Preservation of future options: restorative procedures on first permanent molars in children

Stainless steel crowns are indicted for permanent teeth for multiple reasons. Indirect or direct pulp capping, pulpotomies, apexification procedures, and root canal therapy are treatments for permanent teeth that make them potential candidates for stainless steel crowns as interim restorations. The transitional dentition is divided into two stages: between five and eight years; and the period between ages nine and thirteen. Mesiodistal dimensions of the first permanent molars can be measured on study casts before preparation for the steel crown has begun. A flow chart is provided to give practitioners available options. Steps for preparing the stainless steel crown and technique for porcelain onlay preparation are also given.