Preformed Stainless Steel Crowns Research Articles

Cost-effectiveness of restorative treatments for permanent molars with severe molar incisor hypomineralization: perspectives for the Brazilian public health system.

To undertake a cost-effectiveness analysis of restorative treatments for a first permanent molar with severe molar incisor hypomineralization from the perspective of the Brazilian public system. Two models were constructed: a one-year decision tree and a ten-year Markov model, each based on a hypothetical cohort of one thousand individuals through Monte Carlo simulation. Eight restorative strategies were evaluated: high viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC);encapsulated GIC; etch and rinse adhesive + composite; self-etch adhesive + composite;preformed stainless steel crown; HVGIC + etch and rinse adhesive + composite; HVGIC + self-etch adhesive + composite, and encapsulated GIC + etch and rinse adhesive + composite. Effectiveness data were sourced from the literature. Micro-costing was applied using 2022 USD market averages with a 5% variation. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), net monetary benefit (%NMB), and the budgetary impact were obtained. Cost-effective treatments included HVGIC (%NMB = 0%/0%), encapsulated GIC (%NMB = 19.4%/ 19.7%), and encapsulated GIC + etch and rinse adhesive + composite (%NMB = 23.4%/ 24.5%) at 1year and 10years, respectively. The benefit gain of encapsulated GIC + etch and rinse adhesive + composite in relation to encapsulated GIC was small when compared to the cost increase at 1year (gain of 3.28% and increase of USD 24.26) and 10years (gain of 4% and increase of USD 15.54). Within the horizon and perspective analyzed, the most cost-effective treatment was encapsulated GIC restoration. This study can provide information for decision-making.

Preformed Stainless-Steel Crowns: Their Effects on Oral Hygiene Maintenance and Gingival Health – A Prospective Original Research

ABSTRACT The stainless-steel crown (SSC) is a durable restoration and has several indications for use in primary teeth such as following a pulpotomy/pulpectomy, fractured teeth, teeth with developmental defects, or large multi-surface caries lesions where amalgam is likely to fail. Due to its durability and a lifespan like the primary tooth, it could well be the gold standard in restorative care. SSCs protect the crown from fracture, reduce the possibility for leakage, and ensure a biological seal. However, the placement of the SSC should follow a meticulous technique. There are some clinical situations where the SSC may fail, leading to plaque accumulation and gingivitis. This could be secondary to improper crimping of crown margins, which lead to poorly adapted SSC. In some clinical situations, ledge formation under the crown or failure to clean excess cement can contact the gingiva and cause gingival inflammation. This study was carried out on 41 children between the ages of 4 and 10 in Al Qassim region to study the effects of SSCs on gingiva and oral hygiene. The study also aims to establish the correlation between SSC adaptation and post-insertion inflammation. The plaque and gingival index were recorded at 3 months’ post SSC insertion. Clinical examination was undertaken, and gingival index (Loe and Silness 1967) and plaque index (Silness and Loe 1967) were used to record gingival health and plaque accumulation, respectively. The result for post-inflammation and SSC adaptation showed that there was no statistically significant difference in post-insertion inflammation and crown adaptation (P value = 0.216). The result for pre-operative inflammation and post-operative inflammation shows that there is no significant difference in post-inflammation and adaptation (P value = 0.47). We found that oral hygiene care had a heightening effect and oral hygiene maintenance plays a key role in preventing gingival inflammation irrespective of the SSC adaptation over short periods of time (3 months).

