Prospective clinical 5-year study of ceramic-veneered titanium restorations with the Procera system

The biocompatibility of titanium has been well documented, but clinical outcomes of ceramic-veneered titanium restorations were not conclusive.

The study presents the results of a 5-year clinical study of individual crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) veneered with a low-fusing ceramic of the Procera system.

All patients at one clinic who required crowns or FPDs during a 2-year period were invited to participate. A total of 260 patients received 333 ceramic-veneered Procera restorations (242 single crowns and 91 FPDs). Clinical registrations were performed annually, and the restorations were evaluated according to the California Dental Association rating system. At the 5-year follow-up, 198 (76%) patients were examined. Most of the loss of patients could be explained.

Practically all Procera restorations were judged as satisfactory both at baseline and follow-up examinations. One artificial crown and 1 FPD were remade because of extensive fractures of ceramic veneers. Two FPDs had fractures of a soldered joint, but only 1 FPD was replaced. Some minor complications occurred, such as small porcelain fractures that could be polished (6% of single crowns, 13% of FPDs) and or loosened restorations that were recemented. Other recorded complications were not related to the Procera system but to dental caries, loosened posts and cores, and root fractures.

Clinical outcomes over a 5-year period for ceramic-veneered titanium restorations with the Procera system were favorable.