Oral rehabilitation of patient with severe early childhood caries: a case report

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is very common in pre-school children and shows a pattern of development which is defined and symmetrical, beginning on the cervical third of labial surface of maxillary anterior teeth. Accordingly, it can damage speech, swallowing, feeding, development, esthetics and self-esteem of the child. Objective: To report a case of a 5-year-old female patient with S-ECC on teeth #51, #52, #61 and #62. Case report: The patient came to dental clinic of the university with her mother for dental care. During the interview, the mother reported that her daughter used to drink milk in baby bottle at day and night with sugar content. Moreover, oral hygiene was not performed after bottle feeding at night. On clinical examination, the teeth #51, #52, #61 and #62 presented coronal destruction, and the mucosa associated at these teeth was very inflamed. Radiographically, it was found that carious lesions were limited to inner dentin. The treatment plan included education on oral hygiene and diet guidance. Rehabilitation with acetate matrixes was the treatment chosen for teeth destroyed by caries. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the use of acetate matrixes is an effective alternative to return aesthetics and functionality to teeth of patients with severe early childhood caries.