Prospective evaluation of zirconia posterior fixed partial dentures: 7-year clinical results

The clinical performance of three- and four-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) with frameworks made of yttria partially stabilized zirconia was determined after a mean observational period of 84 months.

Seventy-five patients were treated with 99 posterior FPDs. Fifty-one specimens were veneered with an experimental ceramic suitable for titanium and zirconia frameworks; 48 restorations were veneered with a commercially available low-fusing ceramic optimized for zirconia frameworks. All restorations were luted with zinc-phosphate cement. Statistical analysis was performed according to Kaplan-Meier; potential risk factors were analyzed using the Cox regression analysis.

Nineteen restorations failed completely: 12 due to technical complications, 6 due to biologic complications, and 1 for unknown reasons. The overall survival rate after 84 months was 83.4%. Thirty-two events required clinical intervention for restoration maintenance, resulting in a time-dependent success rate of 57.9% after 84 months. Nineteen dropouts occurred during the follow-up time. None of the evaluated factors showed an association with survival or success of the restorations.

After a mean observational period of 7 years, the survival and success rates of zirconia-based posterior FPDs were inferior to those published for metal-ceramic FPDs. The majority of failures were caused by technical complications (material fractures). The main reasons for clinical intervention to maintain function were fractures of the veneering ceramic and decementations.