'Mutilated occlusion to healthy function'- a case report of a four year old child with severe early childhood caries

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) causes aggressive destruction of primary teeth inducing pain, abscess, impeding masticatory function eventually leading to their early loss with plausible permanent successor malocclusion. It affects the child’s social life by affecting their confidence and self-esteem. A pediatric dentist thus has the responsibility to improve child’s oral as well as general health. The treatment protocol not only involves re-establishment of form and function of the occlusion but also relies on the behavior management approach, parent education for child’s diet and oral hygiene and regular dental follow up. The quest for providing simple, esthetic and cost effective treatment approach for such comprehensive cases has always been a priority. In this case report the upper anterior restoration with Maryland bridge, lower anterior with fiber post and posterior built up with composite material provided an easy, efficient and esthetic treatment option for managing a four year old S-ECC patient.