Hall Technique for Carious Primary Molars: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The high frequency of caries in primary teeth and its inadequate treatment are major public health problems during childhood. Nowadays, the Hall technique is one of the methods used for biological sealing in carious lesions in primary molars. Thus, the bacteria will be sealed from oral environment and the caries will be inactive. The objective of this article was to provide an updated search on the Hall technique description, indication, contraindication, advantages, concerns, success and failure, cost-effectiveness, acceptability, and preference in pediatric dentistry, and to compare the Hall technique with traditional crown preparation and conventional treatment options for carious primary molars. A discussion of the recently published articles on the Hall technique reveals that the Hall technique is considered a promising restorative option with high acceptability and longevity; with low failure rate for managing carious primary molars compared to conventional treatment modalities used in primary care settings. Furthermore, the survival rate of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) is considered high, whether provided using Hall technique or traditional preparation by a pediatric dentist. Thus, the Hall technique can be an effective addition to the clinician's range of treatment options for carious primary molars. However, it should be chosen in restricted cases.

Keywords: Hall technique; carious; pediatric dentistry; primary molars; use.

Figure 1

A four-year-old boy treated with Hall preformed metal crowns (PMCs) showing: (a) A pre-treatment lateral photograph showing the patient’s occlusion, (b) a post-treatment lateral photograph showing the patient’s occlusion (taken immediately after cementation of the last PMC), and (c) a one-year-recall photograph showing correction of the OVD.