Giomer s-prg technology as an alternative restoration in early childhood caries

Abstract

Aim: As a reference for restorative materials that can be used in early childhood caries (ECC) cases. Background: The term ECC is used to describe any form of caries in infants and preschool children. Treatment of ECC should be adjusted depending on the clinical condition of pediatric patients, which is to restore teeth function by restoring cavity and also to give esthetic aspect. Application of correct restorative material could prevent secondary caries and extensive damage to the tooth layer while maintaining primary teeth until exfoliation. Giomer is a real hybrid restorative material from glass ionomer and resin composites with fluoride-releasing and fluoride-recharging properties, with the main composition based on prereacted glass ionomer (PRG) technology. Case description: A 5-year-old boy accompanied by his mother to Dental Hospital Universitas Padjadjaran with a cavity on the right and left front upper teeth, absence of throbbing pain. Intraoral clinical examination showed caries on teeth 51, 52, 61, 62, 63, 64, 84, and composite fillings and secondary caries on teeth 74. The restoration was performed on the anterior teeth using giomer technology surface prereacted glass (S-PRG) material with different techniques (bulk-fill using strip crown, bulk-fill without using strip crown and layering). Pulpotomy treatment was lads performed on teeth 64, 74, and 84, then restored using bulk-fill giomer material. The restoration was evaluated for 1 month using modified USPHS criteria and assessments. The results showed Alfa (A) criteria for all teeth restored using giomer material. Conclusion: Based on the characteristics of the giomer S-PRG technology, this material can be considered as an alternative for restoration in cases of ECC. Clinical significance: Giomer S-PRG technology releases ions that can play a role in tooth mineralization, antibacterial activity, improvement of acid resistance, and prevention of bacterial adhesion.