The atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) approach for managing dental caries: a meta-analysis

The number of publications reporting on the survival of ART sealants and ART restorations has increased considerably in recent years. A systematic investigation of their longevity is therefore warranted. Based on three exclusion criteria, a literature search in the electronic libraries Pubmed and Medline revealed 28 eligible publications for inclusion in a meta-analysis. High mean survival rates for single-surface ART restorations using high-viscosity glass-ionomer in primary dentitions over 3 years were found (95% after 1 year to 86% after 3 years). These rates were statistically significantly higher than for those of multiple-surface ART restorations in primary dentitions (p<0.0001). High mean survival rates for single-surface ART restorations using high-viscosity glass-ionomer in permanent dentitions over 6 years were found (97% after 1 year to 72% after 6 years). The mean annual failure rates for single-surface ART restorations using high-viscosity glass-ionomer in primary and permanent dentitions and for multiple-surface ART restorations in primary dentitions are 4.7%, 4.7% and 17%, respectively. The number of studies reporting on the retention and caries preventive effect of ART sealants was low. It is concluded that single-surface ART restorations using high-viscosity glass-ionomer in both primary and permanent dentitions show high survival rates. Medium-viscosity glass-ionomer should not be used for ART restorations.     

Cleidocranial dysostosis: a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

To ensure eruption of the dentition in patients with cleidocranial dysostosis, close collatoration between the oral surgeon and the orthodontist is essential to determine the sequence of extraction, the teeth to be ligated, the preferred technique of ligation, and the approach for surgical exposure.     

Effect of fluoride concentration on rehardening of enamel by a saliva substitute.

An evaluation was made of the effect of different concentrations of F on the ability of OraLube, a saliva substitute developed by the Veterans Administration designed for use by xerostomic patients, to reharden enamel surfaces. Test preparations contained either 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 ppm and groups of softened enamel surfaces were treated with these solutions for 30 minutes. Treatment with saliva substitute containing no F did not significantly alter the hardness of enamel surfaces. Including 1.0 ppm F in the formula induced a rehardening of about 5 per cent; 2.0 ppm F solution rehardened at a 12.5 per cent rate. Additional F up to 5.0 ppm did not increase rehardening significantly. The inclusion of 2.0 ppm F in OraLube assures that, in addition to its ability to relieve intraoral soft tissue problems associated with xerostomia, an optimal rehardening potential is provided.