Clinical Evaluation of Maneuverability and Durability of Titanium Nitride-coated Preformed Crown on Primary Molar Teeth: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The management of multisurface carious primary molar is challenging. Currently, the ideal choice for the management of extensive multi-surface carious primary molar is the placement of a preformed stainlesssteel crown (SSC)/preformed zirconia crown. Unfortunately, conventional preformed SSCs are frequently refused by parents for esthetic reasons, while the preformed zirconia crown has its own disadvantages like high cost and excessive tooth preparation. To evaluate the maneuverability and durability of titanium nitride-coated crowns on primary molar teeth and to assess the child-parent satisfaction of titanium nitride-coated gold-colored preformed crowns over metal-colored preformed SSC on primary molar teeth. Randomized controlled trial conducted on children between the age-groups of 6- and 9-year-old children. Group I for titanium nitride-coated preformed crown and group II for preformed SSC (control group) were allotted with a simple random technique. The maneuverability of the titanium nitride-coated crowns was evaluated in comparison with preformed SSC in terms of the level of difficulty while trimming, contouring, crimping, and wearing out of titanium nitride coating while manipulating. Participants of group I were recalled for follow-up in the 1st, 6th, and 12th months to evaluate the durability of the titanium nitride coating on the preformed crowns. There were no failures at the 12-month follow-up in terms of the durability of the titanium nitride coating, and there was no significant difference seen in terms of the maneuverability of both crowns. Overall, child-parent satisfaction was good with gold-colored titanium nitride-coated crowns. The study concluded that titanium nitride-coated gold crowns could be a boon to pediatric dentistry and serve as an alternative to metal-colored SSCs. Vundela RR, Gupta N, Balamurugan S, et al. Clinical Evaluation of Maneuverability and Durability of Titanium Nitride-coated Preformed Crown on Primary Molar Teeth: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-3):S263-S267.

Comparison of three-dimensional printed resin crowns and preformed stainless steel crowns for primary molar restorations: a randomized controlled trial.

The importance of aesthetics in children has increased over time. Therefore, this multicenter randomized clinical trial aimed to analyze and compare three-dimensional (3D)-printed resin crowns (RCs) as a potential alternative to stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) for restoring primary molars with extensive carious lesions. According to the null hypothesis, no statistically significant difference was observed in restoration failure between RC and SSC groups. A total of 56 primary molars after pulp treatment at two dental hospitals were included. After pulp treatment, the teeth were randomly divided into two groups: SSCs (n = 28) and RCs (n = 28). At 1 week and 3, 6 and 12 months, the Quigley-Hein plaque index (QHI), gingival index (GI), occlusal wear, and survival rate were assessed by examination, radiography and alginate impressions. No significant difference in QHI was observed between the two groups. However, the GI at 12 months and occlusal wear in the RC group were significantly higher than those in the SSC group (p < 0.05). The survival rates were 100% in the SSC group and 82.1% in the RC group (p = 0.047). Cracks and discoloration were also observed in the RCs. Within the limitations of this study, 3D-printed RCs are aesthetically superior to SSCs and clinically easy to repair. However, if clinical effectiveness and safety are improved, RCs could potentially become a viable aesthetic alternative in the future.

Comparative Evaluation of Preformed Stainless Steel Crown's Crazing at Different Autoclave Cycles.

The study aimed to assess and compare the crazing of preformed stainless steel (SS) crowns at various autoclave cycles. Around 15 SS crowns were subjected to zero (unsterilized), one, three, five, and seven autoclave cycles at 121°C, 15 psi for 20 minutes. After each autoclave cycle, the mesial surface of each crown from occlusal to cervical portions was examined under a 40× stereomicroscope. Crazing was evaluated using Wickersham's criteria. One autoclave cycle does not produce any cracks, whereas the higher the number of autoclave cycles, the higher the cracks, which affects the prognosis of the SS crown treatment. Surface alterations of SS crowns after different autoclave cycles were significant. So, preformed SS crowns should be discarded after sterilizing once or twice during clinical practice. Sowkarthicaa P, Mathian VM, Gawthaman M, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Preformed Stainless Steel Crown's Crazing at Different Autoclave Cycles. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S77-S80.

Randomized clinical evaluation and parental satisfaction between zirconia crowns and stainless-steel crowns in primary molars: A 24 month follow up

Introduction and aimThe aim of this study was to compare the clinical success and parental satisfaction of zirconia crowns (Kids-e-crowns™) with preformed stainless-steel crowns (3M™ ESPE) in the restoration of primary first and second molars. Materials and methodsThis randomized controlled clinical trial was designed as a split-mouth study. 100 teeth in 47 children aged between 3 and 7 years were selected and randomly assigned in two groups, each group containing 50 teeth. Restorations were evaluated at 24 h, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months recall appointments examining the following criteria-restoration failure, marginal integrity, gingival health, plaque accumulation, occlusion, opposing tooth wear and parental satisfaction. ResultsThe performance of both the groups was comparable in terms of restoration failure, marginal integrity, gingival health, occlusion, opposing tooth wear. However, plaque accumulation was significantly higher in stainless-steel crowns than zirconia crowns. ConclusionTwo year follow-up indicated that preformed zirconia crowns are an excellent aesthetic alternative to stainless-steel crowns as full coronal restorations in the paediatric population.

