Caries In Permanent Teeth Research Articles

Global, Regional, and Country-Level Economic Impacts of Oral Conditions in 2019.

The recent World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Resolution and the subsequent WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan highlight the key relevance of providing information on the economic impacts of oral conditions. The purpose of this study was to provide updated estimates for the global, regional, and country-level economic impacts of oral conditions in 2019. Extending previously established methods, dental expenditures (costs for treatments) and productivity losses for 5 oral conditions (caries in deciduous and permanent teeth, periodontitis, edentulism, other oral diseases) were estimated for the year 2019. The estimated total worldwide economic impacts of oral conditions in 2019 were US $710B, of which US $387B (US $327B to US $404B) was due to direct costs and US $323B (US $186 to US $460) was due to productivity losses for the 5 main oral conditions. Low-income countries spent an average of US $0.52 (US $0.22 to US $0.96) per capita on dental care, while high-income countries spent an average of US $260 (US $257 to US $268) per capita-a 500-fold difference. These findings suggest that oral conditions continue to substantiate an enormous economic burden to individuals and society. The comprehensiveness of estimates supersedes that of previous work as the primary information on direct costs was identified for a larger number of countries. The need for more and better routine reporting and monitoring of the economic impact of oral conditions is emphasized. The relevance of such information is also highlighted by its inclusion in the first-ever WHO Global Oral Health Status Report and Global Strategy on Oral health 2023 to 2030. Given the persistently high economic burden of oral conditions, there is a key role for better prioritization of cost-efficient oral health programs as well as needs-responsive capacity planning.

Efficacy of vital pulp therapy for carious pulp injury in permanent teeth: a study protocol for an open-label randomized controlled noninferiority trial.

Vital pulp therapy (VPT) has recently been reported as an effective approach for preventing and treating carious pulp injury in permanent teeth. Compared with root canal treatment (RCT), which involves complete removal of the pulp tissue, VPT effectively maintains pulp vitality and retains the physiological functions of the pulp. In the research pool, large-scale randomized controlled trials evaluating the treatment outcome of VPT using calcium silicate cements and RCT in cariously exposed permanent teeth are lacking. Here, we present a monocentric clinical protocol to compare the effects of VPT using iRoot BP Plus (Innovative Bioceramix, Vancouver, BC, Canada) as a pulp-capping material with RCT. The proposed trial is an open-label, single-centre, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial. In total, 462 patients will be included in this trial according to the following criteria: adult patients (18-50years old), pulp exposure during the treatment of deep caries in mature permanent teeth, a diagnosis of reversible or partially irreversible pulpitis without apical translucency on X-ray, without periodontitis or systemic disease. Patients with signed informed consent forms will be enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (VPT and RCT) with a balanced treatment allocation (1:1). Clinical evaluations will be conducted at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24months after treatment, with the potential for extension. The primary outcome measure will be the duration of success. The secondary outcomes will include the success rate at the 1-year follow-up and any adverse reactions. The Kaplan‒Meier method and log-rank test will be used to compare the duration of success of both treatments. For other outcomes, the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test will be used for categorical variables, and the t test or Mann‒Whitney U test will be used for continuous variables to assess the differences between groups. The results of this trial will provide a clinical reference for selecting treatments for carious pulp injuries in permanent teeth. ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2100051369. The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ( www.chictr.org.cn ). Registered on 21 September 2021.

Oro-Dental Characteristics in Patients With Adult-Onset Hypophosphatasia Compared to a Healthy Control Group-A Case-Control Study.

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited disease that affects multiple organ systems including bone and teeth. Limited knowledge exists on dental and oral health in patients with adult-onset HPP (aHPP). The aim of this study was to investigate oro-dental characteristics in patients with aHPP compared to healthy controls. This case-control study included 20 patients with aHPP compared to 31 healthy controls. Oro-dental manifestations were examined by standardised interviews, clinical examinations as well as radiological registrations on panoramic radiograph (OP) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The subjective experience of tooth fractures (p = 0.010), caries in permanent teeth (p = 0.032) and early loss of permanent teeth (p = 0.002) was significantly higher in patients with aHPP compared to the controls. In the aHPP group, the presence of specific teeth (p ≤ 0.045) and attrition of 11 were significantly lower (p = 0.012) compared to the controls. Opacity of a few teeth (p ≤ 0.049), presence of denticles (p = 0.024), the distance between the enamel-cement junction (CEJ) and the marginal bone level at specific sites (p ≤ 0.021) and crown height of 11 (p = 0.017) were significantly higher in patients with aHPP than in healthy controls. The results indicate that patients with aHPP have a subjective experience of having poorer dental health. Loss of permanent teeth, less attrition, tooth opacities, denticles and larger distance between CEJ and marginal bone level are possible oro-dental findings in patients with aHPP.

