Cavity Preparation and Restoration in Primary Teeth

24 question-and-answer flashcards summarising key points on cavity preparation and restoration in primary teeth.

What are primary teeth also known as?

Deciduous, predecessors, baby, temporary, fall teeth.

How thick is the enamel in primary teeth compared with permanent teeth?

Primary enamel: 1–1.5 mm; permanent enamel: 2–2.5 mm.

List four functions of primary teeth.

Mastication, speech, aesthetics, guiding permanent teeth into occlusion and maintaining space.

Give two main reasons for restoring primary teeth.

To eradicate disease/restore health and to prevent pain (also to avoid pulpal involvement and restore function).

Name three indications for cavity preparation in primary teeth.

Caries, fractures, developmental anomalies.

Why must bur size be carefully chosen for cavity preparation in primary teeth?

Because deciduous molars are smaller; oversized burs may cause unnecessary tooth removal and pulp exposure.

Why is carvo-surface bevelling generally unnecessary in primary molars?

The enamel prisms on the gingival wall are oriented occlusally, so the margins are already supported.

What precaution should be taken when preparing the cavity lock on a narrow occlusal table?

Avoid over-cutting that could weaken cusps.

List the five classical steps in Black’s cavity preparation principle.

Outline form, retention form, resistance form, convenience form/oral toileting, restoration.

State two reasons why Black’s principles are not routinely followed for primary teeth today.

They remove excessive tooth structure risking pulpal exposure, and newer adhesive, fluoride-releasing materials make extensive retention forms unnecessary.

What is the overall philosophy of Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID)?

Preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while effectively removing disease and restoring function.

Outline the basic clinical steps in Minimal Intervention Dentistry for primary teeth.

Administer local anaesthesia, isolate with rubber dam, gain access, remove caries, shape minimal outline, restore.

How does Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) differ from conventional methods?

Uses only hand instruments, usually without local anaesthesia, to remove caries and place a restorative material (often GIC).

Which hand instruments form the core armamentarium for primary tooth cavity preparation?

Mouth mirror, dental probe, excavator, condenser.

Name two restorative materials commonly used in primary teeth.

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) and composite resin.

What is the tunneling technique in primary molars?

A conservative Class II approach where access is made through the occlusal surface, leaving the marginal ridge intact to treat a small approximal lesion.

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the tunneling technique.

Advantage: preserves marginal ridge and leaches fluoride when GIC is used; Disadvantage: risk of incomplete caries removal and marginal ridge fracture.

List three other restorative options for primary teeth besides conventional fillings.

Fissure sealants, stainless steel crowns, acrylic crowns/veneers.

Why is detailed knowledge of primary tooth morphology essential during cavity preparation?

To avoid pulpal exposure and to design conservative, effective restorations suited to the tooth’s unique anatomy.

What benefit do modern adhesive, fluoride-releasing materials offer in primary tooth restoration?

They bond to dentine and enamel, allow minimal cavity preparation, and help remineralize residual affected dentine.

In primary molars, what is the direction of enamel prisms on the gingival wall?

They are directed occlusally.

How can the pronounced lingual and palatal cingula complicate restorative procedures?

They make placement of matrix bands or orthodontic bands more difficult.

Is local anaesthesia typically required for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART)?

No; ART is designed to be performed without local anaesthesia.