Root caries is common in institutionalized elders, and effective prevention methods are needed. This clinical trial compared the effectiveness of four methods in preventing new root caries. From 21 residential homes, 306 generally healthy elders having at least 5 teeth with exposed sound root surfaces were randomly allocated into one of four groups: (1) individualized oral hygiene instruction (OHI); (2) OHI and applications of 1% chlorhexidine varnish every 3 months; (3) OHI and applications of 5% sodium fluoride varnish every 3 months; and (4) OHI and annual applications of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution. Two-thirds (203/306) of the elders were followed for 3 years. Mean numbers of new root caries surfaces in the four groups were 2.5, 1.1, 0.9, and 0.7, respectively (ANOVA, p < 0.001). SDF solution, sodium fluoride varnish, and chlorhexidine varnish were more effective in preventing new root caries than giving OHI alone.

Objectives This study describes patients' perceptions of changes in oral health related quality of life (OHQOL) in the early postoperative period following third molar surgery. Methods One hundred patients were enrolled in a prospective cohort study of the surgical removal of lower third molars under local anaesthetic. Two specific oral health related quality of life measures, OHIP-14 and OHQoLUK© were administered to the study group prior to surgery. Standardized surgical and analgesic protocols were followed. Patients kept a diary of changes in life quality each postoperative day (POD) for 7 days, completing both OHIP-14 and OHQoLUK© daily. Results Both oral health related quality of life measures identified a significant deterioration in quality of life on POD1 (P<0.01) and this remained evident on POD2 (P<0.01), POD3 (P<0.01), POD4 (P<0.01) and POD5 (P<0.05). By POD6 and POD7 there was no significant difference in quality of life compared with preoperative status (P>0.05). Deterioration in life quality over the study period was associated with postoperative clinical findings (P<0.05): swelling and trismus. Conclusion The study concludes that there is a significant deterioration in oral health related quality of life in the immediate postoperative period following third molar surgery; particularly during the first five days. This is associated with postoperative clinical findings. This has implication for patients deciding on third molar surgery and informed consent.

Successful use of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in children has been reported, but little information is available regarding its use in older adults. The hypothesis of this study was that survival rates of root restorations placed by both ART and the conventional technique were similar. Root-surface caries lesions in 103 institutionalized elders in Hong Kong were treated randomly by either: (1) the conventional approach-caries removed by dental burs, and the cavity filled with light-cured resin-modified glass ionomer; or (2) the ART approach-caries removed by hand instruments, and the cavity filled with chemically cured high-strength glass ionomer. In total, 84 conventional and 78 ART restorations were placed. After 12 months, 63 conventional and 59 ART restorations were reviewed, and the respective 12-month survival rates were 91.7% and 87.0% (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the survival rates of both types of root restorations were high and similar.