Dietary Preferences and Potential Impact on Dental Hard Tissue Diseases in Schoolchildren of Osh Region, Kyrgyz Republic

Dental caries, known as one of the civilization diseases, leads to chronic progressive destruction of teeth, impaired aesthetics, inflammatory and other complications. The conducted study of ethnic, dietary preferences and their potential influence on the prevalence and intensity of dental caries in schoolchildren of the Kyrgyzstan highland region showed a moderate degree of intensity and prevalence in the deciduous dentition (6-7 years) — 94.2%. In the permanent bite (11-12 years) — 95.5%. The average prevalence of caries of permanent teeth in schoolchildren 6-17 years old was 77.7%. Increased consumption of sugar-containing products and carbonated drinks was determined.

The effectiveness of partial pulpotomy compared with full pulpotomy in managing deep caries in vital permanent teeth with a diagnosis of non-traumatic pulpitis.

Pulpitis may be pain free or alternatively characterized by mild to severe pain and associated symptoms. Evidence has recently emerged that patients presenting with carious pulp exposure range of symptoms can be treated effectively with pulpotomy. The current systematic review aimed to answer the following research question: "In patients with deep caries lesions in permanent teeth associated with no symptoms, reversible pulpitis or signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis (P), is partial pulpotomy (I) as effective as full pulpotomy (C), in terms of a combination of patient and clinical reported outcomes (O), with "tooth survival" as the most critical outcome? The systematic literature search was conducted in the following electronic databases: OVID, Scopus, PubMed (Including MEDLINE), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) supplemented with Grey literature and hand searching of relevant journals. The English language clinical trials comparing the patient and clinical reported outcomes between partial and full/complete were included. After a structured literature search, two authors independently performed study selection, extracted data and performed a risk of bias assessment; a third reviewer resolved disagreements. As there were only two studies with different exclusion criteria, no meta-analysis was performed and the quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach. After study selection a total of two randomised clinical trials with a total of 156 teeth were included both for the management of teeth with irreversible pulpitis. There were no studies for asymptomatic teeth or teeth with reversible pulpitis. A "Low" risk of bias was noted for both studies with a high level of overall evidence. A meta-analysis was not carried out due to differences in inclusion criteria between the studies related principally to caries depth. Both studies reported a high rate of clinical success for pulpotomy with a pooled unadjusted success rate for full pulpotomy of 90% and 83% partial pulpotomy of at 1-year; however, no significant difference between the treatments was noted in either study. There was significantly reduced postoperative pain reported in the full pulpotomy group over 1-week compared with the partial pulpotomy in one but not in the other study. Pulpotomy as a definitive treatment modality is as effective in managing teeth exhibiting signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis and challenges the established protocols to manage this condition. Although based on only two RCTs with a limited number of patients, no difference was shown in terms of clinical or radiographic outcome or postoperative pain between groups. Further well designed randomised clinical trials of longer duration are required in this area to improve the evidence available. There is no consistent difference in patient-reported pain between partial and full pulpotomy at day 7 postoperatively and the clinical success rate was similar after 1 year for both treatment modalities.

Dental caries prevalence and caries-associated risk factors of students aged 12–15 in Xide County of Liangshan Prefecture, China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveAbout 2 billion people have caries in permanent teeth, and 514 million children have caries in primary teeth worldwide. Regional disparities in caries prevalence are evident in various areas of...

The impact of malnutrition on dental health of 12-year-old children: a study on permanent teeth caries, cariogenic bacteria and salivary IgA.

Malnutrition in children is epidemic in developing countries. Several health issues and consequences are believed to develop due to this phenomenon. Children's oral health is also affected by malnutrition. The main aspects of oral health status are caries experience, the existence of cariogenic bacteria, and salivary immunoglobulin A.

