Two years of clinical experience with Procera titanium crowns

• PURPOSE: The purpose of the study were to evaluate the clinical performance of the Procera porcelain-fused-to-titanium crown system in general practice during a 2-year period, and to evaluate the performance of a new low-fusing porcelain as a veneering material on titanium.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of consecutive complete-coverage crowns (40) in 25 patients (14 women and 11 men) with a mean age of 53.1 years (range 35 to 79 years) were made according to the Procera (Nobel Biocare) technique in a 3-month period. The titanium copings were fabricated from solid rods of pure titanium using spark erosion and copy-milling technique, whereafter they were veneered with a new type of low-fusing ceramic material. The crowns were evaluated using the CDA criteria at baseline and after 2 years.RESULTS: The general failure rate was low and was restricted to one carious lesion, one porcelain fracture, and one loss of a crown resulting from failure of retention of a post and core. The most frequent single reason that the "excellent" color level was not recorded was a "too-high value." A slightly dull or granular porcelain surface was observed both at baseline and after 2 years. Overall, the responses of the patients were positive.CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study it can be concluded that porcelain-veneered Procera titanium crowns can be used as an alternative to other porcelain-fused-to-metal systems. However, conclusions should be made with caution from the results of this study because of the limited number of patients and crowns and the short observation period.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)