Assessment of crestal bone loss and periodontal parameters of polymer infiltrated ceramic network versus lithium disilicate implant hybrid abutment crowns in the esthetic zone (A randomized clinical trial).

BACKGROUND: Lithium disilicate can be reliable when restoring implants in the esthetic zone. However, it has a high elastic modulus. This might increase the amount of forces transmitted to the crestal bone. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the crestal bone loss and peri-implant periodontal parameters of polymer infiltrated ceramic network compared to lithium disilicate implant-supported hybrid abutment crowns after 12 months of follow-up. METHODOLOGY: 44 patients were enrolled. They were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 22). The first group received 22 implants restored with polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Vitaenamic) hybrid abutment crowns. The second group received 22 implants restored with lithium disilicate (e.max) hybrid abutment crowns over immediately placed implants in the esthetic zone. Periapical radiographs were taken immediately after prosthetic placement and 1 year later utilizing a parallel technique, to assess crestal bone loss. Periodontal parameters were assessed after 1 year. RESULTS: Regarding crestal bone loss, a comparison between group I (Vitaenamic) and group II (e.max) was made by using an Independent t-test, which showed an insignificant difference between them (p > 0.05). A comparison between groups I and II revealed insignificant differences regarding periodontal parameters (probing depth, bleeding on probing, visible plaque, and suppuration). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding bone stability and periodontal parameters, polymer infiltrated ceramic network and lithium disilicate hybrid abutment crowns showed comparable results. Both materials showed clinically acceptable hard and soft tissue responses.

Marginal gap and fracture resistance of CAD/CAM ceramill COMP and cerasmart endocrowns for restoring endodontically treated molars bonded with two adhesive protocols: an in vitro study.

Endocrowns represent a conservative and esthetic restorative alternative to full coverage crowns. They can be constructed using various CAD/CAM materials that can provide a modulus of elasticity similar to that of teeth. The ability to use of such materials in composite blocks that can be easily repaired is also an advantage, provided appropriate bonding performance is ensured. This study, therefore, evaluated the marginal gap and fracture resistance of two CAD/CAM endocrown materials using two bonding protocols. Thirty-two mandibular molars were evaluated in two groups based on the material type: a Cerasmart group (GC America Inc; n = 16) acting as the control and a Ceramill COMP group (Amann Girrbach, Germany; n = 16). These groups were then classified according to the bonding protocol used: a total-etch bonding protocol (n = 8) and a self-etch bonding protocol (n = 8) implemented using RelyX ultimate adhesive resin cement (3M ESPE). The samples were then subjected to aging by simulating a 1-year thermo-mechanical process. The marginal gap results were statistically insignificant across the material and bonding protocol groups before thermo-mechanical aging. Thermo-mechanical aging significantly reduced the marginal gap distance for Ceramill COMP endocrowns cemented using the total-etch protocol (p = 0.002). No statistically significant difference was recorded for the fracture resistance in either the material or bonding protocol groups (p ≥ 0.05). Both materials and bonding protocols can, therefore, be used in the posterior region providing conservative treatment, adequate marginal gap and fracture resistance.