Internal Fit and Marginal Gap Evaluation of Zirconia Copings Using Microcomputed Tomography: An In Vitro Analysis

The purpose of this in vitro study was to measure the marginal and internal fit of single-unit all-ceramic zirconia copings (ZCs) fabricated through three different computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) systems using microcomputed tomography (microCT). A total of 10 ZCs were produced for each experimental group. Scanning of the stainless steel (SS) model with its respective copings was conducted with a SkyScan machine. DataViewer software was used to acquire cross-sectional images. Locations of cross-sections for all specimens were standardized to reduce errors. Seven different cross-section locations were selected: four transverse and three sagittal. Adobe Photoshop CS3 was used for the measurements. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test were used for the statistical analysis for each group. In addition, t test (α = .05) was used to compare values at each measurement location for the different groups. The results of this study show significant differences in the precision of fit of the experimental groups at the axio-occlusal transition (AOT) location, with a significant gap present in the DeguDent CAD/CAM System compared to the other two systems. Tukey test results indicate a significant difference in the marginal gap between the DeguDent CAD/CAM System and KaVo Everest Dental CAD/CAM System (P = .004). In addition, there is a significant difference in gap size values in the sagittal sections distal to the midline between the DeguDent CAD/CAM System and the Lava Ultimate CAD/CAM System (P = .002). The different CAD/CAM systems showed a clinically acceptable internal fit and marginal adaptation. Different levels of fit were found between the experimental groups. Marginal adaptation was the best in all experimental groups. The gap at the AOT area varied among the three groups, with the DeguDent CAD/CAM System showing the greatest value.