A Randomized Control Trial of Clinical Success and Acceptability of the Hall Technique and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement Restorations in Sealing Carious Primary Molars

Abstract

Background: A paradigm shift in the caries management propelled interest in techniques for sealing caries and restorations with selective caries removal. Preformed Metal Crowns (PMCs) and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC) have been preferred choices of restorations for carious primary molars. This is the first study from India on the Hall Technique used to seal carious primary molars. Objective: To compare the clinical success and acceptability of the Hall Technique and RMGIC restorations in sealing carious primary molars. Methods: Sixty 7–8-year-old children having caries with ICDAS scores 3-5, requiring two or more restorations; a total of 140 teeth were randomized into Group A: HT (n1 = 73 teeth) or Group B: RMGIC (n2 = 67 teeth). A single calibrated operator assessed the ‘Major’ failures (abscess, secondary caries, new caries) and ‘Minor’ failures (dislodgement) over a period of 15 months. Children, parents, and operator rated the acceptability. The average time taken for each procedure was recorded. Results: ‘Major’ failures were statistically significantly higher in the RMGIC group (p=0.008). At the 12-month follow-up, the HT outperformed RMGIC restorations. Additional failures were seen in Group B: RMGIC restorations at 15-month follow-up, whereas no failures were seen with HT. The result was statistically not significant. Children, parents, and the operator preferred the Hall Technique, which was statistically significant (p< 0.001). Conclusion: HT is a successful and acceptable technique and superior to RMGIC restorations with partial excavation of caries in primary molars but with mild postoperative discomfort.