C Borrell-García, S Sofía Mestanza-Tocto, P Boo-Gordillo, L Marqués-Martínez, E García-Miralles, J Ignacio Aura-Tormos
{"title":"Parental oral health knowledge and sociodemographic influences in children aged 2-12 years: a cross-sectional study in Valencia, Spain.","authors":"C Borrell-García, S Sofía Mestanza-Tocto, P Boo-Gordillo, L Marqués-Martínez, E García-Miralles, J Ignacio Aura-Tormos","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01240-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01240-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The present study aimed to assess parental knowledge of paediatric oral health among parents and guardians of children aged 2-12 years in Valencia, Spain, and to analyse its association with key sociodemographic variables.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 208 parents and guardians of children attending a university dental clinic in Spain. A validated self-administered 20-item questionnaire was used to evaluate oral health knowledge. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests were applied to compare mean knowledge scores across sociodemographic groups. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Parental education level was significantly associated with oral health knowledge. Parents with university education (17.01 ± 1.86) and vocational training (16.71 ± 2.09) scored higher than those with secondary school (15.78 ± 2.34), basic education (13.09 ± 2.77), or no education (13.30 ± 2.41). No significant difference was observed by gender (p = 0.394). Age group was also associated with knowledge (F(2,195) = 7.55, p = 0.001), with the highest scores observed among parents aged 41-50 years (17.45 ± 1.97).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Parental oral health knowledge was associated with educational attainment and age, while no gender differences were observed. These results suggest the value of developing targeted educational approaches for younger parents and those with lower education levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1553-1560"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13593687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148230519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Letter to the Editor: Comment on \"Evaluating the evidence-based potential of six large language models in paediatric dentistry: a comparative study on generative artificial intelligence\".","authors":"H Erdogan, M Cankar","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01220-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01220-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1619-1620"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147864917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Parental socioeconomic and perceptual determinants of early childhood caries amongst Myanmar preschool children.","authors":"K M Thwin, P W Han, W T Lin, S Takehara, H Ogawa","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01227-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01227-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To assess the updated prevalence and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) amongst preschool children, and examine associations with parental socioeconomic characteristics, perceptions and knowledge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In 2024, 815 children aged 4-5 years from 8 preschools in Yangon were examined using ICDAS II criteria. Parents completed a structured questionnaire assessing socioeconomic status, perceptions of child health, and knowledge across three domains. ECC prevalence (ICDAS d<sup>1-6</sup>) and severity (d<sup>0</sup>, d<sup>1-2</sup>, d<sup>3-6</sup>) in relation to parental factors were analysed using Chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and logistic regressions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ECC prevalence was 96.2%, with 8.2% presenting non-cavitated and 88.0% cavitated lesions. Paternal education was significantly associated with both ECC prevalence (p = 0.030) and severity (p = 0.024) and remained the only significant associated factor in adjusted models. Parents who rated their child's oral health as \"fair or poor\" had children with higher ECC severity (p < 0.001). Parental perception was a significant factor in univariable models for both non-cavitated lesions (95% CI 1.03, 1.79) and cavitated lesions (95% CI 1.04, 4.48), although the association for cavitated lesions lost statistical significance after adjustment. Parental knowledge scores were not statistically significantly related to ECC outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ECC burden amongst Myanmar preschool children remains extremely high. Paternal education and parental perception of child oral health were key factors associated with ECC severity. Strengthening father-inclusive oral health education, enhancing parental awareness, and expanding preschool preventive programmes are recommended to address Myanmar's severe ECC burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1479-1487"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Tasgaonkar, N Rathi, M Tasgaonkar, P Agrawal, A Tapkir, V Mehta
