Evaluation of the clinical success of Cerec 3D inlays

The objective of the present study was to determine the clinical success of Cerec 3D inlays over a period of three years. Within the scope of the restorative dentistry course II, 62 Cerec ceramic inlays were inserted with Dual Cement (Ivoclar Vivadent) in combination with the Syntac Classic system (Ivoclar Vivadent). Regular follow-up examinations and assessments were performed by reference to modified US Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. The baseline examination was performed one week after insertion and further follow-up examinations were performed at 6-month intervals. The survival rate of the Cerec 3D inlays was 95% after three years. Three inlays were assessed as failures because of loss of sensitivity, restoration fracture, and marginal gap formation. Six patients initially suffered from postoperative hypersensitivity, which vanished by the first follow-up examination. The results of this study show that dentists with little experience are able to achieve good clinical results and long-term success after short theoretical as well as practical training and an introductory course in the Cerec method.