Comparative evaluation of clinical performance, child and parental satisfaction of Bioflex, zirconia and stainless steel crowns in pediatric patients

Background: Pediatric treatment is challenging in patients with early childhood caries. It is difficult due to the adjacency of pulp, miniature tooth size, and thin enamel compared to permanent dentition. Nowadays, aesthetics play an important role in managing decayed teeth, and children need treatment that includes full coverage crowns in either stainless steel or anesthetic crown in zirconia or the recently developed Bioflex crown. The Bioflex crowns are highly flexible and aesthetically preformed pediatric crowns with combined stainless steel and zirconia properties. This study aims to assess the clinical performance and child and parental satisfaction of Bioflex crowns compared to zirconia and stainless steel crowns. Methods: In the current in-vivo comparison of Bioflex crowns with zirconia and stainless steel crowns, children aged three to seven years old will be selected, and 72 primary teeth requiring crowns will be randomly distributed into three groups, n = 24: Group I: Preformed stainless steel crown, control; Group II: Preformed Bioflex crown; Group III: Preformed zirconia crown. Crowns will be evaluated for recurrent caries, plaque accumulation, restoration failure, gingival status opposing tooth wear, and clinicians and parental satisfaction at zero, three, six, and 12 months. Newly introduced aesthetic crowns will serve as a versatile alternative for restoring primary decayed teeth that over-performed aesthetic and conventional crowns. Conclusions: The Bioflex crown will be assessed as a better aesthetic substitute for the future, and the satisfaction level of parents will be evaluated. Trial registration: CTRI registration number: CTRI/2023/05/052256; Date of registration: May 03, 2023. Protocol version: Two; Date: April 22, 2023

Conservative management of molar incisor hypomineralization using biomimetic material in a 9-year-old boy

Comprehensive management of severe molar incisor hypomineralization with dental caries in a 9-year-old boy is reported. After the consultation, diagnosis and treatment planning; upon obtaining the consent from parents, and behavior modification of the child over a preparatory visit, three of the four permanent first molars (PFMs) were treated: two with indirect pulp therapy and one with direct pulp capping using tricalcium silicate cement. After observation of 1 month for each tooth, preformed stainless steel crowns (SSCs) were placed on all three PFMs in a diagonal manner for minimizing occlusal discomfort. The remaining PFM (36), restored earlier by another dentist, developed a dentoalveolar abscess during the course; the same was treated endodontically and a coronal seal was established with an SSC. A quadrant approach was adopted to complete extractions of all carious primary teeth along with the treatments of PFMs during the same appointments to minimize the number of visits. Local anesthesia with 4% articaine with adrenaline infiltrations was used for all quadrants except for the third where an inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lignocaine with adrenaline was given. Follow-up of all PFMs, over a period of over 9 months, was uneventful. The endodontically treated PFM, too, showed satisfactory recovery, posttreatment.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation amongst Swiss dental students

BackgroundKnowledge obtained at the undergraduate level regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) has an impact on future practice of dentists and paediatric dentists. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess final-year dental students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards MIH in all Swiss universities.MethodsA previously utilised survey (in both English and German) was distributed among final-year dental students in all Swiss dental schools (Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich). It probed students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding the diagnosis, prevalence, aetiology, and management of MIH, and was structured in two parts: knowledge/perception and clinical application. The students’ responses were analysed statistically with descriptive statistics.Results113 out of 133 final-year Swiss dental students took part in the study (85%). Nearly all students were familiar with MIH (99%), but only 12% of them felt confident when diagnosing MIH clinically. Direct composite fillings (66%), indirect restorations (28%) and preformed stainless-steel crowns (26%) were chosen as most suitable treatment options for MIH-affected teeth.ConclusionFinal-year Swiss dental students are well informed about MIH. However, they report low level of confidence when clinically confronted with MIH-affected teeth regarding its diagnosis and treatment. Swiss Universities curricula should be revisited accordingly.