{"title":"A randomised controlled trial comparing effectiveness of audio-visual aid and ai-personalised video self-modelling interventions to reduce dental fear and anxiety in paediatric patients.","authors":"A Tasgaonkar, N Rathi, M Tasgaonkar, P Agrawal, A Tapkir, V Mehta","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01241-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01241-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Paediatric dental anxiety remains a significant challenge in clinical practice, often impacting co-operation and treatment outcomes. This randomised controlled trial compares the anxiety-reducing effects of AI-based self-modelling versus standard video modelling.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-blind, parallel-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted on 80 children aged 6-12 years requiring restorative dental treatment. Participants were randomised into two groups. Dental fear and anxiety were assessed using CFSS-DS and MCDASf, along with pulse and heart rate monitoring. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention by a blinded assessor and statistically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups showed significant within-group reductions in dental fear and anxiety (p < 0.001); however, no statistically significant between-group difference was observed for the primary outcome (CFSS-DS). The AI-based personalised video self-modelling app group demonstrated a greater reduction in heart rate (7.65 vs. 2.18 bpm), with a significant between-group difference (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.89), indicating reduced short-term physiological arousal rather than overall superiority of the intervention and specific anxiety parameters, particularly related to injections and dental examinations. Intergroup analysis revealed a large effect size for heart rate (Cohen's d = 0.89) and moderate-to-large effects for selected anxiety items with some item-level differences observed. However, overall CFSS-DS score differences between groups were not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both interventions were effective in reducing dental fear and anxiety. However, no superiority was demonstrated for the primary psychological outcome. The AI-based personalised intervention showed greater reduction in physiological arousal (heart rate), suggesting potential benefits in short-term anxiety modulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1561-1571"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D Pamei, N Tewari, P Haldar, V Mathur, K Bansal, M Rahul, M Monica, A K Lokade
{"title":"Assessment of oral health related quality of life in children and adolescents affected by traumatic dental injuries: a hospital-based study.","authors":"D Pamei, N Tewari, P Haldar, V Mathur, K Bansal, M Rahul, M Monica, A K Lokade","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01243-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01243-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) represent a significant public health concern, affecting nearly one in five children worldwide. Beyond clinical sequelae, TDI can profoundly influence functional ability, emotional well-being, and social interactions. However, evidence from hospital-based settings, particularly across diverse regions, remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents presenting with TDI to a tertiary care hospital and to identify demographic, clinical, and trauma-related factors associated with severe impairment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 266 children aged 8-16 years who had experienced TDI within the preceding 12 months. Dental injuries were diagnosed according to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT, 2020) guidelines. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (C-OIDP) questionnaire. Associations between OHRQoL and demographic, clinical, and trauma-related variables were examined using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Maxillary central incisors were most frequently affected, with uncomplicated crown fractures being the most common injury type (64.6%). Severe injuries accounted for about 32% of cases, and soft-tissue involvement was observed in 56% of patients. Most patients experienced delayed emergency care, with only 14% seeking treatment within 24 hours of injury. OHRQoL was substantially compromised: 93% reported awareness of broken teeth, 78% experienced sensitivity, and 67% expressed aesthetic concerns. Functional impacts included difficulties in eating (63%) and cleaning the mouth (48%), while emotional and social impacts included reluctance to smile (52%) and reduced interaction with peers (51%). Severe OHRQoL impairment (OIDP ≥ 8) was observed in about 26% of participants. Multivariable analysis identified trauma severity, repeated episodes, soft-tissue injury, aesthetic concerns, and eating difficulties as associated factors of severe OHRQoL impairment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The severe impact on the OHRQoL was seen in about 26% participants. Greater injury severity, soft-tissue involvement, and repeated trauma episodes were associated with poorer oral health-related quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1585-1595"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13593705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Dermata, S N Papageorgiou, A Arhakis, N Dabarakis, K N Arapostathis
