Two-year follow-up study of Procera-ceramic fixed partial dentures.

PURPOSE

The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether a machine-fabricated titanium fixed partial denture veneered with a low-temperature fused porcelain is an acceptable treatment modality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study originally included 25 patients with 37 fixed partial dentures of three to seven units, with a total of 151 units including 98 abutments. A clinical examination using the California Dental Association quality evaluation system and radiologic examination and registration of complications was conducted at the time of insertion and after 1 and 2 years.

RESULTS

After 2 years, 123 units (including 80 abutments) remained for examination. Twenty-eight units (including 18 abutments) were lost during the follow-up period. The losses were because of drop-out (eight cases), root fracture (two cases), caries (six cases), and periodontitis (two cases). One fixed partial denture fractured after 18 months and was therefore remade. In all, porcelain fractures occurred in two patients, both with severe parafunctional habits. At baseline, the California Dental Association rating system for marginal integrity was "excellent" for 72 abutments and "acceptable" for 26 abutments. At the 2-year follow-up the corresponding rating was "excellent" for 46 abutments, "acceptable" for 30 abutments, and "not acceptable" for four abutments. The latter marginal defects were corrected with restorations. For surface and color the corresponding ratings were "excellent" for 137 units and "acceptable" for 14 units at baseline, and "excellent" for 80 units and "acceptable" for 43 units at the 2-year follow-up. Bleeding index increased from 24% at baseline to 33% after 2 years.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms that for an observation period of 2 years, fixed partial dentures made by the Procera method seem to be an acceptable treatment modality. They are a suitable alternative to fixed partial dentures with porcelain fused to high-noble alloys.