2-year survival and cost analysis of occlusoproximal ART restorations using encapsulated glass ionomer cement in primary molars: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The survival of ART restorations can be influenced by the choice of the restorative material. The aim of this randomized non-inferiority controlled trial was to compare the 2-year survival rate and cost analysis of two encapsulated glass ionomer cements (GIC) as occlusoproximal restorative materials in primary molars. METHODS: Children from public schools in Tietê (Brazil), aged 4-8 years with occlusoproximal dentine carious lesions in primary molars were selected and randomly assigned to receive either Equia Forte (EF) or Riva Self Cure (RSC) as restorative materials. Treatment was carried out by two trained final-year dental students in schools following ART premises. Restorations were assessed by a trained and calibrated examiner after 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was restoration survival after 2 years, analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis (α = 5%). Professional and materials costs for each group were collected in Brazilian Reais (R$) and converted into US dollars (US$) and analyzed using Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS: A total of 152 children (76 per group) were included in the study, and 121 (79%) were evaluated after 2 years. The overall 2-year restoration survival rate was 39% (EF = 45%; RSC = 32%) with no difference between the groups. The baseline and 2-year total cost of restorations using RSC was lower when compared to EF (incremental cost: US$ 6.18). CONCLUSION: After two years of follow-up, Riva Self Cure shows comparable restoration survival rates to Equia Forte, being more cost-effective in the Brazilian perspective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov - NCT02730000.

Microleakage of Silver-Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART) Restorations Using Silver Diammine Fluoride and High-Viscosity Glass Ionomer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the microleakage of atraumatic glass ionomer restorations with and without silver diammine fluoride (SDF) application. Restorations with SDF are termed silver-modified atraumatic restorations (SMART). Methods: Sixty carious extracted permanent teeth were randomly allocated to two SMART groups and two control groups (n equals 15 per group) for a total of four groups. After selective caries removal, test specimens were treated with 38 percent SDF and polyacrylic acid conditioner was applied and rinsed; teeth were restored with Fuji IX GP® glass ionomer (n equals 15) or with SMART Advantage™ glass ionomer (SAGI; n equals 15). For control groups, specimens were restored with their respective GI material after selective caries removal, both without SDF. Restored teeth were placed in Dulbecco's Phosphate-Buffered Saline solution at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. Teeth were thermocycled between five and 55 degrees Celsius for 1,000 cycles, stained with two percent basic fuchsin, sectioned, and visually inspected for microleakage utilizing stereomicroscopy on a four-point scale. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance on ranks using Dunn's method (P<0.05). Results: Microleakage between the two SMART restoration groups was insignificant. SAGI alone demonstrated significantly more microleakage than all other groups. There was no statistical significance between the Fuji IX GP® control group and the two SMART restoration groups. Conclusions: This in vitro study indicated that silver diammine fluoride placed before glass ionomer restoration does not increase microleakage. Polyacrylic acid may be used after SDF placement without increasing microleakage.

Silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment: a paradigm shift in dental caries management.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) are treatment modalities that are minimally invasive and used for the prevention and control of dental caries. The amalgamation of these two techniques has led to the development of silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment (SMART). In this approach the carious lesion is restored with glass-ionomer cement (GIC) after SDF application. SMART effectively arrests caries without removing additional tooth structure, making it a promising option for caries management in children who lack cooperative ability.This article reviews the literature on SMART, the evidence regarding its applications in dental practice, its advantages, drawbacks, the scope for research, and clinical use.

Comparación de la microfiltración apical de cuatro tipos de cementos endodónticos: Endofill, mtaFillapex, Adseal y Roeko Seal / Comparison of the Apical Microleakage of Four Types Of Endodontic Cements: Endofill, mta Fillapex, Adseal and Roeko Seal / Comparação da microinfiltração apical de quatro tipos de cimentos endodônticos: Endofill, mta Fillapex, Adseal e Roeko seal

