UK National Clinical Guidelines in Paediatric Dentistry: stainless steel preformed crowns for primary molars

Abstract

This revised Clinical Guideline in Paediatric Dentistry replaces the previously published sixth guideline (Fayle SA. Int J Paediatr Dent 1999; 9: 311-314). The process of guideline production began in 1994, resulting in first publication in 1997. Each guideline has been circulated widely for consultation to all UK consultants in paediatric dentistry, council members of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD), and to people of related specialities recognized to have expertise in the subject. The final version of this guideline is produced from a combination of this input and thorough review of the published literature. The intention is to encourage improvement in clinical practice and to stimulate research and clinical audit in areas where scientific evidence is inadequate. Evidence underlying recommendations is scored according to the SIGN classification and guidelines should be read in this context. Further details regarding the process of paediatric dentistry guideline production in the UK is described in the Int J Paediatr Dent 1997; 7: 267-268.

Caries Management Strategies for Primary Molars

“…Despite recommendations for conventional stainless steel crowns (Attari and Roberts, 2006;Kindelan et al, 2008), their use is mainly limited to paediatric specialists, with general dentists considering stainless steel crowns too complex, time-consuming, expensive, and not cosmetically acceptable (Threlfall et al, 2005). The HT, however, makes relatively few demands on the child or the dentist, even compared with the technique-sensitive CR.…”

Undergraduate experience and self-assessed confidence in paediatric dentistry: comparison of three UK dental schools

“…[2][3][4] To some extent, these changes have simply refl ected reducing caries experience among children 5 as well as development of new clinical guidelines and policies for evidence-based practice. [6][7][8] Nonetheless, potential defi ciencies in undergraduate paediatric dentistry experience have been acknowledged, both in the UK and worldwide. 3,4,9 In order to address shortfalls in undergraduate experience, increasing emphasis has been placed on the contribution of outreach training.…”

Summary of: Success rate of calcium hydroxide pulpotomy in primary molars restored with amalgam and stainless steel crowns

“…The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry clinical guidelines thus currently recommend preformed metal crowns (previously known as stainless steel crowns) as the restoration of choice following vital pulpotomy therapy in primary molars. 1,2 It was therefore reassuring to note that the present study reported a signifi cantly higher success rate for pulpotomised teeth where a stainless steel crown had been placed compared to an amalgam restoration. The clear clinical message here is that a hermetic seal is paramount to a successful outcome following primary molar pulp therapy.…”