Sealing caries in primary molars: Randomized control trial,5-year results

The hall technique (ht) is a method for managing carious primary molars. decay is sealed under pre-formed metal crowns without any caries removal,tooth preparation,or local anesthesia. the aim of this study was to compare ht clinical/radiographic failure rates with general dental practitioners' (gdps) standard (control) restorations. we conducted a split-mouth,randomized control trial (132 children,aged 3-10 yrs,gdps n = 17) in scotland. there were 264 study teeth with initial lesions,42% of which were radiographically > half-way into dentin,and 67% of which had class ii restorations. teeth were randomized to ht (intervention) or gdps' usual treatment (control). annual clinical/radiographic follow-up data were recorded. ninety-one patients (69%) had 48 months' minimum follow-up. at 60 months,'major' failures (irreversible pulpitis,loss of vitality,abscess,or unrestorable tooth) were recorded: ht,3 (3%); control restorations,15 (16.5%) (p = 0.000488; nnt 8); and 'minor' failures (reversible pulpitis,restoration loss/wear/fracture; or secondary caries): ht,4 (5%); control restorations,38 (42%) (p < 0.000001; nnt 3). overall,there were follow-up data for 130 patients (2-60 mos): 'major' failures: ht,3 (2%); control restorations,22 (17%) (p = 0.000004; nnt 7); and 'minor' failures,ht,7 (5%); control restorations,60 (46%) (p < 0.000001; nnt 3). sealing in caries by the hall technique statistically,and clinically,significantly outperformed gdps' standard restorations in the long term (trial registration no. isrctn 47267892). © 2011 international & american associations for dental research.