Therapeutic effect of permeable resin and composite resin filling combined with self-etching adhesive in the treatment of dental caries in children.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of permeable resin filling compared with composite resin filling compared with a self-etching adhesive in the treatment of dental caries in children.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 118 children with dental caries treated at Shenzhen Second People's Hospital from April 2021 to April 2024. According to the treatment plans, patients were divided into two groups: the control group (n = 59), treated with composite resin filling and a self-etching adhesive, and the observation group (n = 59), treated with permeable resin filling. The overall clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. In addition, inflammatory markers [Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8)], periodontal health indicators [bleeding index (BI), plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), probe depth (PD)], restoration quality (marginal adaptation rate and retention rate), tooth sensitivity, treatment cooperation [visual analog scale (VAS) score, Tactile value, Schiff score, Houpt score, Frank1 score] and oral health-related quality of life-based on the Children's Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) scale were evaluated before and 3 months after treatment.

Results: At 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, the observation group showed significantly higher overall clinical efficacy compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that among patients with superficial caries, the observation group achieved a significantly higher response rate (P < 0.05). After treatment, levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, BI, PLI, GI, PD, VAS, Schiff score, Houpt score, Frank1 score, and COHIP score decreased in both groups, while tactile value increased. Moreover, the observation group exhibited greater improvements across all inflammatory, periodontal, restorative, tooth sensory, behavioral and quality of life metrics compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 5.08% in the observation group and 13.56% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Permeable resin filling demonstrates superior permeability, enhanced caries repair outcomes, and favorable safety in the treatment of pediatric dental caries, making it a clinically valuable therapeutic option.