[Investigation and analysis of clinical application of stainless steel crowns for primary molars in 2013 and 2022].

ABSTRACT

Objective: To provide references for the clinical popularization of stainless steel crowns by analyzing the clinical application and affecting factors of stainless steel crowns used in primary molars based on a questionnaire survey. Methods: Pediatric dentists from all over the country in June to December 2013 and June to December 2022 were selected to answer the survey questionnaire through the online or offline methods for analyzing the clinical application and influencing factors of stainless steel crowns used in primary molars. Results: A total of 712 and 580 questionnaires were distributed, and 608 and 512 valid questionnaires were recovered respectively in 2013 and 2022. The effective rates of the questionnaires were 85.4% and 88.3%. Among them, the usage rates of stainless steel crowns in 2013 and 2022 were 52.6% (320/608) and 78.1% (400/512) respectively, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=78.68, P<0.001). The main reasons for not selecting stainless steel crowns in 2013 were high technical sensitivity [52.8% (152/288)], followed by the impact of crown edge on gingiva [50.0% (144/288)] and poor aesthetics [27.8% (80/288)], while in 2022 were the inadequate equipage in hospitals [53.6% (60/112)] and poor aesthetics [21.4% (24/112)]. The main reasons for choosing stainless steel crowns restoration were good protection effect, less tooth fracture [78.1% (250/320) in 2013 and 82.5% (330/400) in 2022], followed by low dropout rate [62.5% (200/320) in 2013 and 68.0% (272/400) in 2022]. The proportions of stainless steel crowns restoration for primary molars after root canal therapy were 51.3% (312/608) and 76.6% (392/512) respectively with statistically significant (χ2=75.88, P<0.001). The proportions after pulp capping treatment for deep caries were 13.2% (80/608) and 53.1% (272/512) respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=206.01,P<0.001). Conclusions: During the 10 years from 2013 to 2022, the technical sensitivity of stainless steel crowns had gradually decreased, and the application in China had gradually increased. However, some hospitals have not yet equipped, which limits the application of stainless steel crowns. Therefore, training efforts should be derived to promote the clinical popularization of stainless steel crowns.