Detection of Children’s Molars Based on Noise Filter

Pit and fissure sealant is for children aged seven to twelve years to prevent molars from becoming caries. In this paper, we propose a new detection framework to identify whether children need pit and fissure sealing. We divide the framework into two parts: molar detection and molar classification. According to the characteristics of teeth, we propose to use the clustering method to filter the bounding box in the object detection part. In the region divided by clustering, we only keep one detection frame in the same category. In the classification part, we propose a noise filtering layer based on wavelet transform for feature extraction. We map the training samples to another space in the training process based on metric learning to increase the distance between categories and improve the accuracy of classification.

Influence of Enamel Exposure to Acidic Drink on Shear Bond Strength of Different Fissure Sealants

In the present study, we evaluated the influence of bovine enamel exposure to acidic drinks (Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Company, Milano, Italy, pH = 2.37) on shear bond strength of three sealants (Fissurit; Grandio Seal and Admira Fusion—Voco Gmbh, Cuxhaven, Germany). For each sealant, two adhesive techniques were tested to investigate the impact of the adhesive application on shear bond strength of sealants after immersion in acidic drink and in the control: Group 1—Control: enamel surface was not in contact with acid drinks, acid etching application and self-adhesive technique for fissure sealant; Group 2—enamel surface was not in contact with acid drinks, acid etching, and adhesive applications, an etch-and-rinse technique for fissure sealant; Group 3—enamel surface was immersed in acid drink, acid etching application and self-adhesive technique for fissure sealant; Group 4—enamel surface was immersed in acid drink, acid etching, and adhesive applications, an etch-and-rinse technique for fissure sealant. For each specimen, the sealant composite resin was applied to the enamel surface and tested with a universal testing machine. Shear bond strength was measured in MPa and with an optical microscope to determine failure modes, quantified with adhesive remnant index (ARI). Enamel acidification variably influenced bond strength values of the different sealants. When no enamel pretreatment was applied, no significant differences were found among the sealants (p > 0.05). However, the mere application of acid etching without adhesive procedures resulted in lower bond strength (p < 0.001). The acid pretreatment affected significantly the bond strength of all sealants tested (p < 0.001), but no significant differences were recorded between the subgroups.

Pit and fissure sealants — A review

Caries on the occlusal surface of dentition is a significant dental health problem. Among all of the teeth particularly molars and premolars have greater susceptibility to caries. Their susceptibility to caries is probably related to its occlusal morphology. Use of fissure sealant and fluoride have been shown to play an important role in reducing caries. This can be possible through converting the caries susceptible areas like pits and fissures into glazed surface which prevent bacterial colonization and makes the tooth easy to clean. Pit and fissure areas of enamel do not receive sufficient protection from topical or systemic fluorides, the reason for ineffectiveness of fluorides in the pit and fissure caries may be due to inaccessibility to these areas and due to the differences in enamel thickness. The most efficient way to prevent pit and fissure caries is by effectively sealing the fissures using resins called pit and fissure sealants.

Evaluation of Dental Students' Awareness and Attitude About Preventive Dental Treatments: Survey Research

Aim: Determination of dental students' approaches to fissure sealant applications; the widespread use and evaluation of their effectiveness of protective dental practices is extremely important. This research aims to evaluate the level of understanding and clinical attitudes of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students of Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Dentistry on preventive dental treatments. Methods: The first part of the questionnaire consists of 10 questions aimed at assessing the students' technical levels of knowledge with data on age, gender and educational level. In the second section analyzing students' clinical behaviors, 11 questions were asked for answers to multiple choices (always, often, sometimes, never). This questionnaire was used on the internet in an anonymous way. Results: The questionnaire was received by 68 3rd grade, 67 4th grade and 75 5th grade students who were previously educated on fissure sealant applications. The vast majority (96.2 percent) of the students involved in the study indicated that the effectiveness of fissure sealants in preventing the development of tooth decay was confirmed by strong scientific evidence. Again, 99.5 percent of the students participating in the study indicated that the justification of the application procedures for the fissure sealant was identified and understood. With the assumption that only new teeth can be applied to fissure sealants, a statistically significant difference between the classes was observed (p<0.05); 3rd graders responded "yes" mainly. Conclusion: Although dental students have sufficient knowledge of protective dental practices and fissure sealants, variations in understanding and implementing clinical practice procedures may be found between classes. Standardization should be provided and education / lectures on preventive dental practices should be increased to obtain the equivalent of theoretical education at the clinical level.

CARIES PREVENTION THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS FOR MAKASSAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Background: Dental and oral diseases are progressive and accumulative diseases that can affect all age groups. Dental caries is the most common dental disease in Indonesia. One of the preventive measures is to apply pit and fissure sealants to teeth with deep pits and fissures. Objective: The purpose of this activity is to help improving the oral health of the community through preventive efforts in the form of pit and fissure sealant applications. Methods: The implementation of this community service activity was conducted through several stages, namely preparation, data collection, problem identification, and implementation of activities. Results: The average caries index of the targeted students was in the high category. There were 5 children who need pit and fissure sealant application. Conclusion: This community service activity had been conducted according to plan. The community, in this case elementary school students, got preventive services in the field of dental health, especially the application of pit and fissure sealants.

