Background: Various behavioral and emotional reactions to dental care are seen in pediatric patients. As a result, pediatric dentists are deeply concerned with effective behavior coaching. The use of audiovisual stimuli at a certain frequency, which causes the brain impulses to adjust to the new frequency, is one such technique. For relaxation, verbal and working memory, multiple cognitive activities, and pain relief, audio beats have proven to be successful. The goal of this pilot study is to compare the impact of auditory beats on children who are worried during dental operations in terms of anxiety reduction. Materials and methods: A total of 10 children aged between 6 and 9 years were shown cartoon videos with and without binaural beat audio of α wavelength alternately at two consecutive visits. The patients were preconditioned for 30 minutes before the treatment procedures using noise-cancellation headphones with an iPad as the audiovisual aid. The use of the audiovisual aid was then continued throughout the procedure. The pulse rate (PR) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were noted preoperatively and after the procedure was completed. Results: Using paired and unpaired t-tests, the resulting mean values before and after the procedure were compared. Compared to the control group's mean PR reduction of 3.6, the binaural beat audiovisual group saw a substantial PR reduction of 8.5 (mean). As for the SpO₂ level, the experimental group's mean value increased significantly (6.8) compared to the control group's value (2.9). Conclusion: Audiovisual aids with binaural beat audio are a noninvasive therapeutic method that targets the brain centers to influence the psychological and physiological processes of the body. It is an effective anxiolytic modality that should be considered in pediatric dentistry. Clinical significance: The present article centers on the assessment of anxiety levels among pediatric patients. The study aims to provide insights into the mechanisms of anxiety in this specific population, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of care and treatment options available.

Introduction: Malocclusion, a common dental issue in children, necessitates early intervention to mitigate future orthodontic challenges. Predictive methodologies like Tanaka and Johnston analysis (TJA) and Boston University approach (BUA) aid in mixed and primary dentition analysis for optimal treatment planning. This study aimed to compare TJA and BUA in predicting the mesiodistal width of unerupted permanent canines and premolars and assess gender-based variations. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study involving 120 children (7–11 years) was conducted at Chettinad Dental College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Dental models were analyzed using TJA and BUA methods. The mean predicted values of permanent canines and premolars were calculated for both approaches in the upper and lower dental arches. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between TJA and BUA predictions, and statistical significance was determined. Results: Both TJA and BUA exhibited strong positive correlations in predicting dimensions, with slight gender-based variations. TJA predicted values for permanent canines and premolars in the upper arch were 21.13 ± 0.50 and 21.32 ± 0.39, respectively, whereas for BUA, they were 21.45 ± 0.42 and 21.67 ± 0.38, respectively. In the lower arch, TJA predicted values were 20.88 ± 0.63 for canines and premolars combined, while BUA predicted 21.02 ± 0.58. Significant differences were observed only in the upper arch predictions (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Tanaka and Johnston analysis and BUA are valuable in mixed dentition analysis, offering insights into space availability for orthodontic treatment planning. BUA serves as a reliable substitute for TJA when fully erupted permanent incisors are absent, emphasizing the importance of tailored predictive methods in interceptive orthodontics. Model analysis remains pivotal for informed treatment decisions, ensuring optimal dental health outcomes.

