Comparative evaluation on clinical success of stainless steel crowns and zirconium crowns in primary molars

Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success, effect on periodontal health and parental satisfaction of stainless steel crowns and pediatric zirconium crowns as a randomized controlled study. Fifteen patients aged 6-8 years with crown indications on their lower primary second molars were included in the study. Stainless steel crown (PÇK) and pediatric zirconium crown (PZK) were applied to the relevant teeth with the split mouth technique. The procedure time from preparation to cementation of the crowns was recorded. Clinical evaluation of the patients, for whom follow-up appointments were made after the treatment, was made at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months, and radiographic evaluation was made at the end of the 6th month The restoration evaluation form published by the International Federation of Dentists (FDI) was modified and used to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of the crowns. Plaque index, gingival index and plaque staining were used to examine the effects on periodontal health. A survey form prepared with a Likert scale, including questions on durability, shape, color and size, was used to measure the satisfaction level of parents. Repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman tests were used to examine the temporal changes of PI, GI and QHI values. Multiple comparisons were evaluated with the Bonferroni test. The significance level was taken as p<0.05. As a result of our study, one PZK was decrysated at 6-month follow-up. PZK showed more surface roughness (p<0.001). As a result of the evaluation of all clinical parameters, both types of crowns were found to be clinically and radiographically successful. When the results of the effect of crowns on periodontal health were evaluated, PZK showed significantly lower PI, GI and QHI values in all controls (p<0.001). When the application times were compared, it was determined that the application time of PZK was longer (p<0.001). While the parents were satisfied with both crowns in terms of size, shape and durability, they were not satisfied with the color of the PCK (p<0.001). According to the results of this study, it is thought that PZK is a pediatric crown that is more compatible with periodontal tissues and meets the aesthetic expectations of parents, and can be used as an alternative to PZK in the full coronal restoration of primary teeth, especially in cases where the procedure time is not critical.