A clinical and radiographic evaluation of stainless steel crowns for primary molars

AIM: This study was performed to evaluate clinically and radiographically the effect of stainless steel crowns placed on primary molars on gingival and bone structures. SAMPLE: 254 crowns were evaluated in a sample of 177 children aged 3.5-12 years old with a mean age of 7 years. METHOD: The clinical parameters that were evaluated were, crown marginal extension, crown marginal adaptation, intact proximal contact, gingival index and the duration of presence of the crowns, together with the oral hygiene index of the child. Bitewing radiographs were viewed for extension and adaptation of crown margins and for evaluating the interproximal bone level. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that interproximal bone resorption was not significantly affected by either crown marginal extension or adaptation, preserving tight proximal contact between molars, oral hygiene level or duration of presence of the crown. On the other hand, there was significant bone resorption when the crown was judged radiographically as non-satisfactory. While oral hygiene level had a significant effect on the gingival index, presence or absence of proper proximal contact did not have an effect on the gingival index. CONCLUSION: It was concluded from this study that stainless steel crowns are still a valuable procedure that has no harmful effect on the gingiva and bone provided that good oral hygiene level was maintained.