Three-Year Clinical Evaluation of In-Ceram Zirconia Posterior FPDs

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of In-Ceram Zirconia posterior fixed partial dentures (FPD) after 3 years in service. Materials and Methods: Eighteen In-Ceram Zirconia FPDs were fabricated in 16 patients. The FPDs were placed between January and April 1999. The CDA quality evaluation system was used for assessment of surface and color, anatomic form, and marginal integrity. Bleedingon probing was also recorded. Results: One of the 18 posterior FPDs was lost because ofa root fracture. All remaining FPDs were rated as either excellent or acceptable after the observation period. Bleeding was more often recorded at crowned abutments with In-Ceram Zirconia than at contralateral teeth. Conclusion: In-Ceram Zirconia posterior FPDs seem to be an acceptable treatment alternative in a 3-year perspective. However, more clinical long-term follow-up studies must be performed before the system can be recommended as an alternative to conventional FPDs.