Clinical Evaluation of ART in Schoolchildren, RJ-Brazil

Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) has become a real option for caries treatment in public health in Brazil. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the durability, the resistance, and the effectiveness of ART restorations in vivo in 31 students (ages 6 to 12 yrs old at the Municipal Rotary School, RJ – Brazil). Methods: After DMF-T and dmf-t examination according to WHO criteria, all students with dental cavities received ART with VITRO MOLAR® – DFL, along with oral health instruction. Exclusion criteria were the presence of very deep cavities and exposed pulp exposition, in which cases the students were referred to the Municipality Health Care. The restorations were clinically observed after 6, 12, and 24 mos. Results: In total, 72 restorations were made in 31 students. After 6 mos, 5 restorations were fractured and 3 presented with some material lost. At 12 mos, 8 more restorations were lost, only 1 was fractured, and 7 had lost some material. After 24 mos, 12 more restorations were lost, 3 had lost some material, and 12 teeth had exfoliated. Conclusions: Although not all restorations could be evaluated until 24 mos, no secondary caries was detected, even when the fillings were (partly) affected. This glass ionomer, when used in an ART setting, was successful in avoiding dental caries and its progression for at least one year, and therefore we recommend its use in areas with limited or no access to dental care.