A clinical examination of ceramic (Cerec) inlays

Two hundred and five Cerec ceramic inlays placed by 8 dentists in 72 patients were examined independently by 3 calibrated evaluators 12-24 months after insertion, using the criteria of the California Dental Association (CDA) and also certain periodontal variables. Proximal dental plaque and bleeding on probing were not seen more often on Cerec surfaces than on control homologous surfaces. Ten patients reported postoperative sensitivity after treatment with Cerec inlays. Excellent CDA ratings for Color and Surface were obtained in 57% and 26%, respectively, and for Anatomic Form and Margin Integrity in 55% and 83%, respectively. Obvious differences were seen among the participating dentists with regard to the clinical quality of Cerec inlays. At present, the long-term performance of the Cerec technique cannot be predicted.