Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of Polyetheretherketone and Monolithic Zirconia Versus Conventional Metal Band and Loop Space Maintainers in Children: A Randomized Split-Mouth Clinical Trial

Compare two tooth-colored CAD/CAM band and loop space maintainers, PEEK and monolithic zirconia (BruxZir), each against a conventional stainless-steel band and loop in children with premature loss of mandibular primary first molars. Two parallel arms (35 children each); within each arm, split-mouth design with the esthetic appliance on one side and the conventional appliance on the other. Outcomes: debonding or fracture, Plaque and Gingival Index, and patient comfort (Wong-Baker FACES) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

3D-Printed Resin Crowns Versus Bioflx Crowns in Primary Molars

This randomized comparative clinical trial will evaluate and compare the clinical performance of preformed three-dimensional (3D)-printed resin crowns and Bioflx crowns in children with pulp-treated primary molars requiring full coronal restoration. The study will use a split-mouth design in which eligible children have two comparable contralateral primary molars treated with the two crown types, with the crown allocation to the right or left tooth determined by a computer-generated random sequence. Crown survival will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include the modified plaque index, modified gingival index, and occlusal wear. Clinical assessments are planned at one week and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.

Virtual Reality Audiovisual Distraction During Pediatric Dental Treatment

Dental anxiety is common in children and may interfere with cooperation during dental treatment. Audiovisual distraction using virtual reality glasses may help redirect attention away from dental stimuli and improve the patient experience. This completed prospective non-randomized controlled clinical study evaluated the effect of virtual reality audiovisual distraction on anxiety-related variables in pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment at the Dental Clinic of Universidad Europea de Madrid. Participants received either standard dental care without audiovisual distraction or standard dental care while using virtual reality glasses during the procedure. Dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Facial Image Scale. Heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded using pediatric pulse oximetry. Behavioral response was assessed using the FLACC scale. Measurements were taken before, during, and after dental treatment; in the virtual reality group, additional measurements were collected while the child was using the glasses and after the glasses were removed. This record was submitted after completion of participant enrollment and data collection for retrospective public registration.

Use of Alkasite for Postpulpotomy Restoration

The aim of this study will be directed to: Evaluate the clinical performance of alkasite composite as a final restoration for pulpotomized primary molars.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Technique on Children

Studying the effect of using virtual reality technique in managing pain, anxiety, and vital signs among pediatric dental patients.

Survey on Knowledge and Acceptance of Dental General Anesthesia for Children Among Different Populations

This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted in China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and acceptance of pediatric dental general anesthesia among different populations, including parents, dental professionals, and the general public. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing their understanding of the procedure, perceived risks and benefits, and willingness to accept dental general anesthesia for children. No medical interventions were provided to participants. The findings aim to provide evidence for improving patient education and promoting informed decision-making regarding pediatric dental treatment under general anesthesia

Comparison of LSTR and Pulpectomy in Primary Molars of Pediatric Patients (LSTR-PULP)

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair (LSTR) with conventional pulpectomy in treating pulpal lesions in primary molars of pediatric patients aged 4 to 10 years. LSTR is a minimally invasive method that uses antibiotic paste to disinfect infected tissue without full canal instrumentation. Children participating in this study will receive either the LSTR technique or standard pulpectomy, and the clinical and radiographic success of both treatments will be evaluated over a 12-month period. The goal is to determine whether LSTR is a safe and effective alternative to pulpectomy in primary teeth.

Periodontal Biocompatibility of Pediatric Crowns

Different full-coverage crown materials are widely used in pediatric dentistry for the restoration of primary teeth with extensive substance loss. Since these restorations remain in close contact with gingival tissues for prolonged periods, they may influence periodontal health depending on their surface characteristics, marginal adaptation, and biological properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of stainless steel crowns (SSC), prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZC), and fiber-glass crowns (FGC) on periodontal health in children using both clinical periodontal parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers, including IL-1β and MMP-8, within a split-mouth study design.

Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in Promoting Oral Health Among Children

The goal of this clinical study is to compare the effect of motivational interviewing (MI) and traditional patient education methods in improving oral hygiene (plaque score and bleeding score) among young children 8-10. It will also assess the demographic (age and sex) and socioeconomic indicators' effect on oral hygiene (plaque score and bleeding score) after intervention. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Is MI significantly more effective in improving oral health (plaque score, bleeding score) among children when compared to traditional patient education methods? * Are there specific demographic or contextual factors (e.g., age, socioeconomic status, baseline oral health status) that influence the effectiveness of MI in promoting oral health among children when compared to traditional patient education methods? Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups to receive oral hygiene instructions: verbal and written, video, and motivational interviewing. Have their oral hygiene assessed using the plaque index and bleeding index before the intervention and after a follow-up period of 1 month.

