[Clinical efficiency and cost-effectiveness of standard metal crowns for primary molars].

The aim of the study was to assess clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of standard metal crowns for primary molars restoration. The paper contains the results of 3-year study of 2 groups of children aged 3-9, whose molars were restored using different techniques after treatment of chronic fibrous pulpitis. In the first group (42 children) 128 temporary molars were restored using filling materials (glass ionomer cements, compomers), in the second group (35 children) 106 temporary molars were restored using standard metal crowns (3M ESPE USA). Follow-up examinations were performed every 6 months. Clinical efficacy was valued using the following criteria: number of repeated restorative procedures because of restorations failure and rate of extracted teeth in each group after 3 years follow-up. Cost-effectiveness and financial burden for healthcare providing system was assessed according to the cost of each procedure, number of repeated procedures and additional cost associated with restoration failure and teeth extractions. The results of the 3-year study proved that despite the higher cost of initial restorative procedure when using stainless steel crowns the method shows higher clinical success and cost-effectiveness in a long-term run.