Glass Ionomer Restorations Research Articles

Effect of commonly prescribed antibiotics on marginal adaptation of glass ionomer restoration: An in vitro study

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the three most commonly prescribed antibiotics in a group of Egyptian Pediatricians. These antibiotics were evaluated regarding their effect on marginal adaptaion of glass ionomer restoration. Materials and Method: First, a questionnaire was conducted in two large hospitals in Egypt (Aldemrdash hospital representing Ain Shams University and Qena public hospital) in a group of Egyptian pediatricians (n=150) to determine the three most commonly prescribed antibiotics there. The three antibiotics were Duricef, E-moxclav and Suprax. Artificial saliva was also used in this study as a control. Second, pH and titratable acidity of the all used solutions were measured. Class I cavity was prepared for all teeth then they were restored with self adhesive glass ionomer restoration (Equia ™Fil). Teeth were thermcylcled then they were randomly divided into four groups for drug immersion for 14 days with daily change of the solution. Teeth then were prepared for staining with methyle blue dye. Results: According to scoring criteria of Khera and Chanas , Score 1 was for Duricef and E-moxclav groups while score 2 was for Suprax group. Score 0 was for control group. Conclusion: Antibiotics commonly used for children had negative effect on marginal adaptation of glass ionomer restoration.

Influence of Surface Resin Coating on Bio-Compatibility and Attaching ability of Human Gingival Cells to the Glass-Ionomer Restorative Material

Background and objective. Glass-Ionomer (G.I.) restoratives are used to manage cervical tooth defects; however certain chemicals could leach out of the material and affect the adjacent gingival tissue. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the viability and attachment of human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) on both resin-coated and uncoated Equia fil G.I. restorative materials. Materials and Methods. Two groups of G.I. disc specimens (n= 34 each) were constructed from Equia fil G.I. restorative by mixing the content of G.I. capsules, then injection into silicone molds, the material was left for setting before cutting the excess. Surfaces of group I specimens were coated with the accompanied protective Equia resin, while those in group II were left uncoated. HGECs were isolated and incubated with the constructed specimens. The cell viability was then assessed using both Methyl Tetrazolium (MTT) and Trypan blue dye exclusion (TBDE) assays. The micromorphology and the attaching ability of the isolated cells to specimens’ surfaces were assessed using SEM. The surface roughness was measured and the chemical analysis of G.I. surfaces was also analyzed by energy disperse x-ray. Results. Reduction in HGECs viability was noticed in contact with G.I. of both test groups. However, HGECs showed better viability and attaching ability to the resin-coated G.I. surface than were in presence of uncoated restorative. Conclusion. Resin Coating preserves the cell viability and improves the attachment of HGECs on Equia fil G.I restorative surfaces. This finding, therefore, offers sound evidence to select such material in treating sub-gingival cervical tooth defects.

Defective restoration repair or replacement: An American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators Panel survey

BackgroundClinicians often encounter defective restorations and are faced with the difficult decision of whether to repair the existing restoration or replace it. MethodsAn electronic survey on repairing or replacing defective restorations was developed to assess how clinicians are making these decisions and the technical aspects considered when making a repair. E-mails containing the survey link were sent to the American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators (ACE) Panel on August 14, 2019, and the survey remained open for 2 weeks. Nonrespondents were sent reminders 1 week after deployment. ResultsApproximately 4 of every 5 respondents repair defective restorations. The top 3 conditions for making these repairs were noncarious marginal defects (87%), partial loss or fracture of the restoration (79%), and crown margin repair due to carious lesions (73%). Among respondents who repair defective restorations, almost all repair direct resin composite (98%), whereas approximately one-third do not repair the other restorative materials (that is, amalgam, glass ionomer, and fractured indirect all-ceramic crowns). Resin composite is used most often to repair resin direct composite restorations, and likewise, glass ionomer is used most often to repair glass ionomer restorations. Only 54% of respondents use amalgam to repair amalgam restorations. Surface treatments varied among the 3 available restorations types. ConclusionsMany dentists are actively making restoration repairs, but choosing clinical scenarios to make these repairs is material dependent. Practical ImplicationsThe repair of defective restorations is an acceptable and more conservative alternative than restoration replacement, and its success depends on proper case selection, material, and technique.

