An 8-year-old patient's primary second molar (tooth K, mandibular left primary second molar) is heavily carious with questionable pulpal status. What is the best restorative treatment?

For a heavily carious primary molar, the stainless steel crown (SSC) is the treatment of choice and is supported by extensive evidence showing superior longevity compared to multi-surface amalgam or composite restorations. The SSC encases the entire tooth, providing full coronal protection and preventing further breakdown. The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends SSCs for primary molars after pulpotomy, multi-surface restorations in primary teeth, and heavily carious primary teeth. Composite and amalgam multi-surface restorations in primary molars have much higher failure rates than SSCs.