Restorative treatment of primary teeth: an evidence-based narrative review

Abstract

Various methods, with a variety of materials, exist for restoring carious primary teeth. Successful restoration of primary teeth is dependent on accurate diagnosis, knowledge of the caries process, knowledge of dental materials, and treatment choice. The purpose of this evidence-based review is to present evidence that will help clinicians to make an appropriate diagnosis, from which the optimum treatment plan can be made; to explore the literature regarding restoration of carious primary teeth; and to try and draw conclusions as to which materials and methods can be recommended. This review will primarily deal with the restoration of carious cavities in primary molars. A short discussion on restoration of primary incisors is included, with presentation of what limited evidence there is relating to this.

Keywords: Primary teeth; diagnosis; materials; restoration.