Evidence-based Update of Pediatric Dental Restorative Procedures: Preventive Strategies

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry
• Evidence-Based Dentistry

Background:

• Advances in understanding preventive restorative procedures.
• Evidence for conservative techniques in deep carious lesions.
• Effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants and resin infiltration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To guide practitioners in evidence-based decision-making for preventive restorative dentistry.
• Focus on children and young adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Evidence-based review of literature from 1995-2013.
• Grading of evidence: strong evidence, evidence in favor, or expert opinion.
• Consensus of authors for evidence appraisal.

Main Results:

• Preventive strategy involves individualized caries assessment and therapy.
• Strong evidence supports incomplete caries excavation to reduce pulpal issues.
• Strong evidence for sealants on high-risk and incipient lesions.
• Evidence supports resin infiltration for white spot lesions.

Conclusions:

• Significant evidence supports the value of preventive dental restorative procedures.
• Informed clinical decisions can be made based on current evidence.