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10 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Oral Health Promotion Model Implemented in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County

by Danko Bakarčić, Nevenka Vlah, Odri Cicvarić, Dorotea Petrović, Marija Šimunović-Erpušina, Suzana Janković, Nataša Dragaš Zubalj, Sandro Kresina, Silvia Mohorić, Renata Gržić, Helena Glibotić Kresina and Nataša Ivančić Jokić

Medicina 2025, 61(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020217 - 26 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Global research has shown that 60–90% of school children have caries, and that oral health care is of great public health significance. We present the data of an oral health promotion Program conducted in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGC), [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Global research has shown that 60–90% of school children have caries, and that oral health care is of great public health significance. We present the data of an oral health promotion Program conducted in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGC), Croatia, from 2008 to 2019. The Program includes comprehensive preventive oral status assessments of first- and fifth-grade elementary school students, as well as oral health promotional and preventative activities for preschool children, pregnant women, and new mothers. Here, we aimed to analyze the Program data and determine its applicability and sustainability. Materials and Methods: We assessed the changes in caries prevalence in first- and fifth-grade PGC students by comparing the 2008–2019 dental registry data on decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary teeth (dmft)/decayed, missing, and filled teeth for permanent teeth (DMFT) index means. We also analyzed the data from the administrative Program reports. Results: We analyzed the dental registry data of 44,422 children in the PGC (21,714 first and 22,708 fifth grade). The average Program response rate was 83%. We noted a dmft/DMFT index decrease from 4.66 to 3.73 (first graders) and from 2.50 to 1.00 (fifth graders). The 2017–2019 dmft was significantly smaller than that of 2008–2009. There were 2336 workshops conducted in kindergartens, 1240 in first grades, and 1015 in fifth grades; health visitors educated 26,559 women. There was an increasing trend in the number of insured people under the age of six using pediatric oral health care. Conclusions: The Program improved the behavior and oral health of children and included various stakeholders, avoided additional financial expenses, increased the number of children in care, and proved its necessity and sustainability. It has been recognized on a national level and has led to the creation of two oral health care programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

13 pages, 323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Dental Fear and Its Association with Oral Health Status Among School Children in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Jelena Eric, Bojana Davidovic, Rasa Mladenovic, Marko Milosavljevic, Ivana Dmitruk Miljevic, Ljiljana Bjelovic, Svjetlana Jankovic, Olivera Dolic and Brankica Davidovic

Medicina 2025, 61(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010055 - 1 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background and Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental fear among schoolchildren in Bosnia and Herzegovina, analyze the distribution of dental anxiety by gender, age, and place of residence in relation to perceived sources of fear, and evaluate its [...] Read more.

Background and Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental fear among schoolchildren in Bosnia and Herzegovina, analyze the distribution of dental anxiety by gender, age, and place of residence in relation to perceived sources of fear, and evaluate its association with oral health status. Materials and Methods: The sample included 355 schoolchildren between the ages of 12 and 15. Data were gathered using a self-assessment questionnaire, a brief clinical oral examination, and the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule–Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). Results: Clinical examinations showed that 87.61% of the children had dental caries, with a mean DMFT score of 3.75 (SD = 2.93). The prevalence of dental caries was significantly higher in the older group compared to the younger group (p < 0.01). Dental fear was present in 21.7% of the children, with a mean total CFSS-DS score of 27.50 (SD = 13.85). The most feared aspect among the children was “Choking” (73.8%), followed by “Injections” (63.7%) and “The noise of the dentist drilling” (52.1%). Children with dental fear had a significantly greater number of decayed and missing teeth, higher DMFT scores, and poorer gingival health and oral hygiene compared to those without dental fear (p < 0.01), even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Conclusions: The study found a moderate level of dental fear among Bosnian schoolchildren, with younger children and those from urban areas showing more fear of injections. It also showed a consistent link between dental anxiety and clinical factors such as caries, gum disease, and oral hygiene, even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

11 pages, 2624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Teenage Patients with Class II Subdivision Treated with Aligners and Elastics: A Retrospective Study

by Vincenzo Quinzi, Andrea Conigliaro, Eda Fani, Lucia Memè, Fabiana Fiasca, Nicolò Carugo and Giuseppe Marzo

