A longitudinal clinical study of Procera ceramic-veneered titanium copings

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

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.

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.

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.