Success Rates of Stainless Steel Crowns vs. Composite Restorations in Primary 1st Molars

Purpose: To determine the difference in success rates of class II composites compared to SSC’s in primary first molars. Methods: The electronic charts of patients treated at the UIC Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program from 2013 to 2017 were analyzed. The inclusion criteria were: patients 3 to 6 years of age at comprehensive examination, had initial and follow-up radiographs available, and had class II composite or stainless steel crowns (SSC’s) placed on primary first molars with caries up to 2mm into dentin. The restorations were evaluated using the progress notes and radiographs when available at 12, 18, 24 and 36 months post-treatment. All treatment failures and time of failure were recorded. Chi-square analysis (p≤0.05) was performed to determine the difference in the success rates. Results: There were 151 SSC’s and 154 composites analyzed. The mean dmft was 8.9. Success rates were not significantly different at 12 months (SSC’s 98% vs. composites 94.8%), 18 months (SSC’s 93.3% vs. composites 88.3%), 24 months (SSC’s 87% vs. composites 81.4%), 30 months (SSC's 81% and composites 76.8%) and 36 months (SSC's 72% and composites 58.7%). Conclusion: SSC’s and composites are both acceptable restorations for caries in primary 1st molars up to 2mm into dentin.