Assessment of masticatory performance in pediatric patients receiving preformed crowns by Hall technique: a controlled clinical trial.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess and compare the masticatory performance in children receiving preformed metal crown by Hall technique and conventional technique.

Methods: Children having teeth indicated for restorative/endodontic therapy and belonging to the age group of six to ten years were invited to participate in the study. Eighteen children received preformed metal crowns (PMCs) by Hall technique. Meanwhile, nineteen children received preformed metal crowns by the conventional technique. Their masticatory performance (MP) was assessed at T0 (pre-intervention), T1 (day 1 post-intervention), T2 (1 week), T3 (2 weeks), T4 (1 month) and T5 (3 months) using Hue-check Gum® (University of Bern, Switzerland). The chewing gum samples were scanned within 24 h of their collection and processed in the ViewGum Software©. The software calculated the hue value (VOH) which indicated the masticatory performance of the individual. A questionnaire was given to the parents at T4 and T5 to assess any discomfort or pain associated with PMCs placed in both groups.

Results: The evaluation of masticatory performance using the two-color chewing method revealed reduction in MP on day 1 post-intervention (p < 0.001) for both groups. However, the MP values recorded at T5 were comparable to the baseline values at T0 (p = 0.009). No significant discomfort or pain was reported in both groups.

Conclusion: The findings of the current clinical study indicate that placement of PMCs by both conventional and Hall technique in children deteriorates their MP which equilibrates within 1 month.

Clinical trial registry of india number: CTRI/2021/02/031532 [Registered on: 25/02/2021]-Trial Registered Prospectively.