UK National Clinical Guidelines in Paediatric Dentistry: stainless steel preformed crowns for primary molars

This revised Clinical Guideline in Paediatric Dentistry replaces the previously published sixth guideline (Fayle SA. Int J Paediatr Dent 1999; 9: 311-314). The process of guideline production began in 1994, resulting in first publication in 1997. Each guideline has been circulated widely for consultation to all UK consultants in paediatric dentistry, council members of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD), and to people of related specialities recognized to have expertise in the subject. The final version of this guideline is produced from a combination of this input and thorough review of the published literature. The intention is to encourage improvement in clinical practice and to stimulate research and clinical audit in areas where scientific evidence is inadequate. Evidence underlying recommendations is scored according to the SIGN classification and guidelines should be read in this context. Further details regarding the process of paediatric dentistry guideline production in the UK is described in the Int J Paediatr Dent 1997; 7: 267-268.

Further dental treatment needs of children receiving exodontia under general anaesthesia at a teaching hospital in the UK

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the subsequent dental treatment needs of children who had dental extractions under general anaesthesia (GA) in 1997 in the Day Case Unit at Leeds Dental Institute (LDI), Leeds, UK, and the reasons for repeat dental GAs (DGAs).

STUDY DESIGN

The authors conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Information collected from hospital records for the 6-year period following the first DGA included: reasons for the DGA in 1997 and teeth extracted; the number of subsequent DGAs, reasons and treatment; incidents of and reasons for toothache or swelling after 1997; treatment under local anaesthesia (LA) or inhalation sedation (IS) at LDI during the 6 years following the DGA in 1997.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 484 children, who received GA exodontia at LDI with a mean age of 6.35 years [95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.1, 6.6] and age range of 1-16 years. The most common reason for extractions at the original DGA in 1997 was dental caries, and the mean number of extractions was 4.24 (95% CI = 4.05, 4.43). Primary teeth extractions accounted for 82% of the cases. In total, 143 children (27.5%) had a record of follow-up treatment at LDI. Of these children, 32% had treatment under LA, 7% under LA and IS, and 15% received preventive care only. The overall repeat rate for DGA was 10.7%, with caries (84%) being the main reason for this. Of the teeth subsequently extracted, 72% were recorded as caries-free or unerupted at the time of the DGA in 1997.

CONCLUSIONS

A large proportion of the follow-up visits were to treat newly developed dental disease during the 6 years following the DGA in 1997. A more proactive approach towards preventive care may have resulted in the reduction of the development of new dental disease.

Teamwork in orthodontics: Limiting the risks of root resorption

Orthodontic treatment is not without risk. The risks may be due to patient factors (which may not always be evident before treatment) or may come about because of the treatment itself. While the common types of risk are well documented, less information is available as to how some of the more unusual problems can best be managed when they arise; often the need for teamwork between the patient, orthodontist and general dental practitioner (GDP) are underestimated. This paper presents three patients in whom various root-related problems existed either before orthodontic treatment or which arose during orthodontic treatment; demonstrates how they were managed; and highlights the need for teamwork to ensure a 'least harmful' outcome. All patients were followed up for over a year.

Molar incisor hypomineralisation: restorative management

AIM

The methods for the restoration of permanent molars and incisors affected by Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation are reviewed. The special problems associated with restoring these teeth, such as sensitivity, occlusion and aesthetics are discussed. The various options for restoration are outlined and recommendations made as to the appropriate types of restoration.

A prospective clinical trial comparing preformed metal crowns and cast restorations for defective first permanent molars

AIM

This study investigated two methods for the restoration of permanent molars affected by amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) or severe enamel defects.

METHODS

A prospective clinical trial was carried out on 17 subjects affected by AI or severe enamel defects of first permanent molars. A split mouth design was used so that each right or left permanent molar in both jaws was restored using either a preformed metal crown (SSC) or a cast adhesive coping (CAC). Subjects were followed for up to 24 months and assessed for longevity and quality of the restorations. Sequential analysis was used to compare longevity.

RESULTS

Records for 42 restorations (19 SSC; 23 CAC) were kept. The split mouth design was possible on 24 occasions (right versus left=14; maxilla versus mandible=10). Three restorations, one SSC (at 6 months) and two CAC (at 2 and 19 months) failed and required replacement. There was no significant statistical difference between the two types of restorations.

