Webinar: Minimally Invasive Dentistry - Dra. Aisha Mohamed

In pediatric dentistry, minimally invasive approaches emphasize a preventive philosophy supported by early risk assessment and tailored care. Advances in diagnostics allow clinicians to identify caries lesions at their earliest stages, enabling interventions that stop or slow progression without the need for extensive drilling or removal of tooth structure.

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Non-invasive options such as fluoride therapies, sealants, and behaviorally guided oral hygiene strategies form the foundation of this model, while minimally invasive techniques, including selective caries removal or atraumatic restorative treatments, provide solutions when intervention is required.

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By reducing patient anxiety, improving cooperation, and safeguarding dental development, minimally invasive dentistry not only addresses disease but also empowers families with knowledge and practices that promote long-term oral health.

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This patient-centered perspective ensures that treatment in pediatric dentistry is both scientifically sound and aligned with the unique needs of growing children.

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Webinar: Full Mouth Rehabilitation Treatment Planning in pediatric dentistry - Dr. Osama El Shashawy

Treatment planning for full mouth rehabilitation in children is a dynamic process that balances multiple considerations. Current evidence highlights that dental caries, the leading cause of extensive rehabilitation needs, arises from multifactorial influences such as diet, oral hygiene, microbial activity, and socioeconomic factors.

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PDF 🔽 Alternative for the rehabilitation of pediatric patients with early childhood caries ... We share the oral rehabilitation of a pediatric patient affected by early childhood caries, using a functional appliance aesthetically appropriate for the patient.

Addressing these complexities demands more than standardized care; it requires an evidence-based framework adapted to each child’s risk profile and clinical condition.

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Pediatric dentists must also integrate their professional expertise, assessing which restorative techniques, preventive measures, and behavioral strategies best align with long-term success.

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PDF 🔽 Hall technique: Complete information for the treatment of carious primary molars ... The objective of the article is to provide adequate information on the Hall technique, indications, contraindications, disadvantages, and the cost-effectiveness of this procedure.

Equally important are the preferences and expectations of families, as their involvement is central to adherence and outcomes. A carefully structured plan not only resolves the immediate dental disease but also establishes healthier oral environments, reduces the likelihood of relapse, and supports the child’s overall well-being.

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This holistic approach positions full mouth rehabilitation as more than a restorative intervention—it becomes a tailored pathway to sustainable pediatric oral health.

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Hall Technique vs Conventional Stainless Steel Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry: Effectiveness, Pros and Cons

Stainless steel crowns (SSC) are the gold standard for restoring extensively carious primary molars. The conventional technique requires caries removal, anesthesia, and tooth preparation.

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PDF 🔽 Hall technique: Complete information for the treatment of carious primary molars ... The objective of the article is to provide adequate information on the Hall technique, indications, contraindications, disadvantages, and the cost-effectiveness of this procedure.

In contrast, the Hall Technique seals caries under a preformed metal crown without local anesthesia, tooth preparation, or caries removal, aligning with the principles of minimally invasive dentistry.

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✅ Advantages and Disadvantages

1. Hall Technique
➤ Advantages
° High success rates (~94–97% at medium-term follow-up).
° No anesthesia, drilling, or caries removal, reducing anxiety in pediatric patients.
° Shorter chair time (4–5 minutes vs ~28 minutes for conventional SSCs).
° Well accepted by children and parents.
° Spontaneous occlusal adjustment within weeks.
➤ Disadvantages
° Initial occlusal vertical dimension increase (resolves in 2–30 days).
° Not suitable in advanced pulpal involvement or extensive root resorption.
° Aesthetic limitations (visible metal).
° Requires orthodontic separators in tight contacts, which may cause discomfort.