Comparison of Two Clinical Approaches FDI Vs Cars Visual Criteria for Secondary Caries Evaluation in Permanent Posterior Teeth

Background: Secondary caries arise at the contact of a natural tooth and a prosthetic repair. The present investigation employed two clinical methodologies, namely Caries associated with restoration or sealants (CARS) and the International Dental Federation (FDI), to evaluate and manage secondary caries in permanent posterior teeth. Objective: The goal of this research is to compare the diagnostic efficacy of FDI and CARS visual criteria for assessing secondary caries in permanent posterior teeth, to identify the more reliable and effective clinical approach for improved treatment planning and patient outcomes. Method: This was conducted at the School of Dentistry Pakistan institute of medical sciences Islamabad, after approval from the ethical committee. The sample size is 160 patients. In this study, two clinical criteria being assessed included one representing the FDI system which includes the marginal staining, marginal adaptation, and caries’ recurrence, while another one was Caries associated with restoration or sealants (CARS) based on ICCMS (International Caries Classification and Management System) for evaluation and treatment of secondary caries. Results: A total 650 restorations were assessed, with a mean age of 30.83 years (SD±2.68). While comparing, there was a strong correlation to the presence of caries lesions (Rho=0.64), and for Marginal adaptation, it was (Rho= -0.45), which depicts a weak inverse correlation. There was a moderate correlation between the two criteria (Rho=0.64,) The majority of CARS visual criteria decisions recommended no treatment in comparison to FDI criteria Conclusion: It is concluded that the FDI system is a more aggressive approach, suggesting a higher number of restoration replacements than the CARS which is less invasive. As a result, the method used to assess secondary caries may result in more or less invasive suggestions for treatment.

DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN OF POLTAVA BEFORE AND DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF WAR (retrospective analysis over 20 years)

Due to the military conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ukraine and the city of Poltava are facing challenges in medical services, including dentistry. Analyzing the dynamics of caries treatment in children in Poltava before and during the war is crucial for assessing the impact of wartime on the municipal dental care system. The aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics of caries treatment in children based on annual reports from the Municipal Pediatric Clinical Dental Polyclinic before and during the wartime. A retrospective analysis of the statistical reporting of the Municipal Pediatric Clinical Dental Polyclinic for the years 2002, 2012, and 2018-2022 was conducted. During the analysis, annual indicators of the Polyclinic were studied, including the total number of visits, number of primary visits, number of treated teeth due to caries and its complications in temporary and permanent teeth. Calculations included the average number of visits per person, the proportion of complicated caries in temporary and permanent teeth, and the quality indicator of complicated caries treatment. The study revealed a 51.43% decrease in clinic visits over the last 20 years. In 2022, there was a sharp increase in primary visits to 24,655, possibly due to internally displaced children. The number of filled permanent teeth increased by 25% in 2022 compared to 2021. The proportion of complicated caries in temporary teeth significantly rose from 0.23 to 0.84 from 2002 to 2022. Additionally, there was a 25% increase in the absolute values of the quality indicator of complicated caries treatment in temporary teeth from 2002 to 2012 and a 12% increase up to 2022, indicating a rise in the number of cases of treating complicated caries in temporary teeth by extraction. These findings highlight the need for further research on the war's impact on the prevalence of caries and its complications in the pediatric population. This research is crucial for developing effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of dental diseases.

