Type Of Dentition Research Articles

Factors involved in the treatment sought immediately after traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian children.

The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic and clinical factors involved in the immediate seeking of care after traumatic dental injury (TDI) in Brazilian children. Records from 74 patients, age ranged 1-11 years, who sought treatment at the School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto at University of São Paulo, Brazil, were collected. Data was analyzed using the Epi Info 7.0 software by t-test, odds ratio calculation, Chi-square, or Fisher's exact tests. Twenty-three (31.1%) sought dental treatment immediately and 51 (68.9%) did not seek dental treatment immediately. The most common type of trauma was lateral luxation (44.6%). In primary teeth, 31 cases (60.78%) involved the soft tissue and 16 (39.2%) involved hard tissue injuries. While in permanent teeth, 20 cases (40%) involved soft tissue and 24 (60%) involved hard tissue injuries had more traumas in the hard tissue (P = 0.04). The type of injury and dentition was not associated with the time that the guardians sought dental treatment (P > 0.05). None of the factors were involved in immediately seeking care after TDI. Moreover, the majority of parents/caregivers did not immediately seek dental treatment after TDI, regardless of the type of injury.

Gingival health in children with mixed and permanent dentition with diagnosed pyelonephritis

Introduction: The share of hospitalizations of children with diagnosed urinary tract infections amounts to 4.6 % to 10 % of all hospitalized children. The interest towards fast and minimally invasive diagnostic tests has been exponentially increasing during the last decade. Saliva has been implemented as a biological medium for multi-aspect diagnostic investigations. The determination of the degree of gingival inflammation based on quantitative verification of salivary white blood cells correlates positively to data obtained by application of conventional parameters for evaluation of the periodontal status. The indicator of salivary blood has been investigated as a significant factor for the assessment of the inflammatory process of gingival tissue. Aim: The aim of the study is related to exploration, analysis and assessment of gingival health of children with mixed and permanent dentition with diagnosed pyelonephritis in comparison to children without common health disorders. Materials and Methods: The participants in the study are divided into two main groups - children with pyelonephritis and healthy controls. Each of the 2 groups includes two subgroups based on the type of dentition. A combination of methods has been implemented - clinical, paraclinical, and statistical methods. Conclusion: Among children suffering from pyelonephritis, the indicator of salivary blood is associated with the degree of gingival inflammation. The significance of the PLI and GI indicators in their role as predictors of destructive inflammatory processes of the gingival tissue is verified. The concentration of salivary leucocytes correlates to the intensity and activity of gingival inflammatory disorders.

Alternativa de tratamiento oportuno de mordida cruzada posterior unilateral en dentición primaria y mixta temprana. Serie de casos.

Introducción Las mordidas cruzadas posteriores unilaterales (MCPU) constituyen uno de los tipos de maloclusiones más frecuentes encontrados tanto en dentición primaria como en dentición mixta temprana. Debido a su origen multifactorial su tratamiento se encuentra enfocado no solo en la corrección de la maloclusión, sino en obtener una estabilidad oclusal y funcional a largo plazo que disminuya las alteraciones en el crecimiento y desarrollo del sistema estomatognático en edades tempranas. El objetivo de esta serie de casos es presentar dos alternativas de tratamiento oportuno para esta maloclusión.
 Descripción de los casos El primer caso es un paciente de 8 años de edad con MCPU izquierda quien recibe tratamiento de expansión palatina controlada con un tornillo tipo Hyrax con férula acrílica, en el cual se obtienen resultados favorables en corto tiempo y con estabilidad a largo plazo. El segundo caso es una paciente de 4 años de edad con MCPU derecha a la cual se le realizan Pistas Directas Planas logrando un cambio postural mandibular deseado. 
 Discusión En las alternativas de tratamiento presentadas, varios autores han reportado una serie de beneficios obtenidos a partir del tipo de intervención que no solo logran la corrección de la maloclusión, sino que a su vez alcanzan la mejoría de estructuras que componen el complejo craneofacial, dentro de los cuales se destaca la estabilidad a largo plazo deseada. Estos beneficios se obtienen a través de la alternativa de tratamiento seleccionada, según el diagnóstico y las características clínicas presentadas en cada paciente y justifica la decisión de realizar una intervención temprana especialmente en este tipo de maloclusión.
 Conclusión El tratamiento temprano de la mordida cruzada posterior unilateral debe ser seleccionado según el tipo de dentición y necesidad del paciente, lo que favorece el adecuado crecimiento y desarrollo del sistema estomatognático.
 Palabras Claves 
 Mordida cruzada posterior unilateral, maloclusión, tratamiento oportuno, pistas directas planas, expansión palatina.

