Role of Metals in Pediatric Oral Health

Abstract

Prefabricated stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are the regular dental prosthesis cemented to primary molars in children. Previously used SSC, which contained up to 72% nickel, is associated with nickel sensitivity. Hence, the new generation of SSC that contains only 9–12% nickel was developed. Stainless steel orthodontic materials and stainless steel crowns (SSC) are the two major devices in pediatric patients that contain heavy metals. Measurable amounts of nickel and chromium in the saliva and serum are released from this prosthesis without reaching toxic levels. Allergic reaction in a form of gingivitis was reported after 3 months in 20% of the females and 10% of the males, and it disappeared a month after appliance removal. Several studies reported that there is more leaching of metals in acidic pH. Many different types of alloys are now available in the market to be used for dental restorations and fixed prostheses, and the rates of metal leaching from these alloys are not known. The common criterion for all these fixed prosthodontic materials is their permanent existence in the oral cavity for a prolonged time without the ability to be removed by the patient. Let us know these elements in detail in this chapter.