Early complications and short-term failures of zirconia single crowns and partial fixed dental prostheses.
BACKGROUND
Ceramic single crowns fabricated from newer materials, especially zirconia, have shown relatively high survival rates. However, early reversible complications may increase the risk of an irreversible failure later.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the early complications and short-term failures of zirconia single crowns and partial fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) made by predoctoral dental students.


METHODS
Data were collected from the patient records. Altogether, 264 zirconia single crowns and 120 FDPs (342 abutments and 190 pontics) were fabricated for 173 patients between 2007 and 2010. Early complications were recorded during the prosthetic treatment phase, and short-term failures were recorded during the first year in use.


RESULTS
The most frequent early complications were localized gingival irritation (1.9% of single crowns and 2.5% of FDP) and postoperative tooth sensitivity (0.4% of single crowns and 3.3% of FDPs). Pulp exposure during preparation was recorded in 3 abutment teeth of the FDPs. The most frequent short-term failure was chipping of the veneering porcelain (0.8% for single crowns, 0.8% for FDPs). One crown lost cementation because of poor retention (0.4%), and 2 FDPs failed because of framework fractures (1.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
The most frequent early complications were localized gingival irritation and postoperative tooth sensitivity, and the most frequent short-term failure was chipping of the veneering porcelain.
Dental student, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
Juha
J
Pihlaja
Senior Lecturer, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; and Specialist, Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland. Electronic address: ritva.napankangas@oulu.fi.
Ritva
R
Näpänkangas
Professor, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; and Chief, Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
Aune
A
Raustia
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002484:Cementation; D003442:Crowns / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003738:Dental Cements / Q000009:adverse effects; D018772:Dental Marginal Adaptation; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003776:Dental Porcelain / Q000737:chemistry; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D003789:Dental Pulp Exposure / Q000209:etiology; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003801:Dental Veneers; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013499:Surface Properties; D019231:Tooth Preparation, Prosthodontic / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult; D015040:Zirconium / Q000737:chemistry*
D003738:Dental Cements; D003764:Dental Materials; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D015040:Zirconium; C028541:zirconium oxide