EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING DENTAL ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENTS

Objectives: Dental anxiety determines the frequency of dental treatment availed with long-term implications in oral health maintenance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of sociodemographic data, dental anxiety levels of parents, family functionality, perceived family support and other associated factors on dental anxiety of adolescents. Materials and Methods: 213 adoloscents who applied to the Pediatric Dental Clinic and their parents were included in the study and their sociodemographic data were recorded. The Corah Dental Anxiety Scale was applied to the adolescents and their parents to determine dental anxiety and the Perceived Family Support Scale was applied to measure the perceived family support of the adolescents. Regarding the family functionality, the parents answered the Family Assessment Device. Results: The avarage dental anxiety level of the adolescents was 8.87±3.10. The family functions were unhealthy in terms of roles, and affective involvement. According to the multiple regression analysis, the predictors of dental anxiety levels were family functionality, maternal educational level, previous application to the dentist, having negative experience in the past, the choosing of a dental treatment center, and training regarding dental treatment. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider that socio-cultural characteristics, family functionality and support may affect dental anxiety, and the improvement of the physical environment may be effective in reducing dental anxiety during dental treatment of adolescents

The use of platelet rich plasma in the treatment of immature tooth with periapical lesion: a case report

This study describes the treatment of an immature permanent tooth with periapical lesion which was treated with regenerative approach using platelet rich plasma (PRP). The root canal of immature human permanent tooth with periapical lesion was gently debrided of necrotic tissue and disinfected with 2.5% NaOCl, and then medicated with triple antibiotic paste comprised of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline. When the tooth was asymptomatic, PRP and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) were placed into the root canal. Six months after PRP treatment, radiographical examination revealed resolution of the radiolucency and progressive thickening of the root wall and apical closure. Our findings suggest that PRP can be used for the treatment of immature permanent teeth with periapical lesion, as part of a regenerative endodontic treatment procedure. Keywords: Immature permanent tooth; Periapical lesions; Platelet rich plasm