Restoration of pediatric posterior teeth

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Four material categories are popular for restoring primary teeth: amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer, and resin-modified glass ionomer.
• Dental amalgam has historically been used for pediatric restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a suitable replacement material for dental amalgam in pediatric Class II restorations.
• To highlight the growing technique for restoring primary teeth.

Main Methods:

• Review of current dental materials used in pediatric primary teeth restoration.
• Analysis of the suitability of amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer, and resin-modified glass ionomer for pediatric Class II cavities.

Main Results:

• Resin-modified glass ionomer is identified as a promising material for restoring primary teeth.
• This material is a growing technique for pediatric Class II restorations, offering an alternative to amalgam.

Conclusions:

• Resin-modified glass ionomer presents a viable and increasingly popular option for restoring primary teeth.
• Dental practitioners seeking alternatives to amalgam for pediatric Class II restorations should consider resin-modified glass ionomer.