AIM

This was to evaluate the influence of two methods of tooth-isolation on the survival rate of proximal ART restorations in the primary molars.

METHODS

The study was conducted in two rural divisions in Kenya, with 7 operators randomly paired to a group of 8 assistants. A total of 804 children each had one proximal cavity in a primary molar restored using the ART approach. During restorations 2 isolation methods, rubber dam or cotton wool rolls, and 3 brands of glass ionomer cements were used by the operators. The restorations were then followed for a period of 2 years.

STATISTICS

SPSS 14.0 was used to analyse and relate the data obtained to the method of isolation used.

RESULTS

After 2 years 30.8% of the ART restorations had survived. Higher survival rates of the restorations were obtained when using rubber dam irrespective of the GIC material or the operator.

CONCLUSION

Generally the survival rate of the proximal restorations in the present study was very low, but the use of rubber dam resulted in a higher survival rate of the restorations.