THE HALL TECHNIQUE IN PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND AN “ALL HALL”...

What is it about?

Aim: This paper highlights a non-invasive treatment option for primary molars, where decay is sealed under preformed stainless steel crowns (SSC). Summary: Restoring the carious primary molar in children using the “Hall Technique (HT)” is an internationally controversial but evidence-based new treatment modality. It started in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2007 where it is now considered the “Gold Standard” for managing the multi-surface asymptomatic carious primary molar. We review the literature and report a two year follow up of a case treated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) where we restored all eight carious primary molars in a 3-year-old child by using the Hall Technique. This approach avoided the need for treatment under local analgesia general anesthesia in this very young child. It is relevant to general dental practitioners, with an interest in children’s dentistry in addition to specialists in pediatric dentistry. Key learning points: - SSCs placed using the HT are not suitable for all child patients with caries; - There are selection criteria that should be assessed before considering this technique;- There should be a clear radiolucent band between the carious lesion and pulp of the tooth intended to be restored with the HT; - There should be no signs or symptoms of pulpal pathosis;- All teeth treated with the HT should be followed up clinically and radiographically following the same protocols as conventional treatments.Keyword: primary molars, stainless steel crowns, caries, Hall technique.

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