The prognosis of replantation of an avulsed tooth is determined by which first-aid measures are taken during the first 15 min after avulsion. Knowledge of the correct first-aid measures is therefore crucial to successful replantation. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the present knowledge level of emergency measures for tooth avulsion in Kuwaiti schoolchildren, and (ii) to design and test an interview form with structured standardized questions. A total of 221 Kuwaiti schoolchildren (aged 7-15 years old) were interviewed by professionals using a standardized method to score several areas of knowledge about tooth avulsion and replantation. Earlier experience of first-aid information and subjection to dental trauma was registered. The following fields of knowledge were assessed: general body injury treatment principles, tooth avulsion and replantation principles, avulsed permanent/primary teeth, cleaning of avulsed tooth before replantation, extra alveolar time and storage media. The form for interviewing children proved to be sufficiently structured in performing the interviews and data management. The results of the interviews showed that 30.3% of the children had been exposed to dental trauma in the past. Among children 7-9 years of age, 25% had received information on general first aid as compared with 75% in children 10 years and older. Children 10 years and older, in general, had a high knowledge level of general principles of how to manage injuries to the body. Regardless of age group, there were generally a low knowledge level regarding tooth avulsion, replantation, extra-alveolar time and storage media. We conclude that first-aid knowledge in Kuwaiti schoolchildren is low on avulsion and replantation of teeth despite a high knowledge level of body injuries. The knowledge level of first-aid measures on avulsion and replantation of teeth could be increased through intervention programs.

Seventy primary molar teeth, carious exposed, symptom free, without any sign of root resorption in children aged from 3 to 6 years (main age 4.3yr) were treated with conventional pulpotomy procedures. Ferric sulfate 15.5% solution (applied for 15 second for 35 teeth) and formocresol solution (five minute procedure of Buckley's formula for next 35 teeth) have been used as pulpotomy agents. In both groups, pulp stumps were covered with zinc-oxide eugenol paste. Permanent restorations were stainless steel crowns. Clinical check up was every three-months and radiographic follow-up time was six and twenty months after treatment. Our results within this period revealed 100% clinical success rate in both groups. Radiographic success rate was in both groups 97.2%, while in 2.8% cases has shown internal root resorption. On the basis of these results, we can recommend ferric sulfate as a pulpotomy agent in primary teeth in substitution for formocresol at the moment.

Ninety-six patients, fifty-eight healthy patients and thirty-eight special needs patients, ranging in age from 3 to 31yr (average age 6.9yr) had received dental treatments under general anesthesia (GA) at Amiri Hospital. The mean number of dental procedures per child was 13.6 (SD±5.4) with a mean number of 15.6 procedures for healthy patients and 10.5 special needs patients. There was a statistically significantly higher number of dental procedures for healthy patients than for special needs patients (p<0.001). The number of pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns placed for healthy patients was significantly higher (3.5) than for special needs patients (1.3) with (p<0.001) The average number of extractions was similar for the two groups of patients, 2.8 for normal and 2.2 for handicapped. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that dental treatment under GA in hospital environment is beneficial for certain group of patients, such as very young children and those with special needs. Underlying medical conditions influenced the treatment provided.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge level of emergency measures for tooth avulsion among Kuwaiti parents. Subjects and Methods: Sixty-three parents completed an Arabic language questionnaire about their first-aid knowledge. The following fields of knowledge were assessed: general body injury treatment principles, tooth avulsion and replantation principles, avulsed permanent/primary teeth, cleaning of an avulsed tooth before replantation, extra-alveolar time and storage media. For each category, a score ranging from 0 to 3 was possible. Results: Experience of first-aid information or training was seen in 12 (19%) except for dental injuries, which had not been included in such first-aid information. Knowledge was demonstrated in 52 (82%) about first aid of minor body injuries, yet the knowledge of how to manage avulsed teeth was poor, as 50–54 (79–86%) parents had no knowledge of how to manage an avulsed tooth in the specific modes of treatment measured. There was no difference in knowledge between mothers and fathers, young or old, nor was knowledge greater in parents with an academic education. Conclusion: First-aid knowledge in Kuwaiti parents is lacking for avulsion and replantation of teeth despite a high level of knowledge of how to manage simple body injuries. Knowledge of first-aid measures regarding avulsion and replantation of teeth should be increased by intervention programs.