ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the efficiency of three different instruments in the root canals of artificial primary molars as well as the quality of the fillings. Methods: Sixty artificial primary molars were divided into three groups of 20 teeth. Each group was submitted to a different technique: Group 1 - conventional manual technique using Kerr files; Group 2 - manual technique with nickel-titanium files; Group 3 - NiTi rotary technique. The root canals were filled with calcium hydroxide paste. Aspects such as homogeneity of the fillings, taper and flowability of the preparations were considered comparatively to assess the quality of the instrumentations. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the efficiency of the preparation of the root canal considering the preparation times of them. Results: All three techniques were equally effective at shaping the root canals of primary teeth. The working time was shorter with the rotary instrument (p=0.000). In the pairwise comparisons, working time was shorter with the rotary instrument compared to the manual techniques with steel files (p=0.000) and NiTi files (p=0.000). Comparing the manual techniques, the working time was shorter with NiTi files compared to steel files (p=0.011). Moreover, less variability in the preparation time was found when the rotary instrument was used. Conclusions: The mechanized rotary method led to a shorter operating time in comparison to the manual techniques and is therefore a preferable option for the preparation of the root canals of primary teeth.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficiência de três instrumentos diferentes nos canais radiculares de molares decíduos artificiais, bem como a qualidade das obturações. Métodos: Sessenta molares decíduos artificiais foram divididos em três grupos de 20 dentes. Cada grupo foi submetido a uma técnica diferente: Grupo 1 - técnica manual convencional com limas Kerr; Grupo 2 - técnica manual com limas de níquel-titânio; Grupo 3 - Técnica rotatória de níquel-titânio. Os canais radiculares foram preenchidos com pasta de hidróxido de cálcio. Aspectos como homogeneidade das obturações, conicidade e fluidez das preparações foram considerados comparativamente para avaliar a qualidade das instrumentações. Os testes não paramétricos de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney foram utilizados para comparar a eficiência do preparo do canal radicular considerando os tempos de preparo dos mesmos. Resultados: Todas as três técnicas foram igualmente eficazes na modelagem dos canais radiculares. O tempo de trabalho foi menor com o instrumento rotatório (p=0,000). Nas comparações pareadas, o tempo de trabalho foi menor com o instrumento rotatório em comparação com as técnicas manuais com limas de aço (p=0,000) e limas de NiTi (p=0,000). Comparando as técnicas manuais, o tempo de trabalho foi menor com as limas de NiTi em comparação com as limas de aço (p=0,011). Além disso, foi encontrada menor variabilidade no tempo de preparo quando o instrumento rotatório foi utilizado. Conclusão: O método rotatório levou um menor tempo operatório em comparação com as técnicas manuais e, portanto, é uma opção preferível para o preparo dos canais radiculares de dentes decíduos.

RESUMO A fusão dentária é classificada como uma alteração de desenvolvimento referente à união de dois germes dentários, podendo incluir coroa, raiz e polpa. Este tipo de alteração ocorre durante o desenvolvimento intraósseo, resultando em um dente morfologicamente irregular, podendo acometer tanto a dentição decídua quanto a permanente. Frequentemente são associados problemas clínicos como alterações estéticas, falta de espaço e maior susceptibilidade a lesões cariosas. É importante ressaltar que a fusão é comumente confundida com a geminação dentária, que apresenta o mesmo aspecto clínico em boca, porém é resultante de um único germe dentário. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar um caso clínico de fusão de dois incisivos inferiores decíduos, as perspectivas de tratamento da anomalia e discutir sua repercussão durante o desenvolvimento da dentição. Realizou-se a exodontia do elemento citado e o planejamento do tratamento ortodôntico recomendado foi discutido visando a melhora dos aspectos funcional e estético. Um planejamento integrado entre a Odontopediatria e Ortodontia proporcionou uma melhor alternativa de tratamento.

ABSTRACT Fused teeth are a developmental anomaly involving the union of two dental germs at the crown, root or pulp. This type of anomaly occurs during intraosseous development, resulting in a morphologically irregular tooth that can affect both the primary and permanent dentition. Clinical problems involving esthetics, a lack of space and greater susceptibility to caries are often associated with fused teeth. This type of anomaly is easily confused with dental twinning, which has similar clinical features but emerges from a single dental germ. The aim of the present study was to report a clinical case of the fusion of two deciduous mandibular incisors, describe prospects for treating this anomaly and discuss its repercussions during the development of the dentition. Extraction of the fused tooth was performed and orthodontic treatment was recommended for esthetic and functional improvements. Integrated planning involving both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics provided a better treatment option.

