A full coronal restoration using a contralateral maxillary primary first molar stainless steel crown on mandibular primary first molar: An In vivo study

Abstract

Context: Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are considered most successful and widely used full coronal restorations for primary molars. Choice of an appropriate SSC, with regard to size of the crown, proximal fit, and marginal adaptation has always been challenging for pedodontist. Contralateral crown is one such unique approach to restore the primary molars with anatomical variation as well as in cases of loss of arch length due to mesiodistal (MD) caries. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcome of a contralateral SSC on primary first molars. Objectives: The objective is to assess the longevity of restoration, gingival health of the tooth, and tooth wear of opposing tooth in concern. Subjects and Methods: A total of 60 children between the age group of 3–8 years participated in the study. SSC was placed using MD width of maxillary primary first molar on mandibular primary first molar using Mink and Bennett technique. Regular follow-up was scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months' interval. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed in Excel format using SPSS version 18. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The success rate using contralateral SSC on primary first molar during 12 months was 93.3%. Gingival health at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months' interval showed clinically significant difference (P = 0.1) whereas the tooth wear showed statistically significant difference at 12 months' interval (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The approach of placing contralateral SSC on primary first molar proved to be successful and has no harmful effect on gingiva provided that good oral hygiene was maintained.