The Hall technique: a pilot trial of a novel use of preformed metal crowns for managing carious primary teeth.

Abstract

Objective A clinical trial of the Hall technique, a novel method of managing carious primary molars, involving cementation of preformed metal crowns on carious teeth without local anaesthesia, caries removal, or tooth preparation of any kind. The study aimed to determine the acceptability of the Hall technique to a range of dentists, patients, and their parents, as a pilot trial before setting up a randomised control clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of the technique. Methods The study sample comprised children between 5 - 9 years-of-age who had a carious primary molar in need of restoration. Eight dentists (four general dental practitioners and four hospital dentists) were asked to recruit 10 children each, and to attempt to fit one preformed metal crown for each child using the Hall technique. Patient, parent, and dentist acceptability of the technique was determined through questionnaire. Results