Primary Dentition Research Articles

Cortisol in deciduous tooth tissues: A potential metric for assessing stress exposure in archaeological and living populations

ObjectiveCortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that is regularly assessed in modern human and non-human populations in saliva, blood, and hair as a measure of stress exposure and stress reactivity. While recent research has detected cortisol concentrations in modern and archaeological permanent dental tissues, the present study assessed human primary (deciduous) teeth for cortisol concentrations. Materials and MethodsFifty-one dentine and enamel samples from nine modern and 10 archaeological deciduous teeth were analyzed for cortisol concentrations via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsDetectable concentrations of cortisol were identified in 15 (of 32) dentine and 8 (of 19) enamel samples coming from modern and archaeological deciduous teeth. ConclusionsThis study is the first known analysis of cortisol from deciduous dental tissues, demonstrating the potential to identify measurable concentrations. SignificanceThe ability to analyze deciduous teeth is integral to developing dental cortisol methods with multiple potential future applications, including research on the biological embedding of stress in the skeleton. This study marks a key step in a larger research program to study stress in primary dentition from living and archaeological populations. LimitationsMultiple samples generated cortisol values that were not detectable with ELISA. Minimum quantities of tissue may be required to generate detectable levels of cortisol. Suggestions for Further ResearchFuture research should include larger sample sizes and consideration of intrinsic biological and extrinsic preservation factors on dental cortisol. Further method validation and alternative methods for assessing dental cortisol are needed.

A multi-site service evaluation of silver diamine fluoride use for children

Introduction The use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is relatively new to the UK. It is unknown how it is being used and for what indications in UK paediatric dental services.Aim To: 1) establish how SDF is being used across different paediatric dental settings in the UK; and 2) consider parental and patient views on the treatment experience and side effect of discolouration.Method A multi-site service evaluation was carried out across six paediatric dentistry units covering hospital and community services. Data were collected prospectively from 17/02/2020 to 02/03/2022. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.Results Data were collected for 54 patients. The included patients had an age range of 2-13 years, with a mean of 4.9 years. The reason SDF was chosen was reported as: to avoid general anaesthetic (n = 25); to avoid extractions (n = 8); stabilisation (n = 25); acclimatisation (n = 24); and insufficient cooperation for other treatment (n = 17). In total, 42 cases had SDF applied to the primary dentition. This was in the anterior dentition for 18 patients and the posterior dentition for 15, with nine patients having SDF applied both anteriorly and posteriorly. The majority of children and parents were accepting of the technique and immediate aesthetic outcome.Conclusion In the services involved in this multi-site service evaluation, SDF is used for young patients in the primary dentition for the purpose of caries arrest. The technique was viewed positively by the majority of parents and children.

Oral Health Survey in Burundi; Evaluation of the Caries Experience in Schoolchildren Using the DMFT Index.

Background and objectives: There are no data on oral health in the population of Burundi. This study aimed to describe the oral health status of schoolchildren in Burundi using the dmft/DMFT index for the first time. Materials and methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional population-based epidemiological survey. The survey was designed according to the WHO methodology for oral health surveys. Oral examinations were conducted in school rooms using a dental mirror, probe, and headlight. The following characteristics of primary dentition status were recorded: decayed (d/D), missing (m/M), and filled (f/F) teeth, and the dmft/DMFT (d + m + f t/D + M + F T) index was calculated for each subject. Quantitative and qualitative variables were represented by measures of position and variability. One-way ANOVA was used to assess differences between parametric variables. Logistic regression was performed for total caries experience and gender, age groups, living area, and geographical provinces. Results: A total of 1902 children were examined, 1007 (52.94%) six-year-olds and 895 (47.06%) in the older group. The dmft/DMFT and subgroups were statistically significantly different in terms of age groups, living areas, and geographical regions (dmft/DMFT d-subgroup and D-subgroup p < 0.01), but only for DMFT for sex. The ORs estimated by logistic regression by total caries experience showed a protective effect for 12 year old subjects and those living in southern provinces, an OR of 0.52 (95%CI 0.43-0.64) and an OR of 0.26 (95%CI 0.21-0.32), respectively. Conclusions: Dental caries in African countries, including Burundi, remains a major problem affecting the general health and wellbeing of the population. Tackling untreated caries requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening oral health infrastructure, promoting oral health education, providing affordable dental services, and encouraging healthier eating habits.

A Wider Scope of Analysis on 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride.