Sealing Ability of Three Different Surface Coating Materials on Conventional and Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Restoration in Primary Anterior Teeth: An In vitro Study

Introduction: Microleakage is an important property that has been used in assessing the success of any restorative material used in restoring a tooth. Immediate application of a surface coating agent is suggested to protect glass ionomer cement against moisture contamination and dehydration during early setting. Aim: To compare marginal microleakage of two different Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)- Conventional GIC and Resin Modified GIC in primary anterior teeth using three surface coating materials. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted between January 2014 to October 2017 on freshly extracted 40 anterior primary teeth which were randomly assigned into two main groups (Fuji II GIC and Fuji II LC GIC) with four subgroups (control-no surface coating, A=GC Fují Varnish II, B=GC G-Coat Plus, C=Icon). A standardised Class V cavity preparation was prepared on the labial surface of each tooth. Specimens were coated with two layers of nail varnish, leaving a 1 mm window around the cavity margins and placed in a solution of Methylene blue Dye for 24 hour at 37°C. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally in a buccolingual direction of the restorations and evaluated under stereomicroscope to check extent of dye penetration. The results were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test (p≤0.05). Results: It was found that maximum microleakage was seen in group 1 (Fuji II GIC) as compared to group 2 (Fuji II LC GIC) and it was non-significant (p=0.53). Ascending order for mean microleakage for Group 1 was as follows: Control >GC Fuji Varnish >Icon DMG >GC G-Coat and for Group 2: Control >GC Fuji Varnish >Icon DMG >GC G-Coat. Icon when compared with Gc coat and Varnish also showed non-significant (p=0.137) difference in Group 2. Conclusion: All three different surface coatings can seal glass ionomer restorations. The GC G-Coat Plus has the least microleakage on Resin-Modified GIC (RMGIC) compared to the other surface coatings. This would aid the clinicians to make appropriate decision regarding the choice of material to be used for restoration and coating in anterior primary teeth.

Post-operative pain after 38% silver diamine fluoride application in primary molars with deep caries versus interim restorative therapy: A randomized pilot study

Aim: To compare the post-operative pain after application of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) 38% in cavitated primary molars, in relation to Interim Restorative Therapy (IRT).Design: The study was performed on 20 carious primary molars in children aged 4-6 years attending the clinic in Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health Department- Faculty of Dentistry -Cairo University. Partial excavation of caries on the walls of the cavity was performed then in group (A) SDF was applied in two visits with one-week interval, and finally Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Restoration (RMGI) was applied to the cavity. While, in group (B) Resin Modified Glass Ionomer restoration was applied immediately after partial caries excavation. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at three and six month’s follow-up periods for both groups.Results: In both groups, 100% of patients had no complications at three and six months follow up periods; except for 10% of patients experienced failure of restoration at three months in group B. The results showed insignificant differences between groups regarding clinical and radiographic outcomes at both three and six months. Conclusions: Silver Diamine Fluoride and Interim Restorative Therapy were clinically and radiographically successful when used in primary molars with cavitated dentin carious lesions.

A comparative survival analysis of high viscosity glass ionomer restorations using conventional cavity preparation and atraumatic restorative treatment technique in primary molars: A randomized clinical trial.

Background:This randomized clinical trial (RCT) aimed to compare the 3-year survival rates of high viscosity glass ionomer restorations (HVGIC) using conventional cavity preparation and atraumatic restorative technique (ART) in primary molars.Materials and Methods:In this RCT, 139 schoolchildren aged 6–9 years with dentinal caries in primary molars were randomly allocated to groups, i.e. the ART group and the conventional group, utilizing a random number generator. Adequate allocation concealment was done. Intervention was delivered using standard procedure and GC Fuji IX ART HVGIC was used as restorations in both the groups. Analysis was carried in 92 participants, and survival rates in both the groups were compared at 12, 24, and 36-month intervals. IBM SPSS software was utilized to analyze the time taken for the procedure and the Kaplan–Meier estimate was used to assess the survival rates. P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The ART took longer to complete (16.48 ± 2.02 min) versus conventional rotary instrumentation (13.15 ± 1.32 min). The conventional method was slightly superior as compared to ART; excellent survival rates (i.e. >90%) were achieved in both groups at the end of 12-month follow-up with no significant differences at the end of 24 and 36 months as evident from Kaplan–Meier estimate (P = 0.255).Conclusion:Three-year follow-up showed that GIC restorations with ART and conventional method carried out using GC Fuji IX ART HVGIC were acceptably successful, substantiating the use of ART for the primary dentition in areas with high caries prevalence and limited access to dental care.

