Evaluation of the Clinical Success of Pediatric Fiberglass Crowns in Primary Teeth Using Different Luting Cements: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aims To evaluate the clinical success, impact on periodontal health, and parental satisfaction of pediatric fiberglass crowns (FGCs) applied to primary molars using two different luting cements. Methods and Materials In this study, 60 FGCs were applied to the primary molars of 38 children aged five-nine years, using two different cement materials [glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and resin-modified GIC (RMGIC)]. During the 12-month control period, the retention, anatomical integrity, effect on periodontal health and parental satisfaction of FGCs were evaluated. The plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) scores of all teeth, including those treated with crowns (FGC group) and their symmetrical, healthy counterparts (control group), were evaluated both before and after the application of FGCs. Results Although the highest survival was observed in the group cemented with RMGIC, there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant change in the periodontal index scores of the FGC group compared with the initial values (p > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in the periodontal index scores of the overall and control groups compared with the initial values (p < 0,05). When the gingival index scores were evaluated, the increase observed in the control sessions compared with the initial values is significantly greater (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion At the end of the 12-month follow-up period, although the survival rate was higher in the RMGIC group, the clinical success rate of FGCs was low in general. It can be suggested that FGCs could serve as an aesthetic alternative for primary tooth crown restorations; however, improvements in their mechanical and surface properties are needed. Trial Registration The study was retrospectively registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov with registration number (NCT06558734).