Six-year evaluation of the atraumatic restorative treatment approach in permanent-tooth Class III restorations.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the 6-year performance of the ART (atraumatic restorative treatment) approach in Class III restorations in permanent teeth.


METHODS
A total of 127 ART Class III restorations, using Ketac-Molar (3M ESPE) ionomer cement, was performed in 58 adult patients by one experienced operator in 1998. After a 6 years, 34 patients and 65 restorations were evaluated according to ART criteria. Two calibrated examiners carried out the evaluation. Data were analyzed by exact 95% Confidence Interval and Survival Analysis using the Jackknife method for standard error determination.


RESULTS
Among assessed restorations, 73.8% (95% CI = 61.5% to 86.2%) were in good condition and classified as successful, with a 67.6% (95% CI = 54.4% to 80.7%) cumulative survival rate. Failed restorations included 13.9% completely or partially missing restorations, 9.2% restorations that had been replaced by other treatment, 1.5% restorations with a large defect at the margin, and 1.5% restorations that presented high wear on the surface. No caries was observed even in those teeth in which restorations were absent.


CONCLUSIONS
The 6-year success rate of the ART approach in anterior permanent teeth (Class III) was considered high.
Prakki
Anuradha
A
Department of Operative Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials, Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil. prakki@yahoo.com
Nunes
Margareth C P
MC
Cefaly
Daniela F G
DF
Lauris
José R P
JR
Navarro
Maria F L
MF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003736:Dental Cavity Lining / Q000379:methods; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012116:Resins, Plant; D019233:Retreatment; D013499:Surface Properties; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D012116:Resins, Plant; C110712:ketac-molar; C023806:Copalite; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide