A 5-year-old patient needs treatment for teeth L (mandibular left first primary molar). What is the most appropriate treatment?

Correct answer: B. Stainless steel crown (SSC)

• A. Amalgam restorations in primary molars have poorer longevity than SSC for large lesions.
• B. Correct. For a primary first molar with significant decay requiring pulp therapy (or already compromised), the stainless steel crown (SSC) is the gold standard. SSC provides complete coverage and long-term durability that composite and amalgam cannot match in primary molar teeth.
• C. Composite resin has limited longevity in primary molar restorations with significant decay.
• D. SDF arrests caries but stains the tooth black and does not restore function/structure — not ideal as the primary treatment for a tooth that can be restored.