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2. Conventional Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC)
➤ Advantages
° Long clinical track record, widely taught in dental curricula.
° Effective in a broad range of clinical cases.
➤ Disadvantages
° Invasive: requires anesthesia, tooth preparation, and caries removal.
° More time-consuming (~28 minutes per case).
° Patient discomfort and possible trauma.
° Comparable survival to Hall but requires more resources

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💬 Discussion
The Hall Technique demonstrates comparable or superior survival rates to conventional SSCs in primary molars, with additional benefits of reduced chair time, less invasiveness, and higher patient acceptance. Although initial occlusal changes and esthetics remain challenges, evidence shows these issues resolve or are clinically acceptable. The Hall Technique is especially valuable in anxious children, special needs patients, or resource-limited settings.

✍️Conclusion
Both Hall and conventional SSC techniques are effective for managing extensively carious primary molars. However, the Hall Technique offers a minimally invasive, patient-friendly alternative with high success rates and reduced treatment burden. Proper case selection remains essential to ensure long-term success.

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📚 References

✔ Altoukhi, D. H., & El-Housseiny, A. A. (2020). Hall technique for carious primary molars: A review of the literature. Dentistry Journal, 8(2), 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj8020035

✔ Innes, N. P. T., Ricketts, D., Chong, L. Y., Keightley, A. J., Lamont, T., & Santamaria, R. M. (2019). Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(5), CD005512. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005512.pub3

✔ Ludwig, K. H., Fontana, M., Vinson, L. A., Platt, J. A., & Dean, J. A. (2014). The success of stainless steel crowns placed with the Hall technique. Journal of the American Dental Association, 145(12), 1248–1253. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.2014.95

✔ Elamin, F., Abdelazeem, N., & Honkala, E. (2019). Comparison of Hall technique and conventional stainless steel crown techniques for primary molars: A randomized controlled trial. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 20(5), 467–474. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-019-00421-3

✔ Ayedun, O. S., Folayan, M. O., & Oyedele, T. A. (2021). Comparison of the treatment outcomes of the Hall technique and conventional stainless steel crown technique. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 24(4), 548–554. https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_507_19

✔ Badar, S. B., Tabassum, S., & Khan, F. R. (2019). Effectiveness of Hall technique for carious primary molars: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 12(2), 132–138. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1622

✔ Hu, S. (2022). Hall technique for managing carious primary molars: A systematic review. Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 123(6), 581–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jormas.2022.01.003

Herkar, P. P., Karkera, R., & Thomas, A. (2022). A comparative study of stress distribution in primary molars restored with Hall and conventional SSC techniques using finite element analysis. Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, 40(3), 205–212. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpd.jpd_25_22

✔ MedRxiv. (2025, May 19). Comparative survival of Hall vs conventional preformed metal crowns in primary molars. MedRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.05.18.25327863

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Stainless Steel Crowns for Kids: When and Why They’re the Best Option

Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are one of the most reliable restorations used in pediatric dentistry, especially for baby molars that have severe decay or have undergone pulp therapy.

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First introduced in the 1950s, they are still widely used because they are strong, affordable, and long-lasting—often outperforming white fillings in baby teeth.

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✅ When Are Stainless Steel Crowns Used in Children?
Pediatric dentists commonly use SSCs when:

° A baby tooth has large cavities that can’t be fixed with a regular filling
° The tooth has been treated with a pulpotomy or pulpectomy
° The enamel is weak due to conditions like enamel hypoplasia or molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH)
° The tooth has fractured due to trauma
° The child is at high risk of cavities or has special healthcare needs

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✅ Benefits of Stainless Steel Crowns for Baby Teeth

° Long-lasting protection (often until the tooth naturally falls out)
° Full coverage and excellent seal against bacteria
° Quick and easy placement in a single visit
° Ideal for young children or those who have trouble cooperating
° Lower cost than most other restorative options

✅ How Pediatric Dentists Place a Stainless Steel Crown

1. Examine and diagnose the tooth
2. Choose the correct crown size
3. Reduce the biting surface and sides of the tooth
4. Try in the crown to ensure a proper fit
5. Cement it using glass ionomer cement
6. Check the bite and remove any excess cement

The entire process can often be done in one appointment, which is especially helpful for children with limited patience or dental anxiety.

