Search

Supernumerary teeth have been proposed to be one of the most significant dental defects affecting the primary and early mixed dentition. These teeth can cause poor facial and dental aesthetics, as well as many pathological problems for the development of permanent dentition. Mesiodens are the extra teeth that have erupted or not yet erupted in the maxilla between the central incisors. Early identification and treatment are necessary to mitigate the negative effects of the mesiodens dentoalveolar structures. This case series discusses three different cases for the presence of supernumerary teeth leading to discomfort and aesthetic concerns. Extraction of the supernumerary teeth was performed to reduce future complications and was further suggested for orthodontic correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the impact of animal-assisted activity (AAA) involving a dog (play therapy) on reducing the pain experienced by children during the administration of local anesthetic (LA). Methods: Children between the ages of eight and 12 years who required LA administration were randomized into an AAA group and a control group. Baseline data for the simplified Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale--Faces version (MCDAS[f ]) was recorded, followed by the implementation of either AAA with standard care or standard care alone. The conventional protocol was followed for the administration of LA. Procedural pain was evaluated using both the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale (FLACC). All variations in pulse were also recorded. After the procedure, a simplified MCDAS(f ) was recorded once again. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: The children in the AAA group reported lower pain scores, as measured by FPS-R, compared to the control group (P=0.009). Pain, as observed in the FLACC scores, was also low in the experimental group (P<0.001). A notable reduction in anxiety scores (P<0.001) was observed among children assigned to the AAA group. Conclusion: AAA involving a dog led to a reduction in the pain experienced by children undergoing LA administration, subsequently decreasing anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]