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The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability and time required for the formation of Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregation (MTA) apical plugs, using three different delivery methods: an amalgam carrier (AC), the Micro Apical Placement (MAP) System or a novel tool using a modified cannula (MC). Materials and Methods: A total of 60 uniformed molar roots were divided into three main groups, according to the technique of apical plug formation: AC, MAP, and MC. Each group was divided into two subgroups, according to the filling material used: MTA and Biodentine. A timer was used to calculate the required time for apical plug formation. After setting the filling materials, the apical microleakage of the formed plugs was quantified using the dye extraction method and spectrophotometry. The differences between the groups were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: No significant differences were reported in the time required to form the apical plugs in all groups (p > 0.05). However, the apical plugs formed by the AC method had significantly higher microleakage than those formed using the MAP and MC methods (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the sealing ability of the apical plugs formed by the MC method is comparable to the MAP method and better than the AC method.

Objectives Successful endodontic therapy is based on the reduction of infecting bacteria by cleaning, shaping, and disinfecting of the root canal system, thus the use of intracanal dressing is necessary for optimal success of root canal treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chitosan and propolis as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis compared to calcium hydroxide in primary root canals. Material and Methods Ninety‐six extracted primary second molars were collected. Teeth preparation was completed to size 30 K‐file. They were randomly divided into four groups; (A): chitosan, (B): propolis, (C): calcium hydroxide, and (D): control group (saline). The tooth specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis . Then, tested materials were applied for all groups in accordance to the groups each tooth belonged to. Following this, the bacterial colonies were counted after 24 h, 72 h, and 1 week of applying dressing materials and incubation. Finally, one–way analysis of variance and Fisher's least significant difference tests were used for statistical comparisons between the groups at a significance level of .05. Results No statistically significant difference was found between groups A, B, and C for both 24 h and a week ( p ≥ .05). Yet, a statistical difference between groups A, B, C, and D after 72 h and 1 week were seen ( p ≤ .05). Conclusions Chitosan and propolis medicaments were as effective as calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis in primary root canal treatment and might be considered as an alternative dressing material between treatment sessions.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of customized handle toothbrush in dental plaque removal in children with Down syndrome in comparison to children with no special needs. A randomized clinical trial was performed on 48 children aged 6–9 years old. Participants were divided into two groups (n = 24, children with no special needs or with Down syndrome). Each group was divided into two subgroups (customized and conventional toothbrush). Plaque accumulation was evaluated using Turesky modification of the Quigley–Hein plaque index (TMQHPI) at four times (pre-brushing (T0), post-brushing at baseline (T1), 1 week (T2) and 3 weeks (T3)), and the modified gingival index (MGI) was used to evaluate the gingivitis at three times (T0, T2 and T3). Data were statistically analyzed. Plaque accumulation and gingivitis decreased significantly for all groups between T0 and T3 (p < 0.05). Both customized groups demonstrated significant lower plaque accumulation compared to conventional groups (p < 0.05) at T1, T2 and T3 and significant lower gingivitis at T3. Customizing the toothbrush handle improved child’s ability for plaque control, especially in children with Down syndrome.

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is a disorder which has conditions that may contribute to the developmental defects of enamel (DDE) etiologies. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of DDE among children with DS. Methods: This study cross-sectional observational study examined a total of 88 children with DS and 87 healthy children. A modified DDE index for screening surveys was employed in this regard. Demarcated opacities, diffuse opacities, dysplasia, and combinations between types were recorded, and finally, data were analyzed by chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests using SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of enamel defects in DS and control groups was obtained as 45% and 34%, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between the groups (P=0.139). The mean number of teeth with DDE was 2.48±3.79 and 1.09±2.11 in the DS and control groups, respectively. Based on the results, statistically significant differences were found between DDE means (P=0.009). Demarcated opacities were the most frequent type of enamel defects in both groups. Eventually, a statistically significant relationship was observed between diffuse opacities and DS (P=0.000). Conclusions: In general, DS had no influence on DDE prevalence; however, it increases affected dental units. Diffuse opacities are more frequent among children with DS compared to healthy children. Further studies are required on the DDE prevalence in Syria.