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

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment in treatment of carious primary molars: ART, which took place in Tanzania during the mid-1980s, is a conservative approach involving the removal of carious lesions using hand instruments, followed by the application of a glass ionomer restoration. This technique aims to be minimally invasive, promoting the preservation of tooth structure. The ART technique, employed in situations where ideal clinical conditions are challenging to achieve, has demonstrated effectiveness as a reliable method for managing cases where conventional treatment methods face resistance from children . However, concerns exist regarding the longevity of ART restorations and the impact of operator skill on outcomes.

Hall Technique in treatment of carious primary molars: The Hall technique, proposed by Norna Hall in the 1980s, involves the placement of preformed metal crowns on primary molars without any tooth preparation or local anesthesia. Advocates of the Hall technique emphasize its simplicity, reduced need for traditional drilling, and high reported success rates in clinical studies. However, concerns have been raised regarding long-term aesthetics and potential psychological impacts due to the visibility of metal crowns.

Study summary

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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Clinical Success, Assessed by clinical examination — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 months (with follow up at 3-6-9-12 months)
  * Standard clinical criteria will be used to determine whether a restoration (ART/HT) was successful or not in terms of having a satisfactory restoration that requires no further intervention and also the absence of any signs or symptoms of pulp damage. * Measuring unit is Binary (Yes/No)

Trial sites (1)

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