Management of Compromised First Permanent Molar with Triple Antibiotic Paste in a 12-year-old Child: A Case Report

In teeth with pulpal and periapical infection, various group of microorganisms are present. Inhibition of the growth of these microorganisms and suppression of their antimicrobial activity play a crucial role in the success of the endodontic management. Triple antibiotic paste has been reported to have an excellent antimicrobial efficacy and it can be useful in management of teeth with severe infection. A 12-year-old female child reported with pain and swelling in relation with a lower left first permanent molar. Clinical examination of the tooth revealed deep occlusal caries and dentoalveolar abscess. Radiographically, the carious lesion was seen involving the pulp with periodontal ligament widening and inter-radicular bone loss was observed (endo-perio lesion). Considering the position of the tooth and its strategic importance, a conservative approach to salvage the tooth using Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP) as a medicament was employed with complete radiographic healing by 12 weeks. Subsequent obturation using lateral condensation with gutta percha followed by composite restoration and preformed stainless steel crown was performed. This case report focuses on the endodontic management of perforated first permanent molar with compromised periodontal support and significant bone loss TAP as medicament and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as perforation repair material. Based on the results it can be concluded that Triple Anitibiotic Paste (TAP) can be effective in the disinfection and sterilization of the root canals and repair of complex lesions.

Requirements of Back to Back Crowns in Children Aged 2 to 6 Years in Mandibular Arch - An Observational Study

Pre-formed stainless steel crowns has been proved to be successful and efficient full coverage restoration in pediatric dentistry especially after pulp therapy and for restoring multi-surface carious lesions. The purpose of this study is to enumerate the need and requirements of back-to-back crowns in the mandibular arch of children aged 2 to 6 years. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out retrospectively by analysing the treatment done by providing back-to-back crowns in mandibular arch and thereby determining the requirement for the same. Out of 134 pairs of back-to-back crowns, 86.7% of the teeth required pulp therapy; 28.5% of the teeth had a class 2 carious lesion. Pulp therapy was the most common requirement for back-to-back crowns in the mandibular arch, followed by Class 2 restorations.

PARENTAL SATISFACTION WITH PEDIATRIC POSTERIOR PREFORMED ZIRCONIA AND STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS- A COMPARATIVE STUDY

AIM: To elicit parental acceptance and satisfaction with pediatric preformed Stainless Steel Crown(SSC﴿ and zirconia crowns in posterior primary teeth. METHODOLOGY: Parental satisfaction was elicited from 25 parents with a 5-point likert type questionnaire. Problems experienced by the child and future treatment recommendations were also elicited with close ended questions during the followup visit after 12 months from the time of treatment. RESULTS: Overall parental satisfaction was 78% with stainless steel crowns and 96% with zirconia crowns. 8% of the parents reported bleeding around the gums in zirconia group. 60% of the parents in stainless steel crown group and 100% of zirconia crown group reported that they would opt for these crowns in future. CONCLUSION: Preformed zirconia crowns can be an option for posterior full coronal restoration when esthetics is of prime concern for the parent and child. KEY WORDS: Zirconia crowns, Stainless steel crowns, Parental satisfaction.

An In Vitro evaluation of biodegradability of stainless steel crowns at various salivary pH.

To evaluate the biodegradability of preformed stainless steel crowns at varying salivary pH and the cytotoxic effect of leached out elements on fibroblasts. A total of 243 stainless steel crowns were selected and were divided into 3 groups (I, II, III) based on Ph of immersion media. The pH of samples in group I, II, III were 4.3, 5.5 and 6.3 with 81 crowns in each group. Each group has 9 samples with 8 crowns in each sample. All samples were immersed in polyethylene bottles containing 10ml of artificial saliva and incubated at 37°C for 4 weeks. All the samples were analyzed on 1,7,14 and 21 days by atomic absorption spectrophotometer for the quantitative assement of Ni, Cr and Fe. Fibroblast tissue culture was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the samples. Analysis of variance. Maximum release of Ni, Cr, Fe ions were observed at pH 4.3 followed by pH 5.5 and least release of ions were observed at pH 6.3 from SS crowns. The cytotoxic results showed that the least cell viability of cells was seen at pH 4.3. With decrease in pH, there is an increase in ion release from stainless steel crowns and the mean release of nickel, chromium and iron were very much below the average dietary intake. But the allergic manifestations of ions like nickel can't be ruled out.

