Clinical success and survival of indirect resin composite crowns: results of a 3-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to test the new resin composite "NECO" as a material for indirect restorations clinically.

METHODS

Forty-five patients were selected, of which 12 men and 33 women, with a mean age of 53. A total of 91 post-canine indirect resin composite NECO (Heraeus Kulzer, GmbH) restorations were placed, of which 86 full crowns and 5 onlays. Restorations were cemented with either resin cement (2bond2) or resin modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji Plus). The restorations were evaluated 1-2 weeks (baseline), 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years after placement. At these recalls, success and survival data of the abutment teeth were documented. Survival was defined as the restoration being in situ, and success as the restoration in situ without complications.

RESULTS

After 3 years in service, the restorations showed success and survival rates of 84.8 and 91.6%, respectively. Cementation with Fuji Plus showed a trend (p=0.054) toward higher success (93.1%) and survival (100%) rates compared to cementation with 2bond2 cement which showed success and survival rates of 81.4 and 87.9% respectively. Restorations on vital teeth resulted in success and survival rates of 86.8 and 95.3% respectively, while restorations on endodontically treated teeth showed success and survival rates of 82.6 and 87.5%. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.296).

SIGNIFICANCE

Three-year success and survival rates of NECO restorations were 84.8 and 91.6%, respectively. The design of the preparation and restoration should take the material properties into account in order to enhance the clinical performance.