Silver-modified atraumatic restorative treatment in managing early childhood caries. 1-year clinical results of “SMART” technique in primary teeth: A retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to assess the 12-month clinical success of the silver-modified atraumatic restorative treatment (SMART) technique in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: The analyses (Modified- United States Public Health Service criteria) were performed on retrospective clinical records (3-6-12 months) of 53 cases (2-6 years, no spontaneous pain-sensitivity to percussion-palpation) treated with the SMART technique during the pandemic. The teeth were divided into groups by location (Mandibular-Maxillary) and cavity preparation (Class-1-2-3). P-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: The success rate of retention, marginal discoloration, and secondary caries in the mandibula (84.8%), was higher than the values detected in the maxilla (38.5%) and teeth with Class-1 cavity preparation were significantly more successful at 12-month assessments (p=0.038). Mandibular cases and Class-1 cavities revealed better results in marginal adaptation assessments (78.8%, and 88.9%, respectively). Conclusion: SMART can be a preferable alternative for short-term applications in the management of carious primary teeth of young children with dental anxiety. Clinical Relevance: This study highlights an alternative treatment approach that focuses on caries arresting in children with dental anxiety at least for a period until the child becomes more mature and able to comply with the advanced treatment procedure.