Reconstruction of Pulpotomized Primary Molar and Retention of Stainless-steel Crowns: An In-vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Stainless steel crowns are proposed to restore severely decayed teeth in pediatric dentistry. Yet, their retention is still debatable. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether dental tissue reconstruction before placement of stainless steel crown on pulpotomized first primary molar affects the retention of stainless steel crowns. Methods: This experimental in-vitro study was performed on 30 extracted first primary molars with carious occlusal and distal surfaces. Dental caries and the pulp chamber roof were respectively removed. The stainless steel crowns were placed after tooth preparation. The samples were randomly divided into two groups (n=15) i.e, ZoE core buildup, and ZoE liner. Stainless steel crowns were cemented with self-curing glass ionomer cement. The crown retention was tested with the Instron testing machine. The two groups were compared by using SPSS software through the t-test (α=0.05). Results: The mean crown retention in the liner group (291.45±43.196 N) was significantly higher than that of the core buildup group (202.00±63.515 N) (P=0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study for restoring the teeth with extensive tissue loss by SSC, ZoE should be used as lining without a core on teeth.