Hall Technique Revisited: Literature Update and Case Reports

Objectives: The Hall Technique is a minimally invasive way of treating caries in the pediatric population. Preformed stainless steel crowns are cemented over carious primary teeth without local anesthetic delivery, tooth preparation or caries removal. By sealing the tooth from the oral environment, the Hall Technique is said to stop the lesion from progressing and to be as effective as other restorative treatment options. However, controversy and general reluctance to the use of the Hall Method still exist.
Methods: This poster will present a review of the current literature by including all existing clinical trials and critically appraising the evidence on the success of Hall technique. To illustrate the method two completed clinical cases are described with relevant photographs and radiographs. These include two young pre-cooperative dental patients where the need for comprehensive care under General Anesthesia is avoided by using the Hall method.
Results: In all of the literature that was reviewed and the clinical cases, the Hall Technique was as or more successful than conventional restorations in the primary dentition.
Conclusions: Although a scope for further clinical studies is identified, the Hall Technique should be considered a viable treatment option. The place of the Hall method both in general and specialist based dental practice is discussed.