Clinical evaluation of all-ceramic crowns (Dicor) in general practice

There are few studies regarding all-ceramic full crowns placed by general practitioners; however, most dental restorations are carried out by general practitioners, and their clinical performance may be of particular interest.

Ninety-eight all-ceramic Dicor crowns placed in 46 patients regularly visiting a general practice were evaluated with the California Dental Association's (CDA) criteria. Mean and median ages of the crowns were 6.1 and 5.8 years, respectively (range 1.4 to 10. 9 years). Crowns were luted with either a glass ionomer, zinc phosphate, or resin composite cement.

Of the 98 crowns, 82% were rated satisfactory. For marginal integrity, 51% were rated excellent. Fracture was registered in 14 all crowns, and 1 endodontically treated tooth with a Dicor crown was extracted because of root fracture; of the remaining 83 crowns, 55% were rated excellent for color. Corresponding figures for surface and anatomic form were 46% and 23%, respectively. The most common finding was slightly rough surfaces (64%). No statistically significant difference was observed for fracture rates obtained when the crowns luted with different luting agents were compared (P >.05). There was no more plaque or bleeding on probing (P >.05) in connection with the Dicor crowns than in the control surfaces.