Longevity of Restorative Treatments in Pediatric Patients: EBD in the Era of EHR

“The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the longevity of restorations in primary molars, based on dental claims data for children 0-14 years of age. Researchers identified specific factors (patient age at initial treatment, restoration size and restorative material) that significantly associated with restoration survival. Dental treatment services claims for six consecutive years 2008-2013 were queried for treatments on primary molars. Treatments studied included sealants, amalgam (one- and two- surface) and composite (one-, and two-surface). Survival was calculated using the nonparametric Kaplan-Meier method for one or more groups of either complete or censored data. Log Rank and generalized Wilcoxon Chi-square statistics were used to test for homogeneity of the estimated survival function across groups.”

“The results suggest that survival of dental sealants is related to patient age. Amalgam and composite restorations have similar survival characteristics, with some differences by tooth type. Future research will focus on developing an evidence-based, multifactorial predictive model for survival of restorative treatments in primary molars, incorporating provider, patient and restorations risk factors.”

Read the full article: Dentistry Pediatrics / Children’s Health Longevity of restorative treatments in pediatric patients: EBD in the era of EHR