Abstract
The prominent mesio-buccal cervical ridge of mandibular and maxillary first molars must be accommodated in the preparation of the stainless steel crown, which may otherwise result in a 'rocking' crown [5]. [...]to avoid treatment complications, it is important to study the buccal morphology of deciduous molars and to plan restorative procedures accordingly. [...]the present study aimed at assessing variation(s) in buccal surface morphology of deciduous first molars in Saudi children. 2. Type C, described by Bolk as tuberculum paramolare in permanent teeth [27] and referred to as as tuberculum pulpale by Kallay [28], appears as well-developed cusps standing independently and well-separated from the buccal surface by a distinctly expressed groove. [...]Type C morphological pattern with no radiographic evidence of extra root(s) is mostly protuberantio apulpalis, which can be reduced without fear of pulpal exposure. Clinical Relevance * A high percentage of Saudi children exhibited Type A (55% [n=144]) and Type BO (45% [n =118]) morphology in their deciduous mandibular first molars. * Teeth with Type A morphology are usually easiest to prepare for stainless steel crown placement; however, this should not rule out the caution to be exercised in cavity preparation for amalgam or glass ionomer cement restorations. * Clinicians may find children with Type BO deciduous mandibular first molars very challenging, as well as tooth preparation for stainless steel crowns due to the excessive reduction they require, while the risks for pulp exposure and ill-fitting crowns remain high. * A significant ratio (37%) of children exhibited morphological variance between sides, which is of importance for clinicians, as requiring an independent examination of each quadrant.