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✅ Why Not Just Do a Filling?

White fillings (composite) or silver fillings (amalgam) may work for small cavities, but they often fail in baby teeth with major decay. Stainless steel crowns are stronger, more protective, and have a much lower failure rate—especially when the child is at high risk for future cavities.
While some parents may prefer tooth-colored crowns, research shows that SSCs have a success rate of over 90%, even after several years. Esthetic crowns like zirconia are more expensive, and not always ideal for very young or uncooperative children.

💡 Conclusion

Stainless steel crowns remain the gold standard for restoring primary molars with major damage. They offer reliable, long-term protection, are cost-effective, and reduce the need for future dental work.
If your child needs treatment for a decayed or weakened baby tooth, talk to your pediatric dentist about whether a stainless steel crown is the right option. In many cases, it’s the best way to keep their smile healthy and pain-free until the adult teeth come in.

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PDF 🔽 Indications for Hall technique usage in pediatric dentistry ... The Hall technique is a minimally invasive technique that controls the progression of caries, making it a much simpler procedure with less preparation

📚 References

✔ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). (2023). Clinical Practice Guidelines: Restorative Dentistry. Reference Manual, 45(6), 372–380. https://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies--recommendations/

✔ Lynch, C. D., O'Sullivan, V. R., & McConnell, R. J. (2020). Success and survival of stainless steel crowns placed in primary molars: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 30(3), 212–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12612

✔ Santos, J. M., Diniz, M. B., Oliveira, B. H., & Braga, M. M. (2021). Longevity of restorations in primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatric Dentistry, 43(1), 16–24. https://www.aapd.org

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Zirconia crowns in pediatric dentistry: Clinical considerations and step-by-step procedure

Early childhood caries destroys children's dental tissue, especially the upper incisors, putting the patient's aesthetics, chewing, phonation, and social development at risk.

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Currently there are several aesthetic alternatives for the oral rehabilitation of pediatric patients, such as direct resins, celluloid crowns or zirconia crowns.

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Learn about the indications and contraindications of zirconia crowns in pediatric dentistry, in addition to the clinical considerations and protocol for successful implementation of the crowns. Information in PDF and video

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👉 "Clinical considerations for preformed zirconia crowns in early childhood caries: A case series and review of literature" 👈

Rajesh Hemant Bariker, Jorge Casián-Adem, Ivonne Segovia. Clinical considerations for preformed zirconia crowns in early childhood caries: A case series and review of literature. Contemp Pediatr Dent 2022:3(1):24-34

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Dental Bridges: Step by Step Procedure

When one or several teeth are lost due to trauma or advanced caries, a series of serious consequences opens up that puts the patient's occlusion, chewing and aesthetics at risk.

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There are several ways to replace missing teeth, such as removable dentures, dental bridges, and implants. There are several types of dental bridges and must be previously evaluated by the dentist.

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We share the definition, types, importance, and the step-by-step procedure of dental bridges.

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Hall Technique Procedure Manual: Advantages, Disadvantages, Step-by-Step Procedure

Caries is an infectious, multifactorial and most prevalent disease that affects the dental surface of the primary and permanent dentition. It is important to rehabilitate the affected teeth to avoid serious consequences in the development of the dentition.

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The Hall technique is a safe and effective procedure that prevents the advance of dental caries in primary teeth. One of its great advantages is its low cost and little prior preparation.

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We share a manual on the Hall technique, detailing step by step its preparation and the justification for its use in controlling dental caries in primary dentition.

📌 Read and download the article in PDF : Hall Technique Procedure Manual: Advantages, Disadvantages, Step-by-Step Procedure



The Hall Technique A minimal intervention, child centred approach to managing the carious primary molar. Text copyright Nicola Innes, Dafydd Evans, Matthew Stewart, Alex Keightley. University of Dundee. Edition 4: 01.07.15

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