ClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT07618871Updated Oct 28, 2026

Prefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK Crowns For Primary Molars Restoration

An interventional study of Prefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK with 0.2 mm thickness and Prefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK with 0.4 mm thickness in Dental Esthetic, Dental Care for Children, Dental Crowns, sponsored by Arab International University. Completed at 1 site in Syria. Open to participants aged 5 Years to 9 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-28.

Sponsored by Arab International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Registered 2 years 1 month after the study started (first participant enrolled Apr 2024, registered May 2026).
Updated Oct 28, 2026Now CompletedEnrollment updatedGo to Updates ↓
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
60
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
5 Years to 9 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This Split-mouth randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate CAD/CAM prefabricated Polyether ether ketone crowns for primary molars restoration after pulpotomy compared to Stainless steel crowns Over follow-up periods of 3, 6, and 12 months, the sample included 60 children aged 5-9 years who had bilateral mandibular second primary molars.

Each child received a pulpotomy treatment followed by the placement of a stainless steel crown on one side and a PEEK crown on the contralateral side, distributed randomly.

Clinical parameters were subsequently evaluated during the three follow-up periods, including the gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing index, restoration retention and integrity, marginal adaptation, color stability, and both parental and child satisfaction.

Read the detailed description

Interest in the esthetic aspect of pediatric dental treatment has increased among both children and parents, as children's self-perception is strongly influenced by the appearance of their teeth from an early age. Most esthetic restorative options require extensive tooth preparation compared with stainless steel crowns (SSCs). However, only limited studies have investigated conservative esthetic alternatives for primary molars.

This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of CAD-CAM prefabricated esthetic PEEK crowns compared with stainless steel crowns (SSCs) in restoring primary mandibular second molars after pulpotomy. Clinical performance was assessed according to restoration retention and integrity, gingival health, plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing, marginal adaptation, color stability, and child/parent satisfaction over follow-up periods of 3, 6, and 12 months.

The sample was randomly allocated using the website: randomization.com

A total crowns were randomly distributed into four groups (n=20 per group):

(A): Prefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK crowns with 0.2 mm thickness (B): Prefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK crowns with 0.4 mm thickness (C): CAD/CAM fabricated PEEK crowns prepared according to NuSmile recommendations (D): Stainless steel crowns (SSC). The study included healthy, cooperative children aged 5-9 years requiring pulpotomy treatment for mandibular second primary.

Clinical Procedure

Clinical and radiographic examinations are performed to confirm the indication for pulpotomy treatment, followed by completion of the study form. Local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation are carried out, and pulpotomy is performed according to the conventional technique described by Dean (2016). The tooth is then restored with glass ionomer cement.

After cement setting, conservative tooth preparation is performed using diamond burs with 1-2 mm occlusal reduction. For Groups I, II, and IV, proximal reduction is completed with minimal preparation. In Group III, tooth preparation follows NuSmile recommendations, including occlusal reduction, proximal opening, crown reduction, and a 1 mm subgingival finish line.

For Groups I, II, and IV, the appropriate crown size is selected, checked for marginal adaptation and proximal contacts, then cemented using Fuji I glass ionomer cement. Excess cement is removed using a dental explorer and dental floss.

For the CAD/CAM fabricated PEEK group, a silicone impression is taken and scanned digitally. Crowns are designed using Exocad software and fabricated with CAD-CAM technology. After polishing and internal surface conditioning with aluminum oxide particles, the crown is tried in, cemented with Fuji I glass ionomer cement, and excess cement is removed.

Clinical parameters are evaluated immediately after crown cementation for directly measurable baseline variables and during the three follow-up periods (after 3, 6, 12 months), including the gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing index, restoration retention and integrity, marginal adaptation, color stability, and both parental and child satisfaction.

02

Conditions studied

  • Dental Esthetic, Dental Care for Children, Dental Crowns

Keywords

  • Polyetheretherketone
  • Prefabricated crowns
  • CAD/CAM
  • Stainless steel crowns
03

In context

Lead sponsor

Arab International University is the lead sponsor of 5 studies on the registry; none are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
5 Years to 9 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  1. Healthy children aged 5-9 years.
  2. Children requiring pulpotomy of mandibular second primary molars.
  3. Cooperative children rated as positive or definitely positive on the Frankl behavior scale.
  4. No acute or chronic abscess at the anesthesia site.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Root resorption exceeding the apical third.
  2. Non-restorable teeth.
  3. Presence of swelling, fistula, or acute or chronic pulpitis.
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Crossover assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
60 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Prefabricated PEEK crowns of 0.2 mm thickness

    Minimally prepared teeth restored with prefabricated PEEK crowns of 0.2 mm wall thickness.

