Survival analysis of metal crowns versus restorations in primary mandibular molars

The effectiveness of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) versus direct restorations when placed in primary mandibular molars (teeth nos. L and S) is uncertain. The authors evaluated effectiveness by gauging longevity of treatment.

The authors obtained private dental insurance claims (2004-2016) from a national dental data warehouse. Paid insurance claims records (n = 1,323,489) included type of treating dentist, treatment placed, and patient age.

Dentist specialty, type of treatment, and patient age were significant in predicting failure after the first restoration. The authors found high survival rates for all treatments (> 90%) after 5 years; however, as soon as within 3 years after treatment, SCCs had approximately 6% better survival.

Teeth nos. L and S first treated with SSCs lasted longer without new treatment compared with teeth first treated with direct restorations; the difference was small. Teeth treated by pediatric dentists had better survival rates.

Primary mandibular first molars initially treated with SSCs lasted longer without new treatment compared with direct restorations. Overall dental care costs of the former were considerably higher.