The quality of clinical fit of stainless steel bands used in endodontics.
Stainless steel bands are commonly advocated to protect posterior teeth against fracture during endodontic treatment and before final restoration. A poorly fitting band, however, may lead to a compromised coronal seal and gingival irritation. This radiographic study assessed the quality of fit and marginal adaptation in the proximal area of stainless steel bands placed during routine endodontic treatment. Clinical radiographs of 120 maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars were evaluated. All radiographs were taken during routine clinical endodontic treatment and randomly selected from cases completed by ten operators. Approximately one-half of cases did not meet the criteria of adequate marginal seal (mesial: 65/120; distal: 49/120). Only 11 teeth were found to have adequate fit of the band on both mesial and distal aspects of the tooth. The most common reason for inadequacy of fit was lack of band adaptation to the tooth contour in the cervical region. Stainless steel bands have a high possibility of poor marginal fit and should be used with the awareness that they may produce other clinical problems.
D001641:Bicuspid; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000209:etiology; D003794:Dental Restoration, Temporary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008434:Matrix Bands / Q000009:adverse effects; D008963:Molar; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control
D013193:Stainless Steel