Prospective clinical 5-year study of ceramic-veneered titanium restorations with the Procera system

Statement of problem. The biocompatibility of titanium has been well docume nted, but: clinical outcomes of ceramic-veneered titanium restorations were not conclusive. Purpose. The study presents the results of a 5 year clinical study of indiv idual crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) veneered with a low-fusing c eramic of the Procera system. Material and methods. Ail patients at one clinic who required crowns or FPD s during a 2-year period were invited to participate. A total of 260 patien ts received 333 ceramic-veneered Procera restorations (242 single crowns an d 91 FPDs). Clinical registrations were performed annually, and the restora tions were evaluated according to the California Dental Association rating system. At the 5-year follow-up, 198 (76%) patients were examined. Most of the loss of patients could be explained. Results. Practically all Procera restorations were judged as satisfactory b oth at baseline and follow-up examinations. One artificial crown and 1 FPD were remade because of extensive fractures of ceramic veneers. Two FPDs had fractures of a soldered joint, but only I FPD was replaced. Some minor com plications occurred, such as small porcelain fractures that could be polish ed (6% of single crowns, 13% of FPDs) and or loosened restorations that wer e recemented. Other recorded complications were not related to the Procera system but to dental caries, loosened posts and cores, and root fractures. Conclusion. Clinical outcomes over a 5-year period for ceramic-veneered tit anium restorations with the Procera system were favorable.