Background: Gagging is a stimulated, protective reflex to prevent any material from entering the mouth or oropharynx. However, a hyperactive gag reflex is a common occurrence and anxiety-provoking stimulus while performing routine clinical procedures. Impression making is a clinical procedure that causes pronounced gagging and severe discomfort to the patient. As making an impression is a crucial step in routine dental treatment, it is imperative to make the process of impression making as comfortable as possible to provide quality dental care. Very few studies have reported on the effect of virtual reality (VR) and musical earplug temporal tap technique (METTT) in impression making. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of VR and METTTs on the reduction of the gag reflex in pediatric patients. Materials and methods: Sixty healthy patients aged 6–12 years were diagnosed with the presence of a hyperactive gag reflex using the Gag Severity Index (GSI). GSI scores of 2 and above were included in the study, and mandibular alginate impressions were made with standard distraction methodology, which served as the baseline level of gag in each patient. These children were then randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, 30 patients’ maxillary alginate impressions were made with VR facilitated techniques, while the remaining 30 patients’ impressions were made with the METTT. The amount of gag reduction was evaluated with the Gag Prevention Index (GPI) score during the impressions at intervals of 0, 30, and 60 seconds. Anxiety was assessed using heart rate, oxygen saturation, and the modified version of the faces dental anxiety scale following impression making. Results: Intragroup METT-facilitated impression-making showed a statistically significant reduction in heart rate. However, intergroup comparison showed no statistically significant difference in the amount of reduction of the gag reflex, oxygen saturation, or patient experience. Conclusion: The gag reflex was not reduced by VR or METTT. Nevertheless, a decrease in heart rate during METTT-facilitated mandibular impression making indicated a reduction in anxiety. Hence, METTT can be applied as an adjuvant in patients with severe gag reflexes when making an impression.

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the color stability of different masking modalities of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on extracted carious teeth after thermal aging. Methods and results: One hundred and eight recently extracted carious permanent teeth were used. All sample teeth had SDF applied over the carious lesion. The teeth were then divided into six groups: group A (SDF, potassium iodide (KI), and packable composite resin), group B (SDF, flowable, and packable composite resin), group C (SDF, KI, resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), and packable composite resin), group D (SDF, KI, and RMGI), group E (SDF, hybrid glass ionomer (HGI), packable composite resin), and group F (SDF and RMGI). VITA Easyshade was used to evaluate color stability. Initial masking of the dark staining was improved in groups in curing light groups (groups D and F). Groups restored with RMGI demonstrated the greatest color changes after aging. The groups that showed the greatest color stability of the materials after 5 years of aging were groups A, B, and E. Highest color change was observed during the first clinical year for all groups. Conclusion: KI is effective at reducing SDF staining. Composite (CMP) provides a long-term color-stable restoration. Thermocycling had the greatest effect on HGI restorations. Clinical relevance: One of restorative dentistry's most important clinical parameters is the color stability of tooth-colored dental restorations. Choosing a suitable restorative material is essential to overcome SDF's staining effects. Applying KI and composite resin restoration was the most effective, long-term color-stable restorative material for masking the SDF staining.

Background: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli play an important role in the etiopathogenesis and progression of dental caries (DC). Their quantification and identification may be helpful for epidemiological and early intervention measures. Objectives: We conducted the study to evaluate the colony counts of S. mutans and Lactobacillus with the location of DC and correlate their prevalence with the age of the patient. Materials and methods: The study population comprised 60 patients with DC. They were divided into two groups according to age, and each group was further divided into three subgroups based on involvement of enamel, dentin, and pulp by DC. The swab samples were collected, and organisms were isolated using Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB) Agar and Lactobacillus MRS Agar. Manual counting of colonies on plates illuminated by transmitted light was done. Results were summarized and analyzed statistically. Results: The caries prevalence was found to be higher in children, with females being more affected. In both groups, posterior teeth were more affected, and occlusal/incisal surface caries were more common. The mean colony count of S. mutans (61.3%) and Lactobacillus (63.4%) was significantly higher in group I compared to group II. In both groups, the mean colony counts of S. mutans were higher in enamel, followed by dentin and pulp. In contrast, in both groups, the mean colony counts of Lactobacillus were higher in pulp, followed by dentin and enamel. Conclusion: Bacterial colony counts may help in taking specific measures against specific organisms and thereby prevent the development of new carious lesions.

