Research abstract
British Dental Journal 199, 453 - 455 (2005)
Published online: 8 October 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812746
General dental practitioners' views on the use of stainless steel crowns to restore primary molars
A G Threlfall1, L Pilkington2, K M Milsom3, A S Blinkhorn4 & M Tickle5
- British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) guidelines recommend that preformed stainless steel crowns should be the restoration of choice.
- Data from the Dental Practice Board demonstrate that across England and Wales GDPs rarely provide this type of treatment.
- In this study, GDPs practising in the North West of England explain their reasons for not routinely providing preformed crowns.
Abstract
Aim To ascertain general dental practitioners' views on the use of stainless steel (pre-formed metal) crowns to restore carious primary molars.
Method Ninety-three general dental practitioners were selected at random from those practising in Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester in 2003 and interviewed separately about the clinical care they provide to the primary dentition. Before the interview participants recorded the care they would provide for a case scenario, describing a child with a carious lesion that the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) guidelines indicate should be treated with a stainless steel crown.
Results In answering the case scenario only six (7%) of the dentists reported that they would fit a stainless steel crown. Of the 93 dentists interviewed 71% knew of the BSPD guidelines, but only 18% had ever fitted a stainless steel crown in general practice. Reasons given for not using stainless steel crowns were they are inappropriate for many children, time consuming to fit, difficult to manipulate, expensive, and ugly.
Conclusion The BSPD guidelines on the use of stainless steel crowns do not reflect the views of the majority of general dental practitioners who consider these crowns unsuitable for most children and an impractical restorative technique in busy daily practice.
- DH Research Training Fellow, Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre
- Research Assistant, Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre
- Consultant in Dental Public Health, Chester & Halton Community Trust, Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre
- Professor of Oral Health and Development, Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre
- Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Dental Public Health, Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre
Correspondence to: A G Threlfall1
Oral Health Unit, National Primary Care R&D Centre, Manchester University Dental School, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, M15 6LP
e-mail: tony.threlfall@man.ac.uk