Clinical, radiographic, and microhardness evaluation of caries in primary molars managed with modified Hall technique

Abstract Background Dental caries is the most common chronic disease with high incidence rate affecting many children in different countries. Aim This study was carried out to evaluate clinical, radiographic, and microhardness of caries in primary molars managed with modified Hall technique (MHT). Patients and methods Sixty lower primary molars were selected from 40 children aged from 8 to 9 years old. Standardized preoperative periapical digital radiographs were taken to assess the caries. Minimal occlusal reduction with 1 mm proximal reduction with no caries removal was made to open the contacts. Stainless-steel crown dried and filled with glass ionomer luting cement. The treated molars were clinically and radiographically evaluated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow up periods. At 12 months, the crowned molars were extracted and another standardized postoperative periapical radiograph film was taken after cutting of stainless-steel crown for detection of caries progression with digital subtraction. Results Total of 60 primary molars were clinically and radiographically succeeded of MHT at 3 and 6 follow up periods however at 9 months two (3.3%) molars showed minor failures and finally at 12 months follow up showed success of 58 (96.7%) molars after exclusion of two failed molars at 9 months. There were decrease in density of caries area postoperative treatment than in preoperative treatment. Conclusion MHT is a noninvasive, fast, simple, and nonexpensive treatment for proximal caries in primary molars; it has more favorable outcomes and restoration longevity. Progress of dentinal caries beneath a well-sealed MHT were slowed and even arrested.