Background: The study explores the impact of microleakage on bracket (metal/ceramic) debonding and the occurrence of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment. Various curing techniques are employed to assess shear bond strength (SBS) and microleakage in both metal and ceramic brackets. Materials and methods: A total of 120 samples were divided into six groups, each consisting of 20 samples. The groups were categorized based on the bracket material (metal or ceramic) and further subdivided according to the light-emitting diode (LED) curing method (traditional, transillumination, or combination). Fifty percent (60 samples) of each group were allocated for SBS evaluation, while the remaining 50% (60 samples) were used for microleakage assessment. The buccal enamel surfaces of all teeth in the six groups were etched and coated with a uniform layer of sealant. Stainless steel and ceramic maxillary premolar brackets were affixed using Transbond XT adhesive and light-cured with an LED unit. SBS was measured using the Instron ElectroPuls E3000 universal testing machine, and microleakage was examined using a stereomicroscope. Results: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc test revealed significant differences in SBS among the six groups. Group IV exhibited the minimum SBS mean (7.02 MPa), while group VI displayed the maximum SBS mean (21.73 MPa). Microleakage assessment demonstrated that group IV had a maximum depth of 0.26 mm using the transillumination method, whereas group VI showed a minimum depth of 0.14 mm with the combination technique. Conclusion: Brackets cured with a combination of conventional (5 seconds) and transillumination (5 seconds per bracket) methods exhibited significantly higher SBS. Conversely, group IV, cured solely with the transillumination technique (10 seconds per bracket), demonstrated the lowest strength. In terms of microleakage, group VI, treated with the combination technique, displayed the shallowest depth, while group IV, cured exclusively with transillumination, showed the greatest depth of microleakage. These findings underscore the importance of the curing method in influencing both SBS and microleakage, offering valuable insights for optimizing orthodontic bracket placement techniques.

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis has a pathogenic role in failed endodontic treatments. The study aimed to assess the efficiency of Spilanthes acmella (SA) and cinnamon oil (CO) extract on E. faecalis biofilm eradication. Materials and methods: The antibacterial efficacy of SA and CO against E. faecalis was assessed by the tests of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and further, the interaction with agents was evaluated at different time intervals by a time-kill assay. The inhibition efficacy of both agents was determined by biofilm adhesion reduction crystal violet assay. Results: The MIC of SA was 25 μg/mL, and for CO, it was 12.5 μg/mL. The time-kill assay revealed that antibacterial efficacy was identified till 36 hours by both the test materials. The mean biofilm reduction at 25 µg/mL of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂], SA, and CO was 1.53 ± 0.05, 1.83 ± 1.57, and 2.06 ± 0.05, respectively. Conclusion: SA and CO demonstrated promising antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis and CO presented significant eradication of biofilms compared to SA.

Background and aim: Streptococci, mainly mutans streptococci, are known as the causative microbes of dental caries, but there is limited clarity about their impact on the tooth level and the distribution of streptococci species in different dentition stages. This study evaluates the distribution of streptococci species in primary and permanent teeth in children and adolescents with caries. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of two groups: subjects with caries in primary teeth aged 2–5 years and adolescents with caries in permanent teeth aged 12–15 years. Age-matched controls were included in both groups. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary teeth/decayed, missing, and filled teeth for permanent teeth (dmft/DMFT) index score was recorded according to World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. Dental biofilm samples were obtained from tooth sites under sterile conditions and placed in sterile transport media. Inoculation was performed on specific media, colonies were counted, and streptococci species were identified. Results: In subjects with primary dentition caries, the streptococci species identified were Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), S. sobrinus, S. mitis, S. rattus, and S. sanguis. In subjects with caries in permanent teeth, S. salivarius, Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), S. mitis, and S. agnosus were seen in addition to S. mutans and S. sobrinus. The levels of mutans streptococci colony-forming units (CFU) were significantly higher in the primary caries group in children (p < 0.01). However, the CFU of streptococci in the healthy control group in children was not statistically different from the CFU/mL of streptococci in the healthy control group in adolescents. Conclusion: A significant difference (p < 0.01) in the streptococci species profile was observed between primary and permanent teeth with caries.

