Retrospective Evaluation of Trends in Prefabricated Zirconia Crown Usage in Primary Teeth: A Dental Claims Review.

Purpose: To establish patterns of utilization for prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZCs) compared to other full-coverage restorations. Methods: Analysis of dental insurance claims from 2013 to 2022 included current dental terminology (CDT) codes, date, tooth number, patient information, and dentist information. CDT codes utilized were PZCs (D2929); stainless steel crowns (SSCs; D2930), resin window SSCs (D2933); preveenered SSCs (D2934); and resin-based composite crowns (D2390). Generalized estimating equation models tested the effects of service year, provider specialty, dentition location, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry district, pulpotomy/pulpectomy, and cost associated with full-coverage restorations. Results: Six and a half million claims were included. SSCs were the most used restoration. PZC usage increased over time, eventually becoming the second-most utilized (1.8 percent to 4.3 percent). PZCs were placed more by pediatric dentists on anterior teeth and cost more (P<0.001). Conclusions: While stainless steel crowns remain the most frequently placed full-coverage option, prefabricated zirconia crown usage steadily increased. Parental awareness may lead more practitioners to provide PZCs. Pediatric dentists place more PZCs than general dentists. PZCs also had higher costs, with usage varying between geographical regions.