fracture were recorded. Additionally, a literature search was performed on studies related to TrussAC and its importance. Statistical Analysis Fracture strengths were compared using one-way analysis of variance complemented by Bonferroni test. Fracture patterns were analyzed using chi-square test. Results TradAC showed significantly lower mean load at fracture than TrussAC, ConsAC, and intact teeth. Fracture resistance of teeth with TrussAC and ConsAC was not significantly different. All three test groups showed significantly more frequent unrestorable fractures. The literature review revealed that TrussAC did not improve the fracture strength significantly; however, pulp chamber debridement was significantly impaired. Conclusion TrussAC improved the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth, but not significantly as compared to ConsAC. Restorable fractures were more in intact teeth compared with all prepared ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental biofilm is often found to be the source of bacteria that releases toxins, peptides, lipopolysaccharides as well as organic acids, which lead to gingival inflammation and tooth caries. Further, the persistent plaque may result in the continued destruction of the surrounding soft and hard tissues. During fixed orthodontic therapy, arch-wires, brackets, and elastic modules have been shown to be sites of significant plaque accumulation, making it difficult for a patient to maintain proper oral hygiene. The problem most dentists face is that they cannot visualize this biofilm completely to be able to carry out efficient plaque removal. Visual assessment is, to date, the most common method for plaque visualization, and various indexes have been demonstrated to be sufficient for quantification of the amount of plaque present. However, the problem is that visual assessments are inconsistent, operator dependent and often subjective, which can lead to inconsistency in results. Fluorescence is one such method that can be explored for its use in effective plaque identification and removal. Literature has it that dentists and patients find it particularly useful for monitoring oral hygiene status during treatment. Fluorescence has the capability of offering clinical orthodontists and researchers a new method of detection of demineralization during orthodontic treatment, furthermore, for efficient removal of orthodontic adhesive cements, fluorescent light may be used in conjunction with high-speed burs to deliver fast, less time consuming, and safer results. The benefit of direct visual treatment using fluorescence enhanced theragnosis is that the patient receives controlled and guided therapy. It has multiple benefits, such as early diagnosis of caries, biofilm identification, and even helps to achieve improved treatment outcomes by better resin selection for esthetic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]