Evaluation of repeated measurement stability of dentition type of maxillary anterior tooth: an in vitro study

Evaluation of repeated measurement stability of dentition type of maxillary anterior tooth: an in vitro study

The alternative regenerative strategy of bearded dragon unveils the key processes underlying vertebrate tooth renewal

Deep understanding of tooth regeneration is hampered by the lack of lifelong replacing oral dentition in most conventional models. Here, we show that the bearded dragon, one of the rare vertebrate species with both polyphyodont and monophyodont teeth, constitutes a key model for filling this gap, allowing direct comparison of extreme dentition types. Our developmental and high-throughput transcriptomic data of microdissected dental cells unveils the critical importance of successional dental lamina patterning, in addition to maintenance, for vertebrate tooth renewal. This patterning process happens at various levels, including directional growth but also gene expression levels, dynamics, and regionalization, and involves a large number of yet uncharacterized dental genes. Furthermore, the alternative renewal mechanism of bearded dragon dentition, with dual location of slow-cycling cells, demonstrates the importance of cell migration and functional specialization of putative epithelial stem/progenitor niches in tissue regeneration, while expanding the diversity of dental replacement strategies in vertebrates.

Expansión rápida maxilar en pacientes adultos jóvenes: comparación de aparatos dentosoportados y esqueletalmente soportados. Estudio de cohorte.

Introduction: Maxillary constrictions are one of the most frequent abnormalities, regardless of the type of dentition studied. They can be treated either with tooth-borne or bone-borne expander appliances, depending on the biological maturation of the patient. Treatment during prepubertal stages has been shown to be successful, but there is evidence of an open suture even in late adolescence stages. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of a rapid expansion bone-borne device to a tooth-borne device in young adults suffering from maxillary constriction, by means of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in nine patients (three males, six females) with a mean age of 18±5.5 years, who attended the Dentistry Service of Universidad de Chile during 2014-2015. Six patients were treated with tooth-borne appliances (Hyrax type) and three patients with bone-borne appliances (MARPE). Linear measurements of the anterior and posterior transverse dimension and angular measurements of the inclination of molars and incisors were obtained through CBCT for each group in T1 and T2. Results: A significant increase in the posterior transverse dimensions in both groups was observed. Radiolucency of the suture was observed in all patients treated with miniscrews and in half of the patients treated with Hyrax. Greater angulation of molars was shown in the tooth-borne group in comparison with the bone-borne group. Conclusion: Both appliances caused an increase in the posterior transverse dimension, but bone anchored appliances achieved a more parallel and skeletal expansion. Randomized clinical trials with a larger sample and follow-up are needed.

Estimation of tooth agenesis risks between tooth types in orthodontic patients with non-syndromic oligodontia

Oligodontia, a severe type of hypodontia generally characterized as tooth agenesis of six or more permanent teeth excluding third molars, is known to have a multifactorial etiology and the characteristics of orthodontic patients are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the risks of tooth agenesis between tooth types of permanent dentition in orthodontic patients with non-syndromic oligodontia. Panoramic radiographs of 292 orthodontic patients (184 females and 108 males) were obtained from one university-based orthodontic clinic and 79 private orthodontic clinics in Japan. Agenesis of permanent teeth excluding third molars was evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk of simultaneous tooth agenesis between all tooth type combinations. Significant symmetry of tooth agenesis was observed for all tooth types. Twenty-six tooth type combinations showed a significantly increased risk of simultaneous tooth agenesis [odds ratios (ORs): 1.99⬜14.51], and 15 tooth type combinations showed a significantly decreased risk of simultaneous tooth agenesis (ORs: 0.11⬜0.56). These findings suggest early detection to establish appropriate multidisciplinary treatment planning and prediction of the risk for tooth agenesis of non-syndromic oligodontia.

