Follow-up evaluation of a series of dentin-bonded ceramic restorations

The results of a retrospective evaluation of 60 dentin-bonded full-coverage restorations with an average time in service of 2.4 years previously have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the crowns after a further 2 years in service.

The 23 patients in the initial study whose restorations were found to be intact in June 1996 were contacted by mail and invited to present for review in October 1998. The restorations of 20 respondents were assessed by two examiners using modified United States Public Health Service criteria.

The patients had received a total of 53 restorations (mean age of restorations, 4.4 years; range, 5.5-3 yr). At the time of examination, 48 restorations were found to be intact. No secondary caries was detected in these restorations, and optimal scores for gingival health, anatomic form, and marginal discoloration were recorded for 39, 47, and 33 crowns, respectively. Color match was assessed as being very good in 43 of the 48 restorations assessed. The reasons for replacement of the failed restorations were gingival recession (n = 1), restoration fracture (n = 1), core fracture (n = 1), and unknown (n = 2). Each patient's perception of his or her restorations was recorded by means of a questionnaire, with the responses indicating that all but two patients were satisfied. Only one patient had experienced any discomfort.