Clinical performance of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture lithium disilicate ceramic endocrown restorations: A 2-year study

Abstract

Abstract Context: Optimal restoration methods for endodontically treated teeth (ETTs) have always remained an ongoing discussion among physicians in this day and age. ETTs have a tendency to fracture when chewing, compared to initial teeth. From the perspective of biology, preserving and restoring tooth structure is critical to maintaining biomechanical, functional, and esthetic harmony. Dental bonding techniques have lessened the necessity for post-and-core restorations in ETTs with severe substance loss. A minimally invasive endodontic restoration technique called “endocrown” was initially introduced by Bindl and Mörmann in 1999. Aims: The aim of the study was to clinically evaluate all-ceramic mandibular molar endocrowns made using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) following 2 years of follow-up. Subjects and Methods: This unblinded study contains 56 patients with 56 mandibular molars, which had severe substance loss. After teeth preparation, lithium disilicate ceramic endocrowns were manufactured with the CEREC CAD/CAM system, and cementation was performed using a composite luting agent. The endocrowns were assessed using the modified United States Public Health Service criteria at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years following placement. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: This study used descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals. Data were processed using STATA version 14.0 (StataCorp LLC, USA). Results: Two endocrowns (3.6%) failed throughout the period of observation. The high clinical rating criteria (96.4%, count of 54) and the increased satisfaction percentage (94.6%, count of 53) remained practically stable during the follow-up assessments at 6 months and after 1–2 years. Conclusions: Endocrown offers a less invasive treatment option that may be a better method for endodontically treated mandibular molars. With contemporary CAD/CAM technology and new materials, time in the chair and esthetics optimally improved, bringing satisfaction to the patient.