Knowledge and attitudes of paediatric dentists in Turkey regarding cone beam computed tomography (CBTC)

Objectives: The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dental practice has increased in recent years due to the lower radiation dose, fast scanning time, and superior imaging quality compared to conventional computed tomography (CT). Although CBCT is frequently preferred for the evaluation of the craniofacial region in areas such as orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, head trauma, and implant surgery, its use is still limited in paediatric dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of paediatric dentists in Turkey regarding CBCT. Materials and Methods: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire consisting of 17 questions was completed by 273 volunteer participants. Of these, 135 were postgraduate students in a paediatric dentistry program and 137 were PhDs or specialists. Relationships between categorical variables were evaluated using chi-square test. Results: 237 (86.8%) of the 273 participants stated that they were knowledgeable about CT/CBCT, but 81% of the respondents said the information they received during dental education was insufficient. The only significant relationship among the studied variables was between the participants’ self-rated knowledge about the use of CT and/or CBCT for the dentomaxillofacial region and the institution in which they worked (P =.001). Conclusions: Although our results indicate that paediatric dentists have high levels of knowledge and positive attitudes towards digital imaging techniques and CBCT, it would be beneficial to update the dental curricula and enable dental students to gain practical experience in addition to theoretical knowledge

The assessment of internal adaptation and fracture resistance of glass ionomer and resin-based restorative materials applied after different caries removal techniques in primary teeth: an in-vitro study

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional (3D) internal adaptation (IA) and fracture resistance (FR) of compomer and glass ionomers applied after conventional caries removal to sound dentin (CCRSD) and selective caries removal to firm dentin (SCRFD) in in-vitro. Methods Thirty extracted primary molars were randomly assigned to three main groups (n = 10) as glass hybrid restorative (GHR) (Equia Forte® HT), conventional glass ionomer (CGIR) (Voco Ionofil Molar) and compomer (Dyract XP). Each group was randomly divided into two subgroups according to caries removal technique as CCRSD (n = 5) and SCRFD (n = 5). The restoration procedures were completed after caries removal (CCRSD or SCRFD) in all samples. Then, specimens were subjected to IA and FR tests. Data were analyzed with Student’s t, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal Wallis-H tests. The correlation between IA and FR results was analyzed with a Pearson test. The statistical significance level was considered as 5%. Results While CCRSD showed superior IA results than SCRFD for all restorative materials (p 0.05). In CCRSD, compomer showed superior results for IA and FR than glass ionomers (p 0.05). However, compomer showed superior FR results than glass ionomers (p < 0.05). There was moderate negative correlation between internal voids and FR without statistically significant difference (r = −0.333, p = 0.072). Conclusions Despite the advantages of SCRFD, it was found to be less superior than CCRSD in IA assessment. Therefore, when SCRFD is preferred, a peripheral seal should be provided for ideal restorative treatment. On the other hand, compomer mostly showed superior results compared to others

Auswirkung unterschiedlicher kunststoffentfernungsverfahren auf den zahnschmelz nach debonding von metall- und keramikbrackets: Eine in-vitro-mikro-computertomographie-studie

Purpose The aim of this study was to conduct an in vitro evaluation of the effects of different adhesive debonding and polishing techniques performed after metal and ceramic bracket removal on enamel using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods This study was performed on 42 extracted maxillary first premolars divided into 2 main groups and 6 subgroups as follows: metal (group 1) or ceramic (group 2) brackets were bonded to the teeth, then, after debonding, one of three different methods was used to remove the residual adhesive: tungsten carbide burs with pumice (A), fiber-reinforced composite burs and polishing paste (B), or Sof-Lex discs (C; 3M Dental, St Paul, MN, USA). The samples were evaluated by micro-CT before bracket bonding (T0) and after resin removal (T1). Demineralization area, demineralization depth, demineralization volume, mineral density, and mineral volume were measured. Results At T1, demineralization area was significantly larger in groups 1A and 2A compared to groups 1B, 1C, 2B, and 2C (P = 0.001). Group 2A (ceramic bracket/tungsten carbide-pumice) had the highest demineralization volume (P = 0.001). When the groups were compared in terms of change from T0 to T1, groups 1A and 2A showed significantly larger changes in demineralization area compared to the other 4 groups (P = 0.001). The increase in demineralization volume was larger in group 2A compared to all other groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion All resin removal methods damaged the enamel surface to varying degrees. Regardless of bracket type, the use of tungsten carbide and pumice should be avoided when cleaning the tooth surface after debonding. Use of composite burs and Sof-Lex discs in particular after the debonding of ceramic brackets will help minimize damage

Comparison of the Dental Treatments Performed in A Pediatric Dentistry Clinic During the Covid-19 Pandemic Period with the Pre-Pandemic Period: A Retrospective Study

