Pediatric Restorative Dentistry

Abstract

This best practice provides clinicians with guidance to form decisions about restorative dentistry, including when treatment is necessary and which techniques and materials are appropriate for restorative dentistry in pediatric patients. Not every caries lesion requires restoration, and restorative treatment of caries alone does not stop the disease process. Further, restorations have finite lifespans. Restorative approaches and supporting evidence for the excavation and restoration of deep caries lesions, including complete excavation, stepwise (i.e., two-step) excavation, partial (i.e., one-step) excavation, and no removal of caries prior to restoration, are discussed. Further research on long-term effectiveness of resin infiltration for small, noncavitated interproximal lesions is recommended. The evidence for and against the use of amalgam, composite, glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer cements, compomers, stainless steel crowns, and anterior crowns has been summarized. Practitioners should familiarize themselves with such evidence to inform their clinical decisions regarding pediatric restorative dentistry. 

This document was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Councils on Clinical Affairs and Scientific Affairs to offer updated information and guidance regarding restorative dental care for children. 

^{KEYWORDS:  DENTISTRY, OPERATIVE, DENTAL MATERIALS, DENTAL RESTORATION, PERMANENT, DENTAL RESTORATION, TEMPORARY, EVIDENCE-BASED DENTISTRY}