Iatrogenic damage to the adjacent surfaces of primary molars, in three different ways of cavity preparation

Aim: A clinical study was carried out to compare three methods of preparing a cavity regarding the measure of damage to adjacent teeth: the ART method, the use of the latest version of Carisolv T and as a control group the use of rotating instruments. Methods: Preparations (217) were made by 2 Tanzanian dentists and 2 final year Dutch dental students at the Muhimbili University College of Health Science (MUCHS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Only children 7 years old, with one class II cavity in a primary molar and no dental experience were included in the study. After cavity preparation, partial impressions of the adjacent teeth were made, from which resin models were cast and later studied under a stereomicroscope. Results: These showed damage of 91.7% in the Bur group, which was significantly greater than in the ART and Carisolv T groups (62.7% and 59.5% respectively). Conclusion: Protection of the adjacent surfaces is necessary, for instance in the form of matrix band separation and by means of damage reducing techniques. More studies on the long term effect of the damage need to be conducted.