I C Mackie

A follow-up study of incisor teeth which had been treated by apical closure and root filling.

A follow-up study was conducted of 93 non-vital immature incisor teeth treated by apical closure and root filling. Only six teeth had been lost and these losses were due to trauma, failed restorative treatment or root resorption. Life table analysis suggested that 86% of teeth would still be present after 5 years. The number of teeth at risk was too small after 5 years to provide precise enough estimates of the percentage of survivors

An investigation into the measurement of the working length of immature incisor teeth requiring endodontic treatment in children

A study was undertaken to determine if a tactile technique, using absorbent paper points, could be used to estimate the working length of nonvital immature incisor teeth undergoing endodontic treatment. Two operators were involved in measuring 35 incisor teeth. The tactile technique was found to be valid and reliable. In 95% of the cases the estimated working length was within 1 mm of the radiographic diagnostic length. It is recommended that diagnostic radiographs are no longer necessary in the majority of cases involving endodontic treatment of incisor teeth requiring root end closure in children, for practitioners who are regularly carrying out endodontic treatment of immature incisor teeth. However, if a tooth has been on open drainage a diagnostic radiograph is still required

Occlusion: Good occlusal practice in children's dentistry

The difference between paediatric dentistry and most other branches of dentistry is that in the child the occlusion is changing. Consequently Good Occlusal Practice in children is a matter of making the right clinical decisions for the future occlusion. The clinician needs to be able to predict the influence that different treatment options will have on the occlusion when the childs development is complete.

An urgent referral of a suspected case of child abuse

A 3-year-old girl was referred to the unit of paediatric dentistry by her dentist with regard to a metal nail lodged in the alveolus above 53. The childs mother was making allegations of child abuse against the childs father. This case describes the processes that were followed in order to reach a diagnosis and safeguard the child. This case also highlights the need to fully investigate all cases of reported or suspected abuse and to follow proper procedures to ensure the interests of the victim and accused are protected.