Fixed Functional Distal Shoe Appliance for Bilateral Loss of Deciduous Molars

Pediatric dentistry aims at preserving the deciduous teeth till its normal time of exfoliation as it maintains the integrity of the dental arches. Premature loss of deciduous teeth might lead to a wide range of implications such as the mesial migration of the erupting permanent first molars as well as the supra eruptionof the opposing dentition. In such cases the intra alveolar type of space maintainer is given however such an appliance may not fulfill all the needs. So, modification of these conventional designs will be required. This paper describes a new design for distal shoe appliance in cases of bilateral loss of primary first and second molars prior to the eruption of the permanent mandibular first molars

Mapping oral health: Unveiling disease patterns and environmental influences through geographic information systems

Geographic information systems (GIS) technology in dentistry or general health has proven to be of great benefit. In epidemiological studies, the prevalence and the incidence of oral diseases and their geographic influence can be well integrated for a better understanding. It aids in the precise targeted healthcare delivery to the geographically identified location. Pictographically represented data can aid the policy-making system in implementation and progress assessment

Bioactive Biosilicate Cements in Pediatric Dentistry – A Review of the Latest Materials

Pediatric dentistry plays a critical role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of children and adolescents. The quest for effective dental materials that are safe, biocompatible, and capable of promoting natural remineralization has led to the emergence of biosilicate cements as a promising advancement in this field. Biosilicate cements are bioactive materials composed of amorphous silica, calcium oxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and other trace elements. The bioactivity of biosilicate cements allows them to interact with living tissues, promoting remineralization and stimulating the formation of hydroxyapatite, a vital component of teeth and bones. Their ability to release essential ions, such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, supports the natural healing processes, aiding in the preservation of pulp vitality and reducing the risk of secondary caries. Biosilicate cements offer versatility in pediatric dentistry, finding application indirect pulp capping, indirect pulp capping, and small-sized restorations. Their rapid setting time proves advantageous when treating young patients with limited cooperation. Furthermore, the continuous release of fluoride contributes to caries prevention and enhances the long-term oral health of children. While the advantages of biosilicate cements in pediatric dentistry are promising, this manuscript also discusses the limitations and challenges associated with their use. Some biosilicate cements may have different handling characteristics compared to traditional materials, necessitating adaptations in clinical techniques. In addition, long-term clinical data on the performance of these materials in pediatric patients are still limited, requiring further research to establish their efficacy and longevity. This manuscript explores the potential of biosilicate cements in pediatric dentistry

A case of embedded staple pin in the root canal: Management and microbiological analysis

The presence of foreign object in the root canal is one of the challenging occurrences in endodontic therapy. The possibility of these foreign objects getting impacted into the tooth is more when pulp chamber is open either due to trauma or due to large carious lesion. We herewith report a case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with staple pin lodged in the root canal of maxillary right permanent central incisor. We also describe the management of the case and microbiological analysis of the foreign body