Introducción: La microfiltración apical es uno de los principales causantes de fracasos endodónticos donde hay invasión de bacterias y líquidos periapicales a la parte interna del conducto radicular y material de relleno. Materiales y Métodos: La muestra estuvo conformada por 60 dientes premolares unirradiculares que fueron seccionados en la unión amelocementaria, la instrumentación biomecánica se realizó con técnica rotatoria e irrigación con hipoclorito de sodio al 5.25% y EDTA 17%, se dividió aleatoriamente en 4 grupos (n=15) para cada tipo de cemento, la obturación se realizó con la técnica de condensación lateral, a nivel coronal se obturó con Ionómero vidrio base y resina, se colocaron en una incubadora a 37° sumergidos en NaCL 0.9% por 5 días hasta el fraguado de los cementos, para observar la microfiltración se utilizó el método filtración de tinta china y la diafanización con la técnica de Robertson. Las medidas de microfiltración apical se observaron utilizando el Estereomicroscopio. Resultados: El valor promedio fue menor para el cemento Adseal 0,33mm, seguido por los cementos Fillapex 0,87mm, Roeko seal 1,00mm y Endofill 1,30mm respectivamente. Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la microfiltración apical de los cuatro cementos endodónticos (p=0.00) Conclusiones: El cemento Adseal presentó menor microfiltración en comparación a los cementos Fillapex, Roeko seal y Endofill.

Introduction: Apical microleakage is one of the main causes of endodontic failure, either due to invasion of microorganisms or periapical fluids into the canal, and only the composition of the type of obturator cement favors its reduction. The objective of this research was to compare the apical microleakage of four types of endodontic cements Endofill, MTA Fillapex, Adseal and Roeko Seal. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 60 single root premolar teeth that were sectioned at the cement- enamel junction, the biomechanical instrumentation was performed with a rotary technique and irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and edta, randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 15) for each type of cement, the obturation was performed with the lateral condensation technique, at the coronal level it was obturated with base glass ionomer and resin, they were placed in an incubator at 37° submerged in NaCL 0.9% for 5 days until setting. of the cements, to observe the microleakage the India ink filtration method was used and diaph-anization with the Robertson technique. Apical microleakage measurements were observed using the Stereomicroscope. Results: The average value was lower for the Adseal 0.33 mm cement, followed by the Fillapex 0.87 mm, Roeko Seal 1.00 mm and Endofill 1.30 mm cements respectively. There were sta-tistically significant differences in the apical microleakage of the four endodontic cements (p = 0.00) Conclusions: Adseal cement presented less microfiltration compared to Fillapex, Roeko Seal and Endofill cements

Introdução: a microinfiltração apical é uma das principais causas de falhas endodônticas onde há inva-são de microrganismos e líquidos periapicais ao interior do conducto e só a composição do tipo de cimento obturador favorece sua disminuição. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi comparar a microinfiltração apical de quatro tipos de cimentos endodônticos Endofill, MTA Fillapex, Adseal e Roeko Seal. Materiais e métodos: a amostra foi composta por 60 dentes pré-molares uniradiculares que foram seccionados na junção amelocementária. A instrumentação biomecânica foi realizada com técnica rotatória e irrigação com hipoclorito e edta, sendo dividida aleatoriamente em 4 grupos (n = 15) para cada tipo de cimento. A obturação foi realizada pela técnica de condensação lateral, no nível coronal foi obturado com base de ionômero de vidro e resina, foram colocados em incubadora a 37° submersos em NaCl 0,9% por 5 dias até a pega dos cimentos. Para observar a microfiltração utilizou-se o método de filtração em tinta nan-quim e diafanização pela técnica de Robertson. As medidas de microinfiltração apical foram observadas utilizando o estereomicroscópio. Resultados: o valor médio foi menor para o cimento Adseal (0,33 mm), seguido pelos cimentos Fillapex (0,87 mm), Roeko Seal (1,00 mm) e Endofill (1,30 mm), respectivamente. Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na microinfiltração apical dos quatro cimentos endo-dônticos (p = 0,00). Conclusões: o cimento Adseal apresentou menor microinfiltração comparado aos cimentos Fillapex, Roeko seal e Endofill.

