Evaluation of the Treatment Protocols in the Management of Pulpally Involved Young Permanent Teeth in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Investigation of root apical closure of first permanent molars with cone-beam computed tomography: A retrospective study

Background/purpose

The objective of this study was to assess the root apical closure ages of first permanent molars retrospectively among a group of western Turkish children aged between 5 and 15 years using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods

CBCT images of 202 patients were examined. The patients were divided into 7 groups according to age: ≤8 years, 8-8.99 years, 9-9.99 years, 10-10.99 years, 11-11.99 years, 12-12.99 years, and ≥13 years. Teeth with at least one open apex were considered as 'teeth with open apex' and teeth with all closed apices were considered as 'teeth with closed apex'. The data was evaluated by Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Apical closure rate of the maxillary first molars was 4.1%, 32.2%, 55.4%, 76.2%, and 90.6% at 8-8.99 years, 9-9.99 years, 10-10.99 years, 11-11.99 years, and 12-12.99 years, respectively. Apical closure rate of the mandibular first molars was 4.4%, 41.2%, 70.7%, 80.0%, and 92.2% at 8-8.99 years, 9-9.99 years, 10-10.99 years, 11-11.99 years, and 12-12.99 years, respectively. At 12-12.99 years, females had a significantly higher rate of closed root apices of mandibular first molars than males (P < 0.05). At 9-9.99 and 12-12.99 years, females had a significantly higher rate of closed root apices of maxillary molars than males (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

CBCT is a useful tool for the evaluation of root development. The results of present study can provide valuable aids for clinicians during root canal treatment of permanent first molars.

Effect of radiation therapy on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to root reinforcement

BACKGROUND

The literature is scanty regarding the effect of radiation therapy (RT) on the mechanical properties of immature permanent teeth.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of RT on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to different types of root reinforcement.

DESIGN

Sixty-four human teeth simulating the Cvek stage 3 of root development were distributed into eight groups (n = 8), according to exposure or not to RT (70 Gy) and the root reinforcement method: Group NR (control)-no reinforcement/no RT; Group NR + RT (control)-no reinforcement/RT; Group PO-tricalcium silicate-based cement (TS) apical plug/canal obturation/no RT; Group PO + RT-TS apical plug/canal obturation/RT; Group TS-canal filling with TS/no RT; Group TS + RT-canal filling with TS/RT; Group FP-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/no RT; and Group FP + RT-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/RT. Fracture resistance was determined using a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min).

RESULTS

In the intergroup comparison, nonirradiated teeth had higher fracture resistance (p < .05). Groups FP and FP + RT had higher fracture resistance (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy affected the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth. Reinforcement with fibreglass posts increased the fracture resistance, regardless of the radiation.