CONCLUSION

While there was no difference between the two restorations for quality and longevity, the SSC was considerably cheaper to use and needed only one visit, but more tooth tissue was lost in preparation and fitting. The CAC was significantly more expensive but left nearly all of the tooth crown intact. The choice of which restoration to use is indicated by the immediate and long-term needs of each individual patient.

Comparison of two methods of space prediction in the mixed dentition

PURPOSE

This study compares the accuracy of space prediction for the unerupted permanent canines and premolars by a recognized method of mixed dentition space analysis (Moyers technique) vs estimation by simple visual observation (SVO).

METHODS

Twenty clinicians with varying levels of dental experience and training blindly assessed study models of 4 intact arches (2 maxillary and 2 mandibular) from 3 patients in the mixed dentition using both Moyers and SVO space prediction methods. Corresponding full-mouth panoramic radiographs were available for each case. Follow-up records of the eventual outcome in the permanent dentition for each case available (ie, study models prior to any form of orthodontic intervention) served as the standard for further comparison of the space predictions made. Predictions by both methods were compared with each other as well as with the eventual space situation in the permanent dentition.

RESULTS

The differences in overall mean space prediction between the Moyers technique (excluding molar shift) and SVO ranged between 3.67 mm to 6.9 mm (lower arches) and 4.3 mm to 4.8 mm (upper arches). Diagnostic consistency between both methods' predictions was highly variable, with correlation ranging from moderate (r = 0.53, P = .01) to very weak (r = -0.1). Generally, more crowding was estimated with the SVO method's predictions. However, the inclusion of molar shift in the Moyers analysis resulted in the prediction of more crowding in the mandible compared to SVO and eventual outcome in the permanent dentition. The range and variability in predictions were always smaller with the Moyers technique compared to SVO. Neither technique's mean space prediction more closely resembled the eventual space situation in the permanent dentition.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that although the Moyers technique demonstrated less variation and more reproducibility than SVO in its space predictions, neither of the techniques was any more accurate in predicting the final space outcome in the permanent dentition.

The use of the local analgesia syringe in children. Should it be kept out of sight? A clinical trial of two methods of presentation

AIM

The study was carried out to determine whether showing a local analgesia (LA) syringe to a child would influence behaviour during subsequent administration of LA, as opposed to concealing it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

25 children were randomly assigned to either a show (13) or no-show (12) group. The children were aged 4 years and 3 months to 8 years and 9 months, mean age 7 years and 9 months. One operator carried out all LA administrations. The procedure and dialogue were strictly standardised. Each child was filmed during LA administration. Three paediatric dentists scored the video recorded behaviours, using the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale. The raters were blind as to which group the child belonged to.

RESULTS

No statistical difference was found between the behaviour ratings of the no-show and the show groups during LA administration (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the behaviour of the children in the show group did not differ from the behaviour of children in the no-show group. Whether to show or not to show the LA syringe is probably dependent on the behavioural skills of the operator.

A clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of a three-headed versus a conventional toothbrush for oral hygiene in children

AIM: The study was designed to compare the efficacy of the Superbrush three-headed with a conventional brush for oral hygiene in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population was 78 children attending three primary schools in Leeds (UK). The clinical trial consisted of a single blind, randomized, four visits, crossover and single use toothbrush design. Subjects were randomized to one of two test groups (A and B). The 16-week trial consisted of four visits with a washout period of four weeks between the second and third visits. Both brushes were used with a horizontal mini-scrubbing strokes technique. Plaque scores were recorded at each visit using the Quigley and Hein Plaque Index as modified by Turesky et al. [1970]. RESULTS: Using a paired t-test the results from the outcome measures of the four visits indicated that buccally the conventional brush was superior in plaque removal to the three- headed brush, lingually there was no difference between brushes. Although over-all plaque removal was similar for both brushes, 85% of the children preferred the Superbrush. CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in plaque removal in children can be achieved following good tooth brushing instructions regardless of the design of toothbrush used.

The use of space maintainers at a UK pediatric dentistry department

Space maintainers have been in use in pediatric dentistry for many years. The use of these appliances, however, in terms of indications, contraindications, design, and construction, has gained little attention from researchers. It is clearly essential that when space maintainers are fitted, it is the result of careful planning and appropriate prescriptions.

The longevity of space maintainers: a retrospective study

METHODS

This retrospective study investigated the longevity of 301 space maintainers fitted in 141 patients aged 3.4-22.1 years in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Leeds Dental Institute between 1991 and 1995.

