Research Information System University of Greifswald

Mourad MS*^1,2, Splieth C¹, Al Masri A¹, Santamaria Sanchez R¹

1 - Zentrum für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde / Poliklinik für Zahnerhaltung,Parodontologie, Endodontologie; Präventive Zahnmedizin und Kinderzahnheilkunde

2 - Zentrum für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde / Poliklinik für Kieferorthopädie

The Hall technique (HT) is a biologically based, effective option for treating asymptomatic carious primary molars. This study reports on the baseline characteristics, and histologic/radiographic outcomes of four molars treated with HT. Materials and methods: for two physiologically exfoliated (a/b) and two extracted (c/d) primary molars collected from different patients (age: 4-6 years, mean dmft 7±3.7), clinical and radiographic baseline characteristics were retrieved from the patient charts. The extracted teeth were examined using digital volume tomography (DVT) and histological examination (HE, 1000 μm: depth of carious lesion, presence of dentin bridge [DB]). Results: teeth (a/b) were maxillary first primary molars (54,64) with inactive dentin lesions (ICDAS 5), no pain was reported. Baseline radiographic examination showed for both teeth a clear dentin bridge (D2), and no signs of pathology. Physiological exfoliation took place 7- years after HT. Both DVT and HE confirmed the presence of a DB. Tooth (c) was a mandibular second primary molar (75) with an active dentin lesion (ICDAS 5), and no history of pain. Radiographically the lesion reached the middle of dentine (D2), and a periodontal ligament slightly widened along the mesial root was noticed. 8-months later the tooth was extracted with a submucosal abscess. Baseline radiographs and DVT showed no clear DB; however, the HE showed the presence of a DB. Tooth (d) was a maxillary second primary molar (65) presenting with an active dentin lesion (D3; ICDAS 5). At baseline no pain or pathological radiographic findings were reported. 11- months later the tooth was extracted with a submucosal abscess. Both DVT and HE showed a deep lesion with pulpal involvement. Conclusion: an accurate clinical, radiographic examination, and pain history are essential for the success of the HT.