Corrosion-resistant steel crowns, often called stainless steel dental crowns or SSCs, are prefabricated crowns made of stainless steel that are cemented onto primary (baby) teeth. SSCs provide full coverage of the tooth and are utilized as a dental restorative option for restoring a tooth that has extensive decay or has been through a previous restoration.
When are Stainless Steel Crowns Used?
SSCs are commonly used in pediatric dentistry to restore heavily decayed primary teeth in children. They are considered the standard of care for restoring a primary molar with extensive decay. SSCs can also be used when a previous filling or crown has failed or decay is approaching the nerve of the tooth. The full metal crown covers and protects the entire tooth. SSCs are also sometimes used on primary incisors (front teeth) that have sustained severe damage from trauma.
Benefits of Corrosion-resistant steel crowns
SSCs provide multiple benefits over other restorative options for heavily decayed primary teeth. The full coverage crown protects the entire tooth structure. This helps seal out food and bacteria that can cause new decay around a filling. SSCs are also very durable and can last until the natural exfoliation (shedding) of the primary tooth. Their longevity avoids the need for multiple fillings that may eventually lead to nerve damage or tooth loss as decay progresses. Stainless Crowns are also easy for dentists to place in one appointment and secure firmly to withstand biting forces.
How are Corrosion-resistant steel crowns Fitted?
The fitting process for SSCs involves several steps. First, the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia. Then the dentist will remove any existing decayed tooth structure with a drill. This preps the shape of the tooth to properly fit the preformed metal crown. Next, the dentist will select the appropriately sized crown and try it on the prepared tooth. Any adjustments are made before cementation. A temporary cement is often used initially to ensure a good fit before permanently cementing the crown in place. The temporary cement allows for easy removal if a size adjustment is later needed. Once the fit is verified, the permanent cement bonds the SSC securely to the tooth.
Effectiveness of Corrosion-resistant steel crowns
Numerous clinical trials have proven SSCs to be a highly successful restorative treatment for decayed primary teeth. Some key findings regarding their effectiveness include:
- Over 90% clinical success rate at 5 years, retaining the tooth intact with the crown still in place.
- Significantly higher success versus other restorative options like stainless steel strip crowns or amalgam fillings. Failure rates are much lower for SSCs.
- Very low incidence of repeat decay developing underneath the crown material. The full coverage seal protects the tooth.
- Ability to restore extensive damage from decay and still allow the tooth to exfoliate naturally on schedule. Tooth nerve damage and premature loss are avoided.
- High acceptance by children and parents due to the durability, appearance, and single visit placement of SSCs versus multiple fillings.
Durability and Longevity of Corrosion-resistant steel crowns
As their name implies, SSCs are made of durable stainless steel alloy materials. When properly cemented, they can resist fracturing from everyday biting forces. On primary teeth, they are designed to last the approximately 2-3 year lifetime left for the tooth to exfoliate naturally. This typically allows full function without the need for replacement. In rare instances where premature loss occurs, a new SSC can easily be cemented. Overall, studies have shown over 90% of appropriately placed SSCs will remain intact until exfoliation of the restored primary tooth. Their durability makes them a low maintenance restorative solution.
Potential Disadvantages of Corrosion-resistant steel crowns
While SSCs have many clinical advantages, some potential disadvantages include:
- Appearance - The all-metal crown may look quite different than a natural tooth, which some children may be self-conscious about initially. The benefit of preventing damage outweighs cosmetic concerns.
- Single Visit - Placement requires more time and dental operative steps versus a filling. However, this avoids future appointments if decay progresses.
- Cost - The initial cost of an SSC is higher than other restorative materials. But their longevity offsets repeated fillings or potential root canals/extractions if decay advances without full coverage restoration.
- Tooth Preparation - Removing decay for optimal crown fit means more healthy tooth structure is lost versus minimally invasive fillings. However, this technique better seals out future decay under the crown.
- Permanence - Once cemented, SSCs cannot be easily removed like a filling. But they provide the advantage of being durable and long-lasting restorations.
SSCs are a highly effective restorative option when restoring severely decayed primary teeth. Their full coverage design protects and seals the entire tooth structure from future decay. Numerous clinical trials demonstrate their longevity and ability to maintain tooth function intact until natural exfoliation. For restoring heavily damaged primary teeth, SSCs represent the current standard of care due to excellent long-term success and retention rates. Their advantages outweigh any minor potential disadvantages.
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Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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