The Origins and Diversification of the Exceptionally Rich Gemsnakes (Colubroidea: Lamprophiidae: Pseudoxyrhophiinae) in Madagascar

Processes leading to spectacular diversity of both form and species on islands have been well-documented under island biogeography theory, where distance from source and island size are key factors determining immigration and extinction resistance. But far less understood are the processes governing in situ diversification on the world's mega islands, where large and isolated land masses produced morphologically distinct radiations from related taxa on continental regions. Madagascar has long been recognized as a natural laboratory due to its isolation, lack of influence from adjacent continents, and diversification of spectacular vertebrate radiations. However, only a handful of studies have examined rate shifts of in situ diversification for this island. Here, we examine rates of diversification in the Malagasy snakes of the family Pseudoxyrhophiinae (gemsnakes) to understand if rates of speciation were initially high, enhanced by diversification into distinct biomes, and associated with key dentition traits. Using a genomic sequence-capture data set for 366 samples, we determine that all previously described and newly discovered species are delimitable and therefore useful candidates for understanding diversification trajectories through time. Our analysis detected no shifts in diversification rate between clades or changes in biome or dentition type. Remarkably, we demonstrate that rates of diversification of the gemsnake radiation, which originated in Madagascar during the early Miocene, remained steady throughout the Neogene. However, we do detect a significant slowdown in diversification during the Pleistocene. We also comment on the apparent paradox where most living species originated in the Pleistocene, despite diversification rates being substantially higher during the earlier 15 myr.

The Prevalence of Dental Midline Deviation in a Group of Orthodontic Patients

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental midline deviation in an orthodontic group of patients.The study was performed on 384 orthodontic patients (164 boys and 220 girls), between 6-23 years old. The data collected from orthodontic records were analysed according to the gender, age stages, environments areas, type of dentition and Angle Classes of malocclusions. All analyses were carried out using the SPSS. In the studied group the prevalence of dental midline deviation was 20.70%. The prevalence of dental midline deviation was increased in girls (12.24%), in patients over 12 years old (8.35%), from urban areas (14.32%), with mixed dentition (11.45%) and with Class I (11.20%) and II division 1 (6.25%) malocclusions. We founded statistically significant high correlations between dental midline deviation and age stages (p=0.028), type of dentition (p=0.001) and Angle classes of malocclusions (p=0.006). The dental midline deviation, commonly encountered in orthodontic practice, must be accurately diagnosed from the beginning of the treatment because the symmetry of the midlines is an essential criterion in achieving the aesthetic and functional objectives of the orthodontic treatment.

Oral Health Status of Martyr Memorial Residential School Children of Sunsari, Nepal

Context: Students, who are healthy, active, and well nourished, are likely to attend schools regularly which accelerate their learning process. Poor oral health has a profound effect on general health and quality of life. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of Martyr Memorial Residential School Children of Sunsari, Nepal, during 5-year period and also to assess the effectiveness of school oral health program. Settings and Design: A retrospective longitudinal study was carried out among Martyr Memorial Residential School children. Subjects and Methods: Aretrospective longitudinal study was performed among 411 school children of Martyr Memorial Residential School, Sunsari, Nepal. Five years' data of children were collected from the department record forms from 2009 to 2014. Data on demographic parameters, oral health condition (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth [DMFT], oral hygiene status, type of dentition, malocclusion, and diet history), and treatment done for each child were collected from the surveyed forms. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency distribution, prevalence, and incidence of dental caries were calculated. Results: This study showed that the prevalence of dental caries in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 was 21.0%, 23%, 29.1%, 10.0%, 13.5%, and 30.9%, respectively. The incidence of dental caries in permanent dentition was high (22.0%) in 2011 follow-up. None of the dentition developed new cavity in 2010 follow-up period. More than half of the children had good oral hygiene status in 2012, whereas only 32.9% had so in 2009. Majority (95.5%) of the enrolled children had normal occlusion. Conclusions: This study showed the overall positive impact on the children's prevalence and incidence of dental caries as well as on oral hygiene status. The incidence of developing new caries in both types of dentition decreased. There was an increase in filled component of DMFT/decayed, filled teeth index. Most of them had good oral hygiene status at the end of the study.