Noninferiority of Silver Diamine Fluoride vs Sealants for Reducing Dental Caries Prevalence and Incidence: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Dental caries is the world's most prevalent noncommunicable disease and a source of health inequity; school dental sealant programs are a common preventive measure. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) may provide an alternative therapy to prevent and control caries if shown to be noninferior to sealant treatment. Objective: To determine whether school-based application of SDF is noninferior to dental sealants and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in the prevalence of dental caries. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Silver Diamine Fluoride Versus Therapeutic Sealants for the Arrest and Prevention of Dental Caries in Low-Income Minority Children (CariedAway) study was a pragmatic noninferiority cluster-randomized clinical trial conducted from February 2018 to June 2023 to compare silver diamine fluoride vs therapeutic sealants for the arrest and prevention of dental caries. Children at primary schools in New York, New York, with at least 50% of the student population reporting as Black or Hispanic and at least 80% receiving free or reduced lunch were included. This population was selected as they are at the highest risk of caries in New York. Students were randomized to receive either SDF or sealant with ART; those aged 5 to 13 years were included in the analysis. Treatment was provided at every visit based on need, and the number of visits varied by child. Schools with preexisting oral health programs were excluded, as were children who did not speak English. Of 17 741 students assessed for eligibility, 7418 were randomized, and 4100 completed follow-up and were included in the final analysis. Interventions: Participants were randomized at the school level to receive either a 38% concentration SDF solution or glass ionomer sealants and ART. Each participant also received fluoride varnish. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary study outcomes were the prevalence and incidence of dental caries. Results: A total of 7418 children (mean [SD] age, 7.58 [1.90] years; 4006 [54.0%] female; 125 [1.7%] Asian, 1246 [16.8%] Black, 3648 [49.2%] Hispanic, 153 [2.1%] White, 114 [1.5%] multiple races or ethnicities, 90 [1.2%] other [unspecified], 2042 [27.5%] unreported) were enrolled and randomized to receive either SDF (n = 3739) or sealants with ART (n = 3679). After initial treatment, 4100 participants (55.0%) completed at least 1 follow-up observation. The overall baseline prevalence of dental caries was approximately 27.2% (95% CI, 25.7-28.6). The odds of decay prevalence decreased longitudinally (odds ratio [OR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.75-0.83) and SDF was noninferior compared to sealants and ART (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.80-1.11). The crude incidence of dental caries in children treated with SDF was 10.2 per 1000 tooth-years vs 9.8 per 1000 tooth-years in children treated with sealants and ART (rate ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.97-1.12). Conclusions and Relevance: In this school-based pragmatic randomized clinical trial, application of SDF resulted in nearly identical caries incidence compared to dental sealants and ART and was noninferior in the longitudinal prevalence of caries. These findings suggest that SDF may provide an effective alternative for use in school caries prevention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03442309.

Randomised clinical trial of Class II ART restoration in primary teeth with and without retentive grooves after 12 months.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the survival of Class II ART (Atraumatic Restorative Treatment) restorations in primary molars using encapsulated glass ionomer in cavities with and without retentive grooves. A total of 293 Class II restorations were performed on primary molars by three trained operators, using ART hand instruments (SS White/Duflex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and restored with EQUIA Fil (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). One hundred eighty-seven children aged 3 to 7 years (mean age = 5.5) from two public schools located in Lima, Peru, were included in the study. The restorations were performed following the ART protocol, randomising the presence or absence of proximal retentions. Cavity cleaning and restoration times were recorded by the assistant using a digital chronometer. After 6 and 12 months, evaluations occurred following the ART criteria. Data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney, Chisquare and Fisher's exact tests, Kaplan-Meier survival and logarithmic range. The mean dmf-s of the participants was 21.6 (S.D. = 10.2). The mean times to clean the cavity and apply the restorative material were 5.4 and 6.6 minutes, respectively. Success rates after 6 and 12 months for restorations without retentive grooves were 90.3% and 77.2%, respectively; and with retentive grooves 95.9% and 91.8%, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found at the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.001). The proximal retentive grooves increased the survival rate of ART Class II restorations in primary teeth after 12 months of follow-up.

Caries prevention and treatment in early childhood: comparing strategies. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Early childhood caries is a common condition that poses a serious risk to children's health because it can progress quickly, resulting in pain, abscesses, and a general decline in health. As a result, invasive therapies are needed, which call for highly skilled personnel. This systematic review of the literature aims to identify the most recent and widely applied early childhood caries (ECC) prevention and treatment approaches. Only substances that act topically and minimally invasive interventions were considered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database search was restricted to randomized clinical trials completed within the last five years, specifically those that examined the following procedures: sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish, alternative restorative technique (ART), nano-silver fluoride, silver diamine fluoride, and silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment sealants (SMART). RESULTS: A total of 815 articles were found. After removing duplicates, 584 articles were included, and 567 of them were excluded due to not meeting the predefined inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Every method considered has been proven to be successful in halting the progression of ECC and is well-liked by patients, even those who are unwilling to cooperate, as well as by parents. The most common unfavorable effect of SDF is irreversible black discoloration in treated tooth surfaces, but this is typically not a problem. They are all low-cost, minimally invasive techniques that might also be widely used in large communities and low socioeconomic settings.

Insertion methods and gap/void formation in atraumatic restorative technique: A micro-CT analysis.