This research was conducted to further support previous studies on the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride on caries arrest. In addition, the number of applications, time between subsequent applications, type of teeth (primary vs. permanent), final restoration following treatment, and the type of restoration, if any, were assessed. It is a retrospective longitudinal study that was conducted using a chart review technique for which a waiver of informed consent was obtained. The research participants' privacy was ensured and protected. All participants' identities remained anonymous and confidential. Furthermore, consentwas collected from participants' sitters during their appointments as a protocol prior to applying 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF). The current research was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC). All investigatorsabided by the rules and regulations of the Government of Saudi Arabia, KFSH&RC, and the Research Advisory Council. A population of pediatric patients with primary and/or mixed dentition at a tertiary care hospital who were treated at the dental office between the period from March 2020 to December 2022 were recruited. A consecutive non-random sampling technique was used. The inclusion criteria include cavitated, asymptomatic, and teeth with no signs or symptoms of pulpal involvement. The sample size estimation was done by considering different percentages of success in arresting dental carries by using 38% SDF, with different levels of precision of 95% confidence intervals and with 0.05 level of significance. A 95% success was assumed in arresting dental carries by using 38% SDF, with a precision of ±5%, and with α=0.05, the required teeth sample size was 101. Anticipating some incomplete information and documentation, the sample size may be dynamic. Nighty-seven teeth both primary and permanent were included in this study. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistical software version 26.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) for Windows. Descriptive statistics (mean standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages) were used to describe the quantitative and categorical outcome variables. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the proportion success of 38% SDF in relation to the characteristics of study subjects. The odds ratios were used to quantify the measure of association between the success and other categorical study variables. A binary multiple logistic regression was used to identify the independent variables associated with the success of 38% SDF in arresting dental caries. A p-value of <0.05 and 95% confidence intervals were used to report the statistical significance and precision of results. Our current research concluded that different variables associated with 38% SDF, such as thenumber of applications and the time-lapse between applications, had no significant effect on the successful results of the application. Moreover, receiving a final restoration did not affect the success of the treatment when compared to treating with 38% SDF alone. Additionally, the type of final restoration had no impact on the prognosis. Further research using standardized protocols for study designs, detection criteria, outcomes, and statistical designs is needed to supportfindings and establish treatment guidelines.

Pattern of Tooth Extraction and Use of Space Maintainers in Paediatric Dental Patients in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja

The primary dentition is essential in the maintenance of normal occlusion in the permanent dentition. Both dentitions enhance aesthetic, speech and are functional in nature. Early loss of the primary dentition necessitates the placement of space maintainers. This study determined the pattern of tooth extraction of patients attending the paediatric dental clinic in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and the use of space maintainers. A retrospective study carried out using the dental records of patients who attended the Paediatric dental clinic, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20 (IBM, New York). The prevalence of tooth extraction was 49.8% among a population of 410 subjects with a total of 353 extracted teeth. The male to female ratio was 1:1.37. Majority (58.3%) of the subjects had only one tooth extracted. The commonest reason for extraction was retained primary teeth (35.8%). The commonest arch and segment of extraction was the mandible (56.1%) and the anterior teeth (51.0%). The commonest tooth extracted was upper right primary central incisor (7.6%). The most common space maintainer was band and loop. Retained teeth was the most common reason for tooth extraction followed by sequelae of dental caries, caries and trauma. This highlights the need for implementation of oral health prevention policies with regards to the use of fluoride, fissure sealants, silver diamine fluoride increased awareness of safety protocols to mitigate traumatic injuries and introduction of dental health education programs in schools and community.

Effects of two flap palatoplasty versus furlow palatoplasty with buccal myomucosal flap on maxillary arch dimensions in patients with cleft palate at the primary dentition stage: a cohort study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two flap palatoplasty (TFP) versus Furlow palatoplasty with buccal myomucosal flap (FPBF) on maxillary arch dimensions in children at the primary dentition stage with cleft palate, in comparison to matching subjects without any craniofacial anomalies.Material and methodsThis study included 28 subjects with an age range of 5–6 years; 10 non-cleft subjects were included in the control group, 9 patients treated with TFP, and 9 patients treated with FPBF. For the included patients, the maxillary models were scanned using a desktop scanner to produce virtual models, and the maxillary dimension measurements were virtually completed. The produced measurements were compared between the 3 groups. Maxillary models of the 28 participants were evaluated.ResultsStatistically insignificant differences were detected between the 3 groups for arch symmetry measurements. Differences were detected in the inter-canine width between the 2 surgical groups and non-cleft group. Both arch length and posterior palatal depth significantly differ while comparing the TFP to the control group, with no differences between FPBF and the non-cleft group.ConclusionFurlow palatoplasty with buccal myomucosal flap might be considered a better surgical option than two flap palatoplasty for patients with cleft palate while evaluating maxillary arch dimensions at the primary dentition stage as a surgical outcome.Clinical relevanceThis study gives insight into the surgical technique that has limited effect on the maxillary growth and dental arch dimension. Therefore, it decreases the need for orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov (NCT05405738).