Epidemiological research on the incidence of malocclusions among mouth-breathing children with primary and mixed dentition

Introduction: A literature review established that the number of mouth-breathing children varies between 5-75%. Girls are more often diagnosed with this condition compared to the boys. In the 19 th century Linder-Aronson established the relationship between mouth-breathing and malocclusions. The recognition of the mouth-breathing pattern and the habitual mouth breathing as factors in developing malocclusions requires prophylaxis and timely treatment. Aim: The purpose of this study is to establish the incidence and type of malocclusions among mouth-breathing children with primary and mixed dentition. Materials and Methods: A total of 412 children diagnosed with mouth breathing and 317 children diagnosed with habitual mouth breathing aged 3-12 years were examined. The dental occlusion of every child was assessed in the three planes of space - sagittal, transverse and horizontal in both segments - frontal and buccal. Results: In both groups a statistically significant difference in dental malocclusions was demonstrated (p<0.001) depending on type of dentition. In both groups the vast majority of children were diagnosed with class II Angle malocclusion in both primary and mixed dentition. The children with primary dentition were more often diagnosed with class I Angle malocclusion. Conclusion: In both groups the most frequent malocclusions present were class II Angle, overjet, bilateral posterior crossbite, open bite within 3 mm in the frontal segment. In primary dentition the most frequent type of malocclusion was class I Angle.

Relación entre tipos de maloclusión en plano horizontal y hábitos orales en niños de 8 a 14 años de Montemorelos

La importancia de los hábitos orales en odontología es que estos pueden modificar la posición y la relación de los dientes, debido a la alteración en el desarrollo normal y el funcionamiento de los músculos de la ATM. Las consecuencias pueden ser observadas en la dentición de los niños como una alteración de esta. Por ello, es muy importante realizar un diagnóstico de los hábitos para eliminarlos y corregir las futuras alteraciones que estas puedan provocar realizando un correcto tratamiento. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar los efectos que produce la presencia de hábitos orales como succión digital y labial, succión de chupete, interposición lingual y respiración bucal en tipos de maloclusión en plano horizontal. Se realizó un estudio transversal sobre un análisis descriptivo de una base de datos obtenién- dose una muestra de 526 niños de 8 a 14 años de Montemorelos, Nuevo León. Se aplicó una encuesta y se les midió la distancia horizontal entre los incisivos centrales superiores e infe- riores a cada niño que nos pueda indicar la presencia de los tipos de maloclusión en plano horizontal. La recolección de datos se obtuvo mediante una encuesta que se realizó a los niños para el registro de los malos hábitos orales, y una exploración clínica para el registro de la medición de los tipos de maloclusión en plano horizontal. Los datos recopilados se analizaron mediante procesamiento y análisis estadístico de la información a través del programa estadís- tico SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Se utilizó el análisis descriptivo, la prueba no paramétrica de independencia de chi-cuadrado para probar la asociación entre las variables. Este estudio encontró una relación relevante con la presencia de over jet con la edad y tipo de dentición, al igual que tipo de dentición con bis a bis, además se encontró significancia en el hábito de succión digital con over jet, los demás hábitos orales no tuvieron una asociación significativa. En este estudio se observó que existe una asociación significativa entre succión digital y over jet, con eso concluimos que de los hábitos orales estudiados en nuestra población el hábito de succión digital es un factor importante para el desarrollo de over jet específicamente. Debemos tomar importancia en la detección de los hábitos orales al momento de valorar pacientes pediá- tricos y al mismo tiempo educar a los pacientes y a los padres para eliminar el factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de maloclusión tipo over jet.