Wetting the dentin is critical to atraumatic restorative treatment. The conventional insertion can be challenging when using high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement. This study evaluated the formation of gaps and voids after three insertion methods using micro-CT. Teeth underwent removal of occlusal and proximal caries through the atraumatic restorative treatment technique. Then, they were fixed in an artificial dental arch to simulate the clinical condition and were restored using three insertion methods: conventional, Centrix injection, and double-filling. Previous dentin conditioning procedures, steel matrix and wooden wedge application, and post-insertion procedures (digital compression and surface protection) were the same. The material was inserted using a manual instrument in the conventional technique and was inserted with a syringe in the Centrix injection group. In the double-filling technique, the tooth received a first layer of a flowable ionomer (through modifying the powder/liquid ratio), and a second layer (with standard ratio) was applied before the final set of the first one. A micro-CT unit scanned each tooth before and after restoration. Each cavity was defined as the volume of interest, and the volumes of gaps and voids were calculated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey posthoc test (p < .05). Double-filling had improved filling volume with lower values for gap volume, followed by Centrix injection. The conventional technique had the highest gap volume. No statistically significant difference was observed for void volume. Double-filling demonstrated fewer gaps, followed by Centrix injection, which is critical to obtain better adhesive, remineralizing, and antibacterial activities.

Cost-effectiveness of dental caries prevention strategies in South African schools.

BACKGROUND: In South Africa, an estimated 85% of the population relies on the public sector for oral health services. With poor infrastructure and inadequate personnel, over 80% of children with dental caries remain untreated. To reduce this burden of disease, one key goal is to promote good oral health and address oral diseases through prevention, screening, and treatment among children. While all policies have been proven to be effective in the control and prevention of dental caries, it is unclear which of those strategies provide value for money. This study evaluated five caries preventative strategies in terms of the cost and benefits among South African school children. METHODS: The study uses a hypothetical South African population of school aged learners aged 5-15. The context and insights of the strategies utilized at the schools were informed by data from both grey and published literature. Using Markov modeling techniques, we conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) application, atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), sugar-reduction and fissure sealants. Markov model was used to depict the movement of a hypothetical patient cohort between different health states over time. We assessed both health outcomes and costs of various interventions. The health outcome metric was measured as the number of Decayed, Missing, Filled Tooth (DMFT). The net monetary benefit was then used to determine which intervention was most cost-effective. RESULTS: The results showed that school-based caries prevention strategies are cost-effective compared to the status quo of doing nothing. The average cost per learner over the 10-year period ranged from ZAR4380 to approx. ZAR7300 for the interventions considered. The total costs (including screening) associated with the interventions and health outcome (DMFT averted) were: sugar reduction (ZAR91,380, DFMT: 63,762), APF-Gel (ZAR54 million, DMFT: 42,010), tooth brushing (ZAR72.8 million, DMFT: 74,018), fissure sealant (ZAR44.63 million, DMFT: 100,024), and ART (ZAR45 million, DMFT: 144,035). The net monetary benefits achieved for APF-Gel, sugar reduction, tooth brushing, fissure sealant and ART programs were ZAR1.56, ZAR2.45, ZAR2.78, ZAR3.81, and ZAR5.55 billion, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the net monetary benefit, ART, fissure sealant and sugar-reduction appear to be the most cost-effective strategies for preventing caries in South Africa. In a resource-scarce setting such as South Africa, where there is no fluoridation of drinking water, this analysis can inform decisions about service packages for oral health.

Silver diamine fluoride modified atraumatic restorative treatment compared to conventional restorative technique on carious primary molars-A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the success of silver diamine fluoride-modified atraumatic restorative technique (SMART) with that of the conventional drill and fill method in restoring carious lesions in primary molars. METHOD: Children (4-8years old) reporting to a tertiary care hospital setting with asymptomatic cavitated dentinal carious lesions in primary molars were randomly allocated to two groups; SMART and Conventional; and subsequently restored with Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC). Follow-up evaluations were carried out by blinded independent evaluator at 6-months intervals to assess the status of restorations. Primary outcome was the success of restorations at 24 months and the secondary outcome was the child's behaviour and acceptance of the treatment at the time of interventions. Two sample Z-test of proportion, logistic regression analysis and Chi-square test were used to compare the outcomes in two groups. RESULTS: A total of 226 children (SMART group, 112 and conventional, 114) were included with 280 and 282 GIC restorations placed by the SMART and the conventional method respectively. At 24-months, 459 (81.6 %) primary molars were available for evaluation. Success rates of restorations was 38.4 % and 45.8 % % in SMART and conventional groups respectively (p = 0.105). The rate of acceptability of treatment in the SMART and conventional group was 79 % and 56 % (p<0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the success rates of GIC restorations by SMART and conventional technique in carious primary molars at 24 months. SMART was better accepted by children as compared to the conventional restorative technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: SMART can be an alternative option to treat the asymptomatic carious lesions in primary molars and is well accepted by children than the conventional drill and fill technique thus implying that it has a useful role in un-cooperative children.

