Management of decayed primary anterior teeth using Silver diamine fluoride and preformed zirconia crowns: a minimal intervention and aesthetic approach

Abstract

Early childhood caries is the most common chronic dental disease in children worldwide. Maxillary anterior teeth being the first ones to get affected. It is disheartening to encounter young children with grossly carious maxillary anterior teeth that disturb their natural smile, and their entire facial appearance restricts masticatory function and causes delayed speech. Treatment objective for carious maxillary anterior teeth must consider structural, functional and aesthetic components comprehensively. Management of a young child with early childhood caries requires complete cooperation, which is a challenging task, and treatment under various forms of sedation has become popular. Nevertheless, sedation increases the risk of the patient and clinician. In such scenarios minimally invasive treatment approach can be an alternative. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is the best possible antibacterial & cost-effective remineralising agent available today. SDF application is non-technique sensitive hence acceptable by young children. Preformed zirconia crowns serve as the best aesthetic option with excellent strength and durability for primary maxillary anterior teeth. A combination of ideal remineralisation with an aesthetic restoration can provide long term benefit to the child and parents. Key words: Primary maxillary incisors, Paediatric zirconia crowns, SDF.