Survival Rates of Stainless Steel Crowns and Multi-Surface Composite Restorations Placed by Dental Students in a Pediatric Clinic

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined survival rates of multi-surface composite restorations and stainless steel crowns (SSCs) placed by students in a pediatric dental clinic as well as the length of time it takes for restorations to be replaced with stainless steel crowns. Study design: Data from electronic dental records for all children with at least one 2-surface composite restorations or SSCs on a primary first or second molar from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2015 were analyzed. The primary outcome was the time to a new restoration or SSC on the same tooth, with time to a crown as a secondary outcome. Descriptive statistics were obtained and the cumulative incidence of the event of interest was estimated using 95% confidence intervals and compared between groups using Fine-Gray regression. Results: A total of 6,288 teeth from 2,044 children were analyzed. Three years after the initial procedure, 1.5% of SSCs and 21% of 2 and 3 surface composite restorations failed and needed a replacement (Hazard Ratio [HR]= 14; 95% Confidence interval [CI] 9–22, p<0.001). Also, 6.8% of composite restorations needed replacement with SSCs' (HR=4; 95% CI: 3–7). Conclusions: The study demonstrates that stainless steel crowns had a higher survival rate than multi-surface composite resins placed by students at a pediatric dental clinic in primary molars of children.