ANALYSIS OF DENTAL CARE INDICATORS FOR CHILDREN BASED ON DATA FROM THE PEDIATRIC DENTAL CLINIC OF POLTAVA CITY

In the period from 2020 to 2023, the dental care system in Ukraine underwent significant changes considering the effects of healthcare reforms, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflict. The objective of this article is to assess the changes in the provision of general dental care at the Pediatric Dental Polyclinic in Poltava City over the past five years based on a retrospective analysis of statistical reports from 2019 to 2023. In 2019, emergency dental care accounted 9.69% of all visits. Complicated caries of permanent teeth was found in 2.28% of filled teeth, with light-cured resin fillings representing 29.52% of them. Periodontal diseases were detected in 0.62% of visits. Preventive examinations comprises a significant portion of visits, 86.43% of visits; 94.66% of children who needed dental sanitation received full treatment. Preventive measures including fissure sealing, remineralizing therapy, and supervised tooth brushing played a significant role in these outcomes. In 2020, the number of visits dramatically decreased, but the share of emergency dental care increased to 11.65%, compared to 2019 (p < 0.0001). The number of filled teeth decreased, while the percentage of complicated caries of permanent teeth increased to 4.09% (p < 0.0001). The proportion of fillings made of light-cured resins rose to 40.19%, representing a 1.36-fold increase (p < 0.0001). Preventive examinations accounted for 26.47% of visits, and 88.47% of examined children in need of dental sanitation were fully treated. However, the share of preventive measures and the number of visits for children with periodontal disease dropped. In 2021, the number of preventive examinations increased to 49.49% of visits. The percentage of complicated caries of permanent teeth in the filling structure rose to 4.93% compared to 2020 (p < 0.0001). The share of fillings made of light-cured resins reached 51.19%, and the rate of children receiving treatment under anesthesia increased (p < 0.0001). Indicators of preventive measures, which received less attention during quarantine, continued to decline. In 2022, complicated caries of permanent teeth constituted 4.96% of fillings that was higher than in 2021 (p < 0.0001). The proportion of preventive examinations significantly decreased to 33.45% (p < 0.0001), and the percentage of treated children among those who needed treatment dropped to 77.5%. Pedodontists started paying more attention to periodontal disease, preventive care, and treatment under anesthesia, which increased significantly. In 2023, the share of complicated caries of permanent teeth increased to 5.53% (p < 0.0001). The number of children treated under local or general anesthesia increased by 2.5 times. The number of visits for children with periodontal disease and indicators of preventive measures also increased (p < 0.001). In 2023, the share of preventive examinations was 36.28%, and the percentage of treated children among those who needed help decreased compared to 2022 (p < 0.0001), reaching 79.29%. The closure of school dental offices due to Covid-19 significantly reduced the number of patients in the pediatric dental polyclinic in 2020, leading to a significant decline in planned sanitation for children and preventive measures. In 2021, despite further decreases in visits, planned sanitation for children improved. In 2022, due to the treatment of internally displaced persons, the quantitative performance indicators of the polyclinic improved. From 2019 to 2023, there was an increase in the number of light-cured fillings, reflecting a trend in modern dentistry. Indicators for the treatment of periodontal disease, preventive measures, and treatment with anesthesia increased since 2022. During 2020-2023, there was a growth in the number of filled permanent teeth due to complicated caries, possibly due to budget funding for such dental aid in the polyclinic or because young patients may delay seeking medical attention. In 2023, the trend of decreasing the number of patients who were completely treated during planned sanitation was overcome. Further analysis of dental aid indicators for children is necessary for planning and funding to reduce the impact of socio-economic factors on children's health.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE ORAL HYGIENE OF CHILDREN AGED 3-5 YEARS

Given the high prevalence of caries in deciduous and permanent teeth in children worldwide, it is necessary to expand educational programs for students at various levels, to engage in health education initiatives targeting parents, teachers, and policymakers. Such efforts aim to foster interest and awareness among stakeholders involved in shaping health policies. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of the "Form for recording oral hygiene skills of children aged 3 to 5 years," developed by our team, as a means to enhance children's oral hygiene proficiency. Following the implementation of preventive measures in the first group, we observed a notable enhancement in the oral hygiene index, decreasing from 1.71 to 1.55 points between the initial and final assessments. This improvement correlates with the advancement of children's practical skills with age, alongside the active involvement of parents in their children's oral care routines. In the second group, the hygiene index significantly worsened with each examination. A comparison of this index between the groups at the second and third examinations revealed a significant difference. Children were also divided into groups, which we monitored according to the state of oral hygiene. In the first group, 45.7% of children had good oral hygiene during the first examination, 53.3% during the second, and 72.4% during the third. This rise can be attributed to a decrease in cases of children exhibiting poor hygiene, dropping from 20% to 6.9%. In the second group, children with good hygiene decreased from 51.4% to 28%. The group average remained satisfactory at each visit, but the number of children with poor hygiene increased from 14.3% to 52%. All of the above is aimed at reducing caries of temporary teeth, which is the main unresolved issue of modern pediatric dentistry.

Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Dentistry: Effectiveness in Preventing and Arresting Dental Caries-A Systematic Review.

Tooth decay is considered a global scourge by the World Health Organization (WHO) starting at an early age. In recent years, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has regained interest, particularly in pediatric dentistry, used to prevent the development of carious lesions or arrest their progression. The aim of this study was to assess, through a systematic review of the literature, the effectiveness of SDF, used in pedodontics, in temporary teeth, in preventing or arresting dental caries. An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. The effect of SDF on both temporary and permanent teeth has been considered. The inclusion criteria identified 16 randomized controlled trials involving patients aged 18 months to 13 years and followed over a period of 12-30 months. SDF is a practical, accessible and effective non-invasive way to prevent and arrest caries in temporary and permanent teeth. Its application requires regular monitoring. The resulting black spot is diminished by immediate application of potassium iodide but this may affect its effectiveness.