Effect of aging on mechanical and antibacterial properties of fluorinated graphene reinforced glass ionomer: In vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This study: 1) aims to test the mechanical and antibacterial properties of fluorinated graphene strengthened glass ionomer materials (FG/GICs); 2) aims to investigate the effects of thermo-cycling on (FG/GICs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluorinated graphene (FG) with bright white color was prepared from fluorinated graphite (SIGMA Aldrich), using modified Hummer's method, to be added to conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs). In addition to a control group (group 1), experimentally modified GICs were prepared by adding FG to the conventional glass ionomer powder with three different weight ratios; (group 2, 1 wt %; group 3, 2.5 wt %; and group 4, 5 wt %) using mechanical blending method. Experimental groups of the specimens (n = 240) were divided, for each concentration (n = 120) half of the specimens were subjected to thermo-cycling. Hardness, compressive strength, and antibacterial activity of (FG/GICs) were measured with and without thermo-cycling. Compressive strength was measured by a universal testing machine, hardness was measured using a Vickers micro-hardness tester, and antibacterial effects against staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus mutans were tested by the pellicle sticking method. For statistical analysis, numerical data were explored for normality and variance homogeneity using Shapiro-Wilk and Leven's tests respectively. RESULTS: The prepared (FG/GICs) showed an increase in hardness in group 4 (p < 0.001). Groups 3 and 4 gave the highest compressive strength values with no significant difference between them (p < 0.001). Groups 2, 3, and 4 showed improved antibacterial activity with no statistical difference between them (p > 0.001). Results after thermo-cycling showed significantly decreased hardness, and compressive strength values (p < 0.001), however, the results of antibacterial activity against streptococcus mutans showed no statistical difference after thermo-cycling (group 2, p = 0.05; group 3, p = 0.18; group 4, p = 0.26). The same results were observed for antibacterial activity against staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.92, p = 0.14, and p = 0.48 respectively). CONCLUSION: FG can be considered a promising additive to GICs to promote its anti-cariogenic effects, however, these antibacterial effects are only useful in the short term, as aging adversely affected their mechanical properties. The 2.5 wt % FG/GICs is suggested to be the most encouraging, as after aging, it represented the highest compressive strength among all groups, while its hardness values were at least comparable to that of conventional glass ionomer. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: FG/GICs can be considered an anti-cariogenic restoration in temporary restorative interventions, as in certain cases in deciduous teeth where considerable esthetics may be required, especially those with difficult moisture control, where neither resin composite restorations nor amalgam restorations will be indicated. It can also be used for patients with high caries index or in atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in low-income countries.

Banda ortodôntica como alternativa de tratamento conservador provisório para primeiros molares permanentes com hipomineralização molar incisivo (HMI): relato de caso / Orthodontic banding as an alternative provisional conservative treatment for permanent first molars with incisor molar hypomineralization (IMH): case report

Introdução: a Hipomineralização Molar Incisivo (HMI) é um defeito qualitativo de desenvolvimento de esmalte que pode ocasionar fraturas pós-eruptivas (FPE), lesões de cárie e sensibilidade. Objetivo: relatar o tratamento de HMI severa através da cimentação de bandas ortodônticas para preservação da estrutura dentária em primeiros molares permanentes inferiores com FPE. Relato do caso: criança do sexo feminino, 10 anos de idade, apresentou-se com queixa de hipersensibilidade e fratura dentária associada à restauração prévia. Clinicamente, observou-se presença de HMI severa, com FPE associada à lesão de cárie em dentina nas superfícies oclusal e vestibular do dente 36 e restauração insatisfatória com cimento de ionômero de vidro (CIV) na superfície vestibular do dente 46 que apresentava opacidades demarcadas branco-creme. Radiograficamente, observou-se ausência de comprometimento pulpar. Após manejo por meio de abordagens não-invasivas (controle de biofilme e dieta e aplicação de verniz fluoretado), o tratamento proposto foi a cimentação de banda ortodôntica com CIV modificado por resina (Riva Light Cure®, SDI) nos dentes 36 e 46 para maior longevidade das restaurações. O tratamento restaurador atraumático (TRA) foi realizado no dente 36 previamente à cimentação da banda ortodôntica. Resultados: após o tratamento, a criança não relatou dor ou desconforto e as restaurações mantiveram-se intactas. A mãe da criança foi orientada quanto à importância de acompanhamento periódico a cada 4 meses. Conclusão: a cimentação das bandas ortodônticas com CIV possibilitou o manejo conservador de molares permanentes com HMI severa, com manutenção de sua funcionalidade oclusal, saúde pulpar e gengival, proporcionando melhor qualidade de vida à paciente.

