Relative position of the mandibular foramen in different age groups of children: A radiographic study

<b>Objectives:</b> To assess the relative position of the mandibular foramen (MF) and to evaluate the measurement of gonial angle (GoA) and its relationship with distances between different mandibular borders in growing children between 3 and 13years of dental age. <b>Materials and methods:</b> The radiographs were traced to arrive at six linear and two angular measurements from which the relative position of the MF was assessed and compared in different age groups to determine the growth pattern of the mandible and changes in the location of the MF. <b>Results:</b> The distances between the MF and the anterior plane of the ramus were greater than that between MF and posterior plane of the ramus through all stages. There was a maximum increase in the vertical dimensions of the mandible compared with the horizontal dimensions, particularly in the late mixed dentition period. <b>Conclusion:</b> The mandible and its growth did not alter the position of the MF, both vertically and horizontally, in relation to different landmarks, and more obtuse GoA indicated an increased growth potential of the mandible. This has major implications in the inferior alveolar nerve block technique when used in children

Dental aesthetic index: Applicability in Indian population: A retrospective study

A variety of indices have been developed to assist professionals in categorizing malocclusion according to treatment needs. Dental aesthetic index (DAI) is one such index. DAI quantifies the normal variations usually seen and the dentofacial anomalies. A retrospective study on hundred available and treated cases was carried out on the casts. This survey was mainly carried out to determine the role of pedodontist in early identification of dental anomalies using DAI and sound referral of the patient to the orthodontist for better comprehensive care during the growth period in children. The materials used to collect data included periodontal probe with millimeter markings, ruler, calipers, pencil, and eraser. The results showed that when grouped according to various malocclusion severity levels by DAI, 3&#x0025; had no or minor malocclusion indicating no or slight need of treatment, 15&#x0025; had definite malocclusion and the treatment needed was elective, 27&#x0025; had severe malocclusion and treatment was highly desirable, and remaining 55&#x0025; of the casts had very severe or handicapping malocclusion and the treatment was mandatory. This study shows that DAI can be effectively used to evaluate and recognize the orthodontic needs of Indian children with permanent dentition and treated at an early stage so that the treatment is more effective

K-file vs ProFiles in cleaning capacity and instrumentation time in primary molar root canals: An in vitro study

Objectives: This study compares the efficiency of manual K-files and rotary ProFiles in cleaning capacity and instrumentation time in primary molar root canals. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five maxillary and mandibular primary molar root canals were instrumented with ProFiles and K-files in the step-back manner from size #10 to #40. The teeth were decalcified, dehydrated and cleared, and analyzed for the presence of dye remaining on the root canal walls, which served as an evidence of cleaning capacity of both the techniques. Results: The results showed a significant difference in the cleaning capacity of the root canals with ProFiles and K-files, in apical and coronal thirds of the root canal. ProFiles have been found to be more efficient in cleaning the coronal thirds and K-files in cleaning apical thirds of the root canals. Both the techniques were almost equally effective in cleaning the middle thirds of the canals. The time taken during the cleaning of the root canals appeared to be statistically shorter with K-files than profiles

The evaluation of different methods viz., acid etch and by air abrasion on retentivity of fissure sealant after 6 months: A clinical study

Background and Purpose: The objectives of the study were (1) to compare two techniques of sealant placement using Acid-etch technique and by using an Air abrasive technique, (2) to determine whether particular tooth locations are related to sealant loss or retention. Methodology: 30 children in age group 7-12 years were received sealant on non carious, non filled, occlusal, and buccal pit surfaces of both permanent first mandibular molars (36, 46) two in each subject of treatment groups: 1) Acid etch technique (Group A) and 2) Air abrasion without acid etch (Group B). A total of one hundred and twenty surfaces received sealants, and were evaluated at six months. Results: Rate of complete sealant retention at six months for occlusal surfaces were 89.29% for Acid etching and 78.57% for Air abrasion , and for buccal surface were 50% for Acid etching and 32.14% for Air abrasion. Conclusion: This study suggested that, rates of complete retention on the occlusal and buccal surfaces of both treatment groups were not significant. More research is needed to identify factors contributing to low retention rates on occlusal and buccal surfaces for Air abrasion technique