Clinical Evaluation of Stainless Steel Crown versus Zirconia Crown in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate and compare two full-coronal restoration [stainless steel crowns (SSCs) and zirconia crown] in carious primary posterior teeth.

Materials and methods: Forty endodontically treated primary teeth in children within the age-group of 3-9 years were selected and divided into two equal groups (20 SSCs and 20 zirconia crown). The two crowns were evaluated for retentivity of crown, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problem, gingival response, plaque accumulation, and tooth wear in opposing teeth after 1^st and 3^rd month follow-up.

Results: Both the crowns showed 100% results regarding TMJ problems, but SSCs performed better in terms of retention of crown, gingival response, plaque accumulation, and tooth wear in opposing teeth. The statistics showed significant result by using Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Conclusion: Stainless steel crowns performed better among both the full-coronal restoration for posterior primary teeth.

Clinical significance: Stainless steel crowns remain "Gold Standard", for posterior full coverage restorations in primary molars as compared to zirconia crowns.

How to cite this article: Agrawal R, Khanduja R, Singhal M, et al. Clinical Evaluation of Stainless Steel Crown versus Zirconia Crown in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(1):15-19.

Keywords: Randomized controlled trial; Wilcoxon signed ranks test; Zirconia crown.

Flowchart: 1

A consort diagram

Figs 1 A to D

(A) Preoperative maxillary photograph. (B) Preoperative mandibular photograph. (C) 1st month follow-up showing stainless steel crown IRT 75 and zirconia crown IRT 85. (D) 3rd month follow-up showing attrition IRT 55 opposite to zirconia crown.