Survival rate of stainless steel crown restorations according to depth of caries in primary molars

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare outcome of preformed stainless steel crown restorations according to depth of caries in primary molars. The study subjects consisted primary molars having dentin caries extending at least one-fourth of dentin without signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. A total 295 primary molars received preformed stainless steel crown restorations without any base materials were included in this study. Survival rates were compared using a Kaplan-Meier analysis test. There was no significant difference between depth of caries and survival period in primary molars. And also there was no significant difference with or without pulp therapy. The results of this study suggest that neither the amount of caries nor pulp therapy affect the survival period of primary molars significantly. Proper restoration is more important to achieve sealing for stopping caries progression.

Sealing Carious Tissue in Primary Teeth Using Crowns: The Hall Technique.

In line with reducing the invasiveness of interventions in permanent teeth and changes towards more biological approaches, there have also been moves away from traditional restorative approaches to managing primary teeth where carious dentine/lesions were completely excised and a restoration placed. The Hall Technique is a method for managing carious primary molar teeth where a preformed stainless-steel crown, also known as a preformed metal crown, is seated over a tooth, sealing in, and not removing carious tissue. This chapter discusses the rationale behind the Hall Technique, an outline of the clinical procedure to carry it out, its indications and contraindications, together with the evidence supporting its use. The Hall Technique has been found to be acceptable to children and preferred to more invasive treatment options. Like all dental treatment options, it requires careful case selection, precise carious lesion and pulpal status diagnosis (clinically and radiographically), good patient management, and excellent parental cooperation. The Hall Technique has been shown to be a durable (being likely to last the lifespan of the primary molar) and economical management option for primary molars with carious lesions, which in addition offers the benefit of full coronal coverage, reducing the risk of future carious lesion development. As part of our everyday armamentarium in paediatric dentistry, the Hall Technique is an effective management option for controlling carious lesions in primary molars.

Sealing Carious Tissue Using Resin and Glass-Ionomer Cements.

One of the most conservative ways to retain tooth structure, preserve pulpal health, and avoid invasive treatment is to simply completely seal established carious lesions. A tight seal to isolate the biofilm and arrest the lesion can be successfully achieved using a sealant material such as resin or glass-ionomer for non-cavitated lesions, a restorative material for cavitated lesions, or, for primary teeth, preformed stainless-steel crowns. This chapter focuses on sealants and restorative materials. Sealant materials are a viable treatment option for controlling non-cavitated lesions in occlusal and proximal surfaces where there is no significant breach in the surface integrity of the tooth, even if the lesion extends into dentine. Resin infiltration can also be used to manage proximal non-cavitated lesions. Even when the exact depth of lesion that can be sealed has not been established, evidence supports sealing shallow and moderate deep lesions into dentine. For cavitated lesions, sealing lesions without carious tissue removal might be an option when removal of tooth tissue is not required to provide a hard periphery around the lesion/cavity margin (to enhance bonding or to increase cavity depth for enough restorative material to be placed to last). There is little evidence for placing a restorative material over cavitated carious lesions without tissue removal or preparation. However, where there is a significant breach in the surface integrity of the tooth but there is still enough sound tooth tissue to provide bonding for an adhesive restoration, sealing in carious tissue might still be an option.

The Hall Technique and conventional restorative treatment in New Zealand children's primary oral health care - clinical outcomes at two years.

New Zealand children's oral health care is mostly provided in primary care oral health clinics. Little is known about treatment outcomes. To investigate different treatment outcomes of primary molar carious lesions in a sample of children in primary care. Quasi-experimental study of 180 5- to 8-year-old children. Each child had one carious primary molar treated by a dental therapist with a plastic restorative material (PRM) or a pre-formed stainless steel crown placed with the Hall Technique (HT). After 2years, restorative outcomes were categorised as success, minor failure, or major failure. Data were analysed using Chi-square tests. A total of 147 (82%) children were followed up; mean follow-up period 25months (range: 21-35months). Failure was observed significantly more in the PRM group (32%) than the HT group (6%). When baseline carious lesions were radiographically deep with marginal ridge breakdown (MRB), there was a higher proportionof major failures than when they were shallow without MRB (33% and 1%, respectively;P<0.001). Among the deep lesions, those treated with the HT showed better success than PRM. There was a much higher success rate in the children treated with HT than PRM. Deep carious lesions responded better to HT than PRM.

Modified Distal Shoe Appliance for Multiple Loss of First and Second Primary Molars.