A clinical and statistical study on enamel hypomineralization of the first permanent molar in the period of mixed dentition.

The first permanent molar (FPM) is the first tooth in the permanent dentition that emerges in the oral cavity, at around the age of six and behind the deciduous teeth, thus converting the primary dentition into a mixed dentition. Its early formation represents a risk factor for the onset of hard dental tissues disorders, the most common being the molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). The aim of the study was to assess the hypomineralization type of developmental defects of enamel at FPM level during the mixed dentition stage, in a group of Romanian children. The research was conducted on 87 patients, 44 females and 43 males, divided into the following age groups: 5-6 years, 6-7 years, 7-8 years, 8-9 years, 9-10 years, 10-11 years, 11-12 years and older than 12 years. All children were examined in the dental office by a pediatric dentist. Of the subjects, 40.2% presented hypomineralization lesions on the FPM. Among the affected children, 62.9% were girls and 37.1% were boys. Mild forms were the most prevalent, being found in 71.4% of the affected subjects. Moderate forms were present in 22.9% and severe forms in 5.7% of the affected children. MIH prevalence significantly decreased with increasing age. Only two children belonging to the group 8-9 years and 10-11 years, respectively, showed severe MIH lesions. Statistically significant differences were determined in what regards the distribution of MIH children according to the severity of the lesions in relation to age (p=0.007). Children 6- to 7-year-old have been the most affected by FPM hypomineralization, which indicates the need for early management of the disease, through a thorough diagnosis, and preventive and interceptive therapeutic approaches.

Dental caries in the Myanmar population: Findings from the first national oral health survey in 2016-2017.

This study aimed to investigate the dental caries status of indicator age groups as mentioned in the WHO pathfinder methodology, compare caries experiences among those age groups according to gender and geographical location, and assess the association between dental caries and related risk factors in primary and permanent dentition. A sample of 5928 participants aged 6, 12, 15-18, 35-44 and 60-74 years were recruited from 21 selected townships in the first Myanmar national oral health survey. Clinical oral examinations and questionnaire-based surveys were conducted from December 2016 to January 2017. The prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth was 85.3% with a mean dmft of 5.7 at age 6 years. The prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth and mean DMFT were 36.5% and 0.8 at 12 years, 43.8% and 1.1 at 15-18 years, 64.7% and 3.0 at 35-44 years, and 93.6% and 11.5 at 60-74 years. Missing teeth were higher in 60-74-year-olds, with 27 participants being fully edentulous. There were significant differences in caries experiences between males and females aged 15-18, 35-44 and 60-74 years. In the adjusted logistic regression, consumption of sweets or candies three times or more a day showed significantly higher risks of dental caries in primary teeth. Age, gender, consumption of sweets or candies and consumption of sweet drinks were associated factors for dental caries in permanent teeth. The findings from the first national oral health survey indicate that caries in primary teeth is an important oral health problem for Myanmar children. Tooth loss was also found to be a concern in the aging population. National oral health policies and strategies need to be developed to promote awareness and understanding of oral health, in particular the role of risk factors such as sugary foods and drinks in tooth decay in children and adults.

Facial Profile and Characteristics of Occlusal Features in Primary Dentition among Children Aged 2-5 Years in Southern Nigeria