Identifying early permanent teeth caries factors in children using random forest algorithm

IntroductionEarly permanent dental caries can pose a serious threat to oral health in the coming years. This study aimed to investigate the key factors influencing early dental caries in permanent teeth among first-grade Iranian children.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 778 randomly selected first-grade children from public schools in Tehran, Iran, was conducted between November 2017 and January 2018. The oral health of the children, evaluated by two trained dentists, was recorded based on the DMFT index. Information on maternal education, gender, dmft index, brushing frequency, dental visits, flossing, and sweet consumption was also collected. The Random Forest method was employed to identify factors associated with early permanent dental caries, and its performance was compared with logistic regression using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) index.ResultsLogistic regression, represented by odds ratios (OR), revealed a significant association between early permanent dental caries and dmft index [OR1.13, 95% CI (1.07, 1.20), p-value <0.001], maternal education [OR = 2.04, 95% CI (1.15, 3.62), p-value <0.05], and sweet consumption [OR = 0.59, 95% CI (0.36, 0.98), p-value <0.05]. Random Forest analysis indicated that male gender, higher maternal education, and lower sweet consumption were associated with increased likelihood of being caries-free. Notably, Random Forest demonstrated superior performance (AUC = 0.81) compared to logistic regression (AUC = 0.72).ConclusionEarly permanent dental caries can be effectively managed by caring primary teeth and reducing consumption of sweet. Maternal education emerged as a pivotal factor in mitigating the risk of early permanent dental caries. Therefore, prioritizing these factors and preventing permanent teeth caries in childhood can be remarkably influential in reducing future caries. The usage of the Random Forest algorithm is highly recommended for identifying relevant risk factors associated with early permanent teeth.

Comparison of near-infrared imaging with cone-beam computed tomography for proximal caries detection in permanent dentition: An in vivo study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of near-infrared imaging (NIRI) and unaided visual examination (UVE) in detecting proximal caries in permanent dentition in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MethodsPatients who underwent NIRI, UVE, and CBCT imaging within 1 week were enrolled. Using CBCT as the reference test, the positive percent agreement (PPA), negative percent agreement (NPA), and overall percent agreement (OPA) of NIRI, UVE, and a combination of the two for detecting proximal caries at different depths and in different tooth locations were assessed. Additionally, the consistency of these diagnostic methods with CBCT was evaluated. ResultsWe evaluated 6,084 proximal surfaces and identified 177 CBCT-positive sites. NIRI had a PPA, NPA, and OPA of 68.93 %, 99.09 %, and 98.21 %, respectively, with a substantial agreement with CBCT. When combined with UVE, the PPA increased by approximately 50 % compared with that of UVE alone. Regarding caries at different depths, NIRI outperformed UVE in detecting initial caries (ICDAS 1–2) over moderate-to-advanced caries (ICDAS 3–6). However, the combined use of NIRI and UVE improved the detection of moderate-to-advanced caries. In the anterior teeth region, NIRI exhibited excellent agreement with CBCT, surpassing its performance in the posterior region. ConclusionsAlthough NIRI cannot fully replace radiographic methods, the substantial agreement of NIRI with CBCT in detecting proximal caries highlights its potential as a complementary tool in routine caries screening, especially when combined with UVE. Clinical SignificanceThis study highlights the potential of NIRI as a radiation-free method for detecting proximal caries in permanent teeth. Early detection through regular NIRI scanning can lead to timely intervention, improved patient outcomes, and reduced overall disease burden.

The Prevalence Of Dental Caries In 1st Permanent Molar Teeth Among Teenage Boys And Girls At FMIC Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan: An Observational Study

The Prevalence Of Dental Caries In 1st Permanent Molar Teeth Among Teenage Boys And Girls At FMIC Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan: An Observational Study

Evaluating the effectiveness of coconut oil (Cocus nucifera) anti-bacterial benefits in caries prevention: A literature review

Background: Caries is the damage to the hard tooth tissue, which is enamel and dentine due to bacteria, with one of them being Streptococcus mutans. Caries is the most widespread non-infectious disease, with 2 billion people in the world suffering from permanent tooth caries and 514 million children suffering from primary tooth caries. The abundance of natural resources in Indonesia can be used as a way to prevent caries, such as using coconut oil which is known to have antibacterial benefits. Method: Analysis of several scientific findings and research with publication limitation over the last 5 years, recorded after January 1st, 2018. Results: Based on the results of analysis from several studies, coconut oil is proven to contain lauric acid which can be converted into monolaurin which is an active antibacterial agent. Monolaurin will cover the surface of the bacterial cell wall (peptidoglycan) and penetrate so that metabolism and cell permeability are disrupted and ultimately the cell lysis and cell death occurs. Studies show the effect of coconut oil on the incubation of bacteria that successfully inhibit colonization. Conclusion: It is proven that the content of coconut oil can effectively prevent the growth of the bacteria causing caries. Coconut oil has the potential to be an important step in preventing caries in the future.