{"title":"Comparison of computer-controlled intraosseous anaesthesia and conventional anaesthesia in paediatric dentistry: a split-mouth randomised clinical trial.","authors":"A Dermata, S N Papageorgiou, A Arhakis, N Dabarakis, K N Arapostathis","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01237-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01237-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To compare the efficacy, patient-reported acceptance, and preference of Computer-Controlled Intraosseous Anaesthesia (CCIA) and Conventional Local Anaesthesia (CLA) in paediatric dentistry.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Healthy children aged 5-9 years who required similar treatment on both sides of either jaw were recruited from a university clinic. In a split-mouth randomised design, children received CCIA and CLA on contralateral sides one week apart, with side and sequence randomly allocated. Both procedures and data collection were performed by a single experienced paediatric dentist, and patient acceptance and preference were assessed using structured questions. Data were analysed with linear/logistic regressions adjusting for within-patient clustering (alpha = 5%).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>64 children (mean age 7.0 years; 44% boys) were included. No significant differences in CCIA or CLA clinical efficacy were seen (P = 0.59). Controlled Intraosseous Anaesthesia was associated with significantly less discomfort at needle insertion (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.32; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 0.16, 0.62), during injection (OR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.08, 0.31), and overall during application (OR = 0,14; 95% CI 0.06, 0.31), as well as with lower fear levels (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.22, 0.84) compared to CLA (P < 0.05 in all instances). Although CCIA required longer administration, it produced shorter soft-tissue numbness and less self-inflicted trauma, and was more often associated with unpleasant taste, unusual tooth sensation, and post-injection bruising; nevertheless, CCIA was preferred by more children (78%) than CLA (22%; P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>No difference in clinical efficacy between CCIA/CLA was seen; CCIA was associated with reduced procedural pain and fear compared to CLA, resulted in shorter soft tissue numbness, less self-inflicted trauma and was preferred by most children despite longer administration time and more transient local adverse sensations.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1519-1527"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13593644/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148280700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Parental expectations regarding the announcement of a diagnosis of a rare oral disease: a qualitative study in Marseille, France.","authors":"I Blanchet, C Tardieu, F Michel, A Camoin","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01209-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01209-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore parents' expectations regarding the disclosure of an oligodontia diagnosis in dental practice and analysing them through the lens of core bioethical principles (principlism).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative interview study was conducted with parents of children diagnosed with oligodontia, all of whom had attended at least one consultation at a French specialist centre. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study sample consisted of 18 parents who reported frequent dissatisfaction with the way the diagnosis was disclosed. The findings suggest that a two-step disclosure process (initial diagnosis and specialist follow-up) is commonly used. Parents valued this approach, as well as referral to patient associations. They recommended this two-step process to allow time for initial emotional adjustment and subsequent discussion. Their expectations focused on clarity of information, the provision of written materials, emotional support, and sufficient consultation time. They emphasised the need for a caring attitude, confidentiality, and tailored communication that includes both the child and the parents. A tension may arise between parental desires to protect their child and the child's right to participate.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Effective disclosure of oligodontia requires more than clinical expertise; it demands a caring, ethically informed approach that balances clarity and empathy, as well as adequate time and resources, acknowledges uncertainty, and navigates the complex role of the child as a participant in their own care. The challenge, therefore, is to find the right balance between the duty of beneficence, the principle of non-maleficence, and the recognition of individual autonomy. Communication skills are essential for aligning clinical practice with parental expectations. These findings, although rooted in the context of a rare dental disease, have broader implications for improving communication in dentistry.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1395-1404"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147795353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S Kengadaran, A Divvi, A Babu Nair, O Dutta, H Makineedi, D R Marappareddy, S Niranjanadevi
{"title":"A narrative review of screen time as a behavioural determinant of paediatric oral health.","authors":"S Kengadaran, A Divvi, A Babu Nair, O Dutta, H Makineedi, D R Marappareddy, S Niranjanadevi","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01228-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01228-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in childhood, while digitalscreen use among children has surged well beyond recommended limits. Despite growing evidence linking these twotrends, screen exposure is rarely incorporated into paediatric oral health frameworks. This review aims to synthesisecurrent evidence on the relationship between digital device overuse and oral health outcomes in children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms includedscreen time, dental caries, oral hygiene, dietary behaviour, sleep, and dental anxiety, with priority given to studiespublished in the past decade involving paediatric populations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Evidence from cross-sectional studies across multiple countries consistently demonstrates that children withhigher screen time exhibit greater caries prevalence, elevated plaque and gingival indices, and more dental anxiety.Key behavioural mediators include increased cariogenic snacking, disrupted oral hygiene routines, reduced parentalsupervision, and heightened behavioural challenges in clinical settings. Physiological pathways, including sleepdisruption and reduced salivary flow, remain biologically plausible but empirically unconfi rmed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Screen time is a modifi able behavioural determinant of paediatric oral health and should be integratedinto caries risk assessments, preventive counselling, and public health messaging.