RESULTS

Failure occurred in 190 space maintainers (63%), of which 36% were due to cement loss, 24% breakage, 10% design problems, and 9% were lost. Using the life table method, the median survival time (MST) for space maintainers was found to be 7 months. Band and loop (B&L) appliances had the highest MST of 13 months, while the lower lingual holding arch (LLHA) had the lowest of 4 months. Unilateral space maintainers survived longer than bilateral space maintainers (MST of 13 months vs. 5 months). Left B&Ls had a MST of 16 months, compared to only 4 months for right B&Ls, Gender, age, arch in which the appliance was placed, the operator planning it, fixed vs. removable, and adequacy of pretreatment assessment did not have a significant effect on survival time.

The management of drooling in children and patients with mental and physical disabilities: a literature review

Amongst the duties of the paediatric dentist is the provision of oral care to patients with the problem of drooling. Many, but certainly not all, of these patients have physical and/or learning disabilities. Various methods have been advocated for the management of drooling in the paediatric patient and older patients with disabilities, including behavioural programmes, biofeedback techniques, physiotherapy, biofunctional oral appliances, medication and surgery. It is of paramount importance that the patients and/or carers understand the advantages and disadvantages of any treatment method being considered. The paediatric dentist has an important role to play in explaining the different options to the patients and carers, and in implementing some treatment modalities, particularly non-surgical approaches. Referral to surgical specialists should be seen as 'a last resort' and suggested only if other treatment methods have been exhausted. If pharmacological or surgical treatment is carried out, careful monitoring for the development of dental caries and other problems is essential. The aim of this paper is to provide the paediatric dentist with concise overall knowledge of the causes of drooling and treatment options available.

Decontamination of dental unit water systems: a review of current recommendations

It is now recognised that water delivered to dental handpieces and air/water syringes via dental unit water systems may become significantly contaminated with micro-organisms which originate from the incoming water supply and, to a lesser extent, with oral micro-organisms. The purpose of this article is to review the literature relating to the risks associated with contamination of dental unit water systems and methods which may be used to minimise these risks.

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria--oral manifestations and dental treatment in childhood: a case report

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria is a rare condition resulting from an inborn error in prophyrin metabolism. This deficiency leads to hemolytic anemia, photosensitivity, blistering of the skin, and deposition of red-brown pigments in the bones and teeth. The literature regarding the dental aspects of this disorder is briefly reviewed and the preventive, restorative, and esthetic dental management of a 4-year-old child with congenital erythropoietic porphyria is described.

Oral problems and the dentist's role in the management of paediatric oncology patients

Child cancer patients require a great deal of intensive treatment and support. This paper provides an account of the dental problems a practitioner will encounter with these children and discusses how they may be managed.

Oral complications in pediatric oncology patients

This study investigated the oral problems occurring in children receiving treatment for malignant disease at a regional oncology center. Forty-three children 2 to 14 years old were followed longitudinally from initial diagnosis for periods ranging from eight to 30 weeks for the development of oral and dental problems. Fifteen children had untreated decay; two required the removal of primary teeth before they began chemotherapy. Three children developed acute dental infections during treatment. Forty (93%) developed oral problems associated with their disease or treatment during the study period. Oral mucosal ulceration was the most frequently encountered problem; it was observed in 28 (65%) patients. In light of the high prevalence of dental and oral problems in these patients, this study emphasizes the need for positive dental involvement, both in pretreatment assessment and in the ongoing care of the pediatric oncology patient.

Salivary levels of anticonvulsants: a practical approach to drug monitoring

Phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, and ethosuximide were measured in saliva and plasma obtained simultaneoulsy from 115 patients. A method to correct for the effect of salivary pH on phenobarbital concentration of saliva was developed. Salivary concentrations of these drugs were found to be equivalent to the plasma free drug and to correlate closely with the total plasma levels. Expressed as percent of total plasma drug, the salivary (S) and plasma free (P) concentrations were: phenytoin, S 11.1 +/- 2.0 percent (mean +/- SD), P 10.1 +/- 2.4 percent (r = 0.97); carbamazepine, S 26.0 +/- 2.4 percent, P 25.9 +/- 3.4 percent (r = 0.97); phenobarbital, S 43.1 +/- 5.2 percent, P 40.8 +/- 7.9 percent (r = 0.91); primidone, S 75.4 +/- 24.9 percent, P 66.4 +/- 8.8 percent (r = 0.76). Ethosuximide was not bound by plasma proteins, and its plasma and salivary levels were equal.