Medicina 2024, 60(12), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60122089 - 20 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of Class II subdivision teenage patients treated with Invisalign^® clear aligners (CAs) and elastics. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 individuals aged 14.3 ± 2.5 years were enrolled in [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of Class II subdivision teenage patients treated with Invisalign^® clear aligners (CAs) and elastics. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 individuals aged 14.3 ± 2.5 years were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into Group 1 (mandibular midline deviation) and Group 2 (maxillary midline deviation). The midline deviation from the facial midline; anteroposterior discrepancy; overjet (OJ), overbite (OB), and Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scores; upper incisor and lower incisor (L1) positions; and angulation were measured at the beginning (T0) and end (T1) of the orthodontic treatment. Results: Group 1 showed significant higher variations in OJ (−2.3 ± 2.3 vs. −0.6 ± 0.8, p < 0.001), OB (−2.1 ± 2.3 vs. −1.1 ± 1.4, p < 0.001), PAR score (−32.0 ± 11.7 vs. −27.3 ± 13.1, p < 0.001), L1-to-mandibular-plane angle (−3.6 ± 7.0 vs. −1.3 ± 3.2, p < 0.001), and interincisal angle (10.07 ± 8.7 vs. 5.9 ± 5.3, p = 0.007). The midline deviation was the only measurement with higher variation in Group 2. The average distance between the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar and the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar was 0.3 ± 0.5 mm. Conclusions: A total of 21 patients achieved bilateral Class I (91% success rate) and demonstrated great improvement (72–96%) in PAR scores. Regardless of the etiology of malocclusion, the orthodontic correction of the Class II subdivision with CAs showed high accuracy and predictable results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

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11 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Hygiene, Dietary Habits, and Saliva Properties in Relation to the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index of Dental Students: A Pilot Study

by Zoran Mandinić, Jelena Stojanović, Aleksandra Prokić, Miloš Beloica, Svetlana Jovanović, Jovana Kuzmanović Pfićer, Rasa Mladenovic, Dušan Kosanović, Milena Milanović, Miloš Todorović, Maja Milošević Marković and Ivan Dožić

Medicina 2024, 60(12), 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60122023 - 8 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Caries development is associated with poor oral hygiene, inadequate dietary habits, quantitative and qualitative food content, and a high level of bacterial plaque. Physical and chemical changes in saliva composition and particularly changes in its buffering capability play a [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Caries development is associated with poor oral hygiene, inadequate dietary habits, quantitative and qualitative food content, and a high level of bacterial plaque. Physical and chemical changes in saliva composition and particularly changes in its buffering capability play a significant role in caries development. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor oral health among a sample of second-year dental students. Materials and Methods: The oral health of students was estimated with clinical examination and the DMFT index. The interview included questions about demographics status (gender, age), a dietary habits questionnaire, questions about oral hygiene, and a demonstration of tooth brushing technique. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected to measure buffering capacity and pH. Results: Almost half of the students have a low level of caries experience (46.7%), followed by a slightly smaller number having a medium level (41.3%), while one in eight students (12.0%) demonstrates a high level of caries experience. Male students have a statistically higher DMFT index 5.7 ± 1.2 than female participants 4.5 ± 0.5 (p = 0.036). Significant predictors for the DMFT index score in students were milk [β-coefficient = −0.338, p = 0.011] and yoghurt [β-coefficient = 0.284, p = 0.040] consumption. All students brushed their teeth two or more times during the day, usually after waking up before breakfast and before bedtime. Most students (85.3%) apply the proper tooth brushing technique, with female students applying it more frequently (p = 0.038). The mean salivary pH was 6.9, while the mean buffer capacity was 5.8. Female respondents have a statistically lower buffer capacity (5.8 ± 0.5) than male respondents (6.1 ± 0.4) (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Dentistry students are introduced to good oral hygiene habits, especially female students, while dietary habits should be improved. However, one in eight dental students is at high caries risk. By assessing the level of caries experience, targeted strategies can be developed to promote, maintain, and enhance oral health among dental students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

14 pages, 1952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Wear on Primary Tooth Enamel and Fracture Resistance of Esthetic Pediatric Crowns Manufactured from Different Materials

by Nagehan Aktaş and Merve Bankoğlu Güngör

Medicina 2024, 60(10), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60101678 - 13 Oct 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2061

