Lecture Title:
Restorations of the primary anterior teeth: Is it possible?
Early childhood caries (ECC) in children is typically observed clinically as a white spot lesion.
Later it will eventually resulting in cavity if demineralisation is extensive. ECC is referred to
presence of 1 or more decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries) or
filled tooth surfaces in a child under the age of 6. In children younger than 3 years of age, any
sign of smooth surface caries is indicative of severe ECC (S-ECC). S-ECC in primary young
children that occur abruptly, spreading widely and rapidly and is burrowing in nature resulting
in early involvement of dental pulp. Caries prevalence in Malaysia among 6-yr-old remains
high with small decline from 76.1% in 2005 to 71.3% in 2015 (NOHPS).
Restorative treatment of ECC is based on removal of caries and treatment approach taken
should take into consideration of the child’s risk factor and age. In addition, the choice of
restorative material used can be influenced by site and extent of decay, child’s ability to
cooperate and longevity of restorations.