Hybrid child-friendly biological primary molar restorative alternatives to general anaesthesia

In 2015, and in a Dental Update opening editorial, the management of dental caries under general anaesthesia (GA) in the United Kingdom was labelled ‘a national disgrace’.¹ Nearly 70,000 children and teenagers underwent exodontia due to dental caries in the hospital GA environment in the UK between 2013 and 2014, many of which were due to early childhood caries (ECC) with many repeat GAs occurring.¹ This has placed emphasis on seeking alternative ways in managing dental caries, especially in young children.

Clinical management of ECC can have a detrimental effect on the long-term health, well-being and quality of life of a child and severe ECC (S-ECC) presents a significant challenge to general dental practitioners (GDPs) and paediatric dentists alike.² The complexity of the treatment of this disease in early life, resulting from the challenging behaviour management, necessitates the utilization of advanced techniques, most commonly general anaesthesia (GA). The high prevalence of S-ECC caries in our region (UAE)³ in younger age children presents a challenge, however, various models of treatment are offered globally.