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 examinati on and registration of complications was conducted at the time of insertion after 1 and 2 years. Results: After 2 years, 123 units (including 80 abutments) rem ained for examination. Twenty-eight units 9including 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 fractuers 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 cor ersponding 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 rat ings were excellent for 137 units and acceptable for 14 nits at baseline, and excellent for 80 units and acc eptable 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.