Abstract Objective: To discover the perceptions of pediatric patients, their parents and undergraduate Dentistry students of the use of the diode laser in frenectomy surgeries. Material and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews, recorded and transcribed with subsequent content analysis. Twelve healthy children (5-8 years old) who needed a frenectomy were selected and invited, together with their parents, to undergo laser diode surgery. In addition, 28 undergraduate dentistry students were invited to attend the procedures. One week after performing the surgical procedures, the children (Group 1), their parents (Group 2) and the students who attended the procedures (Group 3) were individually interviewed for the thematic analysis. Results: The analysis of the conversations identified three emerging contents: positive thoughts on the use of diode laser; frustrations from the use of diode laser; and aspects related to professional training. Conclusion: The results pointed to the acceptance of surgical laser use in pediatric dentistry; however, the feelings of frustration indicate that its use requires guidance from the child and his/her parents, in addition to careful handling and specific training.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) in infected deciduous teeth by quantifying the viable bacteria in root canal treatment. Material and Methods: Radicular canal cultures were collected (n= 10). Four intra-canal samples were collected at four different times in each of the sampled teeth, as follows: Time 1 (T1), baseline: After opening the pulp-chamber; Time 2 (T2): After application of aPDT; Time 3 (T3): After mechanical, chemical manipulation; Time 4 (T4): After a second application of aPDT. The aPDT was performed with a 4J/cm energy low-intensity diode, together with 0.005% methylene blue as a photosensitizer. The clinical specimens were taken to the laboratory for a bacteria count (colony forming units) and the results were statistically analyzed using the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, with a significance level of α=0.05. Results: Statistical differences were seen between the numbers of bacteria at times T1-T2, T1-T3 and T1-T4 on the cultivated plates. However, no significant statistical differences were observed between the number of bacteria in samples T2-T3, T2-T4 and T3-T4. Conclusion: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy can be a good co-adjuvant in root canal decontamination of necrotic primary teeth.

Abstract Objective: To perform an in vivo evaluation on the agreement between measurements of working length obtained by conventional radiographic examinations and an apex locator in deciduous teeth with or without root resorption. Material and Methods: Nine canals of teeth from children ranging from 3 to 5 years old were selected. Endodontic access was performed with a spherical diamond tip, the pulp was removed with Kerr-type steel files, and the canal was irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite. A file, compatible with the channel gauge, was then used to measure the length of the root canal with the apex locator. Conventional radiographs were also performed and, using a millimeter endodontic ruler, the length of the canal was determined. The differences between the measurements obtained between the two methods were analyzed using the Student's t-test. Results: The mean canal length for conventional radiography was 9.83 mm and 9.67 mm for the apex locator. The results of this study did not show significant differences (p=0.641), independent of the presence or absence of physiological root resorption. Conclusion: The similarity in measurements obtained with X-ray or an apex locator indicates that it is not necessary to use X-rays as a complement to obtain the working length. The use of the apex locator can provide a quicker treatment, reducing the clinical time and stress of the child.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Children with sickle cell disease may have their quality of life affected by oral alterations. However, there is still little data on oral health-related quality of life in these children. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sickle cell disease, socioeconomic characteristics, and oral conditions on oral health-related quality of life of children and teens. METHOD: One hundred and six children and teens with sickle cell disease were compared to a similar sample of 385 healthy peers. Data were collected through oral examinations, interviews to assess quality of life (Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children aged 8-10 and 11-14) and questionnaires containing questions on socioeconomic status. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the total scores of the Child Perceptions Questionnaires or domain scores comparing sickle cell disease patients to control subjects. When sub-scales were compared, oral symptoms and functional limitations had a greater negative impact on the quality of life of adolescents with sickle cell disease (p-value <0.001 and p-value <0.01, respectively) when compared to healthy controls. The only statistically significant determinants of negative impact on oral health-related quality of life in the overall sample was home overcrowding (more than two people/room) in the younger children's group, and dental malocclusion among teens. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life between the group with sickle cell disease and the control group. Of the oral alterations, there was a significant difference in the oral health-related quality of life between adolescents with sickle cell disease and controls only in relation to malocclusion. Among the socioeconomic characteristics, only overcrowding was significantly associated with a negative impact on oral health-related quality of life.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the impact of oral conditions of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) on their parents’ quality of life (QoL). A cross-sectional study was performed with parents of outpatients suffering from SCD at a hematology referral center in Belo Horizonte, MG. A qualified dentist performed an intraoral exam. The Family Impact Scale (FIS) was used to assess the parents’ perception of QoL. The parents answered some questions regarding sociodemographic and medical information about their children. The dmft/DMFT score, DAI, gum bleeding and SCD severity were evaluated in terms of their impacts on the overall mean FIS scores and subscale scores. The chance of more frequent impacts was greater in parents of adolescents (OR = 2.04; 95%CI = 1.2, 3.4) than of younger children. Dental caries (dmft/DMFT ≥ 1) had a negative impact on the QoL of parents of younger children and adolescents (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Among the parents of younger children, dental caries and SCD severity significantly affected the subscales for parental activities (PA) and parental emotions (PE) (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). Among parents of adolescents, dental caries (DMFT) and severe malocclusion adversely affected the PE and PA subscales (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). SCD severity affected the overall FIS score among young children’s parents (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dental caries, age and SCD severity were associated with a negative impact on the QoL of parents of children with SCD