Introduction: molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative developmental enamel defect that can cause posteruptive enamel breakdown (PEB), caries lesions, and sensitivity. Objective: to report the treatment of a child with severe MIH through the cementation of orthodontic bands in lower first permanent molars with PEB to preserve tooth structure. Case report: female child, 10 years old, presenting hypersensitivity complaints and tooth fracture associated with previous restoration. Severe MIH was observed, with PEB associated with dentin caries on the occlusal and buccal surfaces of tooth #36 and unsatisfactory glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration on the buccal surface of tooth #46 which had creamy-white marked opacities. There was no pulp involvement radiographically. After management through non-invasive approaches (biofilm and diet control and application of fluoride varnish), the proposed treatment was the cementation of an orthodontic band with resin-modified GIC (Riva Light Cure®, SDI) on teeth #36 and #46 to long-term lifespan restorations. Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) was performed on tooth #36 prior to the cementation of the orthodontic band. Results: after treatment, the child did not report pain or discomfort and the restorations remained intact. The child's mother was instructed about the importance of periodic follow-up visits every 4 months. Conclusion: the cementation of orthodontic bands with GIC allowed the conservative management of permanent molars with severe MIH, maintaining their functional occlusion, pulpal and gingival health, providing a better quality of life to the patient.

A systematic review on the effect of silver diamine fluoride for management of dental caries in permanent teeth.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to assess the available literature systematically related to the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for the management of occlusal and root carious lesions in permanent teeth regardless of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement. A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, DOAJ, and Open Gray with no language restrictions up to December 2022. Three reviewers critically assessed the studies for eligibility. Any disputes between the reviewers were handled by a fourth independent reviewer. The quality assessment and data extraction of the studies were performed. RESULTS: A total of 2176 studies were screened. The titles and abstracts of the studies were then reviewed (n = 346), and 52 studies met the search criteria. Following the full-text review, 11 studies investigated the effect of SDF against other treatments such as chlorhexidine, sodium fluoride, ammonium bifluoride, tricalcium silicate paste, casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate, glass ionomer cement (GIC) combined with fluoride varnish, resin-modified GIC, and atraumatic restorative treatment were assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this review, the use of SDF is promising with high preventative fractions in permanent teeth of children and older populations when compared to other topical applications such as dental varnish containing sodium fluoride.

Did the Use of Minimum Interventions for Caries Management Change during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the frequency of use of minimum intervention (MI) techniques for caries management during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire was applied through the SurveyMonkeyTM platform to evaluate changes in the dentist's frequency of use of noninvasive, microinvasive, minimally invasive, and mixed interventions, nonaerosol or aerosol productive, to manage dental caries before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Differences in the use of MI techniques were analyzed by Wilcoxon test, and the effect size (ES) was calculated. An α = 0.05 was adopted. A total of 781 dentists answered the questionnaire; most of them were female (76.4%), with 30s (76.4%), graduated over 10-24 years ago (38%) in public dental schools (62%), graduated in southwest of Brazil (38%), that work in clinical environment (66.8%) and in private jobs (53.4%). During COVID-19, among the sample, 91 respondents were not working. In relation to the noninvasive techniques, only the use of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.01; ES = 0.11). The frequency of sealants to repair defective restorations was the only microinvasive technique that increased during the pandemic (p < 0.01; ES = 0.03). Among the minimally invasive techniques, the use of atraumatic restorative treatment increased significantly (p < 0.01; ES = 0.06), while the use of air abrasion decreased (p = 0.02; ES = 0.04) during COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, nonrestorative cavity control (mixed intervention) increased during pandemic period (p < 0.001; ES = 0.11). Although the results demonstrated differences in the use of some procedures, a very small magnitude of the effect was perceived, demonstrating that the influence of COVID-19 pandemic was very little, if any, in the use of MI techniques for caries management. Moreover, the use of MI strategies was already well established between Brazilian dentists before the pandemic period.