Objective: To assess the facial profile and characteristic features of occlusion in primary dentition among paediatric dental patients in a teaching hospital in Southern Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising 224 children aged 2 to 5 years who visited the paediatric dental clinic over one year with the full complements of their primary dentition. All the children were screened for molar and canine relations, overjet, overbite, anthropoid and developmental spaces, as well as their facial profiles, and the data were recorded. Data were analyzed using statistical software (SPSS version 21.0, Chicago). The Chi-square test analyzed categorical data with a level of significance for all statistical tests set at a probability value of less than 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Bilateral flush terminal plane molar relationship was the most prevalent in 126(56%), followed by the mesial step 84(37.5%). Molar relationship and gender were statistically significant (P= 0.001). Bilateral canine class I was the most common relationship in 189(84.4%), bilateral normal overjet in 191(85.3%) and bilateral normal overbite in 183(81.7%). The majority of the developmental spaces were in the maxilla 136(60.7%) and mostly among males (69%); this was statistically significant (p=0.023). Anthropoid spaces were most prevalent in the maxilla 198(88.4%) and among males (94%), which was statistically significant (p=0.019). Straight facial profile was the most common profile 147(65.6%), although more in males (67%), it was not statistically significant (p=0.823).&#x0D; Conclusion: The study's most prevalent facial and occlusal characteristics were the straight facial profile, bilateral flush terminal relationship, class 1 canine, normal overjet, normal overbite, and maxillary anthropoid and developmental spaces. Revealed in this study were mostly desirable occlusal features but with some occlusal characteristics that deviate from the norm.&#x0D;

Ektodermal Displazili Çocuk Hastaların Protetik Tedavisi: İki Olgu Raporu

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a hereditary disorder characterized by anomalies in the ectodermal structures. The most common dental anomalies are oligodontia and/or anodontia of the primary and permanent dentition. Therefore, pediatric patients with ED may be need prosthetic rehabilitations. Several prosthodontics treatment options, such as complete, removable partial, over-denture, fixed and implant-supported dentures are avaible to rehabilate patients with ED. The aim of this clinical case report is to present the clinical characteristics and prosthetic treatment of two cases with ED.

A Novel Digitized Method for the Design and Additive Manufacturing of Orthodontic Space Maintainers

Primary dentition is crucial in influencing the emergence of permanent teeth. Premature primary tooth loss can result in undesired tooth motions and space loss in the permanent dentition. Typically, fixed or removable dental appliances are adopted to maintain edentulous space until the eruption of permanent teeth. However, traditional space maintainers have limitations in terms of variability in tooth anatomy, potential allergic reactions in some individuals (i.e., nickel sensitivity), difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene, and patient acceptance. The present study introduces a fully digital framework for the design and manufacturing of customized pediatric unilateral space maintainers using generative algorithms. The proposed approach overcomes the current challenges by using a biocompatible resin material and optimizing the device’s size, design, and color. The methodology involves intraoral scanning, surface selection, and trim, generative 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and additive manufacturing (AM) through vat photopolymerization. FEA results demonstrate the device’s mechanical performance and reliability, while additive manufacturing ensures design freedom, high resolution, surface finishing, dimensional accuracy, and proper fit. The mechanical interlocking system facilitates easy and effective positioning of the device. This digital approach offers the potential for wider usage of space maintainers and can be further validated through experimental assessments and clinical studies.

Developing and assessing the efficiency of VOSER software in recording dental caries according to WHO's criteria 2013

Background/purposeWorld Health Organization (WHO) oral health survey manual is the main guideline for most oral health surveys worldwide. It has been updated several times since 1971; however, using papers and pens for data recording remains unchanged. This study aimed to develop the Vietnam Oral Survey Electronics Recorder (VOSER) to record dental caries data based on the WHO 2013 criteria and assess its reliability and efficiency. Materials and methodsVOSER was developed and tested for reliability and efficiency by performing clinical examinations on 365 school children in three key indicator age groups: 120 5-year-old students with primary dentition, 123 8-year-old students with mixed dentition, and 122 12-year-old students with permanent dentition. One gold standard examiner and two trained clerks examined these children using either WHO's paper survey form or VOSER's digital form for dental caries. Recording time, spreadsheet time, DMFT/S, and dmft/s were analyzed to compare the efficiency of VOSER to the paper form. Cohen's Kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were adopted in the data analyses. ResultsMedian time of using VOSER was significantly shorter than the standard time in all three dentitions (P < 0.001). Cohen's Kappa values between data collected by VOSER and paper form showed almost perfect agreements (0.927–0.958). DMFT/S and dmft/s values calculated from data collected by both methods had good to excellent reliabilities (0.791–0.997). ConclusionVOSER is efficient and reliable for conducting dental caries surveys according to the WHO 2013 criteria and should be utilized in the era of digital technology.

Mandibular Condyle Shape and Symmetry in 4- to 19-Year-Old Children and Early Adolescents

Background: The prevalence of TMD (temporomandibular disorder) in children and early adolescents varies widely. TMD can cause permanent facial deformities and affect occlusion and speech, which will affect growth, development, and quality of life. For prevention, early detection is needed. However, early detection is often not possible due to a lack of understanding of the normal shape of the condyle. Research on the normal shape of the condyle and symmetry in children and early adolescents has not been much done. Purpose: To evaluate the shape of normal condyles in a population of children and early adolescents aged 4–19 years and determine the most dominant shape and symmetry. Methods: 220 mandibular condyles of 110 children aged 4–19 years (mean 11.4 years) were analyzed retrospectively using an orthopantomograph. Condyle types in primary, mixed, and permanent dentition were categorized according to Yale (convex, rounded, flat, angled) and Chaudhry classification (oval, diamond, bird beak, crooked). Right and left mandibular condyle symmetry was observed according to a previous study by Ribeiro. Results: In primary, mixed, and permanent dentition, the most dominant condyle shapes were (Yale, Chaudhry): 91.6% rounded, 100% oval; 95.8% rounded, 97.9% oval; 98% rounded, 97% oval, respectively. Asymmetry in the right and left mandibular condyles was not found in primary dentition; there were 2 cases in mixed dentition and 3 cases in permanent dentition. Conclusion: In children and early adolescents aged 4–19 years, the normal condyles found are: rounded, convex, angled (Yale), and oval, diamond, or bird beak (Chaudhry). The condyles are dominated by rounded and oval shapes. The incidence of asymmetry in the right and left mandibular condyles probably increases with age.

Rare bilateral incisiform supernumerary teeth: A case report

An increased number of teeth in relation to normal dental formula is called hyperdontia, and the additional tooth are termed as supernumerary tooth. A supplemental tooth is a supernumerary tooth that closely resembles in shape to its adjacent teeth with which they are associated and supplements for occlusion. Primary dentition presents with lower prevalence of supernumerary teeth compared to permanent dentition. This report presents supplemental teeth in primary dentition.

Perspective of pediatricians about early childhood caries (ECC) in lumbini province Nepal: A major virulent dental problem

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant worldwide oral health problem that needs to be looked after by parents. Some parents do not care about the oral health of their children, and they more frequently visit pediatricians. So, pediatricians are one of the most reliable profession for preventing children’s oral diseases, and promoting awareness. The aim of the study was to know the knowledge and awareness of pediatricians’ about early childhood caries (ECC) in lumbini province, Nepal.A total of 40 pediatricians were selected by using census sampling method and were requested to fill out an objective questionnaire pertaining to individual’s knowledge about ECC, without providing any oral health information taking duration of the study from March 2021 to September 2021.About 23(56.5%) of pediatricians understood the importance of pediatric dentistry. About 34(86.2%) of pediatricians performed oral examination regularly. Around 17% of pediatricians had knowledge of the ECC. Only 14(33.3%) of pediatricians acknowledged the cariogenicity of sugar containing medical syrups.The study shows poor knowledge regarding ECC, oral health, and dental treatment need in children among the surveyed pediatricians although having good knowledge about pediatric speciality and importance of primary dentition. Thus, there is a need to update the Pediatricians on recent recommendations about ECC and its early screening.

Robust automated teeth identification from dental radiographs using deep learning

ObjectivesThis study developed and validated a deep learning-based method to automatically segment and number teeth in panoramic radiographs across primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions. MethodsA total of 6,046 panoramic radiographs were collected and annotated. The dataset encompassed primary, mixed and permanent dentitions and dental abnormalities such as tooth number anomalies, dental diseases, dental prostheses, and orthodontic appliances. A deep learning-based algorithm consisting of a U-Net-based region of interest extraction model, a Hybrid Task Cascade-based teeth segmentation and numbering model, and a post-processing procedure was trained on 4,232 images, validated on 605 images, and tested on 1,209 images. Precision, recall and Intersection-over-Union (IoU) were used to evaluate its performance. ResultsThe deep learning-based teeth identification algorithm achieved good performance on panoramic radiographs, with precision and recall for teeth segmentation and numbering exceeding 97%, and the IoU between predictions and ground truths reaching 92%. It generalized well across all three dentition stages and complex real-world cases. ConclusionsBy utilizing a two-stage training framework with a large-scale heterogeneous dataset, the automatic teeth identification algorithm achieved a performance level comparable to that of dental experts. Clinical SignificanceDeep learning can be leveraged to aid clinical interpretation of panoramic radiographs across primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions, even in the presence of real-world complexities. This robust teeth identification algorithm could contribute to the future development of more advanced, diagnosis- or treatment-oriented dental automation systems.

Critical appraisal of the 2020 IADT Guidelines: A personal commentary.

The 2020 International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) Guidelines feature several important changes in the treatment recommendations for traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) from the previous 2012 iteration of these Guidelines. This evidence-based narrative review aims to provide a detailed appraisal of five specific changes incorporated in the 2020 IADT Guidelines, based on the available literature evidence that may have prompted these changes. The paper discusses three excellent additions/changes to the new Guidelines: (i) inclusion of a core outcome set for reporting TDIs; (ii) more conservative management of primary dentition TDIs including the changed recommendations for radiation exposure and managing primary dentition luxation injuries; and (iii) the changes in the treatment recommendations for permanent dentition avulsion injuries. The paper further debates whether two other changes made in the current IADT Guidelines for-(i) intrusion injuries in immature teeth; and (ii) complicated crown-root fractures in mature teeth-have sufficient evidence to support the changed recommendations.

Effects of Nasoalveolar Molding on Maxillary Arch Dimensions and Malocclusion Characteristics of Deciduous Dentition Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

To evaluate the effects of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Patients in deciduous dentition were referred to the institutional department of orthodontics. The NAM group consisted of 21 patients with UCLP (mean age 4.7±0.7 years) and 12 patients with BCLP (mean age 4.8±0.7 years). Sixteen patients with UCLP (mean age 4.9±0.9 years) and 5 patients with BCLP (mean age 5.4±1.1 years) were included in the non-NAM group. The plaster models of all patients were digitized. Dental arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics were analyzed via digital software. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis. Intercanine and intermolar widths showed statistically significant differences according to the cleft type (P<.01). There was no statistically significant effect of NAM therapy on maxillary arch parameters and malocclusion characteristics (P>.05). The prevalence of anterior crossbite was 12.1% in the NAM group, and 23.8% in the non-NAM group. NAM therapy did not affect the maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with UCLP and BCLP. The cleft type was the main factor, leading to a significant difference in maxillary widths.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apexogenesis: A Systematic Review.

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of apexogenesis with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) against other pulpotomy agents in carious/traumatized immature permanent teeth. A web-based search for possibly relevant scientific papers in the English language between January 2013 and August 2022 was undertaken in the databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Only randomized clinical trials that compared MTA against other pulpotomy medicaments conducted in vital immature permanent dentition with open apex, having a sample size of not less than 20 with at least 6 months follow-up, reporting clinical or radiographic outcomes were included in the current review. Case studies, case series, animal studies, in vitro studies, non-clinical/clinical trials on mature/necrotic permanent or primary dentition, systematic reviews, and letters to the editor were excluded. A total of 236 articles were retrieved from the databases during the search procedure. Two independent investigators conducted a full-text review of 83 studies following a screening of titles and abstracts. Eventually, seven studies were considered for the review. The Cochrane bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Five of the selected studies were assigned a low evidence level, whereas two were rated a high evidence level. The present review indicated that the diverse pulpotomy agents had comparable clinical outcomes with MTA for apexogenesis in traumatized or carious immature permanent teeth. However, there is a lack of substantial information to draw firm conclusions about the benefits of one material over another.

Assessment of Eruption Disturbances in the Mixed Dentition Phase of a Population in Eastern India: A Cross-sectional Study

Context: Eruption disturbances in the primary dentition resulting from environmental and genetic factors can eventually lead to complex anomalies in permanent dentition. If intercepted at an early stage, such anomalies in the permanent dentition can be averted. Aim: In this study, the most common eruption disturbances in the mixed dentition phase have been highlighted in an ethnic group in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: Three thousand children between the ages of 6 and 12 years were randomly chosen with 1330 children in the experimental group and 1670 in the control group. The entire population was divided into two age groups – 6–9 years and 10–12 years. The experimental group had 680 males and 650 females. A total of nine parameters were identified that included premature loss of deciduous teeth, over-retained primary teeth, supernumerary teeth, congenital absence of permanent teeth, ankylosis, eruption cysts, etc., Statistical Analysis Used: The Chi-square test was used for the analysis. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed for each of the parameters considered in this study with respect to the two age groups, namely 6–9 years and 10–12 years, and gender, namely male and female, of the experimental group with P &lt; 0.01%. Conclusion: Accurate understanding of the pattern of eruption disturbances in the mixed dentition period of any ethnic group and/or population is imperative for timely intervention and/or referral by primary care dentists so that malocclusion in the permanent dentition can be intercepted and corrected, thereby improving the quality of life index for that ethnic group/population.