The role of an occlusal template during the placement of preformed metal crowns in children under general anaesthesia: a randomised control trial

Aim This aim was to evaluate preformed metal crowns (PMC) placed under general anaesthesia using an occlusal template in comparison to crowns placed without the use of a template. Methodology CONSORT protocols were followed in the design of the study. A total of 60 children between 4–7 years requiring pulpotomy and PMC for all primary molars met the inclusion criteria for this study. The control group comprised patients for whom the PMC were placed without the use of an occlusal template, while in the test group crowns were placed using a polyvinyl siloxane occlusal template. Patients were followed up at 24 h, 7 days, 3 and 6 months. The time taken for the placement of crowns, instances of post-operative discomfort, success or failure of the pulp therapy and loss of any crowns were compared between the groups. Results The mean time taken for completion of the procedure in the control group was significantly greater than the template group ( t = 2.566, p = 0.013). Significantly fewer patients in the template group reported symptoms of discomfort or high points at the 24-h recall; however, these differences were not significant at the 1-week, 3- or 6-month recall. Conclusion The use of an occlusal template for the placement of multiple PMC under general anaesthesia reduces the time taken for their placement and reduces the incidence of immediate post-operative discomfort.