Purpose. To compare the results of secondary alveolar bone grafts in patients with complete cleft lip and cleft lip and palate using 2 radiographic scales and according to the rate of canine eruption through the newly formed bone. Materials and Methods. We analyzed pre- and postoperative radiographs of 36 patients for the amount of bone in the cleft site according to the Bergland and Chelsea scales. The associations between the variables and the correlation between the scales were measured. Results. A total of 54.2% and 20.8% of cases were classified as type I and type II, respectively, using the Bergland scale, whereas 50% and 22.5% were classified as types A and C, respectively, using the Chelsea scale. A positive correlation between the 2 scales was observed. In 33.3% of males, 58.3% of females, 54.5% of unilateral cleft cases, and 12.5% of bilateral cleft cases, the permanent canines had erupted. Bone grafts performed prior to canine eruption achieved more satisfactory results. Conclusions. Our results suggest that both radiographic scales are important tools for the evaluation of bone grafts. Additionally, longer time periods of evaluation were associated with improved results for patients with secondary alveolar bone grafts.

Aim: Dental caries is a biofilm-dependent disease resulting from the interaction between microorganisms, a susceptible host, and a cariogenic diet. The risk of developing caries lesions varies according to the individual characteristics and socioeconomic and cultural factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of time of oral clearance of food from the occlusal surfaces of molars in preschool children. Materials and methods:Chocolate cookies or pieces of apple were distributed to 188 children aged 3 to 6 years, and the food retention was observed every 10 minutes for 1 hour. The degree of retention was ranked by scores: (0) total elimination, (1) partial retention, and (2) total retention. Results:Children 3 to 4 years of age took 30 minutes to eliminate the cookies from the surfaces of the teeth examined, while the children who were 5 to 6 years of age took 20 minutes. The lower molars needed more time to eliminate the cookies. All children eliminated apple in <10 minutes. Conclusion:The results suggest that in younger children, the food may remain in the oral cavity for a significant period of time.Clinical significance: As eating habits influence significantly the development of caries lesions, and cariogenic food directly changes the demineralization-remineralization process, the results of this study show the importance of counseling the families regarding the frequency, time, and type of food to be offered to preschoolers as a preventive measure to early childhood caries.

No abstract