Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has been used in many endodontic procedures with success. We hypothesized that MTA as a pulpotomy medicament elicits outcomes no different than that of the diluted formocresol (DFC).PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of grey MTA and DFC in primary molar pulpotomies at a teaching institution and a pediatric dental practice.METHODS:At the teaching institution, 206 primary molars of 122 children were enrolled. At 48-months, 20 teeth treated with MTA and 25 teeth treated with DFC, were available for evaluation. At the private practice, dental records of 245 primary molars of 68 patients were available for evaluation.RESULTS:At 48 months, the results from both sites showed a radiographic success rate of 80 percent for DFC and 95 percent for MTA. The odds of radiographic failure were not affected by study sites. The Cox-regression analysis revealed that patient's age at the time of pulpotomy impacted the "hazard of exfoliation." Each year following the completion of DFC or MTA pulpotomy, there is a 4.6-times-more-likely chance for early exfoliation of the pulpotomized tooth.CONCLUSION:Grey MTA is an acceptable alternative for primary molar pulpotomies.
The Stafne bone defect, also known as the Stafne bone cyst, or Stafne bone cavity, is an asymptomatic, static depression of the lingual aspect of the mandible that often appears as a radiolucent area near the angle of the mandible. It noted as an incidental finding during routine dental imaging. The purpose of this article is to present a case that was diagnosed as a Stafne bone defect using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). This diagnosis is based on radiographic characteristics, which are described as a well-defined, round to ovoid radiolucent lesion in the lower left mandible, located below the inferior alveolar nerve canal and anterior to the angle of the mandible. Radiographic confirmation should preclude further surgical exploration.
Restorative full-mouth reconstruction dental treatment may be cost prohibitive for many patients. This case report, which involves a male patient who presented with severe attrition, discusses a method for delivering treatment while dispersing its cost over several years. In addition, the article demonstrates how a stable occlusion can be obtained inexpensively. The end result of the segmented treatment remained optimal and esthetic.
A primary concern of dental care for the child patient is patient safety. Antibiotics and local anesthetics are very commonly used in dental care, making it critical that providers take into account the special considerations when these drugs are used with the child patient. Considerations in medication selection, indications for use, appropriate and safe dosing, suitable prescribing and administration, and potential deleterious effects are discussed. An overview is provided to ensure proper use of antibiotics and local anesthetics for the pediatric patient.
There are approximately 2 million children living in the state of Michigan who will receive dental care with one of more than 5,500 MDA member dentists. Of these 5,500 MDA members, only approximately 100 are pediatric dentists.(1-3) Thus, it's safe to say that most children will find their dental homes in general dental offices. These general dentists will be providing preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care to most children under most circumstances. And with that in mind, it's of great importance that all dentists be comfortable providing high quality care to the majority of children, referring only a select group for care by a pediatric dentist.
Objectives There are dental and medical consensus statements stating oral health care is safe throughout pregnancy. This survey seeks to assess the attitudes and practice of Michigan Dental Association dentists regarding the oral health and treatment of pregnant patients as a preliminary assessment to facilitate state perinatal oral health initiatives. Methods Surveys were sent to all 4,494 Michigan Dental Association (MDA) members via the Michigan Dental Association List Serv between July and September of 2013 using an online survey instrument. There were 347 respondents, a response rate of 7.72 percent. Results Of the respondents, 91 percent strongly agree that oral health care is an important part of prenatal care, but only 37 percent indicate they provide restorative procedures and periodontal scaling and root planning procedures throughout all stages of pregnancy. Conclusions MDA dentists believe oral health care is important for pregnant patients. There is a need to provide continuing education in the management of pregnant patients.
