Mauricio dos Santos Moura

Randomized Trial of Partial vs. Stepwise Caries Removal 3-year Follow-up

This randomized, multicenter clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of 2 treatments for deep caries lesions — partial caries removal (PCR) and stepwise excavation (SW) — with respect to the primary outcome of pulp vitality for a 3-year follow-up period. Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients with permanent molars presenting deep caries lesions (lesion affecting ≥ 1/2 of the dentin on radiographic examination), positive response to a cold test, absence of spontaneous pain, negative sensitivity to percussion, and absence of periapical lesions (radiographic examination). Teeth randomly assigned to PCR (test) received incomplete caries removal and filling in a single session. Outcome success was evaluated by assessment of pulp vitality, determined by pulp sensitivity to a cold test and the absence of periapical lesions. Data were analyzed by a Weibull regression model with shared frailty term (survival analysis). At baseline, 299 treatments were executed: PCR, 152 and SW, 147. By the end of the 3-year follow-up period, 213 teeth had been evaluated. Adjusted survival rates were 91% for PCR and 69% for SW (p = 0.004). These results suggest that there is no need to re-open a cavity and perform a second excavation for pulp vitality to be preserved (Clinical trials registration NCT00887952).

Partial removal of carious dentine: a multicenter randomized controlled trial and 18-month follow-up results.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of partial removal of carious dentine and restoration in a single session (PDR) and stepwise excavation (SW), both of which are treatments for deep carious lesions, in Public Health Services in Brazil. Methods: Inclusion criteria: patients ≥6 years old, permanent molars with deep caries lesions (having a radiolucency halfway or more into dentine) and pulp vitality but absence of spontaneous pain, positive percussion test, and periapical alterations. The subjects received either PDR (test group) or SW (control group). The radiological and clinical exams were performed after a mean time of 18 months. Outcomes: success was defined as pulp sensitivity to cold test and absence of periapical alterations. Results: Of the 299 treatments performed, 146 were SW and 153 were PDR; 122 were amalgam restorations and 168 resin-composite restorations. There were no differences between the groups regarding the baseline characteristics (i.e. age, gender and family income). After 18 months, 212 evaluations were performed, which indicated 99 and 86% success rates in the PDR and SW groups, respectively (p = 0.016). Reasons for failure were: PDR – 1 pulpitis; SW – 8 pulpitis; 1 osteitis; 4 necrosis; 1 endodontic treatment. None of the baseline variables were significantly associated with the outcomes. Conclusion: The retention of carious dentine does not interfere in pulp vitality. Data from this 18-month study suggest that the procedure of reopening the cavity to remove the residual infected dentine is not necessary.

Prevalence and Risk Indicators of Dentin Hypersensitivity in Adult and Elderly Populations From Porto Alegre, Brazil

BACKGROUND Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a clinical condition with potential implications for patients. However, little is known about its occurrence and determinants in the general population. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk indicators of DH in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS A representative multistage probability sample of 1,023 adults aged ≥ 35 years was obtained. Individuals were interviewed and clinically examined in their homes. DH was assessed dichotomously in all present teeth by a blast of air and a manual probe. Teeth restored with crowns and presenting with carious cavitation were excluded. Survey logistic regression using sampling weights was applied to assess demographics and behavioral and clinical determinants. RESULTS Overall prevalence estimates for DH diagnosed by air and probe were 33.4% and 34.2%. DH affected ≈ 1 tooth per individual, and approximately 10% of teeth with gingival recession (GR) had DH. In a multivariable model for DH diagnosed with air, females had increased chance of DH (odds ratio [OR] = 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57 to 2.91). Smoking, periodontal treatment, and GR were also associated with increased DH risk. The chance of DH was lower (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.76) among individuals ≥ 60 than among those aged 35 to 49 years. Oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic and education status, dental visits, and gingival inflammation were not associated with DH. CONCLUSIONS DH may be considered a concern in a Brazilian general population. Reduction of DH may be achieved by smoking cessation and periodontal health improvements.

Estimates and multivariable risk assessment of gingival recession in the population of adults from Porto Alegre, Brazil

AIM To describe estimates and determine risk indicators of gingival recession in the urban population of Porto Alegre, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS A representative sample of 1023 adults 35 years and older was obtained using a multistage probability sampling strategy. A structured questionnaire was applied and a clinical examination was performed at four sites of all teeth present. Complex survey commands were used for the estimation of gingival recession (GR) and during risk assessment. RESULTS GR ≥1 mm affected 99.7% of subjects. The percentage of subjects with ≥1 tooth with GR ≥3 mm and ≥5 mm was 75.4% and 40.7%, respectively. 67.6%, 27.8% and 9.5% of teeth per subject showed GR ≥1 mm, ≥3 mm and ≥5 mm, respectively. Older age, male gender, smoking exposure, poor self-reported oral hygiene, history of periodontal treatment and high percentage of calculus were significant risk indicators for GR found after multivariable risk assessment. When buccal GR was analysed separately, only gender, age, smoking and high education were significant risk indicators for GR, whereas variables related to oral hygiene were not associated. CONCLUSION GR is highly prevalent in this Brazilian population. Preventive strategies for GR may target a variety of socio-demographic, behavioural and clinical risk indicators.