Traumatic dental injury in primary teeth not associated with socioeconomic status?

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This review of the the association between socioeconomic indicators and traumatic dental injury in the primary dentition included 16 observational studies. The majority were from Brazil and no clear association was demonstrated.

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Increased overjet: increases risk of dental trauma suggests review

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This systematic review of a 54 observations studies involving >10,000 patients suggested that overjet over 3-4mm double the risk of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). With 22% of TDIs being attributable to increased overjet.

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Primary tooth trauma may be associated with developmental disorders in the permanent successors suggests review

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Trauma to primary teeth is relatively common. As the developing permanent teeth are closely related and trauma to primary teeth could adversely affect the permanent successor. This review looked for studies to assess this relationship. Only 17 low quality studies were identified and while they suggest a relationship the low quality means that the findings should be interpreted with caution.

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Caries management: trial finds Hall technique more successful than other approaches in primary molars

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The Hall technique is a relatively new management technique for caries in primary molars. This trial compares it use against the conventional approach and a non-restorative approach. Results at one year suggest that the Hall technique performed best.

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Review suggests that electronic apex locators may be useful in primary dentition

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Electronic apex locators (EALs) have used in permanent teeth since the 1960s and they have been gaining in popularity. The use of EALs in the primary dentitions was proposed in 1996. The aim of this review was to compare the accuracy of EALs in primary teeth when compared to actual root canal lengths (ARCLs). Searches [read the full story…]

Trial suggests that infiltrating early carious lesions in primary molars is effective

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Despite fails in caries level in recent decades caries is still a significant problem for many children The aim of this study was to compare the effect of infiltration and fissure sealing with fluoride varnish applications. Children aged 5-8 with at least three primary molars with initial lesions on three occlusal surfaces in each child [read the full story…]

Study suggests that fissure sealants can arrest caries in primary molars

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There is good evidence for the effectiveness of fissure sealants in the prevention of caries (Dental Elf 8th April 2013) and some evidence for its use in the treatment of carious lesions. There is also evidence for the effectiveness of partial rather complete caries removal (Dental Elf 13th Apr – 2014).The aim of this study [read the full story…]

Trial found similar outcomes with total and partial caries removal in primary molars

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The aim of this study was to compare 24-month pulp health outcomes of partial caries removal (PCR) and total caries removal (TCR) with composite restoration in primary molars. Children (3–8 years), in good general health and amenable to treatment, with at least one molar with acute, deep carious lesion into dentine were included. The teeth [read the full story…]

Potential for non-conventional management of approximal caries in primary molars shown by study

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Despite the improvements in oral health the management of dental caries still presents challenges particularly in children. While some guidelines still recommend complete removal of caries there is growing interest in more conservative approaches.  The aim of this study was to compare children’s behaviour and pain perception when approximal dentinal caries lesions in primary molars [read the full story…]

Review suggests that mineral trioxide aggregate had best clinical and radiographic outcomes at 9-12 months for primary molar pulpotomy

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When I was training formocresol was the standard dressing for primary teeth following pulpotomy . However, it  use is now questionable because of potential adverse effects such as potential carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity.  Consequently a range of other materials have been investigated,  ferric sulphate, gluatraldehyde preparations , mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), electrosurgery, calcium hydroxide, and laser [read the full story…]