Atraumatic restorative treatment in pediatric dentistry: assessing its effectiveness in caries removal in schoolchildren
Keywords:
CARIES DENTAL; NIÑO; ODONTOLOGÍA PEDIÁTRICA; TRATAMIENTO RESTAURATIVO ATRAUMÁTICO DENTAL., DENTAL CARIES; CHILD; PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY; DENTAL ATRAUMATIC RESTORATIVE TREATMENT., CÁRIE DENTÁRIA; CRIANÇA; ODONTOPEDIATRIA; TRATAMENTO DENTÁRIO RESTAURADOR SEM TRAUMA.Abstract
Introduction: childhood caries is a multifactorial disease that affects oral health and generates anxiety regarding conventional dental treatments.
Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in caries removal in schoolchildren, analyzing restoration survival rates and clinical benefits.
Methods: a systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted across multiple databases. The search employed an algorithm combining keywords and Boolean operators to identify relevant sources. Selected studies, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, were critically analyzed considering recency, methodological quality, and thematic relevance, and integrated into the final synthesis of the review.
Development: studies show that ART—based on hand instruments and materials such as glass ionomer cement—presents restoration survival rates between 47 % and 90 %. Compared to conventional techniques, its efficacy is slightly lower, although it offers advantages such as shorter application time, reduced anxiety, and greater acceptance among pediatric patients. Effectiveness increases when combined with silver diamine fluoride or Hall technique. Limitations include variability in outcomes based on materials, operator skill, and dentition type.
Conclusions: ART is an effective and well-accepted alternative in pediatric dentistry, especially in resource-limited settings. Although its success rate is lower than conventional methods, it provides psychological and practical benefits for children. Comparative and longitudinal research is recommended to optimize its application and ensure sustained outcomes.
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