Anatomical characteristics of maxillary sinus septa visualized by cone beam computed tomography

Proper implant positioning in the posterior region of the edentulous maxilla commonly requires sinus floor elevation. Maxillary sinus septa increase the risk of membrane perforation during sinus floor elevation. The purpose of this retrospective, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based study was to examine the frequency, number, location, and orientation of antral septa in the maxillary sinus. Further, possible associated factors were assessed. Measurements were performed on CBCT scans of 301 patients (602 sinuses). The data were analysed statistically with respect to patient age, sex, and dentition type. One or more septa were detected in 117 patients (38.9%). A total of 188 septa were found in the 602 sinuses (31.2%). Septa were most often coronally oriented (53.2%), followed by sagittal (24.5%) and transverse (22.3%) orientations. Septa were most often found in the region of the first and second molar (37.2%), followed by the posterior region of the third molar (33.0%) and the anterior region of the premolars and canines (29.8%). A significant association was found between edentulism and the presence of septa. For edentulous patients, the septa were most often transversally oriented. Maxillary sinus septa are encountered in every third patient. This may have an influence on the performance of sinus floor elevation.

Lingual function in children with anterior open bite: A case-control study

To determine the association between the position of the tongue and phonation among individuals with normal vertical overbite (NVO) and anterior open bite (AOB). This was a case-control study of 132 students with AOB and 132 controls with NVO between the ages of 8 and 16years old. The presence of AOB was determined during a clinical examination using a Boley gauge, phonation (speech) was assessed with an articulation test, which was analysed using a classification table of Spanish consonants spoken in Colombia, and tongue contact during swallowing was determined with the Payne test. Associations were determined between AOB and the position of the tongue upon swallowing and during speech (Chi2 test of independence, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitey U test, P<0.005). Finally, a logistic regression model was performed, with AOB as the dependent variable. We found associations between AOB and the presence of lingual interposition, distortion, lingual thrust, protrusion of the tongue, contact with palatine rugae, and type of dentition (P<0.05). According to the logistic regression model, the presence of lingual thrust (odds ratio (OR): 0.067; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.009-0.518) and contact with the palatine rugae (OR: 0.420; 0.216-0.818) behave as protective factors associated with the presence of AOB, and the presence of distortion was found to be a risk factor (OR: 10.751; 95%CI: 5.658-20.427). Lingual thrust, interposition, and protrusion are associated with AOB. Lingual thrust and contact of the tongue with the palatine rugae behave as protective factors, and the presence of distortion acts as a risk factor.

Evolution of the power stroke in early Equoidea (Perissodactyla, Mammalia)

During the early evolution of Equoidea, two families co-existed, Equidae and Palaeotheriidae. Both groups show a similar ancestral molar morphology and evolved from bunodont to lophodont or selenolophodont (lophodont with crescent-shaped cutting edge in some form) respectively, with a clearly pronounced ectoloph. Fossils of the here studied brachydont equids and palaeotheriids are known from the early Eocene to the middle Miocene in North America and Eurasia. Due to the rich fossil record, dental evolution and related functional shifts can be investigated in detail in each family. In this study, we focused on changes in the different masticatory paths, identified different functions within the power stroke and evaluated the efficiency of the different modes in mastication to correlate tooth morphology to the potential palaeodiets. The analysis is based on three-dimensional (3D) polygonal surface scans, allowing the detailed investigation of morphological features. The results show that primitive equoids possess well-developed cutting and shearing structures, despite being generally referred to as simply bunodont. These structures enable the primitive forms to break down structural plant parts more efficiently than for example Phenacodus (‘condylarth’ outgroup), showing simple rounded cusps, and therefore representing a more primitive type of bunodont dentition. It is general consensus that the diet of the more derived early equoids shifts to a higher percentage of tough plant parts and they adopt different strategies to efficiently comminute those parts. Equids emphasise cutting and shearing both buccally and lingually, trending towards a one-phase power stroke, a pattern resembling that of modern hypsodont Equidae. Our results suggest that the derived brachydont equids specialised to consume leaves rather than grasses. In comparison, derived palaeotheriids mainly emphasise shearing and cutting function buccally and a distinct grinding function in a two-phase power stroke. The combination of different functions suggest a broader diet different from only leaves, likely including twigs or hard fruits.

