Preformed Zirconia Crowns: A Durable Alternative

A study published in the Australian Dental Journal suggests that preformed zirconia crowns are a durable alternative to stainless steel crowns for children with early childhood caries.

Study Aim

This study aimed to investigate the following:

• Survival probabilities of prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZCs) placed on primary teeth.
• Identify demographic and tooth-related factors that might affect survival probability.

Methodology

This study prospectively followed children treated under general anaesthesia by a single practitioner between 2012 and 2020. Demographic variables including the age at treatment, gender, and tooth-related variables including FDI tooth number, crown size used, and any procedural complications at postoperative reviews were collected.

Results

A total of 155 children involving 319 teeth with PZCs were followed up between 12 and 78 months postoperatively with a mean of 38 months. Of the 319 crowns followed, five failures were observed in three patients requiring extraction. Other procedural complications noted included:

• Fracture (n = 3)
• Overhangs (n = 3)
• Internal resorption (n = 5)
• 24% of crowns showed signs of radiographic changes on postoperative radiographs when these were taken.

Age at treatment, tooth type, and need for pulp therapy were not statistically associated with clinical success (P > 0.1). PZCs provide an aesthetic and durable solution in the management of children with early childhood caries. This study shows very good clinical success and survival extending up to 78 months for PZCs placed on primary teeth under general anaesthesia.

Reference

Foster, M., Patel, J., Turlach, B., and Anthonappa, R. (2024), Survival of pre-formed zirconia crowns in primary teeth: a prospective practice-based cohort study. Aust Dent J. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.13006

Keywords

Preformed, zirconia crowns, durable, stainless steel crowns, children, early childhood caries, Study, Foster, M., Patel, J., Turlach, B., and Anthonappa, R, Australian Dental Journal