Fizička i mehanička svojstva konvencionalnog glas-jonomer cementa sa ugrađenim katjonskim supstancama

Background: The effect of the antimicrobial agents benzalkonium chloride (BC) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) on the restorative glass ionomer tooth cement (GIC) Fuji IX was investigated. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of antimicrobial compounds impairs the physical and mechanical properties of the commercial GIC Fuji IX. Materials and Methods: The concentrations of 1%, 2% and 3% of antimicrobial agentsBC and CPC, by weight of the cement, were added during the mixing phase and different effects were studied. In most samples, there was a slight change in setting time. Samples with 4 mm diameter and 6 mm height were used to measure compressive strength and release. The release of antimicrobial compounds was analysed by UV-visible spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 259 nm for CPC and 214 nm for BC, in deionized water. Results: The obtained results showed that the release takes place through the diffusion mechanism in the first 2-3 hours, and the diffusion coefficients vary depending on the concentration. The values range is from 1.97 x 10-14 -1.78 x 10-12 m2 s-1. Release of antimicrobial compound had ceased after seven days, with total release representing between 2.15 and 4.84% of the initial additive loading. Conclusion: Both compounds have minor effect on the setting time of the GIC. The reduction of compressive strength is not statistically significant. CPC containing cements (1 and 2%), were statistically significantly weaker, than those containing BC (p<0.05).Both antimicrobial compounds have shown constant release from the GIC with values which are directly proportional both to the time and to the concentration.

Influence of Isolation Technique on the Survival of Resin-Modified Glass-Ionomer Restorations in Primary Molars: A 9-Months Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: T o compare the survival of occlusal and occlusal-proximal restorations performed with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) in deciduous molars using rubber dam and cotton rolls isolation . Material and Methods: Ninety-two patients were included and 200 deciduous molars with cavitated occlusal or occlusoproximal dentin caries lesions were randomized into two groups: cotton rolls (n = 100) and rubber dam (n = 100) and RMGIC restorations were placed. At baseline and in the follow-up visit, presence, severity and activity of caries lesions were registered. Two independent, blinded examiners evaluated the treated teeth clinically using the USPHS criteria and radiographically after 9 months. Descriptive analysis, survival curve (log-rank test) and Cox regression were performed to assess risk factors related to failure. Results: Out of the 179 teeth (92 cotton rolls group and 87 rubber dam group) evaluated at 9-month follow-up period. No lesion progression was observed radiographically. The overall treatment success rate was 85.47% (83.47% for cotton rolls and 87.35 rubber dam group). No significant difference between isolation methods was observed in the log-rank test (p = 0.16). Cox regression showed no risk factors related to failure . Conclusion: No difference was found in the survival of occlusal and occlusal-proximal restorations performed with RMGIC in deciduous molars using a rubber dam and cotton rolls isolation after a 9-month follow-up period.

Studies of the early stages of the dynamic setting process of chemically activated restorative glass-ionomer cements

Objective To evaluate the early stages of the setting process of chemically activated restorative glass-ionomer cements (GICs). Material and methods Five GICs were evaluated (n = 5): Equia Forte (GC), Equia Forte HT (GC), Ketac Universal (3M ESPE), Maxxion R (FGM) and Riva Self Cure (SDI) by Thermography, Fourier Transform Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and Gillmore needle indentation mechanical testing. The FTIR-ATR spectra showed the formation of metal carboxylates within the cements and enabled the stabilization time (ST) to be determined and the thermographic camera measured the temperature field images in the sample. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer (α = 5%). Results The Gillmore needle test showed that the order of hardening was opposite to the order of ST values determined by FTIR. The results with the thermographic camera showed two stages of temperature variation, which coincided with the evolution of specific infrared bands. The exception was Maxxion R, which showed only a single step change in temperature. Conclusion The early stages of the GIC setting reaction show temperature changes, both endothermic and exothermic, at specific times, confirming the occurrence of individual chemical reactions. The early setting involves reactions other than carboxylate formation. Significance: This study gives further detail of the early stages of the setting of GICs, and past research regarding the setting reaction of GIC.

Neutral Sodium Fluoride Gel Uptake of Newly Placed Nanodiamond-modified Glass Ionomers.