A 4.5-year-old boy reported to the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry complaining of pain and recurrent swelling in lower right back region of the jaw since five days. The patient was well oriented and did not have any contributory medical history. No abnormality was detected in the general and extra-oral examinations. Intra-oral examination revealed that both the mandibular first and second primary molars on the right side (FDI teeth No. 84,85) and the mandibular second primary molar on the left side (FDI tooth No. 75) had deep carious lesions and were judged to be non-restorable. The teeth were tender to palpation. The mandibular first primary molar on the left side (FDI tooth No. 74) had a multi-surface carious lesion not involving the pulp [Table/Fig-1]. The gingival tissue surrounding the first and second primary molars on the right side (FDI teeth No. 84,85) was inflamed and the buccal vestibule slightly obliterated. Radiographic examination revealed a radiolucency involving the furcation of both the mandibular first and second primary molars of the right side (84,85) and the mandibular second primary molar of the left side (75) along with external root resorption. A multi-surface carious lesion, not approaching pulp, was seen on mandibular left primary first molar (74). The mandibular first permanent molars on both sides showed Nolla’s Stage V of tooth development [Table/Fig-2]. In addition, smooth surface caries were seen on upper and lower anteriors. Based on clinical and radiographic examination a diagnosis of apical periodontitis was made and extraction of mandibular left second molar (75) and mandibular right first and second molar (84,85) followed by fabrication of a space maintainer was planned. Parental consent for the same was taken. Study models were obtained and a space analysis (using Huckaba’s method) revealed approximately 2mm of space available per side. The mandibular left primary first molar (74) was restored using a pre-formed stainless steel crown. A 125X0.04mm band was adapted around the mandibular right primary canine. Impressions were made in alginate and models obtained along with the crown and the band on the respective teeth. A 1mm (19 G) Hard Round Stainless Steel (HRSS) wire was used for fabrication of the appliance. The extension of the horizontal and vertical arms was determined using radiographs (after adjusting for the radiographic error). A vertical slit of the desired depth was made on the model and the wire was adapted accordingly. Following adaptation, the wire was soldered to the crown and the band respectively. The mandibular molars indicated for extraction were extracted under local anaesthesia and the appliance was seated in place. Radiographs were taken to check the horizontal and vertical extension of the appliance [Table/Fig-3] and the appliance was then cemented using Type I Glass Ionomer Cement on the same appointment following haemostasis [Table/Fig-4]. The patient was recalled after three days to assess wound repair and stability of appliance. Subsequently the patient was placed on a monthly recall. The recall after 10 months showed erupted permanent first molars [Table/Fig-5,​,6];6]; the space maintainer was well accepted by the child and we were satisfied and optimistic about the future of his dentition. This appliance would be eventually replaced with a bilateral fixed space maintainer like lingual arch following complete eruption of the permanent first molars and incisors.

Retrospective Study of Survival Rates According to the Type of Dental Restoration of Proximal Caries in Primary Molars

Restorative dental materials have advanced rapidly, with improved physical properties that improve survival rates. Accordingly, various materials can be selected. Amalgam, composite resin, glass-ionomer cement, and preformed stainless steel crowns have all been used widely for the restoration of dental caries in primary molars. The various dental materials used to treat proximal caries in the primary molars have distinct advantages and disadvantages. However, few studies have examined their survival rates. This retrospective study examined the 2-year survival rates of more than 700 class II restorations of proximal caries in primary molars clinically and radiologically according to the type of restoration. The study results should help in the selection of class II restorations for molars, one of the biggest concerns of pediatric dentists.

Comparative Evaluation of Formocresol and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in Pulpotomized Primary Molars - 2 Year Follow Up

The aim of the present study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as an agent for pulpotomy in primary teeth and to compare it with that of Formocresol (FC) pulpotomy. Seventy first and second primary mandibular molars of children were chosen on patients who required minimum two pulpotomies in either arch or same arch. After the standardized technique of Pulpotomy with MTA and Formocresol, all molars were treated with a thick mix of Zinc oxide Eugenol cement into the coronal pulp chamber followed by preformed stainless steel crown. The children were followed up for clinical and radio graphical examination after 6, 12 and 24 month for Pain, Swelling, Sinus/fistula, Periapical changes, Furcation radiolucency and internal resorption. MTA represents 97% clinical success rate in comparison to Formocresol with 85% success. Radiographically also MTA showed more promising results with 88.6% success in comparison to Formocresol with 54.3%. Thus, MTA pulpotomy has emerged as an easier line of treatment to save the premature loss of primary teeth due to caries or trauma.