How combining different caries lesions characteristics may be helpful in short-term caries progression prediction: model development on occlusal surfaces of primary teeth.

Background: Few studies have addressed the clinical parameters' predictive power related to caries lesion associated with their progression. This study assessed the predictive validity and proposed simplified models to predict short-term caries progression using clinical parameters related to caries lesion activity status.

Methods: The occlusal surfaces of primary molars, presenting no frank cavitation, were examined according to the following clinical predictors: colour, luster, cavitation, texture, and clinical depth.

Conservative approach for molar-incisor hypomineralization: a case report and 7-year follow-up.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) can result in minor injuries or major structural loss, especially in incisors and molars. Patients with MIH seek dental treatment early, usually in childhood. Choosing the best treatment option during this stage can be a challenge.

Association between quantitative measures obtained using fluorescence-based methods and activity status of occlusal caries lesions in primary molars.

Background: Fluorescence-based methods (FBM) can add objectiveness to diagnosis strategy for caries. Few studies, however, have focused on the evaluation of caries activity.

Aim: To evaluate the association between quantitative measures obtained with FBM, clinical parameters acquired from the patients, caries detection, and assessment of activity status in occlusal surfaces of primary molars.

Do the ball-ended probe cause less damage than sharp explorers?-An ultrastructural analysis.

Background: No evidence about damage caused by ball-ended probes on tooth is available. No study compared probing defects caused by ball-ended probes with sharp explorers during tactile examinations of primary teeth. This exploratory study aimed to compare ultrastructural defects caused by ball-ended probes with sharp explorers during tactile examinations of primary teeth.

The influence of interdental spacing on the detection of proximal caries lesions in primary teeth.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of interdental spacing on the performance of proximal caries detection methods in primary molars. In addition, aspects related to temporary tooth separation with orthodontic separators were evaluated. The proximal spaces between the posterior primary teeth (n = 344) of 76 children (4-12 years old) were evaluated before and after temporary separation.

Influence of cross-infection control methods on performance of pen-type laser fluorescence in detecting occlusal caries lesions in primary teeth.

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the influence of cross-infection control methods, as probe tip autoclaving and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wrapping, on the performance of laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent pen--LFpen) on occlusal surfaces of primary molars. One experienced examiner carried out all examinations (n = 78). For the probe tip autoclaving study, 62 sites (sample A, 40 teeth) were used.

Children's discomfort in assessments using different methods for approximal caries detection.

Because discomfort caused by different approximal caries detection methods can influence their performance, the assessment of this discomfort is important. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the discomfort reported by children after the use of different diagnostic methods to detect approximal caries lesions in primary teeth: visual inspection, bitewing radiography, laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent pen - LFpen) and temporary separation with orthodontic rubbers. Seventy-six children aged 4 to 12 years were examined using these methods.

Performance of fluorescence-based and conventional methods of occlusal caries detection in primary molars - an in vitro study.

Aim: This in vitro study aimed to test the performance of fluorescence-based methods in detecting occlusal caries lesions in primary molars compared to conventional methods.

Design: Two examiners assessed 113 sites on 77 occlusal surfaces of primary molars using three fluorescence devices: DIAGNOdent (LF), DIAGNOdent pen (LFpen), and fluorescence camera (VistaProof-FC). Visual inspection (ICDAS) and radiographic methods were also evaluated.