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Advances in dental materials and CAD-CAM technology have expanded crown options in primary teeth due to their improved appearance and mechanical properties. Thus, this study aimed to assess the enamel wear and fracture resistance of prefabricated, milled, and 3D-printed esthetic [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Advances in dental materials and CAD-CAM technology have expanded crown options in primary teeth due to their improved appearance and mechanical properties. Thus, this study aimed to assess the enamel wear and fracture resistance of prefabricated, milled, and 3D-printed esthetic pediatric crowns. Materials and Methods: The study involved 60 extracted maxillary second primary molars and 60 3D-printed resin dies, divided into six groups based on different crown materials (n = 10): prefabricated zirconia, prefabricated composite, milled composite, milled resin matrix ceramic, milled PEEK, and 3D-printed resin. Prefabricated crowns were selected after the preparation of the typodont mandibular second primary molar tooth, while milled and 3D-printed crowns were custom produced. The specimens underwent mechanical loading of 50 N at 1.6 Hz for 250,000 cycles with simultaneous thermal cycling. The 3D and 2D wear amounts were evaluated by scanning the specimens before and after aging. Then, the fracture resistance and failure types of the restorations were recorded. Results: The results showed that the milled PEEK group had superior fracture resistance compared to the other groups, while prefabricated zirconia crown group had the lowest value. Milled resin matrix ceramic crown group displayed the lowest 3D wear volume, while 3D-printed crown group showed the highest 2D wear. Conclusions: The restorative material type did not have a significant effect on the wear of primary tooth enamel. The fracture resistance of the tested materials differed according to the material type. Although the milled PEEK group showed the highest fracture resistance, all tested materials can withstand chewing forces in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

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12 pages, 988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Type of Breathing on the Masticatory Muscle Patterns in Children

by Daniela Neves-Leal, Antonia M. Caleya, Andrea Martin-Vacas, Nuria E. Gallardo-López and Carlos Gallego

Medicina 2024, 60(9), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60091462 - 6 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1242

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim was to compare the activity of the masseter muscles in children with different types of breathing. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients aged 6–12 years with mixed dentition, who came for oral care at [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The aim was to compare the activity of the masseter muscles in children with different types of breathing. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients aged 6–12 years with mixed dentition, who came for oral care at the Master’s Degree in Pediatric Dentistry program at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample was divided into three groups: nasal breathers without dental alterations (control group), oral breathers with dental malocclusion, and oral breathers with previous orthodontic treatment. An electromyography was performed, and statistic methods were conducted with a 95% confidence to contrast hypothesis. Results: A total of 122 children were analyzed and distributed into three groups. The electrical muscle activity of masseters was significantly different between the study groups (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Pairwise comparisons revealed a significantly higher electrical muscle activity in the control group (nasal breathers) during chewing compared to both groups of oral breathers (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Orthodontic treatment decreased electrical muscle activity during isometric contraction in oral breathers compared to nasal breathers (p < 0.001), but did not significantly affect electrical muscle activity during chewing. Higher decompensation values were obtained in oral breathers without previous orthodontic treatment compared the other study groups (p < 0.001 for both comparisons), although electrical muscle activity values were similar in both groups of oral breathers (p > 0.05 for both comparisons). Conclusions: Differences in electrical muscle activity between nasal and oral breathers can be confirmed. Oral breathers with and without orthodontic treatment showed lower electrical muscle activity of masseters during chewing than nasal breathers, while at isometric contraction, only oral breathers with previous orthodontic treatment showed lower electrical activity. Higher decompensation values were found in oral breathers without previous orthodontic treatment, in comparison to the control group and oral breathers with previous orthodontic treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

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10 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Removable Functional Appliances on the Dentoalveolar Unit in Growing Patients

by Filippo Cardarelli, Sara Drago, Luigi Rizzi, Martina Bazzani, Paolo Pesce, Maria Menini and Marco Migliorati

Medicina 2024, 60(5), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050746 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1787

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The objective of this retrospective controlled study is to compare class II growing patients who underwent treatment with two different functional appliances: the Fraenkel regulator (FR-2), utilized as the control group, and the elastodontic device “Cranium Occluded Postural Multifunctional Harmonizers” [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The objective of this retrospective controlled study is to compare class II growing patients who underwent treatment with two different functional appliances: the Fraenkel regulator (FR-2), utilized as the control group, and the elastodontic device “Cranium Occluded Postural Multifunctional Harmonizers” (AMCOP), utilized as the test group. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 52 patients with class II division I malocclusion (30 males, 22 females, mean age 8.6 ± 1.4 years) who were treated with the two different types of appliances: Group 1 (n = 27, mean age 8 [7.00, 9.00] years, 12 females, 15 males) received treatment with AMCOP, while Group 2 (n = 25, mean age 9.2 years [8.20, 10.00], 10 females, 15 males) received treatment with FR-2. The mean treatment duration for Group 1 was 28.00 [21.50, 38.00] months, while for Group 2 it was 23.70 [17.80, 27.40] months. Cephalometric analyses were performed on lateral cephalograms taken before treatment (T1) and after treatment (T2). Results: Significant intragroup differences were observed over time in Group 1 for 1^/PP. Similarly, significant intragroup differences were observed over time in Group 2 for SNB, ANB, and IMPA. Conclusions: Both treatment modalities resulted in the correction of class II malocclusion with dentoalveolar compensation, although the treatment duration with AMCOP tended to be longer on average. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

