The Hall Technique; a randomized controlled clinical trial of a novel method of managing carious primary molars in general dental practice: acceptability of the technique and outcomes at 23 months

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Scotland has high levels of untreated dental caries in primary teeth. The Hall Technique is a simplified method of managing carious primary molars using preformed metal crowns (PMCs) cemented with no local anaesthesia, caries removal or tooth preparation. This study compared the acceptability of the Hall Technique for children, their carers, and dentists, and clinical outcomes for the technique, with conventional restorations.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>General dental practice based, split mouth, randomized controlled trial (132 children, aged 3–10). General dental practitioners (GDPs, n = 17) in Tayside, Scotland (dmft 2.7) placed conventional (Control) restorations in carious primary molars, and Hall Technique PMCs on the contralateral molar (matched clinically and radiographically). Dentists ranked the degree of discomfort they felt the child experienced for each procedure; then children, their carers and dentists stated which technique they preferred. The teeth were followed up clinically and radiographically.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>128 conventional restorations were placed on 132 control teeth, and 128 PMCs on 132 intervention teeth. Using a 5 point scale, 118 Hall PMCs (89%) were rated as no apparent discomfort up to mild, not significant; for Control restorations the figure was 103 (78%). Significant, unacceptable discomfort was recorded for two Hall PMCs (1.5%) and six Control restorations (4.5%). 77% of children, 83% of carers and 81% of dentists who expressed a preference, preferred the Hall technique, and this was significant (Chi square, p < 0.0001). There were 124 children (94% of the initial sample) with a minimum follow-up of 23 months. The Hall PMCs outperformed the Control restorations:</p> <p>a) 'Major' failures (signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpal disease): 19 Control restorations (15%); three Hall PMCs (2%) (P < 0.000);</p> <p>b) 'Minor' failures (loss of restoration, caries progression): 57 Control restorations (46%); six Hall PMCs (5%) (P < 0.000)</p> <p>c) Pain: 13 Control restorations (11%); two Hall PMCs (2%) (P = 0.003).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The Hall Technique was preferred to conventional restorations by the majority of children, carers and GDPs. After two years, Hall PMCs showed more favourable outcomes for pulpal health and restoration longevity than conventional restorations. The Hall Technique appears to offer an effective treatment option for carious primary molar teeth.</p> <p>Trial registration number</p> <p>Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN47267892 – A randomized controlled trial in primary care of a novel method of using preformed metal crowns to manage decay in primary molar teeth: the Hall technique.</p

Een doorsnee casus?

In deze casus die zich uitstrekt over een periode van acht jaar komen een aantal kwesties aan de orde die actueel zijn als het gaat om de mondzorg bij kinderen. Het betreft het spanningsveld tussen de kindertandheelkunde en de ontwikkelingen in de cariologie of tussen ad hoc behandelen en het adequaat inspelen op processen die in de mond van kinderen worden waargenomen

Long-term survival of indirect pulp treatment performed in primary and permanent teeth with clinically diagnosed deep carious lesions

Introduction: This retrospective study examined clinically and radiographically the 3-year survival of teeth treated with indirect pulp treatment (IPT) performed between 2000 and 2004. Methods: Sixty-six uncooperative children (4-18 years old) with at least one tooth with clinically diagnosed deep caries were included. Radiographically, the lesion depth was greater than two thirds of the dentin thickness. Incomplete excavation was performed leaving infected carious dentin at the center of the cavity. After placement of a layer of resin-modified glass ionomer as liner, the teeth were restored. A 3-year survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) was performed. Failure was defined as the presence of either a clinical symptom (pain, swelling, or fistula) or radiologic abnormality at recall. In total, 86 of 125 (69%) treated primary molars and 34 of 45 (76%) treated permanent teeth were available for both clinical and radiographic evaluation. Results: The survival rate was 96% for primary molars (mean survival time, 146 weeks) and 93% for permanent teeth (mean survival time, 178 weeks). Conclusion: This study shows that IPT performed in primary and permanent teeth of young patients may result in a high 3-year survival rate

"Setting the scene in early childhood" - an MID approach for life.

This article presents a discussion paper for both consideration and implementation of Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID) principles by the general dental practitioner. It argues that if these concepts can be adopted in early childhood by both the community and the profession, "Teeth for Life" can become a reality for all. Oral Health promoting behaviours can be nurtured and supported from infancy and developed into everyday living practice for a lifetime thereby maintaining an optimal quality of life. MID techniques have become more refined and supported by scientific research in the recent times and should be considered an essential clinical guideline for the future disease management