Occlusal Changes After Modified Hall Technique in Molars Affected by Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) frequently affects permanent first molars and increases the risk of rapid post-eruptive breakdown and restorative failure. Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are considered a reliable treatment option for severely affected molars; however, SSC placement may temporarily alter the occlusal vertical dimension and occlusal contacts. Quantitative evidence describing the occlusal adaptation process following SSC placement in MIH-affected permanent molars is limited. This prospective longitudinal clinical study aims to evaluate occlusal adaptation after SSC placement using the modified Hall technique in MIH-affected permanent first molars. Forty-six children will be included. Intraoral scans will be obtained at baseline, immediately after treatment, and during follow-up visits up to 3 months. Digital models will be superimposed to measure three-dimensional changes in cusp position, occluso-vertical dimension, and occlusal contact area. Temporomandibular joint function and periodontal parameters will also be assessed. The results are expected to provide quantitative evidence on occlusal adaptation following SSC treatment in MIH-affected molars.

AI Avatar Video vs. Tell-Show-Do for Reducing Anxiety and Improving Cooperation in Children During Local Anesthesia

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare two behavior guidance techniques used to reduce anxiety in children during local anesthesia injections in dental treatment. The study evaluates the traditional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique versus an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven, avatar-based video method called the "Mini Dentist." Children aged 5 to 7 years who require local anesthesia for routine dental treatment will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will receive the conventional Tell-Show-Do explanation from the pediatric dentist. The experimental group will watch a short animated video featuring an AI-generated avatar that explains and demonstrates the procedure in a child-friendly manner before the injection. Anxiety and behavior will be assessed using heart rate monitoring, behavioral observation (FLACC scale), and a self-reported pain scale (Wong-Baker FACES). The goal is to determine whether the AI-based method improves cooperation and reduces anxiety compared to the traditional approach. Participation is voluntary, and all procedures follow ethical research standards.

Occlusal Impact of Hall Crowns in Primary Molars

Hall Technique is a non-invasive restorative approach for managing carious primary molars, increasingly used in pediatric dentistry due to its simplicity and patient tolerance. This study aims to evaluate and compare the occlusal changes that occur following Hall crown placement on different primary molar groups (maxillary first molar, maxillary second molar, mandibular first molar, mandibular second molar) using digital model analysis.

Moringa Oleifera vs Sodium Hypochlorite for Root Canal Irrigation in Nonvital Primary Molars

This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of Moringa Oleifera leaf extract versus sodium hypochlorite as root canal irrigants in pulpectomy of nonvital primary molars in pediatric patients. The study will assess bacterial reduction using blood agar

Evaluation of Band-Loop Space Maintainers Produced With Three-Dimensional Printer and Conventional Technique

Our research is planned as a randomised clinical trial. The main aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical success of band and loop space maintainers produced by three-dimensional printer and conventional technique and the changes they cause in periodontal tissues.

Comparing Minimally Invasive Techniques Used In Treatment Of Carious Primary Molars In Children

Dental caries is a natural process by which bacteria in the biofilm causes fluctuations in the pH, which leads to enamel erosion and result in visible lesions. If left untreated, caries will progress and result in pain, abscess, and systemic infection, leading to functional and/or psychosocial impairment which is a serious problem Caries is, in fact, the most prevalent childhood disease in the world and is most prominent among low-economic populations. So, the main goal is to minimize Dental caries as much as possible by applying preventive measures to reduce the occurrence and progression of dental caries. In that scope, both Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) and the Hall Technique (HT) were created as part of Minimal Invasive Dentistry (MID) to slow the downward restorative spiral and reduce discomfort during the treatment as neither of which requires the administration of local anesthesia nor the use of rotary instruments. According to a retrospective analysis, utilizing the Hall technique to seal cavities performed much better than using conventional restorations. statistically and clinically during 10 years of follow-up. Since ART is associated with lower levels of anxiety, pain, and discomfort than traditional dentistry procedures, it has become widely employed in pediatric dentistry. Despite having reduced survival rates in multiple-surface restorations, ART is still regarded as a viable, evidence-based choice for treating and preventing caries lesions in primary posterior teeth since it is a quick, inexpensive, and comfortable procedure for the patient.