Influence of Preparation Reconstruction on the Compressive Strength of CAD/CAM Ceramic Inlays

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the compressive strength of lithium dissilicate ceramic inlays is influenced by the substrate (dentin or composite resin build-up) and to compare it to nonrestored teeth. Thirty freshly extracted human maxillary third molars were selected and randomly ascribed to three groups (n=10). Standardized Class II MOD preparations were made (bucco-palatal width = 2/3 of the intercuspal width and 2/3 of the width at the tooth equator for the proximal boxes), varying the extension of the preparations (Group 2: preparation limited to tooth structure; Group 3: pulpal floor of the preparation rebuilt with composite resin, IPS Empress Direct, restored with lithium dissilicate CAD/CAM ceramic inlays (e.max CAD) and cemented with a resin cement (Variolink II)). All groups were subjected to compressive strength test (1mm/min crosshead speed). The results showed that the fracture strength of G1 (control group) was significantly higher than G2 and G3, while within these groups there were no statistically significant differences. Both groups restored with lithium dissilicate restorations did not reach the fracture strength of the sound teeth but were statistically equivalent and sufficient to withstand physiologic masticatory forces.