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Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance interventions used for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) during preventive and dental treatment visits. Methods: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsyclNFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmacological techniques rendered during a preventive visit (exam, fluoride application, radiographs, and prophylaxis) or a treatment visit (simple surgical treatment, sealants, restorative care with or with local anesthesia) with control or other interventions. The primary outcome measures for the studied interventions were reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improvement in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias (ROB). Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. Results: Eleven articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. Included studies evaluate the effectiveness of in office strategies such as modeling, audio-visual distraction, sensory adapted dental environment, and picture exchange communication system. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to Low and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to large change in the desired outcomes. Conclusions: Most basic non-pharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed some trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/ or improvement in behavior, with audiovisual distraction, Sensory Adopted Dental Environment, and Picture Exchange Communication System showing large reduction in anxiety based on some rating scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The durability and longevity of composite restoration are much dependent on the accurate delivery of the energy required to polymerise the material. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which undergraduate dental students acquire and retain light‐curing skills following hands‐on training. Materials and Methods: Hands‐on training comprises faculty tutoring for critical aspects of the light‐curing procedure, such as distance and angulation of the light‐curing tip. Assessments of the students' ability to deliver a specified radiant exposure to class III and I simulated RBCs using a dental simulator (MARC‐PS®) at three different time points after the training. Data were analysed using repeated measure ANOVA. Results: Immediately after the training, students' performance on curing was improved (p <.05). Overall, the radiant exposure increased after training, but the students lost some of the benefits with time. For curing in the anterior section (anterior sensor‐class III), the mean radiant exposure values increased by approximately 20% after the training. After 2 years, the values were 15% greater than baseline values. For curing in the posterior section (posterior sensor‐class I), the mean radiant exposure values increased by approximately 150% after the training. A significant decrease (p <.05) was observed; however, the radiant exposure values were still 82% greater than the baseline after 2 years. Conclusion: A hands‐on training dedicated to light‐curing procedures facilitated acquisition and retention up to a 2‐year follow‐up of skill on how light cure composite inside the mouth. The training was more relevant for curing in posterior areas, where orientation can significantly impact light‐curing. A hands‐on training where the radiant exposure can be measure gave objective measurement metrics to guide the curing performance. This approach is an effective means of teaching practical skills to dental students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of xylitol in reducing dental caries in children compared to no treatment, a placebo, or preventive strategies. METHODS: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from January 1, 1995 through Sept. 26, 2016 for randomized and controlled trials on children consuming xylitol for at least 12 months. The primary endpoint was caries reduction measured by mean decayed, missing, and filled primary and permanent surfaces/ teeth (dmfs/t, DMFS/T, respectively). The I2 and chi-square test for heterogeneity were used to detect trial heterogeneity. Meta-analyses were performed and quality was evaluated using GRADE profiler software. RESULTS: Analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that xylitol had a small effect on reducing dental caries (standardized mean difference [SMD] equals -0.24; 95 percent confidence interval [CI] equals -0.48 to 0.01; P = 0.06) with a very low quality of evidence and considerable heterogeneity. Studies with higher xylitol doses (greater than four grams per day) demonstrated a medium caries reduction (SMD equals -0.54; 95 percent CI equals -1.14 to 0.05; P = 0.07), with these studies also having considerable heterogeneity and very low quality of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The present systematic review examining the effectiveness of xylitol on caries incidence in children showed a small effect size in randomized controlled trials and a very low quality of evidence that makes preventive action of xylitol uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmocological behavior guidance interventions used for children undergoing dental treatment visits. Methods: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmocological techniques rendered during a dental . treatment visit including sealants, restorative core, dental local anesthesia, and simple surgical procedures. The primary outcome measures were reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improvement in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included RCTs, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bios (ROB). Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. Results: Forty articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. Included studies evaluated the effectiveness of pre-visit preparation and in office strategies rendered pre-/post- or during treatment such as positive imagery, direct observation/modeling, desensitization, tell-show-do and its modifications, voice control, positive reinforcement, memory restructuring, bio-feedback and breathing relaxation, animal assisted therapy, combined therapies, and cognitive behavior therapy. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to high and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to large change in the desired outcomes. Conclusions: Most of the basic non-pharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/or improvement in behavior, with modeling, positive reinforcement, biofeedback relaxation, breathing relaxation, animal assisted therapy, combined tell-show-do and audiovisual distraction, and cognitive behavior therapy showing large effects in reduction of anxiety based on some scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance interventions used for a child undergoing preventive dental visits. Methods: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsyclNFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmacological techniques rendered during a preventive visit including examination, prophylaxis, fluoride application and radiographs. Workgroup (WG) identified moderate-to-high quality systematic reviews (SRs) published on hypnosis, audiovisual distraction, and parental presence/absence; and decided to exclude these interventions from current SR to avoid duplication. The primary outcome measures for the studied interventions included reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improvement in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included RCTs, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias. Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. Results: Fifteen articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. WG found studies evaluating effectiveness of pre-visit preparation and in-office strategies rendered pre- or during treatment such as positive imagery, communication, modeling, tell-show-do, magic tricks, mobile applications, positive reinforcement, and sensory adapted dental environment. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to Moderate and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to a large change in the desired outcomes. Conclusions: Most basic nonpharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/or improvement in behavior, with mobile application and modeling showing large effects in reduction of anxiety based on some rating scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the long-term clinical and radiographic success of using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and formocresol (FC) as a pulp-dressing material in pulpotomy treatment in primary molars. Types Of Studies Reviewed. The authors searched MEDLINE, Thomson Reuters Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from Jan. 1,1990, to May 9, 2013. For an RCT to be included, the authors required that the primary molars treated with a pulpotomy procedure must have received stainless steel crowns as a final restoration and that rubber dam isolation was used during treatment; that the pulp must have been vital as determined clinically by means of hemorrhage control with a cotton pellet; and that the RCT must have included a follow-up period of at least two years. For each included RCT, two authors assessed the risk of bias independently. Results. The authors identified 20 trials and included five of them. A total of 377 primary molars were treated. The authors judged that none of the included RCTs had a low risk of bias. They noted no significant differences in clinical success (relative risk [RR] = 1.01; 95 percent confidence interval [Cl], 0.98-1.05) and radiographic success (RR = 1.09; 95 percent Cl, 0.97-1.21) for primary molars treated with MTA versus those treated with FC. Practical Implications. On the basis of the limited evidence, pulpotomy procedures performed in primary molars involving the use of MTA or FC showed comparable clinical success rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the long-term clinical and radiographic success of using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and formocresol (FC) as a pulp-dressing material in pulpotomy treatment in primary molars. Types Of Studies Reviewed. The authors searched MEDLINE, Thomson Reuters Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from Jan. 1,1990, to May 9, 2013. For an RCT to be included, the authors required that the primary molars treated with a pulpotomy procedure must have received stainless steel crowns as a final restoration and that rubber dam isolation was used during treatment; that the pulp must have been vital as