Survival Analysis and Cost Effectiveness of Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (SMART) and ART Occlusal Restorations in Primary Molars: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the clinical performance and cost effectiveness of Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (SMART) and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) restorations in primary molars over 12 months follow up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven children, aged 5-9 years old having at least one asymptomatic primary molar with active caries, were randomly assigned to either the test arm (SMART) or the control arm (ART). Clinical performance was assessed after 6 and 12-months using the modified United States Public Health Services criteria. The trial was registered at Clinical Trial.gov with a registration number (NCT03881020). Treatment time for each restoration was recorded, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were performed (p<0.05) and cost effectiveness was measured at the end of the study. RESULTS: Both techniques showed comparable clinical performance and the mean survival time was 11.8 and 11.6 months for SMART and ART restorations respectively with no detected significant differences (p=0.416). Mean treatment time for SMART restorations (7.8 min.), however, was significantly lower than ART (15 min.) (p < 0.001). SMART technique, also, showed statistically significant lower mean total cost per restoration (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Though SMART and ART have comparable clinical performance and survival in single-surface occlusal restorations in primary molars, SMART is less time consuming and more cost effective. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using SMART technique could change paradigms in caries management. Being a patient friendly and cost-effective approach, it could be adopted as a superior treatment option when dealing with young children, those with behavioral and medical challenges and for promoting access to oral care among the underprivileged.

Association of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life with the Longevity of ART-Restorations in Children

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with the longevity of ART-restorations in children after 18 months. Material and Methods: A longitudinal clinical study with 62 six- to seven-year-old children, both genders, 31 of whom underwent four weeks of oral health education strategy (OHES) followed by ART (GOHES+ART) and the others only ART (GART). The Brazilian short-version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (16-CPQ8-10) was used to evaluate the OHRQoL and the perception of change in oral health was assessed by a single question. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and Friedman's tests. Results: After 18 months, GOHES+ART reported a greater impairment on OHRQoL, mainly in oral symptoms domain (p<0.05). In this period, greater impairment of oral symptoms was reported in children with failed restorations and with treatment considered to have a minor failure (p<0.05). In inter-group analysis, the GOHES+ART, with 2 to 4 restorations, Class I, of small size, located in the upper arch and with a smaller failure, reported more oral symptoms than the GART. Conclusion: In the long-term, children submitted to OHES followed by ART reported more oral symptoms. Factors such as number, class, size and location of the restorations need to be considered for the implementation of an efficient and effective oral health program, as well as for greater longevity of ART-restorations.

Cost-effectiveness and Acceptance in Children and Parents of the Hall Technique: Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

AIMS: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and acceptance of children and their parents of the Hall technique (HT) for dental rehabilitation in pediatric dentistry. BACKGROUND: The approach of the HT is that of minimally invasive treatment of the dental element and is used exclusively on primary molars. Various studies in the literature point to HT as a restorative option well accepted by children and parents and quite predictable, with low retreatment rates and good cost-effectiveness for the management of primary molars with carious lesions. However, no systematic review in the literature has approached randomized clinical trials on these topics to produce a high level of evidence and help establish clinical HT protocols. REVIEW RESULTS: Eight articles were selected for the systematic review. The HT was more cost-effective than procedures using other restorative materials. Regarding acceptance, in terms of esthetics, high percentages of satisfaction were reported for parents and children, with a divergence between studies in the comparison of esthetic preference with atraumatic restorative treatment. However, when considering crown cementation pain, comfort, anxiety, preference, and satisfaction, the HT was generally better evaluated when compared to other restorative materials. CONCLUSION: The HT is an excellent restorative option when considering cost-effectiveness and acceptance and is recommended for use in daily clinical practice. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results indicate that HT is superior to other restorative materials regarding its acceptance by children and parents in terms of pain, comfort, anxiety, and crown preference and satisfaction. There were also high percentages of satisfaction with esthetics. Hall technique may initially appear expensive for dentists, but its effectiveness over time and the lesser need for consultations and reinventions ensure better cost-benefit than other restorative materials. How to cite this article: Valentim FB, Moreira KMS, Carneiro VC, et al. Cost-effectiveness and Acceptance in Children and Parents of the Hall Technique: Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):1016-1025.

