Short communication: Influence of different isolation methods on the survival of proximal ART restorations in primary
A M Kemoli1, W E van Amerongen, G N Opinya
1Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 34848, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya. musakulu@gmail.com
Aim:
This was to evaluate the influence of two methods of tooth-isolation on the survival rate of proximal ART restorations in the primary molars.
Methods:
The study was conducted in two rural divisions in Kenya, with 7 operators randomly paired to a group of 8 assistants. A total of 804 children each had one proximal cavity in a primary molar restored using the ART approach. During restorations 2 isolation methods, rubber dam or cotton wool rolls, and 3 brands of glass ionomer cements were used by the operators. The restorations were then followed for a period of 2 years.
Statistics:
SPSS 14.0 was used to analyse and relate the data obtained to the method of isolation used.
Results:
After 2 years 30.8% of the ART restorations had survived. Higher survival rates of the restorations were obtained when using rubber dam irrespective of the GIC material or the operator.
Conclusion:
Generally the survival rate of the proximal restorations in the present study was very low, but the use of rubber dam resulted in a higher survival rate of the restorations.