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. 2021 Apr 12;21(1):190.
doi: 10.1186/s12903-021-01556-6.

Stainless-steel crowns in children: Norwegian and Finnish dentists' knowledge, practice and challenges

M M Uhlen  1 , B Tseveenjav  2 , E Wuollet  2 , J Furuholm  2 , V Ansteinsson  3 , A Mulic  4 , H Valen  4
Affiliations

Stainless-steel crowns in children: Norwegian and Finnish dentists' knowledge, practice and challenges

M M Uhlen et al. BMC Oral Health. .

Abstract

Background: Stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) are recommended for restorative treatment of young teeth severely affected by caries, fractures or dental developmental disorders (DDDs). However, despite recommendations and clinical evidence, SSCs are not widely used by general dentists, who favour extraction and more conventional restorations. The present study aimed to investigate the views of and use of SSCs among Norwegian and Finnish dentists.

Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional survey among Norwegian and Finnish dentists. An electronic questionnaire was sent to Norwegian and Finnish dentists asking whether they used SSCs and on which indications. In addition, the questionnaire assessed reasons for non-use and dentists' perceptions regarding advantages and challenges in the use of SSCs, as well as the need for additional training. Distributions of background characteristics, use of and views on SSCs were calculated, and statistical significance of the associations between respondents' background and their answers were evaluated.

Results: Of the 574 Norwegian and 765 Finnish respondents, only 12.0% and 12.9% reported to use SSCs, respectively. The most frequently reported barrier reported by those who did not use SSCs was lack of practical training. The most frequent challenge reported by those using SSCs was difficulties in crown adjustment followed by aesthetic issues, and the most frequently reported advantage was that SSCs maintain the function and occlusion. The majority of respondents reported a need for more information and practical training in the use of SSCs, with hands-on course as their most frequently preferred education type.

Conclusion: Although the value of SSCs for restoring young molars is recognized by Norwegian and Finnish dentists, SSCs are rarely used by general dentists. The majority of the respondents reported lack of training and materials and was interested in receiving more information and education.

Keywords: Dental caries; Dental developmental disorders; Paediatric dentistry; Restorative dentistry; Stainless-steel crowns; Treatment decisions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Self-perceived challenges in the use of stainless-steel crowns reported by Norwegian (n = 69) and Finnish (n = 99) dentists using SSCs in the clinic. *p < 0.05
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Barriers against use of stainless-steel crowns reported by Norwegian (n = 505) and Finnish (n = 666) dentists not using SSCs in the clinic. *p < 0.05
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Type of training/education in the use of stainless-steel crowns preferred by Norwegian (n = 446) and Finnish dentists (n = 511) reporting that they would like more information and practical training in the use of SSCs. *p < 0.05
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