Restorative materials for severely affected primary molars
Caries decline in the western world is accompanied by strong polarization among children.
Reduced follow-ups and increased cost effectiveness were best obtained using preformed metal crowns (PMCs) in children with severely affected primary molars at high caries risk. This is the conclusion of a collaboration study between the City of Helsinki and NIOM. The group investigated the survival of restorative materials used in the treatment of severely affected primary molars.
In Finland less than one tenth of five year olds have more than three quarters of the total of untreated caries. This corresponds with the rest of the western world where caries decline is accompanied by strong polarization among children. Children and adolescents with high caries risk need preventive and restorative strategies. Collaboration was established between researchers of the City of Helsinki and NIOM to investigate survival of restorative materials used for treatment of severely affected primary molars.
The study was based on health records from 2002 to 2016 including children less than 18 years of age in the Helsinki area.
PMCs have longer survival time and lower annual failure rate compared to other restorative materials used for treatment of extensive lesions based on 15-year practice of public services.
Key findings:
• Almost half (40%) of severely affected primary molars were restored with preformed metal crowns (PMCs).
• General practitioners working with patients in general anesthesia service placed most of the PMCs.
• PMCs have longer survival time and lower annual failure rate compared to other restorative materials used for treatment of extensive lesions.
Why is this important for the paediatric professional community?
• Choosing PMCs reduces the number of follow-ups, thus, increases cost-effectiveness of oral health services.
Full text available here:
B Tseveenjav, J Furuholm, A Mulic, H Valen, T Maisala, S Turunen, S Varsio, M Auero, L Tjäderhane.
Survival of extensive restorations in primary molars: 15-year practice-based study.
Int J Pediatr Dent 2018;28:249-256.
Read more: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ipd.12348/full
