The efficacy of a modified omega wire extension for the treatment of severely damaged primary anterior teeth.

OBJECTIVES

The restoration of the severely damaged anterior teeth is considered a serious challenge in contemporary dental practice. The aim of the present study was the clinical and radiographic evaluation of a modified omega loop technique for the restoration of the severely damaged primary anterior teeth.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 144 anterior teeth in 60 healthy children (male: 32, female: 28) aged 3-4 years, severely damaged by dental caries, were included in the present study. The root canal therapy was performed for the selected teeth. After the construction of the modified omega loop, coronal 4 mm of intracanal ZOE was removed. A thin layer of polycarboxylate cement was placed over ZOE followed by the insertion of the modified omega loop and subsequent restoration of the crown with an internal compomer core and an external composite restoration. The patients were followed at the intervals of 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The partial loss of the restorative material after 6 months occurred in 5.9% of the teeth. The failure rates after 12 and 24 months were 10.8% and 18.5%, respectively. The primary canines exhibited minimum loss of the restorative material. Two teeth exhibited pathological mobility after two years. There were not any signs of root fracture or recurrent caries in any of the restored teeth.

CONCLUSION

It may be concluded that the modified omega loop is an efficient technique for the restoration of the severely damaged anterior teeth. The ease of manipulation and short chair-side time are further advantages of the technique.