Which restoration is commonly used for severely decayed primary teeth?

• A. Stainless steel crowns
• B. Amalgam
• C. Composite
• D. Veneer

Answer: (A)

When a primary tooth is severely decayed, the goal is to provide robust, full-coverage protection that can withstand chewing forces and protect the remaining structure until the tooth naturally exfoliates. Stainless steel crowns meet this need because they are preformed, full-coverage crowns that wrap the entire crown of the tooth. They tolerate the forces in the primary dentition, resist fracture, and maintain a seal at the margins, which helps prevent further decay or leakage. They also require minimal tooth preparation, seat quickly, and are cost-effective—benefits that are especially valuable in pediatric patients.

Direct fillings like amalgam or composite rely on substantial remaining tooth structure for retention and do not provide the same level of protection as a full-coverage crown in cases of severe decay; they are more prone to fracture or leakage in these scenarios. Veneers are designed for anterior teeth and require more reduction, making them unsuitable for posterior, severely decayed primary teeth. Therefore, stainless steel crowns are the restoration of choice for severely decayed primary teeth.