Caries Experience of the Patients Referred for an Orthodontic Consultation.

Objective of workCaries represents a significant public health problem. Caries free dentition and good oral hygiene are prerequisites for inclusion into orthodontic treatment. The objective of this research was to assess oral health of the patients referred for an orthodontic assessment.Subjects and methodsIn this cross sectional study, dental records of 351 patients aged 6-23 years (55% females), were referred to an orthodontist by a general dentist during 2014 and 2015 in Rijeka, and the records were subsequently analyzed. Prevalence of caries, caries experience and active caries related to gender and dentition type were analyzed.ResultsIn subjects with the mixed dentition, who were referred to an orthodontist, caries prevalence was 68% in deciduous teeth, caries experience was 3.6, and active caries was present in 2.4 teeth; in permanent teeth in mixed dentition the values were 21%, 1.3 and 0.4., respectively. Regarding the mixed dentition, the values in subjects’ permanent dentition were as follows: 28%, 5.5, and 1.5. Caries was more frequent in deciduous teeth, and there were more fillings in permanent teeth compared to deciduous teeth. There were no gender related differences.ConclusionsOral health of children and adolescents referred to an orthodontic consultation is not satisfactory. General dentists frequently refer patients with caries to an orthodontic consultation. However, the presence of caries postpones inclusion into orthodontic treatment. It is important to begin raising general dentists’ awareness of the need to refer to an orthodontist only those patients who have healthy dentition and good oral hygiene.

Breastfeeding and occlusal development.

Data sourcesPubmed, Embase, Scopus databases and New York Academy of Medicine Grey Literature Report. There were no restrictions on language and publication dates.Study selectionTwo reviewers selected both prospective and retrospective studies of children who had either been exclusively breastfed or were mixed breastfed; who were in either the primary or mixed dentition, and malocclusion was assessed. The following malocclusion traits were included; Class 2 molar, open-bite, non-spaced dentition and posterior crossbite.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted including type of dentition, type of malocclusion, breastfeeding data collection method, results, breast feeding malocclusion odds ratio (OR) and quality of the article. The ORs of associations between different lengths of breastfeeding and the various malocclusion traits were calculated.ResultsThirty-one studies were included in a qualitative synthesis, nine in the quantitative analysis. All studies were observational, a majority examining malocclusion in the mixed dentition. Two studies looked at associations between no breastfeeding and posterior crossbite, finding children not breastfed presented 1.7 times more posterior crossbite than those breastfed for between one and six months (OR = 1.70 CI 2.01-2.39). ORs were calculated for exclusive breastfeeding and posterior crossbite with different duration of breastfeeding, and duration of breastfeeding and posterior crossbite. With regard to open bite and breastfeeding the OR=1.76 (CI 0.55-5.61) comparing those who were breastfed for less than or more than six months. Children breastfed for up to six months presented 1.25 times more Class 2 molar relationships than those breastfed for over six months. Children breastfed for up to six months presented 1.73 times more non-spaced dentitions than those breastfed for over six months (OR =1.73, CI 1.35-2.22).ConclusionsBreastfeeding is a protective factor against posterior crossbites and Class 2 malocclusion in primary and mixed dentitions, with the protective effect increasing with the months of breastfeeding. There is no clear evidence for breastfeeding proving any benefit against other malocclusion risks; open bite and non-spaced dentitions.

