2015, Vol.42, No.3

Journal of the Korean academy of pediatric dentistry 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.48

pISSN : 1226-8496 / eISSN : 2288-3819
https://journal.kci.go.kr/jkapd

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of Q-ray view (All-in-one Bio, Seoul, Korea) in detection of proximal caries in primary molars with sound marginal ridges. Thirty two children aged 3-9 years (average 5.6 ± 1.3 years old) were chosen, and two examiners evaluated 100 proximal surfaces of primary molars with sound marginal ridges. The teeth were examined with; (a) visual examination, (b) Q-ray view, (c) DIAGNOdent (KaVo, Biberach, Germany) and (d) digital periapical radiography. Kappa statistic was used to assess the agreement between each examination method and the degree of caries progression. The kappa values for enamel caries were 0.15 (visual examination), 0.10 (Q-ray view), 0.25 (DIAGNOdent) and 0.68 (digital periapical radiography). The kappa values for dentinal caries were 0.34 (visual examination), 0.56 (Q-ray view), 0.44 (DIAGNOdent) and 0.70 (digital periapical radiography). Although Q-ray view showed low diagnostic ability in detection of enamel caries, it was effective in detection of hidden proximal caries extended into dentin. Q-ray view would be a useful and simple device which could aid pediatric dentists in detection of hidden proximal caries in primary molars especially when examining uncooperative children or disabled persons.

This study used sodium fluorescein to improve imaging diagnostic ability by increasing the fluorescence difference between sound enamel and caries lesions. It also made it easier to discriminate between stain and caries lesions using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). Half of the specimen surface was covered with nail varnish as a control. Specimens were divided randomly in six decalcification groups and decalcified for different lengths of time. Then, ΔF was measured using QLF-D. After applying 0.075% sodium fluorescein, we measured ΔF again and compared it with the initial value. After cutting the central portion of the specimen, we measured the lesion depth using scanning electron microscopy. The lesion surfaces observed with QLF were darker than normal enamel, whereas they were lighter than normal enamel after applying fluorescein. Longer decalcification time was associated with greater fluorescent dye penetration. The ΔF measured after applying fluorescein was higher than the initial value (p < 0.05). Due to QLF measurement using fluorescein being more sensitive for diagnosing early decalcification, this approach will enable early diagnosis of dental caries before the cavity formation stage, allowing the treatment of early caries lesions. With QLF and sodium fluorescein, we can easily discriminate between stain and caries lesions.

Critical pathway (CP) defines the optimal care process, sequencing and timing of intervention by multidisciplinary health care teams for a particular diagnosis and procedure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness and the satisfaction of patients and dental staff after implementation of a critical pathway for the dental treatment of disabled children and adolescents under conscious sedation. Thirty patients are divided in two groups (Pre-CP and CP) at the department of Pediatric Dentistry of Pusan National University Dental Hospital. The satisfaction levels of patients/guardians and the staff members were collected by survey questionnaire. The parents’satisfaction was significantly improved after the implementation of CP. Also, medical/dental staff members were highly satisfied with its usefulness. The application of a critical pathway for disabled children and adolescents might be useful and improve the satisfaction of the parents and medical/dental staff members.