CAD/CAM Endocrown Fabrication from a Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic Network Block for Primary Molar: A Case Report

The aim of this case report is to describe the treatment of a primary molar with a deep carious lesion by pulpotomy and placement of a ceramic endocrown.

A 7-year-old male patient with profound caries in tooth number 85 was referred to our clinic and underwent a pulpotomy. As the final treatment in tooth restoration, placement of an endocrown was planned, because little more than half of the tooth structure remained. After an additional request from the patient's parents for an advanced and prompt restoration, a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) block was chosen. A three-dimensional model of the arch was obtained after scanning the dental cast, and the endocrown was designed digitally according to the model. When the design was complete, the endocrown was fabricated with a milling machine. Finally, the endocrown was cemented with self-adhesive resin cement.

Over the 9-month follow-up period, no pulpal or periradicular pathology was observed on radiographs. Regarding the crown, the marginal fit was excellent, the anatomical form was protected, and no discoloration occurred.

During follow-up, the CAD/CAM PICN block endocrown proved to be a good material for the short- to long-term treatment of a primary tooth. However, more clinical cases and follow-up are required to investigate the long-term effects of antagonistic tooth wear.