Knowledge, perceptions and clinical application of the shortened dental arch concept among Malaysian government dentists

To assess the knowledge and perceptions of Malaysian government dentists regarding the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept and its application in clinical practice. The SDA concept refers to a specific type of dentition with intact anterior teeth and a reduction in posterior occlusal pairs. Dentists' knowledge and perceptions of the SDA concept can influence its application in clinical practice. A self-administered questionnaire on the SDA concept was distributed to 326 government dentists in the states of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22 software. The response rate was 84.0%. The majority of respondents had good knowledge on five of six knowledge items and good attitudes towards 10 of 17 perception items. However, only one-fifth (20.4%) reported having applied the SDA concept in the clinic. A larger number of participants who graduated locally than who graduated abroad perceived that patients <60 years of age, without molar support, can attain acceptable chewing function and that SDA treatment does not lead to loss of occlusal vertical dimension (P < 0.05). A larger number of participants with ≤5 years of work experience than with >5 years of work experience perceived that the SDA concept enables simpler treatment planning (P < 0.05). Finally, a larger number of participants who graduated abroad than who graduated locally observed that patients without molar support had temporomandibular joint problems (P < 0.05). Although Malaysian government dentists have good knowledge and perceptions of the SDA concept, it is not widely applied in the clinic. Concerted efforts in SDA training of dentists are needed to help to shorten denture waiting lists and reduce costs.

The Relationship between Salivary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Dental Caries in Children: A Meta-Analysis with Assessment of Moderators.

Objective:There has been variation reported in literature examining the relationship between dental caries and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of saliva in children. This study aimed to systematically review the literature and conduct a meta-analysis of the association between dental caries and TAC in children.Methodology:A systematic review of literature was done using the PubMed, Medline, and EBSCO libraries. Of the total of 68 records found, 11 studies were qualitatively assessed in the final analysis. These studies yielded a total of 13 comparisons to be included in the meta-analysis. The type of dentition of the child and the test used to measure TAC were assigned as moderators. A meta-analysis was done of the mean TAC levels, while a meta-regression was formulated using the moderators. All analyses were performed using OpenMetaAnalyst™ meta-analysis software (Brown University, RI, USA).Results:The meta-analysis showed significant increase in TAC in children with dental caries when compared to their caries-free counterparts (P < 0.001). The meta-analysis showed high levels of heterogeneity (I2= 99.48). The meta-regression revealed that, while the type of dentition was a significant moderating factor (P = 0.002), the method used to assess the TAC was not (P = 0.053).Conclusion:There is a significant increase in TAC in children with dental caries when compared to their caries-free counterparts.

Evaluating Maxillary Sinus Septa Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: Is There a Difference in Frequency and Type Between the Dentate and Edentulous Posterior Maxilla?

To analyze and compare the frequency, type, and location of maxillary sinus septa in patients with a dentate and an edentulous posterior maxilla using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. The study consisted of 100 maxillary sinuses: 50 from patients with a dentate and 50 from patients with an edentulous posterior maxilla. The aim was to assess the frequency, morphology, and location of maxillary sinus septa in axial, sagittal, and coronal CBCT images. Images were only included in this study provided that patients were older than 30 years of age, at least one maxillary sinus was completely visible in the field of view (FOV), and the sinus membrane exhibited a mucosal thickening of a maximum 4 mm. Differences regarding age, sex, side, septa location, and type of dentition (dentate/edentulous posterior maxilla) were analyzed. The mean age of the 100 patients (66 women, 34 men) was 58.3 years. A total of 60 sinus septa were found in exactly half of the evaluated sinuses. The major part of the septa was found on the floor of the maxillary sinus (n = 34/56.7%). Of these, the majority was located in the posterior maxilla in the region of the second molars (n = 27/79.4%). The most common orientation of the septa was coronal (63.3%), followed by septa in relation to the infraorbital canal (23.3%). Regarding the status of the dentition in the posterior maxilla in relation to the distribution of sinus septa, septa were present in 26 (52%) dentate and in 24 (48%) edentulous regions. Thus, for a potential influence of the status of the dentition in the posterior maxilla on the frequency of sinus septa, no significant impact was found (P = .69). Sinus septa are frequent anatomical structures, and are found equally often in patients with a dentate and an edentulous posterior maxilla. This is of clinical relevance, as patients with missing teeth in the posterior area of the maxilla are often in need of a sinus floor elevation (SFE) procedure when dental implant placement is intended. As sinus septa are reported to be an important reason for surgical complications during SFE, a three-dimensional radiographic examination using CBCT prior to surgery might be helpful for diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning.