Once rampant caries is under control, then comprehensive restorative treatment can be
undertaken. This should aim to retain the primary dentition with the methods
described in this chapter and in 402HChapter 7, and deliver the child pain free into
adolescence and adulthood.
8.10 SUMMARY
- A full preventive programme must be instituted before any definitive restorations in
a child with a high caries rate. - Repetitive treatment should be avoided and with careful treatment planning and
choice of restorative materials long-lasting restorations can be carried out in children. - The stainless-steel metal crown is the most durable restoration in the primary
dentition for large cavities and endodontically treated teeth. - Resin-modified glass ionomers and polyacid-modified composite resins may have
an increased role in the future in the restoration of primary teeth. - Rubber dam should be placed, if at all possible, prior to the restoration of all teeth.
- Careful evaluation of the state of pulp inflammation should be carried out before
the placement of proximal restorations in primary teeth. Wherever the pulp is deemed
to be involved, pulp therapy should be carried out prior to the coronal restoration. - Formocresol is likely to be replaced with newer, safer medicaments such as Ferric
Sulphate.
8.11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Some parts of this text have been reproduced from Dental Update, with the kind
permission of George Warman Publications.
8.12 FURTHER READING
Curzon, M. E. J. and Roberts, J. S. (1996). Kennedy's paediatric operative dentistry
(4th edn). Wright, London. (A comprehensive text on the technical aspects of
operative dentistry for children.)
Dental Practice Board (1997). Setting standards in dental care for children. Dental
Practice Board, Eastbourne. (An attempt to give guidance to dentists in General
Dental Practice.)
Duggal, M. S., Curzon, M. E. J., Fayle, Toumba, K. J., and Robertson, A. J. (2002).
Restorative techniques in paediatric dentistry (2nd edn). Taylor & Francis, London (A
superb colour atlas and pictorial guide.)
Duggal, M. S., Gautum, S. K., and Nicol, R. (2003). Paediatric dentistry in the new
millennium: 4. Cost effective restorative techniques for primary molars. Dental
Update, 30 , 410-15.