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on attendance and treatments performed in a paediatric dental clinic. Materials Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using the records of pediatric patients treated in two periods: before the pandemic (15 March 2019–14 March 2020) and during the pandemic (15 March 2020–14 March 2021). Data regarding patients’ age, sex and administered treatment were collected and analyzed. The treatments applied were categorized under 6 groups: examination, restorative, preventive, prosthetic, emergency and surgical, and periodontal. Rates of each procedure were compared between two periods. Results: During pandemic, 11,700 patients applied to our clinics and 26,995 procedures were performed, resulting a decrease by 63.5% and 84.3% in the outpatients and treatments, respectively, compared to the pre-pandemic period. During the pandemic, the rates of examination and surgical procedures were significantly higher than those before the pandemic, while the rates of other procedures were significantly decreased (

Radiographic evaluation of third molar development in relation to chronological age among Turkish children and youth

A sharp increase in forensic age estimation of living persons has been observed in recent years. However, ethnic populations residing in different countries have been insufficiently analyzed. According to 2004 data compiled by the Essen-based Turkey Research Center, there are 3.8 million Turkish people living abroad, and 3.2 million of them reside in European Union countries. Despite the high number of Turks living abroad, little is known about third-molar development for forensic application in this population. Hence, it was considered worthwhile to determine the developmental stages of the third molar in a group of Turkish population, to assess chronological age estimation based on the developmental stages, and to compare third molar development according to sex, age and location. Orthopantomograms of 1134 Turkish patients, ages 4-20 years were examined and third-molar developmental stages were evaluated based on Demirjian's classifications. Orthopantomograms were scored by two different observers, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test used to test intra- and inter-observer reliability revealed a strong agreement between both intra- and inter-observer measurements. Linear regression analysis was performed to correlate third-molar development and chronological age, and further statistical analysis was performed to determine the relation between sex, age and location. Results showed a strong linear correlation between age and molar development (males: r(2) = 0.57; females: r(2) = 0.56). Mineralizations of left and right third molars were compared using Wilcoxon tests, and no statistical differences were found. No significant differences were found in third-molar development between males and females. Mandibular third molar crypt formation was observed in 2.4% of patients at age seven and maxillary third molar crypt formation was observed in 1.3% of patients at age seven. A strong correlation was found between third-molar development and chronological age. Among the Turkish population, third molar crypt formation is observable at as early as 7 years in both the mandible and maxilla. Agenesis can be determined conclusively if no radiolucent bud is present by age 14. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Evaluation of the sealing ability of different root canal sealers: a combined SEM and micro-CT study

<div><p>Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the ability of multiple compounds to seal the dental tubules using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomogra-phy (micro-CT). Material and Methods: Twenty-four single-root human mandibular premolars were selected and instrumented with nickel-titanium rotary file and the final file size was #40/06. They were then randomly allocated into 2 groups, and all samples were filled with single cone gutta-percha (#40/06) and one of the tested sealers (AH Plus and EndoSequence BC sealers). All specimens were scanned using micro-CT and then three from each group were randomly selected for SEM analysis. Results: According to SEM, both root canal sealers showed sufficient adaptation to dentin along the whole length of the root canal, though the coronal sections presented superior sealing than the apical sections. Micro porosity analyses revealed that the volume of closed pores and the surface of closed pores had the largest values in the coronal sections, followed by the middle and the apical sections for both sealants (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed for those two parameters between AH Plus and EndoSequence BC sealers in any of the three sections (p>0.05), whereas they were larger in the apical section when the AH Plus sealer was used. Conclusions: By using the single cone technique, neither EndoSequence or AH Plus pro-vides a porosity-free root canal filling. The EndoSequence BC sealer may have similar sealing abilities regarding the whole root canal as the AH Plus sealer. A better sealing effect could be obtained in the coronal and middle sections of a root canal than the apical part by using the tested sealers.</p></div

Food-induced anaphylaxis in early childhood and factors associated with its severity

Background: Several factors that increase the risk of severe food-induced anaphylaxis have been identified. Objective: We aimed to determine the demographic, etiologic, and clinical features of food-induced anaphylaxis in early childhood and also any other factors associated with severe anaphylaxis. Methods:We carried out a medical chart review of anaphylaxis cases from 16 pediatric allergy and immunology centers in Turkey. Results: The data of 227 patients with 266 food-induced anaphylaxis episodes were included in the study. The median (interquartile range) age of the first anaphylaxis episode was 9 months (6-18 months); 160 of these patients were boys (70.5%). The anaphylaxis episodes were mild in 75 cases (28.2%), moderate in 154 cases (57.9%), and severe in 37 cases (13.9%). The most frequent food allergens involved were cow's milk (47.4%), nuts (16.7%), and hen's egg (15.8%). Epinephrine was administered in only 98 (36.8%) of these anaphylaxis episodes. A logistic regression analysis revealed two statistically significant factors that were independently associated with severe anaphylaxis: the presence of angioedema and hoarseness during the anaphylactic episode. Urticaria was observed less frequently in patients who developed hypotension. In addition, confusion and syncope were associated with 25.9- and 44.6-fold increases, respectively, in the risk of concomitant hypotension. Conclusion: Cow's milk, nuts, and hen's egg caused the majority of mild and moderate-to-severe anaphylaxis episodes. The presence of angioedema and hoarseness in any patient who presents with a history of food-induced anaphylaxis should alert clinicians that the reaction may be severe. In addition, the presence of confusion, syncope, or stridor probably indicates concomitant hypotension