Objectives: This clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of three minimal intervention dentistry protocols in arresting dentin caries in primary molars of preschool children. Treatment time, anxiety in children, adverse events, and parents’ esthetic perception were all assessed. Materials and methods: One hundred thirty-five 3–5-year-old children with active dentin caries lesions on the occlusal surface of primary molars were randomly allocated to the control group receiving atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and two test groups receiving 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or ultraconservative treatment (UCT). The existence and activity of caries were assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II (ICDAS II) criteria. Children were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months. The time required to perform the treatments was recorded, and a facial image scale (FIS) was applied to assess anxiety. Questions posed to caregivers were used to investigate adverse events and esthetic assessment. Results: After a year, the overall success rates of UCT, SDF, and ART were 61.6, 87.2, and 84.6%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The time required to treat with SDF was significantly lower than that needed for ART and UCT (p < 0.01). Anxiety levels were significantly lower in the SDF group (p = 0.003). There was no difference in the percentage of adverse events and parental esthetic perception (p = 0.604). Conclusion: After 3 months, the arrest rates of ART, SDF, and UCT were similar. However, after 1 year, the arrest rate of UCT was significantly lower. Clinical significance: Silver diamine fluoride takes significantly less chair time and has success rates comparable to ART. Ultraconservative treatment has a short-term successful application. It was confirmed that there were no variations in adverse events between SDF, ART, and UCT. Clinical trial registration number: NCT05314660.

Background: Pulp capping is a vital dental procedure used to preserve the vitality of teeth affected by deep caries lesions without irreversible pulpitis. The use of modern bioceramic materials has enhanced the predictability of vital pulp therapy (VPT). Aim: This study aimed to assess the clinical success of Biodentine, modified NeoPutty mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as pulp capping materials for indirect pulp capping in carious primary teeth. Materials and methods: Indirect pulp treatment (IPT) was performed on 36 deciduous molars in 36 patients presenting with deep carious lesions. The teeth were randomly assigned to three groups: Biodentine (12 teeth), NeoPutty MTA (12 teeth), and Ca(OH)2 (12 teeth). Patients were monitored at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment to evaluate the clinical success of the procedures. Statistical analysis: Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Pearson's Chi-squared test was employed to compare success and failure rates among Biodentine, MTA, and Ca(OH)2 at three different time intervals (30, 90, and 180 days) and overall success and failure rates regardless of the time intervals. Results: In the statistical analysis, different pulp capping materials yielded varying success rates. The NeoPutty MTA group demonstrated a success rate of 91.67%, the Biodentine group 83.33%, and the Ca(OH)2 group 58.33% after 6 months. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Indirect pulp treatment with calcium silicate-based materials, such as Biodentine and modified NeoPutty MTA, showed superior results compared to the use of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). Although differences in success rates were observed among the materials, they did not reach statistical significance.

Aim: Traumatic dental injuries occur frequently in children and adolescents. Even though dentists’ management of trauma has been given importance, parents rarely know how to intervene in cases of dental trauma. This study was done to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding dental trauma among parents of children attending primary schools. Materials and methods: The study was carried out using a semistructured Arabic questionnaire with closed answers, distributed to 285 parents of primary schoolchildren who visited the dental clinics, College of Dentistry, Jizan. Results: Out of 285 questionnaires, 250 parents completely filled out the proforma. Most of the parents were unemployed females. Only 74.07% of the 21.6% of participants who had experienced trauma in their children reported the incident. Most of them had suffered trauma at home and the least in school. Most of them believed dental trauma was simply dental caries and were unaware of what to do in case of dental trauma. The majority said they would visit a dentist within a day in the event of trauma. In case of trauma, around 10.8% wanted to store the tooth in milk, while 80.4% wanted to wash it in an antiseptic solution. Most of the parents were concerned if the tooth was a permanent tooth and less concerned if it was a primary tooth. Conclusion: From the results of our study, most of the parents had no experience with dental trauma in their children, and most did not know what to do in case of traumatic dental injury (TDI); they would intervene within 1 day. Nevertheless, they lacked the knowledge necessary to provide the affected child with the most appropriate support possible. Motivating parents to embrace a preventative stance against oral trauma might result in positive changes that would boost the long-term health advantages for both the parents and their children.

