A longitudinal clinical study of Procera ceramic-veneered titanium copings.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present paper was to study the long-term clinical results with ceramic-veneered Procera titanium copings.


METHODS
A total of 44 titanium copings (fabricated for 22 patients) veneered with a low-fusing ceramic were followed for 60 to 78 months. The clinical examinations were performed by licensed specialists in prosthetic dentistry. The crowns were rated according to the California Dental Association system. In addition, Bleeding Index and Margin Index were also evaluated.


RESULTS
In 3 crowns ceramic fractures necessitated their replacement. Two crowns had to be replaced because of caries. The ratings for surface and color had changed markedly, from excellent to acceptable. Regarding anatomic form, with the exception of the 3 fractured ceramic crowns, there were no obvious changes. The margin integrity, aside from the 2 crowned teeth with caries, was recorded as satisfactory (excellent or acceptable) for all other crowns; in fact, a large majority were rated excellent. Regarding Bleeding Index, there were no differences between crowned teeth and control teeth. Changes in Margin Index showed that the gingiva of the crowned teeth had retracted.


CONCLUSIONS
Of the various clinical factors evaluated, only surface and color-related to the low-fusing ceramic used for veneering-showed any obvious change during the follow-up period. Otherwise the veneered titanium copings had, in general, performed well.
Bergman
B
B
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Umeå University, Sweden.
Nilson
H
H
Andersson
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003442:Crowns; D000044:Dental Abutments; D018772:Dental Marginal Adaptation; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; D008875:Middle Aged; D010512:Periodontal Index; D017797:Prosthesis Coloring; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; C077451:Procera; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D014025:Titanium