Preformed metal crowns for decayed primary molar teeth

Management of decay in primary molar teeth conventionally involves removal of decayed tooth and placement of a preformed metal crown (also known as a stainless steel crown) to completely cover the tooth or placement of a filling (a soft material which is placed in the hole and hardened) to restore the tooth. Preformed metal crowns are recommended by specialists in children’s dentistry for the management of these teeth when they are affected by moderate to advanced tooth decay. We were unable to find any high quality research evidence either for or against this recommendation. No randomised control trials were found which compared removal of decay followed by placement of a preformed metal crown with removal of decay followed by placement of a filling material or no treatment.