A Comparative Analysis of Penetration and Adaptation of Two Types of Light Cure Pit and Fissure Sealants: An In-vitro Study

Background: Pit and fissure sealants are well-known for their ability to prevent occlusal caries. Given the difficulties of maintaining complete isolation for longer periods of time when treating young patients, a streamlined sealant application process is needed. As a result, the goal of the present study is to compare the penetration and adaption of 2 types of light cure sealants. Objectives: To evaluate the adaptation and penetration of Conseal f ‘pit and fissure sealant’. To evaluate the adaptation and penetration of PF seal SE ‘pit and fissure sealant’. To evaluate comparison of adaptation and penetration between two types of light cure sealants. Methodology: This will be an in-vitro comparative study, which will consist of 2 categories - Group I (acid-etch fissure sealant, Conseal f) and Group II (self-etch fissure sealant, PF seal SE). A total of 20 extracted permanent teeth will then be classified into 2 groups of 10 teeth respectively and stereomicroscope will be used to compare the penetration and adaptation between two types of light cure pit and fissure sealants. Expected Results: The study will evaluate the penetration and adaptation of two types of light cure sealants on the tooth surface which will provide the efficacy of the sealant. Conclusion: The study will determine the sealing and penetration and adaption capacity of the sealant by the light cure method. And the sealants are beneficial and biocompatible in preventing, stopping the advancement of non-cavitated carious lesions. Additional study is needed to determine the relative advantages of the various categories of sealant material. In practice, the benefits of sealing should be examined locally, and practitioners should follow specific standards.

Assessment of Microstructure and Release of Fluoride Ions from Selected Fissure Sealants: An In Vitro Study

The aim of this study was to compare fluoride release from four selected fissure sealants: fissure sealant manufactured by Arkona, Helioseal F, Helioseal F Plus, and Conseal. Tested parameters included emission of fluoride ions into saline (0.9% NaCl) and deionized water over a period of 2 weeks. Values were recorded after 1, 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and then after 1 and 2 weeks. All sealants were characterized by a constant fluoride release level. The highest fluoride release level was noted for Conseal (0.0169 ppm/mg), while the lowest was noted for fissure sealant manufactured by Arkona (0.063 ppm/mg). Fissure sealants, which contain fluoride, release it not only during polymerization, but also for several days after application. The use of fissure sealants whose composition includes fluoride is an effective method of preventing tooth decay.

The Current Strategies in Controlling Oral Diseases by Herbal and Chemical Materials

Dental plaque is a biofilm composed of complex microbial communities. It is the main cause of major dental diseases such as caries and periodontal diseases. In a healthy state, there is a delicate balance between the dental biofilm and host tissues. Nevertheless, due to the oral cavity changes, this biofilm can become pathogenic. The pathogenic biofilm shifts the balance from demineralization-remineralization to demineralization and results in dental caries. Dentists should consider caries as a result of biological processes of dental plaque and seek treatments for the etiologic factors, not merely look for the treatment of the outcome caused by biofilm, i.e., dental caries. Caries prevention strategies can be classified into three groups based on the role and responsibility of the individuals doing them: (1) community-based strategy, (2) dental professionals-based strategy, and (3) individual-based strategy. The community-based methods include fluoridation of water, salt, and milk. The dental professionals-based methods include professional tooth cleaning and use of varnish, fluoride gel and foam, fissure sealant, and antimicrobial agents. The individual-based (self-care) methods include the use of fluoride toothpaste, fluoride supplements, fluoride mouthwashes, fluoride gels, chlorhexidine gels and mouthwashes, slow-release fluoride devices, oral hygiene, diet control, and noncariogenic sweeteners such as xylitol. This study aimed to study the research in the recent five years (2015–2020) to identify the characteristics of dental biofilm and its role in dental caries and explore the employed approaches to prevent the related infections.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effects of Fissure Sealants Containing Chitosan Nanoparticles

Objectives. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of fissure sealants containing chitosan nanoparticles. Materials and Methods. Antibacterial effect of Master Dent fissure sealant alone and after incorporating chitosan nanoparticles was evaluated on Streptococcus mutans, sanguis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Biofilm growth was evaluated by determining colony counts. Antimicrobial effect was determined on days 3, 15, and 30 by counting microbial colonies using eluted components test. One-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD tests, t test, and two-way ANOVA were used for statistical analyses (α = 0.05). Results. Biofilm inhibition test showed that fissure sealant containing 1 wt.% chitosan decreased colony counts significantly ( P < 0.05 ). Eluted components test with S. mutans and sanguis showed significant decrease in colony counts during the first 15 days in chitosan containing group; however, from day 30, antimicrobial activity decreased noticeably, with no significant difference from control group ( P > 0.05 ). Antimicrobial activity against L. acidophilus was maintained in chitosan group up to 30 days, and decrease in colony counts was significant ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. According to the results of this study, incorporation of 1 wt.% chitosan into fissure sealant induced an antimicrobial activity. Antibacterial effect on L. acidophilus persisted for longer time (30 days) compared to the two other bacterial species (15 days).