Background: Indirect pulp therapy (IPT) is a conservative treatment approach that leaves the deepest caries adjacent to the pulp undisturbed in an effort to avoid pulp exposure. The result of IPT is primarily dependent on the biocompatibility, sealing capacity, adaptability of the overlying restoration to underlying dentin, and strength of the liner material utilized. Aim: To evaluate shear bond strength (SBS) and microleakage of mineral trioxide aggregate (e-MTA) and biodentine when restored with glass ionomer cement (GIC) and composite resin after their initial set time. Materials and methods: Around 40 extracted caries-free permanent molars were randomly divided into two groups according to the liner material used (group I (e-MTA) and group II—biodentine). Each group was further divided into subgroups A1, A2, B1, and B2, where A1 and B1 received GIC and A2 and B2 received composite resin restoration after the initial set time. Half of the samples from each subgroup were allotted to two test groups of SBS and microleakage evaluation. The SBS was evaluated using a universal testing machine, and microleakage was assessed using a dye penetration test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for intergroup comparison, and the paired sample t-test was used for intragroup comparison. Categorical data were analyzed using a nonparametric test at the 5% level of significance using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 for Windows. Results: A statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) was found in SBS between the group (e-MTA) + composite and biodentine + composite, where the latter group showed the highest SBS. Microleakage was highest in the group (e-MTA) + GIC (0.6 ± 0.894) and lowest in the group biodentine + composite (0.2 ± 0.447). However, no statistically significant difference was found in microleakage among all four groups. Conclusion: Within the constraints of this study, biodentine can be suggested as the pulp capping agent to be restored with composite resin restoration after its initial set time.

Introduction: The extensive plaque formation on dental restoratives may contribute to secondary caries or periodontal inflammation. Therefore, it is important to know how different types of dental restoratives may prevent or promote the accumulation of microorganisms. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the oral hygiene and microbial adhesion on the titanium (Ti)—coated stainless steel crown (Ti-coated SSC) and conventional SSC on a primary molar. Materials and methods: A total of 15 children aged 4–10 years who visited the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry and required performed crowns were selected for the study. The tooth was randomly restored with Ti-coated on one side SSC and conventional SSC on the other side. The subgingival plaque samples were taken from the lingual and buccal surfaces using Gracey Curette before and immediately after the cementation of crowns and after 1 week. The plaque index (PI) (PI, modified Silness, and Loe) was also recoded. The plaque samples were incubated in mitis salivarius bacitracin agar, and the total number of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was counted and expressed in colony-forming units (CFU). Results: The test results showed a statistically significant difference in the microbial count expressed in CFU and PI (PI, modified Silness, and Loe PI) between Ti-coated SSC and conventional SSC after 1 week of crown placement. Conclusion: The microbial adhesion of S. mutans and plaque accumulation was seen less on the Ti-coated SSC when compared with conventional SSC, which was statistically significant.

