Abstract

Aim
This survey assessed Finnish dentists’ treatment decisions and choices of restorative materials in selected paediatric dental patient cases, with special emphasis on stainless steel crowns (SSCs).
Methods
A questionnaire with patient descriptions and tooth photographs was e-mailed to members of Finnish Dental Society (n=3,747). The respondents were asked to choose their preferred treatment in cases describing 1) extensive occlusal carious lesion in a primary molar of a cooperative child; 2) an identical lesion, treated under dental general anaesthesia (DGA); and 3) a symptomatic first permanent molar with enamel hypomineralisation (consistent with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization, MIH) and post-eruptive breakdown. Only responses from dentist treating children were included (final n=765).
Results
The majority (47.3%) would have preferred restoration of the extensive primary tooth caries in a normal setting using resin-modified glassionomer cement, and 4.3% by using SSC. The preference of SSC as treatment choice increased to 25.4% upon implementation of DGA. The majority would treat the symptomatic permanent MIH molar with a resin composite restoration (45.0%), while 10.5% suggested SSC. Compared to general dentists, aediatric dentists had a stronger preference for SSCs.
Conclusions
Although the respondents emphasised patient cooperation, but also tooth prognosis and material strength behind their treatment decisions, SSC was an uncommon choice.

Reference
Restorative material choices for extensive carious lesions and hypomineralisation defects in children: a questionnaire survey among Finnish dentists.
Wuollet E, Tseveenjav B, Furuholm J, Waltimo-Sirén J, Valen H, Mulic A, V. Ansteinsson V, Uhlen M-M
European 34 Journal of Paediatric Dentistry vol. 21/1-2020
DOI 10.23804/EJPD.2020.21.01.06