Three commercial restorative glass-ionomer cements (GICs) were modified with 5% and 10 wt/wt% nanodiamond (ND) particles incorporated into the powder of the GICs. The aim of the study was to assess the percentage of surface fluoride increase on different materials, following 2% neutral sodium fluoride gel application (2% NSF). Materials and Methods: The commercial GICs were: FN, Fuji IX GP (GC); KU, Ketac Universal (3M Oral Care); and RSC: Riva Self Cure (SDI). Grade 1 (Plasmachem) nanodiamond was used. Six specimens of each material were prepared using precise powder:liquid ratios. After a 10-min setting time, the GICs were polished. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups: control (group A) and test (group B). The samples were blot dried and group B received the 2% NSF gel for 2 min. The excess was wiped off with gauze and both groups were analyzed with SEM-EDS. Results: Data analysis revealed that all the GICs and their respective ND modifications had a statistically significant surface fluoride percentage increase (p < 0.0001) on the GICs in group B. The addition of ND10% w/w to FN (p < 0.001) and RSC (p = 0.029) resulted in statistically significant increase of surface fluoride percentage. KU remained consistent with no statistically significant increase noted between ND-modified KU and KU in group A or B. Conclusion: The ability of GICs to absorb the 2% NSF gel immediately after finishing of the restoration statistically significantly increases the fluoride percentage of the surface layer.

Translucency parameter of conventional restorative glass-ionomer cements.

To evaluate the translucency parameter (TP) and contrast ratio (CR) of different conventional restorative glass-ionomer cements (GICs). Eighteen brands of GICs were evaluated. Five disks of each material were made following ISO 9917-1. The luminous reflectance and Central Bureau of the International Commission on Illumination parameters of disks were evaluated using a colorimeter, against backings of white and black, to obtain the translucent parameter and contrast ratio of different brands of glass-ionomer cements. The correlation between translucency parameter and contrast ratio was assessed with the Pearson correlation test. The translucent and contrast ratio parameters values were submitted to the one-way ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons (p< 0.05). There was a strong inverse relationship between CR and TP (r2 = 0.94, p< 0.001). The contrast ratio decreased as translucency increased. There were significant differences in TP and CR among brands (p< 0.001). GICs exhibit different translucency and contrast ratio behavior. Some brands of GICs presented very low TP and this condition would be unacceptable for areas with esthetic demands. In addition, TP and CR showed a strong linear relationship. The results found in this study demonstrated that the knowledge of the translucency and CR of different conventional restorative GICs is important in order to guide clinicians in the selection of restorative GICs for anterior teeth.

Root Canal Retreatment and Intracoronal Bleaching on the Maxillary First Premolar

Introduction. Inadequate root canal preparation and obturation are potential causes of endodontic failure. Failed root canal treatment with intrinsic discoloration requires root canal re-treatment and intracoronal bleaching. Due to the extensive loss of hard tissues on occlusal area, the restoration requires intracanal retention with short fiber-reinforced composite. Case report. A 17-year-old male patient came to the Clinic of Conservative Dentistry Dental Hospital Prof. Soedomo. He reported pain and discomfort on maxillary first premolar while chewing after root canal procedure had been performed few months before. He felt unconvinience with the discoloration happened on those tooth. Patient had endodontic treatment one year ago and the tooth was restored with glass ionomer cement. Objective examination showed glass ionomer restoration was still in good condition, the tooth was sensitive to percussion but not to palpation, and showed no mobility. Periapical radiograph showed incomplete obturation with radioluscent around periapical region. Retreatment followed by intracoronal bleaching was performed under rubber dam isolation. Tooth was restored with short fiber reinforced composite and composite resin. After 3 month, patient was recalled for examine the previous sign and symptomps. Periapical radiograph showed diameter of periapical lesion was smaller and tooth functioned normally. Conclusion. Root canal retreatment and intracoronal bleaching are suitable options for teeth with failed root canal treatment and intrinsic discoloration

Prevalence and gender comparison of children requiring class I restorations in primary mandibular second molars - A retrospective study

Dental caries is a worldwide health problem and about 621 million children are affected around the world. The most common type of caries that affects the children are the class 1 caries, given by GV blacks classification. Pediatric restorations of the various lesions are commonly done using GIC and composite. Posteriors molars are more prone to caries when compared to the anteriors as they have deeper pits and fissures. This research aims on the assessment of prevalence of class I restorations using GIC and gender comparison of the class 1 restorations in the second molars of pediatric patients between 5-12 years. ​​The study was performed in the outpatient department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Data required for the study was procured by reviewing the patient records visiting the dental college. The data was sorted in excel and statistically analysed using the IBM SPSS software analysis and the results interpreted in graphs and tabulations. ​Results revealed that prevalence of GIC restorations were 41.16% and Composite restorations were 58.54% in all the primary teeth. Distribution of GIC and composite restorations on the primary mandibular second molars revealed prevalence of GIC restorations as 57.27% and prevalence of composite restorations as 42.73%. Association of gender and types of restorations among children reveals distribution of GIC restorations as 55.11% among males and 44.89% among females and the distribution of composite restorations as 50.62% among males and 49.38% among females respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). Within the limitations of the current study, glass ionomer restorations were higher in primary mandibular second molars when compared to composite restorations. On gender comparison, females received higher composite restorations when compared to males who received a Glass ionomer cement restorations.