Background: According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. The use of oral probiotics in children to improve oral health may lead to nonpathogenic bacteria replacing cariogenic bacteria. The Evora Plus oral probiotics tablet is the first such oral probiotics tablet containing a proprietary blend of three select species of naturally occurring oral bacteria, each with a specific function for maintaining a healthy oral environment. These strains include Streptococcus oralis KJ3sm, Streptococcus uberis KJ2sm, and Streptococcus rattus JH145. Aim: To compare the levels of salivary total bacterial count, salivary pH levels, and salivary S. mutans count before and after consumption of the Evora Plus oral probiotic tablet. Materials and methods: Around 40 caries-free schoolchildren from Daksh International School, Gadarwara, Madhya Pradesh, India, aged 12–14 years, were selected and divided equally into two groups—group A, in which total salivary bacterial count and pH were evaluated, and group B, in which salivary S. mutans count and pH were evaluated. These groups were further subdivided into group A1 and group B1, which served as the control groups not receiving the Evora Plus oral probiotic tablet, and group A2 and group B2, which were the test groups consuming the Evora Plus oral probiotic tablet for 30 days. Assessment of salivary samples for total bacterial count was done at baseline and after 30 days for groups A1 and B1. Salivary pH estimation was done at baseline and after 30 days for the entire group, and salivary S. mutans count was done at baseline and after 30 days for groups A2 and B2. Salivary pH level was checked using a digital pH meter; nutrient agar was used for salivary total bacterial count, while Mitis salivarius bacitracin agar was used for salivary S. mutans count. The number of colonies was counted and subjected to statistical analysis using unpaired and paired Student's t-test. Results: The study showed a significant reduction in salivary total bacterial count and salivary S. mutans counts, as well as a significant increase in salivary pH after 30 days in the Evora Plus oral probiotic group compared with the group not receiving the Evora Plus oral probiotic tablet. Conclusion: Cariogenic microorganisms could be reduced by an oral probiotic formulation. Thus, the use of the Evora Plus oral probiotic tablet could be recommended for the prevention of enamel demineralization.

Background: Dental caries remains a significant oral health concern, particularly in young children. With an increasing interest in preventive strategies, pediatric and preventive dentistry research is now more focused on developing newer materials and techniques to coat the primary teeth to prevent the onset of new carious lesions. While traditional preventive measures such as fluoride application and sealants have been effective in reducing caries incidence, there is still a need for innovative approaches. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of surface prereacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) light-cured varnish in inhibiting demineralization of primary teeth enamel. Materials and methods: In this study, primary teeth samples were randomly divided into two groups: the control group received no coating, while the test group received an S-PRG filler coat. The samples were allowed to demineralize, and various analyses, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and Vickers microhardness analysis, were conducted. Additionally, biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis were developed on solid surfaces such as microtiter plates, glass, and dentures, and the quantity of bacterial biofilm was measured using crystal violet assay and fluorescence microscopy. Results: The study results showed that the primary teeth samples in both groups had a significantly greater calcium content than the controls. The S-PRG group demonstrated a significant reduction in the development of biofilms of S. mutans and E. faecalis, as well as bacterial attachment to glass and denture surfaces compared to the control group, as indicated by crystal violet assay and fluorescence microscopy. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that S-PRG filler-containing coating materials have the potential to prevent demineralization and inhibit S. mutans and E. faecalis biofilm formation on primary tooth enamel. Clinical significance: These results are promising and may have implications for the prevention of dental caries in young children.

Introduction: Dental impaction may be due to several etiological factors, including genetic conditions, lack of space, failure of primary tooth resorption and prolonged retention of these teeth, presence of intraosseous cysts, and trauma in the region. The ranula is a mucus-filled cyst-like mass that usually originates from extravasation of mucus from the sublingual gland. Case description: A 7-year-old Saudi female presented to the pediatric dental clinic at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital (PMBAH), Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, with complicated orodental problems that were identified after clinical and radiological assessment, including the following: an intruded primary central incisor in close relation to the nasal cavity, hypodontia, hypomineralization, multiple carious teeth, abscess, and sublingual ranula. The pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), and anesthesiology teams discussed the diagnosis and treatment plan for comprehensive oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia (GA). Conclusion: This case report highlights the crucial need for early dental screening and intervention in pediatric patients to educate the parents, prevent orodental problems, and treat the current complaints. It also shows the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in such cases to reach an ideal treatment plan and results. Clinical significance: The potential for pain, difficulty chewing, malalignment of surrounding teeth, and the risk of infection or cyst formation if left untreated.

