Modified PEEK as an alternative crown framework material for weak abutment teeth: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Weakened abutment teeth pose a restorative challenge, especially in patients with parafunctional habits like bruxism.
• Traditional all-ceramic restorations may be contraindicated due to risks of opposing tooth abrasion and direct force transmission to compromised tooth structure.

Observation:

• A patient with endodontically treated abutment teeth, significant tooth structure loss, and bruxism refused occlusal appliance therapy.
• Metal-free, all-ceramic restorations were deemed unsuitable due to potential adverse effects on opposing dentition and abutment integrity.

Findings:

• A modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK) framework veneered with indirect light-cured composite resin was fabricated for three single crowns.
• This PEEK-composite restoration demonstrated biocompatibility, protection of opposing teeth, a cushioning effect, and abrasion resistance comparable to dentin.

Implications:

• The PEEK-composite resin restoration offers a viable alternative for treating weakened abutment teeth in patients with parafunctional habits.
• This approach provides a metal-free, tooth-protective solution with enhanced comfort and intraoral repairability.
• Further research into long-term clinical outcomes of PEEK-composite restorations in high-stress situations is warranted.