Evaluation of the Clinical Performance of Reinforced Glass Ionomer Restorations and Influence of Heat Application on Their Shear Bond Strength and Microleakage

Purpose: This study evaluated and compared between effect of heat application on the shear bond strength and microleakage of class I reinforced glass ionomer restorations (EquiaFil Fort, Zirconomer and Resin modified glass ionomer Fuji II LC). Meanwhile, the clinical performance of such materials was assessed. Materials and Methods: Ninety caries free first and second permanent molars were divided into three groups of (30 each) according to the type of the Glass Ionomer Cements used. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups of (10 each): B1 for no heat application, B2 for 20 sec heat application and B3 for 60 sec heat application. This sample grouping was done twice in shear bond strength and microleakage assessment. A universal testing machine was used to test the shear bond strength for the specimens, while the microleakage test was examined under stereomicroscope. A total of 20 patients with split mouth design participated in this study. Each patient had two fillings according to the material used (Equia and Zirconomer). Restorations of the teeth were evaluated at the same day (base line), one month, and 6 months and were rated according to the USPHS criteria. Results: all heated groups showed higher shear bond strength and microleakage. For secondary caries, post-operative sensitivity and color match, no statistical significance differences were recorded in the clinical performance of Equia and Zirconomer. Conclusion: Application of heat improves bond strength and microleakage of GICs. The clinical outcome of both Equia and Zirconomer were considered satisfactory after 6 months.

The Effect of pH Cycling on Surface Microhardness and Fluoride Release of Two Modified Nanoclay Glass Ionomer Restorations In Class V Cavities

Purpose: To assess the effect of pH cycling on surface microhardness and fluoride release of two modified nanoclay glass ionomer restorations (in vitro). Materials and Methods: A total of 180 permanent human caries free premolars were used. Class V were prepared on facial surfaces of the teeth. They were classified according to type of glass ionomer used for restoration of the cavities into three groups (60 teeth each); conventional glass ionomer medifill (A1), Dellite 43 modified glass ionomer (A2), and Dellite LVF modified glass ionomer (A3). Each group was moreover subdivided into three subgroups (20 teeth each) relative to the immersion solution used. The First subgroup remained in distilled Water (B1 control), the second subgroup was stored in artificial Saliva (B2) whereas the third subgroup was subjected to PH cycling (B3). Microhardness and fluoride release were measured after 7 and 30 days respectively. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean microhardness and fluoride release between the different materials after pH cycling (p≤0.001). PH cycling reduced the mean microhardness of the materials but induced the highest fluoride release. Conclusion: The proposed pH cycling model affected the microhardness of the tested materials while improved their fluoride release. Although the incorporation of montmorillonite into glass ionomer liquid improved the microhardness of the materials but it had yet, no effect on its fluoride release.

Miller Class III root coverage with coronary tissue repositioning associate with conjunctive graft

Miller Class III root coverage with coronary tissue repositioning associate with conjunctive graft

Effects of aging on shear bond strength to dentin and mechanical properties of restorative glass ionomer cements

ObjectivesTo evaluate the shear bond strength to dentin (SBS), flexural strength (FS), and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of four restorative glass ionomer cements after aging in artificial saliva. Materials and methodsFor SBS testing, sound molars were ground to flat occlusal dentin and fixed with acrylic resin. Teeth were randomly divided into four groups along with the following materials: Ketac Nano, Ketac Molar, Fuji II LC and Equia. Glass ionomer cylinders were bonded to each dentin surface. For testing the mechanical properties, FS bars (25 mm × 2 mm x 2 mm) and DTS discs (4 mm × 2 mm) were fabricated. All specimens were stored in artificial saliva (37 °C) and tested after 24 h and 6 months. Data was analyzed with two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's tests (α = 5%). ResultsThe SBS results were statistically similar among the four glass ionomer cements (p > 0.05). No significant differences in SBS after 24-h and 6-month storage were found, except for in the Ketac Nano group, where a significant decrease in SBS was found after aging (p < 0.05). All materials had a significant increase in FS after aging. The DTS values did not change significantly after aging, with the exception of the Fuji II LC group. Overall, the Fuji II LC group showed significantly higher DTS and FS compared to the other materials. ConclusionsAging for 6 months did not affect the SBS of restorative glass ionomer cements, except in the case of Ketac Nano. All glass ionomer cements showed increased FS over time. The DTS remained unchanged – except for the Fuji II LC, which experienced increased DTS.

