BackgroundTo avoid postoperative injuries in the interforaminal region, presence of the Mandibular Incisive Canal (MIC), its extension and canal positioning in relation to the cortical bone and alveolar process were investigated by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and MethodsOne hundred CBCT examinations obtained by means of the i-CAT CBCT imaging system were analyzed in multiple-plane views (axial, panoramic and cross-sectional) and three-dimensional representations were performed using iCAT CBCT software. The MIC was evaluated for its presence, measurement and proximity to the buccal and lingual plates, alveolar process and inferior border of the mandible.ResultsThe MIC was visible in all (100%) CBCT images. The mean length of MIC was 9.8 ± 3.8 mm. The distances between the canal and buccal plate, as well as between the canal and lingual plate of the alveolar bone were 4.62 ± 1.41 mm and 6.25 ± 2.03 mm, respectively. The distances from the canal to the alveolar process, and to the inferior border of the mandible were 10.25 ± 2.27 mm and 7.06 ± 2.95 mm, respectively.ConclusionsDue to the high prevalence of MIC, its variation in length and distance up to the cortical bone, suggested that preoperative radiographic evaluation of the MIC must be carried out case-by-case using CBCT, which could clearly show the three-dimensional structure and adjacent structure of the MIC. Key words:Diagnosis, anatomy, cross-sectional, tomography.

Aim This study aimed to investigate whether carbonic anhydrase VI activity (CA VIACT), pH, and buffering capacity (BC) in saliva and biofilm could predict the number of lesion occurrence and early childhood caries (ECC). Design A cross‐sectional study was performed in a sample of 44 children aged 4 to 5 years who were examined regarding their caries status (dmfs + active white spot lesions–WSL) and allocated into two groups: ECC and caries‐free (CF). Saliva and biofilm were collected to determine pH, BC, and CA VIACT. Data were analyzed using the Student t test, and multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses followed by the ROC curve. Results Children with ECC exhibited lower pH and BC in saliva and a higher CA VIACT in both saliva and biofilm. Only saliva pH could predict the dmfs + active WSL. In biofilm, if CA VIACT is increased by one pixel/µg, 0.85 ± 0.28 increase is expected in the number of active WSL. Salivary pH and CA VIACT in saliva and biofilm had the power to predict ECC occurrence. Conclusion Changes in saliva pH and CA VIACT in biofilm predicted the number of lesion occurrence. Furthermore, CA VIACT in both saliva and biofilm can predict propensity for ECC.

BackgroundThe normative orthodontic treatment need, established by dental professionals during the dental appointment, becomes ineffective when it does not evaluate all the factors that influence the decision-making process, including individuals’ perception and satisfaction with their dental appearance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of children and their mothers as regards orthodontic treatment need and satisfaction with dental aesthetics and test if these variables are associated with the objective orthodontic treatment needs, assessed by the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 308 children aged 12 years, and their mothers were randomly selected by cluster sampling (primary schools). The variables “orthodontic treatment need,” “satisfaction with chewing,” and “dental appearance” were assessed by means of a questionnaire. The questions were answered individually at school or home, in cases of children or mothers, respectively. DAI was assessed to make an objective clinical assessment. The variables were dichotomized and statistically analyzed by the chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, contingency coefficient C, and logistic regression.ResultsThe results of the clinical evaluation (DAI) were statistically associated with the perception of orthodontic treatment need and satisfaction with dental appearance in children (p ≤ 0.01). However, no association was observed with regard to satisfaction with chewing and DAI (p = 0.10). The children’s perception of orthodontic treatment need and satisfaction with the appearance of their teeth was statistically associated (p ≤ 0.01) with their mothers’ perception. Maxillary overjet, maxillary and mandibular misalignment, and dental crowding were associated with the orthodontic treatment need by children and their mothers, with p value −0.05 and 5 % level of significance. Maxillary overjet was a significant predictor for the perception of orthodontic treatment need in children (OR 1.86, 95 % CI 0.98–3.55) and mothers (OR 3.02, 95 % CI 1.54–5.92).ConclusionsChildren and parents realize the need for orthodontic treatment according to the different types of malocclusion, as noted in the association between orthodontic treatment need and dental appearance perceived by children and their mothers, which was also observed—with low correlation—with regard to DAI.

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BackgroundTo compare the analgesic effect of anesthetic infiltration of lidocaine 2% and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) by GaAlAs into tender points of patients with orofacial pain and fibromyalgia (FM).Material and MethodsA randomized clinical trial was performed with adults (N=66) that were allocated into two groups (1:1): Group A received LLLT irradiation by Diode Laser GaAlAs (780nm) with expositions twice a week during six weeks and Group B was treated with anesthetic infiltration of lidocaine 2% without vasoconstrictor once a week for four weeks. The pain assessment included the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) and tenderness to palpation.ResultsNo dropout and adverse effect was observed during the study. The pain decreased significantly in each group after the treatment (p=0.0001, β=1.0), even though no statistical difference was found between both treatments (p=0.46, β= 0.82). The presence of tender points decreased after both treatments, with responsively in some types of masticatory muscles (p<0.05) except posterior temporalis muscle. The patients’ perception showed that both treatments were effective and a few patients reported that the treatment did not improve welfare.ConclusionsThe LLLT by GaAlAs and anesthetic infiltration of lidocaine 2% were equally effective to control orofacial pain in FM individuals. Key words:Facial pain, myalgia, rheumatic disease, local anesthesia, phototherapy.