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1309-1315"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148008497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Elamparithi, A Sharma, P Venkatesan, S Kengadaran
{"title":"The influence of immersive tools on children's dental anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"A Elamparithi, A Sharma, P Venkatesan, S Kengadaran","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01235-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01235-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of immersive tools, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), in reducing dental anxiety among children aged 3-10 years, and compares immersive VR with conventional behaviour management techniques.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases from inception to date. Randomised and non-randomised controlled studies evaluating dental anxiety in children using immersive VR or AR for behaviour management were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool for randomised controlled trials and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomised controlled trials. A meta-analysis was conducted with heart rate as the primary outcome measure, and certainty of the evidence was evaluated using GRADEpro.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-seven studies involving 2,505 children were included, of which 13 studies (n = 819) were pooled for meta-analysis. Immersive VR resulted in a significant reduction in heart rate compared with non-immersive VR (mean difference: - 8.12 bpm; 95% CI -14.69 to- 1.56; p = 0.02) with moderate certainty of the evidence. Comparisons with kaleidoscope distraction favoured immersive VR (mean difference: - 1.59 bpm; 95% CI-4.84 to 1.66). Compared with the Tell-Show-Do technique, immersive VR showed a trend toward lower heart rate (mean difference: -7.92 bpm; 95% CI-16.16 to 0.32).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As a non-pharmacological adjunct for reducing dental anxiety in children, immersive VR may be superior to non-immersive distraction techniques, supporting its integration into paediatric dental practice. However, the evidence is primarily based on VR studies, and findings related to AR remain limited and preliminary.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1365-1393"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148595318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinical performance of Class II resin composite restorations in primary molars with or without pulpotomy: a prospective 24-month clinical study.","authors":"Myrto Alevra, Nick A Lygidakis, Nikos N Lygidakis","doi":"10.1007/s40368-026-01244-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40368-026-01244-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate the clinical performance of Class II resin composite restorations in primary molars following pulpotomy and to compare them with Class II composite restorations in non-pulpotomised primary molars over 24 months.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective within-patient controlled study included healthy children aged 4-8 years with at least one primary molar requiring a Class II resin composite restoration with pulpotomy and one without pulpotomy. Restorations were placed under rubber dam isolation using a fifth-generation adhesive and resin composite. NeoMTA® was used for pulpotomies. Clinical evaluation was performed at 12 and 24 months by a blinded examiner using modified 'USPHS criteria'. Cross-sectional comparisons were performed using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, whilst longitudinal changes were analysed using the McNemar-Bowker test (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty children (80 teeth) were enrolled initially. At 12 months, 37 children (74 teeth) were evaluated, whilst 32 children (64 teeth) completed the 24-month recall. Most restorations in both groups remained clinically acceptable throughout the study period. Marginal integrity was significantly lower in pulpotomised teeth at 12 months (p = 0.003) and at 24 months (p = 0.011). No statistically significant differences were observed for marginal discoloration, surface texture, wear, postoperative sensitivity, or recurrent caries (p > 0.05). Longitudinal analysis demonstrated significant deterioration in marginal integrity over time in the pulpotomy group (p = 0.041).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Resin composite restorations in primary molars showed acceptable performance in both groups. However, restorations in pulpotomised teeth demonstrated reduced marginal integrity after 24 months.</p>","PeriodicalId":520615,"journal":{"name":"European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry","volume":" ","pages":"1597-1603"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148475647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}