Objective: The objective of this study was to compare antibacterial and smear layer removal efficacy of the erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation by photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS), neodymium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Nd:YAG), and diode lasers and conventional irrigation agent in primary molar root canals. Background: The selection, application, and activation of the irrigant are important factors affecting the success of the endodontic treatment. Materials and methods: Distal root canals of human primary mandibular molar teeth used for antimicrobial efficacy evaluation were first inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis ( n = 25). Smear layer removal efficacy was evaluated on the noninoculated specimens ( n = 20). The root canals in the first treatment groups were irrigated with a conventional technique using 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). In the laser groups, the root canals were irradiated with either Nd:YAG (1064 nm) or diode lasers (940 nm) followed by NaOCl irrigation agent. In the fourth groups, the NaOCl irrigation agent was activated with an Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) by PIPS tip using nonablative settings. Antibacterial efficacy was determined by viable counts of E. faecalis after treatments. The treated root canals were examined by scanning electron microscopy to determine the smear layer removal efficacy of treatments. Results: Statistically significant ( p < 0.05) reductions in the number of E. faecalis were achieved in Nd:YAG and diode laser groups and Er:YAG laser by PIPS-activated irrigation groups compared to the NaOCl group. Er:YAG laser by PIPS-activated irrigation resulted in more cleaning of the root canal walls and a higher quantity of open tubules. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Er:YAG laser by PIPS-activated irrigation can be considered as an effective irrigant agitation technique in pediatric endodontics.

Introduction: Tooth extraction in children requires attention to wound healing and pain management, which are influenced by patient-related factors and behavioral guidance. Aim of the study: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of LLLT on healing sockets in pediatric patients with bilateral primary molar teeth extraction and determine its impact on pain management. Methods: 6–10 years of age, systemically healthy, and with atraumatic extraction indications of bilateral primary molar teeth were included in the study (n = 40). In the first session, randomly selected teeth were extracted under local anesthesia. In the control group, only clot formation in the socket was observed and photographed. The other group extractions were performed 2 weeks later. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) group was treated with a 980 nm wavelength, in a continuous emission mode, 0.5 W power, 300 J of energy, 400 µm tip, 60 s diode laser and photographed. Nonepithelialized surface measurements were performed using ImageJ. Pain assessment was performed using the Wong-Baker Pain Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the Wong-Baker values in 3rd day (p < 0.05). In soft tissue healing on the 3rd and 7th day, the nonepithelialized surface of the laser socket was smaller than that of the control group, and the measurement results were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although LLLT was not found to be very effective in reducing postoperative discomfort after extraction of primary molars, it provided better wound healing in extraction sockets.

Child abuse, by definition parents and other family members, caregivers, or any adult he does not know culturally inappropriate, harmful to the child described, inhibiting growth and development, or exposure to a restrictive behavior. This study aims to evaluate the capabilities of pediatricians and pedodontists in identifying and managing child abuse and neglect within healthcare settings, a crucial responsibility for professionals across various medical disciplines. Questionnaire was performed on 53 pediatricians and 89 pedodontists. Utilizing a 28-item expert-designed electronic questionnaire, the study solicited responses from pediatricians and pedodontists to assess their demographic characteristics, professional experience, and self-perceived competence in this critical area. The results indicate that 42% of the participating healthcare providers have encountered at least one case of child abuse and neglect. Notably, pedodontists displayed a higher level of uncertainty in identifying abuse and neglect cases compared to pediatricians. Furthermore, participants who had a higher level of self-perceived competence were significantly more willing to identify and manage cases, although this self-assessment did not correlate with their actual skills or level of willingness to intervene effectively. The study concludes that there is a pressing need for specialized training programs tailored to enhance the skill sets of healthcare providers in identifying and managing child abuse and neglect. These programs should encompass not only academic knowledge but also practical applications and psychosocial support techniques to ensure a holistic approach to combating this serious issue.

Objective: The rough surfaces of removable appliances used in pediatric dentistry or orthodontics, may result inan environment for biofilm accumulation, yielding to enamel demineralization. This study aimed to assess theeffects of adding nanoparticles of bioactive glass to polymethylmethacrylate to promote the antibacterial activityin acrylic resins. Material and Methods: Acrylic resin specimens (20x20x1mm3) were prepared by adding 2% or5% bioactive glass. The specimens in the control group without bioactive glass were prepared from the mixtureof acrylic powder containing nanoparticles and liquid monomer (n=10 per group). The antibacterial activity ofthe specimens against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus activity in biofilm was investigatedthrough counting colony forming units (CFU). Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance andTukey’s post hoc tests at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The incorporation of 2% (p=0.001) and 5%(p<0.001) bioactive glass in acrylic resin reduced the metabolic activity and CFU of L. acidophilus. For S.mutans,antimicrobial activity was observed only with the 5% concentration of bioactive glass, and this group wasstatistically different from the control (p<0.001). When L. acidophilus was exposed to polymethyl methacrylatewith 5% bioactive glass, significant decrease was observed compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion:Adding bioactive glass nanoparticles into the acrylic resins used for fabricating removable appliances revealeda greater antibacterial effect against cariogenic bacteria tested. KEYWORDSAcrylic resins; Anti-bacterial agents; Bioactive glass; Dental materials; Pediatric dentistry.

Polymerization of resin-based materials leads to temperature rise, caused by the exothermic nature of the reaction and energy absorbed during polymerization. This temperature rise is influenced by intensity of light, composition of resins, and type of light source. This study evaluated thermal insulating properties of four photo-polymerizing pulp-capping agents in primary and permanent teeth. Roots of 80 primary and permanent teeth were removed. Class-I cavities were prepared on the occlusal surfaces of teeth. Materials used were TheraCal LC, Biner LC, ACTIVA BioACTIVE, and Calciplus LC and light sources were 3 M-Elipar and VALO LED. Temperature rise was measured using a J-type thermocouple. Data were statistically evaluated using ANOVA and Tukey`s tests (p = 0.05). VALO LED exhibited significantly lower temperature rise in all groups and temperature rise in primary teeth was significantly higher with all experimental materials (p < 0.05). The highest temperature change was observed in the Biner LC group (3.82 ± 0.58) and the lowest change in the Activa-BioACTIVE group (1.78 ± 0.34). The VALO LED light source caused a significantly lower increase in pulpal temperature compared with the 3 M-Elipar source. All tested materials and light sources maintained pulpal temperature under safe limits, with temperature increases not exceeding 5.5 °C.

Aim: Pediatricians and family doctors are at the first step in the education of parents about oral health, as well as the prevention of oral diseases and the provision of oral health in children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pediatricians and family doctors about oral health in children. Methodology: A questionnaire consisting of 50 items was sent to pediatrician and family doctors via mail. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests were done to analyze the data. Participation in the survey, with a total of 240 participants (58 pediatricians, 182 family doctors), was 100%. Results: It was found that pediatricians believe that they have more important role in the development of oral health and prevention of oral diseases and they are more interested in participating in the oral health program than are the family doctors. Conclusion: Pediatricians and family doctors should work with dentists to improve the quality of oral hygiene in all young children.