First official results of an Australian-first Study, aimed at testing a painless method of treating tooth decay in young children is proving to be a hit with clinicians, parents and children.
The results have just been presented at the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry conference in Glasgow, Scotland.
A research team led by Dental Health Services Victoria’s pediatric dentist, Adjunct Professor Hanny Calache is conducting a study using stainless steel caps/crowns to seal decay in young children’s baby molars without using a needle or a drill.
“Sealing early to moderate levels of tooth decay stops it from getting worse. The majority of children in this study did not experience any discomfort during the procedure, which takes about 5 minutes to complete. It is a fantastic and exciting innovation that could dramatically reduce the need for drilling and filling young children's baby teeth,” said Prof Calache.
“Stainless steel crowns have been in use for more than 60 years but this is the first time in Australia they have been investigated to seal tooth decay in children's teeth.”
Known as the ‘Hall Technique,’ the method has been tested in Scotland with much success over a five year period.
Released for the first time this week Phase 1 results of this study which include 251 children (aged 3 to 7 years) have shown that the Hall Technique:
- has the real potential to reduce stress and anxiety for children and their families around dental treatment
- has the potential to reduce referrals for general anaesthesia for the management of dental decay in young children
The research is now entering Phase 2 of the trial which will test the success of the technique at 6, 12 and 24 months after being placed on the baby molars of this group of Australian Children.
The study is funded by the William Buckland Foundation and is undertaken in partnership with North Richmond Community Health, Monash Health and Barwon Health, Melbourne Dental School, University of Adelaide, Deakin University and the Australian Dental Council.
For more information please contact Suzana Talevski on 0407 961 413 or email Suzana.talevski@dhsv.org.au