COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF TITANIUM NITRIDE COATED CROWNS AND SANDBLASTED STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS WITH CONVENTIONAL STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS IN PRIMARY DENTITION- AN IN VIVO STUDY

Background: Dental caries is a major cause of pain and tooth loss in children, often requiring full-coverage restorations. Stainless steel crowns (SSCs)are durable and easy to place but lack esthetics. Titanium nitride-coated crowns (TiNCs) improve appearance and wear resistance, while sandblasted SSCs may enhance bonding and efficiency. However, clinical evidence in pediatric use remains limited.

Aim: To clinically evaluate and compare titanium nitride coated crowns and sandblasted stainless steel crowns with conventional stainless steel crowns in primary dentition.

Methods: A randomized comparative in vivo study was conducted on 45 endodontically treated primary molars in children aged 3-10 years, assigned to three groups (n=15 each): Group I TiNCs, Group II-sandblasted SSCs, and Group III-conventional SSCs. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed pre-operatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman statistical tests