10 pages, 616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Assessment of Resin-Based Composite Sealants’ Effectiveness in Arresting Non-Cavitated Dentin Carious Lesions (ICDAS 3)—A 12 Month Follow-Up Preliminary Study

by Liana Beresescu, Alexandra Mihaela Stoica, Elena Stepco, Csinszka Andrea Kovacs-Ivacson, Alexandru Vlasa, Csilla Benedek and Gabriela Felicia Beresescu

Medicina 2024, 60(5), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050734 - 28 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1954

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The therapeutic management of carious lesions remains a significant focus for researchers, given their persistently high prevalence despite being largely preventable. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a composite resin-based sealant material in halting extended non-cavitated dentin [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The therapeutic management of carious lesions remains a significant focus for researchers, given their persistently high prevalence despite being largely preventable. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a composite resin-based sealant material in halting extended non-cavitated dentin carious lesions when used therapeutically versus preventively on caries-free teeth over a period of twelve months. Materials and Methods: out of the 236 children examined, 45 were excluded from the study due to non-compliance with the inclusion criteria. Thus, the study included 191 children aged 10–12 years, and 764 molars in total. Results: among these molars, 171 were caries-free (ICDAS II code 0), forming the Control group, while 180 molars were classified with an ICDAS II score of 3, forming the Study group. All molars were sealed and evaluated at 6- and 12-month follow-up intervals. Both intervals revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in sealant retention and carious lesion development between sound (ICDAS code 0) and decayed (ICDAS code 3) teeth. Conclusions: the findings did not support the effectiveness of sealants in halting non-cavitated dentin carious lesions classified as ICDAS II with code 3 compared to their preventive application in sound teeth classified as ICDAS II with code 0. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

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13 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Postoperative Morbidity after Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia in Children with and without Disabilities

by Marija Šimunović-Erpušina, Danko Bakarčić, Odri Cicvarić, Luka Šimunović, Vlatka Sotošek, Dorotea Petrović and Nataša Ivančić Jokić

Medicina 2024, 60(4), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040668 - 19 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1898

Abstract

Background and Objectives: General anesthesia induces reversible unconsciousness, eliminating sensation and enabling painless medical procedures. Vital for dental care, it addresses patients with medical conditions, those needing extensive procedures, and those unable to cooperate due to fear. Dental care for patients with disabilities [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: General anesthesia induces reversible unconsciousness, eliminating sensation and enabling painless medical procedures. Vital for dental care, it addresses patients with medical conditions, those needing extensive procedures, and those unable to cooperate due to fear. Dental care for patients with disabilities is a significant unmet need, with studies showing increased oral disease prevalence. This research aims to analyze postoperative morbidity both in healthy and disabled children undergoing dental procedures under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This study involved 96 children aged 3 to 15 with dental caries. Two groups were formed: the control group (CTL) (52.94%) included healthy patients requiring general anesthesia due to unsatisfactory cooperation, and the other group included children with physical or intellectual disabilities (CD) (47.96%). Postoperative complications were monitored 1 h after the procedure and 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after the procedure by contacting parents/caregivers by phone. The intensity of postoperative pain was assessed using the Wong–Baker faces pain rating scale. General anesthesia was conducted following a standardized protocol for dental procedures. Results: CTL patients complained more often about postoperative pain 1 h after the procedure (p = 0.03). One day after the procedure, oral bleeding (p = 0.04), fever (p = 0.009), and diarrhea (p = 0.037) occurred more often in CD. In the same period, sore throat appeared more often in CTL (p = 0.036). Three days after the dental treatment, there were statistically significant increases in the occurrence of agitation (p = 0.043) and constipation (p = 0.043) in CD. Seven days later, CD demonstrated a higher occurrence of agitation (p = 0.037). According to the Wong–Baker faces pain rating scale, CTL experienced more frequent and intense pain. Conclusions: CD more frequently reported complications like oral bleeding, fever, and diarrhea. In contrast, the CTL group more often reported pain-related symptoms. The conclusion underscores the need for a pain control protocol for CD and emphasizes the importance of frequent monitoring to prevent unwanted consequences during tooth restoration under general anesthesia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

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12 pages, 446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Family Factors in the Development of Dental Anxiety in Children

by Dorotea Petrović, Odri Cicvarić, Marija Šimunović-Erpušina, Nataša Ivančić Jokić, Danko Bakarčić, Petra Bučević Sojčić and Hrvoje Jurić