determined clinically by means of hemorrhage control with a cotton pellet; and that the RCT must have included a follow-up period of at least two years. For each included RCT, two authors assessed the risk of bias independently. Results. The authors identified 20 trials and included five of them. A total of 377 primary molars were treated. The authors judged that none of the included RCTs had a low risk of bias. They noted no significant differences in clinical success (relative risk [RR] = 1.01; 95 percent confidence interval [Cl], 0.98-1.05) and radiographic success (RR = 1.09; 95 percent Cl, 0.97-1.21) for primary molars treated with MTA versus those treated with FC. Practical Implications. On the basis of the limited evidence, pulpotomy procedures performed in primary molars involving the use of MTA or FC showed comparable clinical success rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the necessity of using antibiotic prophylaxis in the extraction of impacted third molars. The authors performed a meta-analysis of 18 trials involving the use and non-use (placebo) of antibiotics in tooth extractions. It was discovered that participants in the antibiotic prophylaxis groups have a significantly higher risk of developing mild and transient antibiotic-related adverse events compared to the placebo groups.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present an evidence-based guideline for primary teeth with deep caries or trauma requiring vital pulp therapies (VPT). Methods: A systematic review/meta-analysis on vital primary teeth resulting from trauma or caries was conducted using GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for clinical recommendations. A decision tree was provided for choosing VPTs. Results: No articles on trauma VPT were found. For VPT in primary teeth with deep caries, indirect pulp treatment (IPT) or pulpotomy using the calcium silicate cement (mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA] or Biodentine®) show increased success over using direct pulp capping (DPC) and other pulpotomies. Different liners do not affect IPT success (high certainty) or DPC capping agents' success (very low certainty) after 24 months. It is strongly recommended, with high certainty from 24-month data, that calcium silicate cement pulpotomy is preferred over formocresol, ferric sulfate, zinc oxide eugenol pulpotomy, and other pulpotomies. Using selective caries removal and IPT for deep caries is strongly recommended with moderate certainty over complete and stepwise removal. Statistically, this results in significantly fewer pulp exposures. No caries removal and Hall technique crown may be used when indicated (moderate certainty at 24 months). For vital primary incisors with deep caries, pulpotomy was significantly better statistically than pulpectomy. Teeth diagnosed with/without reversible pulpitis pain showed comparable success after 12 months of treatment by IPT or calcium silicate cement pulpotomy. The following had little or no significant effect on MTA pulpotomy success: coronal pulp removal methods; irrigation solution; method to control hemorrhage; base over MTA; treatment in one or two visits; anterior or posterior teeth. Conclusions: Indirect pulp treatment or calcium silicate cement pulpotomy is likely to increase vital pulp therapy success over other VPTs such as direct pulp capping and other pulpotomies after 24 months (moderate certainty). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This manuscript presents evidence-based guidance on the use of vital pulp therapies for treatment of deep caries lesions in children. A guideline panel convened by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry formulated evidence-based recommendations on three vital pulp therapies: indirect pulp treatment (IPT; also known as indirect pulp cap), direct pulp cap (DPC), and pulpotomy. Methods: The basis of the guideline's recommendations was evidence from "Primary Tooth Vital Pulp Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (Pediatr Dent 2017, 15;39[l]:16-23.) A systematic search was conducted in PubMed®/MEDLINE, Embase ®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and trial databases to identify randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews addressing peripheral issues of vital pulp therapies such as patient preferences of treatment and impact of cost. Quality of the evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach; the evidence-to-decision framework was used toformulate a recommendation. Results: The panel was unable to make a recommendation on superiority of any particular type of vital pulp therapy owing to lock of studies directly comparing these interventions. The panel recommends use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and formocresol in pulpotomy treatments; these are recommendations based on moderate-quality evidence at 24 months. The panel made weak recommendations regarding choice of medicament in both IPT (moderatequality evidence [24 months], low quality evidence [48 months]) and DPC (very-low quality evidence [24 months]). Success of both treatments was independent of type of medicament used. The panel also recommends use of ferric sulfate (low-quality evidence), lasers (low-quality evidence), sodium hypochlorite (very low-quality evidence), and tricalcium silicate (very