Surgical restorative treatment of periodontal disease related to external cervical root resorption: A case report

The occurrence of external cervical root resorption (ECRR) is rare. Herein, we report a case of extensive ECRR in the coronal third of the distal root of a mandibular right molar with food impaction and periapical radiolucency. The distal root was perforated and damaged due to delayed treatment. The resorptive defect was debrided, and the defect was restored with conventionally setting restorative glass-ionomer cement. Postoperative follow-up revealed complete healing.

Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Amalgam, High Viscosity and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers as Restorative Materials in Primary Molars

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; One of the major requisites of an ideal restorative material is excellent marginal seal. Microleakage has been identified as a significant clinical problem with filling materials. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the degree of microleakage of amalgam, high viscosity glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer in primary molars.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A total of 99 human non-carious primary molars that were liable to exfoliate within the next six months were selected. Standardized Class I cavities were prepared on occlusal surfaces of molars and randomly filled with either Amalgam (Aristaloy 21), High Viscosity Glass Ionomer (Ketac Molar) or ResinModified Glass Ionomer (GC Fuji II LC). The teeth were divided into nine groups (n=11 each) on the basis of filling material used and time of restored tooth extraction viz. one week, six weeks and twelve weeks. After immersion in a 2% methylene blue dye solution for 24 hours, the teeth were sectioned buccolingually in an occluso-apical direction through the middle of the restoration. The specimens were then examined under&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;stereomicroscope at 30X magnification. Statistical analyses were performed with ANOVA and Tukey&amp;rsquo;s test&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;at 5% level of significance.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Amalgam restorations had significantly less microleakage as compared to the high-viscosity glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer restorations. High-viscosity glass ionomer restorations were superior in resisting microleakage than resin-modified glass ionomers. The restorative materials used can be arranged in their sealing ability from least to severe microleakage as: Amalgam &amp;lt;High-viscosity glass ionomer &amp;lt;Resin-modified glass ionomer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Amalgam restorations showed less microleakage as compared to high-viscosity and resinmodified glass ionomer restorations. Amalgam may preferably be used as a restorative material of choice&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;for primary molars.&lt;/p&gt;

A Primary Care Randomized Controlled Trial of Hall and Conventional Restorative Techniques.

To investigate treatment outcomes of different restorative techniques undertaken by dental therapists for primary molar carious lesions in a sample of children in New Zealand primary care. This was a randomized controlled trial with children aged 3 to 8 y in New Zealand's Whanganui region. Children meeting inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to treatment with either the Hall technique (HT), in which a stainless-steel crown (SSC) is placed without any carious tissue removal or tooth preparation, or a non-Hall conventional restorative approach (NHT), including tooth preparation with selective carious tissue removal; this included SSC, amalgam, composite, or glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations. Restorative outcomes after 12 and 24 mo were categorized as success, minor failure, or major failure. Of the 295 eligible children, 149 and 146 were allocated to the HT and NHT groups, respectively, with a total of 570 carious primary molars treated by 13 dental therapists. The participant follow-up rates at 12 and 24 mo were 95% and 91%. SSCs were the most commonly used restoration in the NHT group (60%), followed by GIC (28%). SSCs were the most successful restorations regardless of whether they were placed with the HT or NHT, with success rates of 89% and 92% at 12 mo and 85% and 86% at 24 mo. In the NHT group, the treatment material was a predictor of minor failure at 12 and 24 mo, with significantly more failures with GICs. SSCs placed by dental therapists are a highly successful restoration for the primary dentition, regardless of whether they are placed with the HT or conventionally. The high failure rate of glass ionomer restorations means that they cannot be recommended for widespread use in New Zealand primary care (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12614000844640). The findings of this study can be used by policy makers and clinicians when deciding on which materials and which approach to use to maximize success and to minimize retreatment rates when providing restorative treatment for carious primary molars in children's primary oral health care. Results also suggest that undertaking research in the primary care setting may enhance translation of new knowledge and techniques into clinicians' hands.