Impact of Potassium Iodide Solution on Silver Diamine Fluoride Black Staining - In Vitro Investigation

Dental caries is a prevalent global oral health issue, necessitating effective preventive and treatment strategies. Silver diamine fluoride has emerged as a valuable tool for arresting carious lesions, but its drawback of causing permanent black staining raises concerns. This study explores the potential of potassium iodide to mitigate silver diamine fluoride -induced staining through repeated applications at different intervals. Sixty carious permanent teeth were divided into three groups: silver diamine fluoride alone, silver diamine fluoride with daily potassium iodide application, and silver diamine fluoride with weekly potassium iodide application. Color assessments were conducted using mean grey values at baseline, immediately post-application, and at 2 and 4 weeks. Results demonstrated that potassium iodide significantly reduced black staining when applied immediately after silver diamine fluoride. Daily potassium iodide application yielded the whitest color, surpassing weekly application. The findings suggest that integrating potassium iodide with silver diamine fluoride, particularly through daily application, offers a promising approach to minimize staining associated with silver diamine fluoride treatment, enhancing its acceptability and clinical utility.

Analysis of the frequency of cemento-enamel junction caries in permanent teeth of different groups

Analysis of the frequency of cemento-enamel junction caries in permanent teeth of different groups

Development and Validation of the SCAN-Score to Indicate General Anesthesia for Dental Care in Children.

Background: General anesthesia is an approach used to address behavior issues in pediatric dentistry. This indication often relies on the practitioner's discretion rather than objective criteria. We developed SCAN-score to assist pediatric dentists in the case of doubt to indicate general anesthesia for uncooperative children. The study aims were to assess the validity of the SCAN-score, which aims to indicate general anesthesia or chairside management for dental care. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on children aged between 2 and 10 years who received dental care. The SCAN-score combined three item scales (age, need of care, behavior) and three additional factors: communication barriers, permanent teeth caries, and local anesthesia contraindications. Mean scores were estimated. An ROC curve was constructed with sensitivities and specificities obtained. Results: The study included 284 children, with 154 treated through chairside methods and 130 treated under general anesthesia. The mean score was 5.6 ± 2.8 in the chairside management group and 12.9 ± 1.9 in the general anesthesia group. The sensitivity of the score (cutoff at 10) was 0.99, and the specificity was 0.94. The estimate of the ROC is 0.994. Conclusions: The SCAN-score appears to be an excellent tool to support the practitioner's decision to refer to general anesthesia care.

Efficacy of Glass Ionomer Cement as Pit and Fissure Sealant in Permanent First Molars.

Background/Objectives Pit and fissure caries constitute a predominant portion, approximately 90% in permanent posterior teeth and 44% in primary teeth among children and adolescents. Among various preventive modalities, pit and fissure sealants play a pivotal role in safeguarding these vulnerable areas. Categorized by materials such as glass ionomer, composites, and polyacid-modified glass ionomers, these sealants offer effective protection. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of glass ionomer-based pit and fissure sealants in terms of retention rate at 12-month post-procedure period in permanent first molars. Methodology This study was conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan, Pakistan. Fifty-six children, aged 7 to 12 years, presenting with pit and fissure caries in permanent first molar teeth were enrolled. Glass ionomer sealantwas meticulously applied to the affected pits and fissures. The efficacy was assessed after 12 months based on predefined criteria. Results The age of participants ranged from 7 to 12 years, with a mean age of 9.24 ± 1.38 years. Among the 56 patients, 23 (41.2%) were male and 33 (58.8%) were female. Sealant retention was noted in 31 (55.35%) patients, while 25 (44.65%) experienced sealant loss. In the 7 to 9-year age group, 19 demonstrated complete sealant retention, whereas in the 10 to 12-year age group, 12 exhibited complete retention. Concerning gender distribution, 17 males and 14 females exhibited complete sealant retention. Conclusion Glass ionomer-based sealants demonstrate excellent properties for pit and fissure sealing owing to their low technique sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and favorable retention rates. Therefore, they represent an optimal choice for this preventive dental procedure.