low-quality evidence) in pulpotomies; these are weak recommendations based on low-quality evidence. The panel recommended against the use of calcium hydroxide as pulpotomy medicament in primary teeth with deep caries lesions. Conclusions and practical implications: The guideline intends to inform the clinical practices with evidence-based recommendations on vital pulp therapies in primary teeth with deep caries lesions. These recommendations are based upon the best available evidence to-date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This manuscript presents evidence-based guidance on the use of 38 percent silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for dental caries management in children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. A guideline workgroup formed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry developed guidance and an evidence-based recommendation regarding the application of 38 percent SDF to arrest cavitated caries lesions in primary teeth. Types of studies reviewed: The basis of the guideline's recommendation is evidence from an existing systematic review 'Clinical trials of silver diamine fluoride in arresting caries among children: A systematic review." (]DR Clin Trans! Res 2016;1[3]:201-10). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed®/MEDLINE, Embase®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and gray literature databases to identify randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews reporting on the effect of silver diamine fluoride and address peripheral issues such as adverse effects and cost. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of the evidence and the evidence-to-decision framework was employed toformulate a recommendation. Results: The panel made a conditional recommendation regarding the use of 38 percent SDF for the arrest of cavitated caries lesions in primary teeth as part of a comprehensive caries management program. After taking into consideration the low cost of the treatment and the disease burden of caries, panel members were confident that the benefits of SDF application in the target populations outweigh its possible undesirable effects. Per GRADE, this is a conditional recommendation based on low-quality evidence. Conclusions and practical implications: The guideline intends to inform the clinical practices involving the application of 38 percent SDF to enhance dental caries management outcomes in children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. These recommended practices are based upon the best available evidence to-date. A 38 percent SDF protocol is included in Appendix II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Antibiotic Prophylaxis Reduces Infectious Complications But Increases Adverse Effects After Third-Molar Extraction in Healthy Patients," that was published in the previous issue.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess success totes for nonvital treatment in primary teeth for caries/trauma. Methods: Databases were searched between 1960 and 2020 for randomized controlled trials, cohorts, case series, and in vitro studies. The primary outcome was overall success (dinicol and radiographic) for pulpectomy and lesion sterilization tissue repair (iSTR). Included articles were independently determined, agreed upon, data extraction assessed, risk of bias, meta-analyses, and assignment of quality of evidence (GRADE). Results: Comparing teeth with and without root resorption, pulpectomy success was better (P<0.001) in teeth without preoperative root resorption. Success with pulpectomies performed with zinc oxide eugenol 1Z0Ef and with Endoflos (ZOE plus iodoform plus calcium hydroxide) did not differ from that observed using Vitopex or Metopex (iodoform plus calcium hydroxide; PkOSO) after 18 months; however, Endofios and ZOE success rates remained near 90 percent versus 71 percent or less for iodoform. Network analysis ratings showed Endofios and ZOE performed better than iodoform alone. Also, LSTR performed better (P<0.001) than pulpectomies in teeth with preoperative root resorption, but pulpectomy results were superior (P=0.09) if roots were intact. Rotary instrumentation of root canals was significantly foster (P<0.001) than manual instrumentation. Success rates were not impacted by method of obturation or root length determination, type of tooth, number of visits, litigants, smear layer removal, or timing/type of final restoration. Conclusions: Eighteen-month success totes support Endfolks and zinc oxide eugenol pulpectomies over iodoform pulpectomies. lesion sterilization tissue repair had limited indication for teeth with resorbed roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to update the 2016 systematic review evidence for vital pulp therapy (VPT) for primary teeth affected by caries or trauma. Methods: The population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study (PICOS) design inclusion/exclusion was used for multiple databases. Risk of bias, meta-analyses using RevMan, and certainty of evidence was created. Results: A total of 299 studies were included; no trauma was found. Indirect pulp treatment (IPT) resulted in 97 percent success. Two calcium silicate cement (CSC) pulpotomies' success using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine® were 94 percent and 90 