    Procedure: Prefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK with 0.2 mm thickness

  • Experimental
    Prefabricated PEEK crowns of 0.4 mm wall thickness

    Minimally prepared teeth restored with prefabricated PEEK crowns of 0.4 mm wall thickness.

    Procedure: Prefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK with 0.4 mm thickness

  • Experimental
    CAD/CAM-fabricated PEEK crowns

    Teeth receiving comprehensive preparation and restored with CAD/CAM-fabricated PEEK crowns following the NuSmile preparation protocol.

    Procedure: CAD/CAM-fabricated PEEK Crowns

  • Active comparator
    Stainless steel crowns

    Minimally prepared teeth restored with prefabricated stainless steel crowns, as the positive control group.

    Procedure: Satinless steel crowns

Interventions

  • ProcedurePrefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK with 0.2 mm thickness

    The pulpotomized molar assigned to experimental group will be received A Polyether ether ketone prefabricated crown with 0.2mm thickness on one side of mandibular arch, and the other side will be received a Stainless steel crown as control group.

  • ProcedurePrefabricated CAD/CAM PEEK with 0.4 mm thickness

    The pulpotomized molar assigned to experimental group will be received A Polyether ether ketone prefabricated crown with 0.4mm thickness on one side of mandibular arch, and the other side will be received a Stainless steel crown as control group.

  • ProcedureCAD/CAM-fabricated PEEK Crowns

    The pulpotomized molar assigned to experimental group will be received A CAD/CAM fabricated Polyether ether ketone crown on one side of mandibular arch, and the other side will be received a Stainless steel crown as control group.

  • ProcedureSatinless steel crowns

    The pulpotomized molar assigned to control group will be received a Stainless steel crown as control group on one side of mandibular arch, and the other side will be received one of the arm 1, 2, or 3

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Gingival Index

    0 = No gingival inflammation. 1. = Mild inflammation with slight changes in color and texture affecting part of the marginal gingiva or papilla. 2. = Mild inflammation with changes in color and texture involving the entire marginal gingiva or papilla. 3. = Moderate gingival inflammation with obvious redness, surface glazing, edema, and/or enlargement of the marginal gingiva or papilla. 4. = Severe gingival inflammation with marked redness, edema and/or enlargement of the marginal gingiva or papilla, spontaneous bleeding, and ulceration.

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively

  2. Plaque Index

    0 = No plaque accumulation around the gingival margin. 1. = Slight plaque accumulation detected only by passing a probe. 2. = Moderate plaque accumulation visible to the naked eye. 3. = Heavy plaque accumulation on the crown surface, gingiva, and interdental areas.

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively

  3. Bleeding on Probing

    Bleeding on probing is assessed using a Williams periodontal probe inserted into the gingival sulcus around each crowned tooth. Four sites (mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual) are examined, and bleeding is evaluated 10 seconds after probing as follows: (-) No bleeding. (+) Bleeding present.

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively

  4. Wong-Baker Faces Scale

    A Wong-Baker Faces Scale consisting of six expressive faces is used, ranging from "no hurts" to "hurts worst," to facilitate the child's selection of the appropriate face. The scale ranges from 0 to 10. The child is given a questionnaire displaying the faces immediately after crown placement and is asked to choose the face that best represents their feeling at that moment. The child indicates the selected face by pointing to it, and the response is recorded in the study form.

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months postoperatively

Secondary outcomes

  1. Color Stability

    Color stability is assessed using a shade guide as a reference standard. The crown color is compared with the shade guide at each follow-up visit (3, 6, and 12 months) according to the following criteria: 0 = No color change. 1. = Slight change from the original color. 2. = Unacceptable color change.

    Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months postoperatively

  2. Restoration retention and integrity

    The clinical condition of the crown is evaluated during follow-up visits according to the following criteria: 0 = No visible fracture. 1. = Minor crown fracture that is repairable. 2. = Major crown fracture that can still be repaired. 3. = Crown loss and exclusion from the study sample.

    Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months postoperatively

  3. Marginal Adaptation

    Marginal adaptation discrepancies were evaluated clinically using a sharp explorer and direct visual examination under dental operating light According to the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria; (A): An Alpha grade represented a clinically ideal restoration with excellent marginal adaptation, no detectable gap on exploratory examination. (B): A Bravo grade indicated a clinically acceptable restoration with a slight marginal discrepancy detectable by an explorer, but without dentin exposure. (C): A Charlie grade was assigned to restorations that were clinically unacceptable due to a definite marginal gap, with exposed dentin. (D): A Delta grade denotes the worst clinical condition, characterized by gross marginal failure, loss of retention, or other major defects, for which complete replacement of the restoration is required.

    Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months postoperatively

  4. Patient/Parent Satisfaction

    The child and one parent are asked about their satisfaction with the crowns regarding esthetics and function, and the responses are recorded in the patient form. Evaluation is performed as follows: 1. = Completely satisfied with both esthetic and functional outcomes. 2. = Satisfied with esthetic and functional outcomes with a minor remark. 3. = Minor criticism without negative clinical effects or esthetic defects. 4. = Desire for improvement in esthetic and functional aspects. 5. = Completely dissatisfied.

    Time frame: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months postoperatively

07

Study locations

1 site
  • School of Dental Medicine
    Damascus, Syria
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Attia MA, Blunt L, Bills P, Tawfik A, Radawn M. Micro-CT analysis of marginal and internal fit of milled and pressed polyetheretherketone single crowns. J Prosthet Dent. 2023 Jun;129(6):906.e1-906.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.03.018. Epub 2023 Apr 16. PubMed 37072286 ↗
  • Heimer S, Schmidlin PR, Roos M, Stawarczyk B. Surface properties of polyetheretherketone after different laboratory and chairside polishing protocols. J Prosthet Dent. 2017 Mar;117(3):419-425. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2016.06.016. Epub 2016 Sep 28. PubMed 27692577 ↗
  • Chen Y, Liu W, Wu Z, Wang S, Li Y, Su B, Li S. Advantages and feasibility of prefabricated PEEK crowns for aesthetic restoration in primary teeth. Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 18;14(1):28398. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-79306-1. PubMed 39551812 ↗
  • Stawarczyk B, Beuer F, Wimmer T, Jahn D, Sener B, Roos M, Schmidlin PR. Polyetheretherketone-a suitable material for fixed dental prostheses? J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2013 Oct;101(7):1209-16. doi: 10.1002/jbm.b.32932. Epub 2013 Apr 6. PubMed 23564476 ↗
  • Skirbutis G, Dzingute A, Masiliunaite V, Sulcaite G, Zilinskas J. PEEK polymer's properties and its use in prosthodontics. A review. Stomatologija. 2018;20(2):54-58. PubMed 30531169 ↗
  • Nagarathna, C., Deepthi, L., & Cam, C. A. D. (2026). Next Generation Smile Solutions - PEEK Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry. Journal of Chemical Health Risks, 16(1), 1734-1742.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

09

Timeline

1 registry update since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reached

Ran from Apr 2024 to primary completion in Dec 2025, 20 months.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
May 22, 2026
First posted
Jun 1, 2026
StartActual
Apr 2, 2024
Primary completionActual
Dec 10, 2025
CompletionActual
Aug 26, 2026
Last update
Oct 28, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
Status
Active, not recruiting→Completed
changed Oct 28, 2026
Show all 1 update
  1. Oct 28, 2026
    Active, not recruiting→Completed
    + 2 other changes: verification date and date precision

From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07618871
Lead sponsor
Arab International University
Collaborators
Damascus University
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Jun 1, 2026
Start date
Apr 2, 2024
Primary completion
Dec 10, 2025
Completion
Aug 26, 2026
Last update
Oct 28, 2026

Study contacts

Bushra Munzer Shamma, MSc, DDS.
principal investigator · Damascus University
Mohannad Laflouf, PhD, MSc, DDS.
study chair · Damascus University
Saleh Al Kurdi, PhD, MSc, DDS.
study director · Arab International University

Oversight

FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Oct 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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