Objectives: To compare the survival rates of ART and conventional restorations in older patients.
Methods: Partially dentate patients with coronal and root caries were recruited from two different health centers and randomly allocated to receive either ART using hand instrumentation and glass ionomer restorations, or conventional treatment including local anaesthesia, rotary instrumentation and restorations using a resin-modified glass ionomer. In order to enter the study, patients needed to be over 65 years of age, present with some natural teeth and have caries that could be treated by either technique. They received oral hygiene instructions, prophylaxis and the restoration of carious teeth. All treatment was carried out by a single operator using a standardised treatment protocol. Patients were reviewed after 6 months and again after 1 year of restoration placement. Survival was measured using the ART criteria, and post treatment assessment was undertaken by a calibrated independent assessor.
Results: 189 restorations were placed in 63 patients ( 32 males and 31 females) with a median age of 71 (IQR:69-76). 106 restorations were placed using ART and 83 using the conventional technique. 93% of these restorations were on one surface only and 39.7% were root restorations. After 1 year, 103 ART and 82 conventional restorations were evaluated and the respective survival rates were 89.6% and 95.2%.
Conclusions: Survival of restorations provided using ART seem to be comparable to conventional treatment in older adults. ART is a good alternative for caries management in older patients.