percent, respectively, greater than for direct pulp capping (DPC; 86 percent) and other pulpotomies (moderate certainty). The success of IPT versus pulpotomy at 24 months showed no significant difference (P=0.31). Different liners or capping agents did not affect the success of IPT (P=0.79) or DPC at 24 months (P=0.24). The two CSC pulpotomies were not significantly different based on 24-month success (P=0.34). The formocresol pulpotomy success at 24 months was significantly lower than for MTA (P=0.02). Ferric sulfate had a significant lower success at 24 months than MTA pulpotomy (69 percent versus 92 percent; P=0.03). Zinc oxide eugenol, as a singular pulpotomy, had low success (65 percent). Selective/stepwise caries removal did significantly better at avoiding pulp exposures than complete excavation (P<0.001). Complete, selective, and no caries removal (Hall technique [HT], steel crown placement with no caries removal) had no signifi-cant difference in pulp vitality success for deep caries at 24 months (P=0.29). For deep caries affecting vital incisors, pulpotomy had significantly greater success than pulpectomy (P=0.002). The following had no significant effect on MTA pulpotomy success: coronal pulp removal methods; irrigation solution; method to control hemorrhage; base over MTA; treatment in one or two visits; and anterior or posterior teeth. Conclusions: Vital pulp therapy success of indirect pulp treatment or two calcium silicate cement pulpotomies demonstrated improved success over direct pulp capping and other pulpotomies based on 24-month evidence with moderate certainty. The Hall technique did not significantly reduce pulp vitality success versus caries removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Immunodeficiency virus infection is a major health crisis. It can spread to other people by transmission of the body fluid. The knowledge about this viral infection can aid in preventing its transmission and help in delivering successful dental care to these patients. Aims: To evaluate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related knowledge and attitude of dental students and also to compare knowledge and attitude between a student's gender and different clinical levels (second, third vs. fourth to seventh years). Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students at the college of dentistry in Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, KSA. Methods and Material: A validated survey was sent electronically to dental students from the second year to seventh year. The questionnaire contained 12 knowledge and 13 attitude questions about treating HIV/AIDS patients. Descriptive statistics were presented for the knowledge and attitude of the dental students about HIV/AIDS. Also, the knowledge and attitude were compared using t-test in relation to gender and clinical year. Results: The response rate was 65%. The mean and standard deviation (SD) for the knowledge score was 8.32 ± 1.60 out of 12. There was no significant difference between gender and a student's clinical level. In the majority of the attitude questions, more than half of the students had favorable attitude toward HIV/AIDS subjects. Females had more favorable attitude as well as students with more clinical years of experience. Conclusions: Dental students showed acceptable knowledge and positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS patients. Students who were females and with higher clinical years demonstrated better attitude but similar knowledge to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present an evidence-based guideline for non-vital pulp therapies due to deep caries or trauma in primary teeth. Methods: The authors, working with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, conducted a systematic review/meta-analysis for studies on non-vital primary teeth resulting from trauma or caries and used the GRADE approach to assess level of certainty of evidence for clinical recommendations. Results: GRADE was assessed from high to very low. Comparing teeth with/without root resorption, pulpectomy success was better (P<0.001) in those without preoperative root resorption. Zinc oxide plus iodoform plus calcium hydroxide ([ZO/iodoform/CH]; Endoflas™) and zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE) pulpectomy success did not differ from iodoform (iodoform pius calcium hydroxide; Vitapex™, Metapex™) (P=0.55) after 18-months; however, ZO/iodoform/CH and ZOE success rates remained near 90 percent while iodoform was 71 percent or less. Network analysis ratings showed ZO/iodoform/CH and ZOE better than iodoform. Lesion sterilization tissue repair (LSTR) was better (P<0.001) than pulpectomy In teeth with preoperative root resorption, but pulpectomy results were better (P=0.09) if roots were Intact Rotary Instrumentation of root canals was significantly faster (P<0.00i) than manual, but the quality of fill did not differ (P=0.09) and both hod comparable success. Network analysis ranked ZO/iodoform/CH the best, ZOE second, and iodoform lowest at 18 months. Success rates were not impacted by method of obturation or root length determination, type of tooth, number of visits, Irrigants, smear layer removal, or timing/type of final restoration. Conclusions: Pulpectomy 18-month success rates supported ZO/iodoform/CH and ZOE pulpectomy over Iodoform. LSTR had limited Indication for teeth with resorbed roots and requires close monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether passive lower lingual arch (LLA) resolves mandibular incisor crowding and affects mandibular arch dimension. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews for both randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies from 1940 to March 2018. Inclusion criteria were healthy children in mixed dentition with mandibular incisor crowding treated with LLA. Our primary outcome was the amount of mandibular incisor crowding resolved after LLA, and secondary outcomes were effects of LLA mandibular arch dimension changes versus untreated controls (UTCs). Results: From 559 screened articles, seven gualified for systematic review and meta-analyses. The average resolution of mandibular incisor crowding after LLA was 5.10 mm (P<.001) with the evidence assessed as very low quality Arch perimeter and arch length changes were not significantly different between LLA and UTCs (P=0.20 and P=0.87, respectively). There were significant small increases of 0.79 mm in intercanine width (P<.001) and 0.69 mm in intermolar width (P=.003) with a low and a very low quality of evidence, respectively Conclusions: Lower lingual arch was effective in resolving mandibular incisor crowding without any significant arch perimeter or arch length changes of greater than one mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed outcomes in primary teeth for the vital pulp therapy (VPT) options of indirect pulp therapy (IPT), direct pulp capping (DPC), and pulpotomy after a minimum of 12 months to determine whether one VPT was superior. Methods: The following databases were searched from I960 to September 2016: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, EBSCO, ICTRP, Dissertation abstracts, and grey literature for parallel and split-mouth randomized controlled trials of at least 12 months duration comparing the success of IPT, DPC, and pulpotomy in children with deep caries in primary teeth. Our primary outcome measure was overall success (combined clinical and radiographic). Three authors determined the included RCTs, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias (ROB). Meta-analysis and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. Results: Forty-one articles qualified for meta-analysis (six IPT, four DPC, and 31 pulpotomy) from 322 screened articles. The 24-month success rates were: IPT=94.4 percent, and the liner material (calcium hydroxide [CH]/bonding agents) had no effect on success (P=0.88), based on a moderate quality of evidence; DP =88.8 percent, and the capping agent (CH/alternate agent) did not affect success (P=0.56), based on a low quality of evidence. The combined success rate for all pulpotomies was 82.6 percent based on 1,022 teeth. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (89.6 percent) and formocresol (EC) (85.0 percent) success rates were the highest of all pulpotomy types and were not significantly different (P=0.15), with a high quality of evidence. MTA’s success rate (92.2 percent) was higher than ferric sulfate (FS) (793 percent) and approached significance (P=0.06), while FS’s success rate (84.8 percent) was not significantly different from FC (87.1 percent), both with a moderate quality of evidence. MTA and FC success rates were significantly better than CH (P=0.0001), with a moderate quality of evidence. At 18 months, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) success rate was significantly less than FC (P=0.0l) with a low quality of evidence. Conclusions: The highest level of success and quality of evidence supported IPT and the pulpotomy techniques of MTA and FC for the treatment of deep caries in primary teeth after 24-months. DPC showed similar success rates to IPT and MTA or FC pulpotomy, but the quality of the evidence was lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of primary tooth vital pulp therapy is to describe the reasoning and need for the review, the objectives of the review, and the methodology that will be used to analyse data from the included studies. Publication of a systematic review protocol also helps establish and maintain transparency of the process and accountability for the stated methods and outcomes sought.Methods: This protocol adheres to PRISMA-P standards for protocol reporting. A variety of relevant databases and resources will be searched. Trials selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be performed by two independent investigators. Primary outcome measures include clinical and radiographic success. Evidence tables will be generated for included study characteristics. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool will be applied to the selected studies. For meta-analysis, results will be pooled to provide estimates of appropriate effect size and heterogeneity of trials. The quality of evidence for outcomes will be determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.Results: The proposed systematic review will provide findings useful for pediatric and general dentists, researchers, guideline developers, policymakers, and public and private insurers and can be the basis for an evidence-based guideline on pulp treatment of vital primary teeth with deep caries approximating the pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]