Non-invasive treatment approach for hypomineralised second primary molars using preformed metal crowns: results after 1-year follow-up.

purposeTo evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of Hypomineralised Second Primary Molars (HSPM) treated with Preformed Metal Crowns (PMC) using the Hall Technique (HT).

methodsThis prospective cohort study included healthy children presenting at the pediatric dental clinic of the University Hospitals Leuven (Belgium) with at least one primary molar affected by HSPM. The clinical and radiological situation at baseline and after a follow-up of 1 year was registered in detail using standardized criteria. After plaque removal and gentle drying, PMCs (3 M™ ESPE™ Stainless Steel Crowns) were fitted without administration of local anaesthesia nor tooth preparation. Strict outcome criteria, including gingival health condition, were applied. Informed consent was obtained for all individual participants. The study was approved by the institutional Ethics Committee.

resultsA total of 39 PMCs with a follow-up of 12 months, placed in 15 patients (7 boys and 8 girls), were included. The mean age of the patients at the time of fitting the PMC was 4.6 ± 1.1 years (range: 3-7). None of the PMCs was lost nor failed. Clinical outcome was considered fully successful in 64.1%, radiological outcome in 93.3% of the cases; all other cases were rated as acceptable. The main reason for not being categorized as fully successful was deterioration of the gingival condition. Overall, the treatment was well tolerated and accepted by the patients.

conclusionPMCs fitted using the HT represent an acceptable and well-tolerated treatment option for the management of HSPM. Gingival condition should be incorporated in outcome assessment.