Aim and background: The management of crown-root fractures poses significant uncertainty and involves meticulous evaluation of the tooth and supporting structures. The uncertain prognosis associated with crown-root fractures necessitates periodic evaluation. Case description: A 15-year-old female presenting with crown-root fracture of the permanent left maxillary incisors was treated by surgical extrusion with rotation for the central incisor, while the lateral incisor was coronally extruded by 2 mm. Root canal treatment was performed after the extrusion procedure, which was followed by full coverage restoration. At the 12-month recall, the teeth showed satisfactory gingival and periodontal health, with well-maintained esthetics. Conclusion: Although relatively invasive, surgical extrusion can be a more conservative treatment option for the management of permanent teeth with crown-root fractures. Clinical significance: Marginal bone loss and gingival recession, which are usual complications of intentional replantation, were not significant findings at the 12-month follow-up.

Aim and background: This report aims to present a case of giant cell fibroma (GCF) of the anterior palate in a pediatric patient. Case description: A 5-year-old patient reported to the department with a chief complaint of swelling in relation to the palatal region for 6 months. An excisional biopsy was done, and after microscopic analysis, the swelling was diagnosed as GCF. The patient was recalled for routine follow-up after 5 months, and there was no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: Giant cell fibroma is a localized, benign mucosal growth that resembles other fibroepithelial growths, and its difference from other lesions is based on its histopathological features. Clinical significance: Giant cell fibroma is a rare fibroepithelial lesion that represents approximately 2–5% of specimens submitted for biopsy and 0.4–1% of total biopsies.

Aim and background: The term “spin” in biomedical journals refers to reporting strategies that misinterpret actual results and mislead readers toward viewing a drug or treatment in a more favorable or less favorable manner. The study aimed to evaluate the presence of spin in abstracts of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in PubMed-indexed pediatric dentistry journals. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Dentistry at a tertiary care hospital from April to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials published in PubMed-indexed pediatric dentistry journals from January 2010 to December 2022 were included. A literature search was performed by two independent reviewers according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The abstracts of the included articles were evaluated to identify spin. The method described by Boutron et al. was followed to define and identify spin. Data summary statistics of the included studies were calculated using Google Sheets. Results: The initial search in PubMed resulted in 3,566 articles. According to the eligibility criteria, 327 articles were included and analyzed for spin in the abstracts. A total of 10 out of 327 (3%) articles showed spin in the abstracts. Randomized controlled trials evaluating pulpotomy as an intervention exhibited the most spin. The majority of abstracts with spin showed a discrepancy in the presentation of results and the conclusion section. Conclusion: The presence of spin is evident in 3% of PubMed-indexed Pediatric Dentistry journals published from 2010 to 2022. Clinical significance: Clinicians should be careful when implying the observations of abstracts of RCTs to the clinical scenario, considering the presence of spin.

Research question: To evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a pulpotomy agent in primary molars. Research protocol: This systematic review followed the recommendation of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline 2020. Literature search: An electronic search of the databases was performed to find the effectiveness of LLLT over formocresol as a pulpotomy agent in primary molars in children aged between 3 and 10 years. Data extraction: Authors independently extracted the data from the 14 included studies based on the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria comprised studies that compared the clinical and radiographical effectiveness of LLLT pulpotomy with formocresol pulpotomy in primary molars using randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Quality appraisal: The risk of bias was assessed using a tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration for RCT studies. Data analysis: The meta-analyses were performed using the fixed-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by a Q test and quantified with I² statistics. Radiological and clinical success among the teeth treated with either formocresol or LLLT was considered the main outcome. Results and interpretation of results: The search resulted in 390 published studies. After the removal of duplicate studies and analysis of full-text articles, 14 studies were selected for systematic review. Overall, the results demonstrated a high risk of selection and performance bias. No statistically significant difference was found between LLLT and formocresol as pulpotomy agents when compared clinically and radiographically at 6–9 and 12-month follow-up periods. LLLT is a good alternative method to be used as a pulpotomy agent in cases of reversible pulpitis. Key message: Low-level laser therapy is an emerging and trending branch in dentistry because of its beneficial effects in various treatment approaches. It can be effectively used in the pulpotomy procedure due to its properties to reduce pulp inflammation, improve healing, and preserve dental pulp vitality.