Evaluation and comparison of silorane resin composite to glass ionomer in occluso-proximal restorations of primary molars: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: In general, proximal restorations of primary molars fracture, so it is vital to study the new materials that could solve this problem. Hence, the present trial assessed the success of occluso-proximal atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations using silorane and glass ionomer cement (GIC) in carious primary molars for a period of 2 years. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ninety-two children between the age group of 4 and 9 years were randomly allocated to GIC or silorane. In the clinical set up, they were treated by a pediatric dentist, and their restorations were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was the survival of restoration, which was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier and superior Cox regression models. As a sensitivity analysis, intention-to-treat (ITT) was executed. Sex, age, molar, jaw, cavity volume, and caries incidence were the independent variables. Results: The restoration survival after 24 months for GIC and silorane was 82.75% and 88.88%, respectively, whereas ITT analysis showed a success of 84.37% and 89.58% for GIC and silorane, respectively. Conclusion: With regard to longevity, there was no statistically significant difference between silorane and GIC in primary molar occlusoproximal ART restorations.

Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID) mainstream or unconventional option? Study exploring the impact of COVID-19 on paediatric dentists' views and practices of MID for managing carious primary teeth in children across the United Kingdom and European Union.

PURPOSE: To explore the techniques used to manage carious primary teeth during the COVID-19 pandemic by paediatric dentists and dentists with a special interest in paediatric dentistry (DwSI) who are members of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) and the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD), and their views on the use of minimal intervention dentistry (MID) in children prior to, during and post the COVID era. METHODS: A total of 212 paediatric dentists and DwSI completed an online questionnaire. Six MID techniques were explored: fissure sealants, resin infiltration, Hall Technique (HT), 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF), atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), stepwise removal and selective caries removal. RESULTS: The majority were specialists (26%) followed by clinical academics (23.1%) working mainly in university teaching hospitals (46.2%). Routine dental treatment for children with carious primary teeth was provided by the majority (92.5%) during the pandemic. HT (96%) and 38% SDF (65.7%) were the most commonly used techniques among the BSPD members whereas conventional restoration of non-selective caries removal and pulp therapy remained the most widely used technique among the EAPD members (66.2%). Most of the MID techniques were used as a treatment option (48.1%) rather than a choice (43.4%), with most of these choices having been affected by the patient's behaviour (82.5%). More than one thirds (39.2%) of the participants were reluctant to adopt MID after the pandemic. Several barriers such as lack of teaching and confidence as well as perceived lack of evidence were identified. CONCLUSION: A range of MID techniques is practiced broadly by a sample of paediatric dentists and DwSI across the United Kingdom (U.K) and European Union (E.U). The majority of clinicians are willing to continue using these techniques going forward after COVID restrictions are lifted. The pandemic served as an opportunity for many dentists to become familiar with various MID practices, such as SDF, which has been already established some time ago.

CHANGES IN PARENTAL SATISFACTION AND ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AFTER RECEIVING ATRAUMATIC RESTORATIVE TREATMENT WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE APPLICATION.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term and long-term changes in parental satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children after receiving atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) with or without prior silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, preschool children with cavitated dentine caries lesions in their primary teeth were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either application of SDF solution or placebo (tonic water) on the caries lesions 10 weeks before receiving ART restorations. The information on parental satisfaction and OHRQoL of the children were collected through self-completed questionnaires at baseline, the 6-month and the 24-month follow-up. A five-point scale, from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied), was used by parents to indicate their satisfaction with their child's dental conditions. A higher parental satisfaction score indicates that parents were more satisfied with their child's dental condition. In addition, the Chinese version of Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) was adopted to assess the children's OHRQoL, and a higher ECOHIS score indicates greater negative impacts of oral health on the child's OHRQoL. RESULTS: A total of 194 children participated in this study, with 101 and 93 children receiving SDF and placebo application before ART restorations, respectively. After placement of ART restorations, at 6-month and 24-month follow-up, parental satisfaction scores with their child's dental health status were significantly higher compared with those at baseline (P <.001) indicating the parents were more satisfied at follow-ups. Regarding OHRQoL, no statistically significant changes were found in the child impact section (CIS), family impact section (FIS) and total ECOHIS scores in both study groups at the 6-month follow-up. In contrast, at the 24-month follow-up, the CIS (P = .025) and total ECOHIS scores (P = .015) of the children in the control group were significantly higher than those at baseline (greater negative impacts), but not the FIS score. CONCLUSION: In this study, after one-off placement of ART restorations irrespective of prior SDF application, short-term and long-term parental satisfaction with their child's dental health status was improved, but not the children's OHRQoL.