Medicina 2024, 60(1), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010180 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2708

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In the literature, the influence of parents who suffer from dental anxiety and a previous unpleasant experience at the dentist are cited as the two most common causes of dental anxiety in children. The aim of this study is [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: In the literature, the influence of parents who suffer from dental anxiety and a previous unpleasant experience at the dentist are cited as the two most common causes of dental anxiety in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the development of dental anxiety in children aged 9 to 12 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 131 children and their accompanying parents/guardians participated in the cross-sectional study. The children were divided into an experimental group, which visited a specialised office for paediatric and preventive dentistry for the examination, and a control group, which visited a primary care dental office. During the visit, the children completed questionnaires on dental anxiety (CFSS-DS). Parents completed a socioeconomic questionnaire and a dental anxiety questionnaire for adults (CDAS). Results: The results showed a statistically significant positive predictor: parental dental anxiety as measured by the CDAS. In addition, the t-test showed that children who visited a specialised dental office did not show a statistically significant increase in dental anxiety compared to children who visited a primary care dental office. Conclusions: With this study, we confirm the influence of parental dental anxiety on the development of dental anxiety in children. The socioeconomic status of the family and the type of dental office do not play a statistically significant role in the development of dental anxiety in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

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11 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Alternative Technique for Topical Application of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) Gel: A Two-Years Double-Blind Randomization Clinical Trial (RCT)

by Ana Laura Sorazabal, Pablo Salgado, Silvana Ferrarini, Rocio Lazzati, Aldo Fabian Squassi, Guglielmo Campus and Graciela Klemonskis

Medicina 2023, 59(12), 2118; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59122118 - 4 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3116

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is still a dramatic public health problem. The effectiveness of an alternative technique using acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel pH 3.5 was evaluated and compared with conventional treatments in reducing dental caries incidence. Materials and Methods: A double-blind [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is still a dramatic public health problem. The effectiveness of an alternative technique using acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel pH 3.5 was evaluated and compared with conventional treatments in reducing dental caries incidence. Materials and Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 180 children aged 4–11 years. Three groups were formed: NaF varnish (NaFV), APF in tray (APFt), and APF in toothbrush (APFtbru). Clinical examinations were performed using standardized criteria and the ICDAS Index was assessed. The Caries Treatment Needs Index (CTNI) was calculated. Dental examinations were conducted at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Results: At baseline, 16,719 dental surfaces were included, with 15,434 surfaces being sound. After 24 months, the Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant differences between the APFtbru group and the other two groups (p = 0.03). Cox regression analysis revealed that the surfaces treated with NaF varnish had the lowest survival rates (HR = 0.51 95%CI = 0.33/0.81). Occlusal surfaces had the lowest cumulative survival, while other tooth surfaces showed similar performance. Conclusions: The alternative technique of APF gel application with a toothbrush resulted in maintaining dental health over 24 months. This technique can be cost-effective and may offer advantages over traditional fluoride varnish application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

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9 pages, 3839 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

The Clinical Management of Traumatic Palatal Ulcers in an Adolescent Patient: A Common Lesion in Mini-Implant-Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion

by Cristopher Barriga, Gonzalo Muñoz, Paulo Sandoval, Alejandro Lara and Flavio Copello

Medicina 2024, 60(11), 1784; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111784 - 31 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1568

Abstract

Background: This case report describes the clinical management of a traumatic palatal ulcer, a complication associated with mini-implant-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARPE). Case Report: A 13-year-old female patient with maxillary constriction underwent MARPE treatment using a custom acrylic expander anchored by [...] Read more.

Background: This case report describes the clinical management of a traumatic palatal ulcer, a complication associated with mini-implant-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARPE). Case Report: A 13-year-old female patient with maxillary constriction underwent MARPE treatment using a custom acrylic expander anchored by four mini-implants. Despite proper planning and device design, the patient missed her first follow-up appointment and continued activations, resulting in tissue inflammation and embedding of the device. Upon examination, swelling and displacement of the cement were observed, necessitating device removal. The traumatic ulcer was treated with chlorhexidine gel, paracetamol, and a soft diet. Complete recovery was achieved within one month. A second expander was then designed and installed, with more frequent monitoring and improved hygiene protocols. This approach led to successful expansion without complications. This case highlights the importance of precise treatment planning, proper mini-implant selection, and regular follow-ups in MARPE therapy. It also emphasizes the need for patient compliance and effective hygiene measures to prevent complications. Conclusions: The successful management of the traumatic ulcer demonstrates that prompt action and consideration of cost-effective treatment options can lead to positive outcomes in addressing MARPE-related complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Pediatric Oral Health)

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