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Clinical performance of machined titanium restorations
M Walter1, K Böning, P D Reppel
1Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Dental School, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany.
Journal of Dentistry
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Machined titanium dental restorations, including crowns and bridges, show high survival rates. While pure titanium metal restorations achieved 100% survival, porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations had a 95% survival rate over three years.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Prosthetics
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Titanium's biocompatibility and mechanical properties make it a suitable material for dental restorations.
- Advancements in machining technologies have enabled the fabrication of complex titanium prostheses.
- Assessing the long-term clinical performance of machined titanium restorations is crucial for their widespread adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical performance and survival rates of machined pure titanium dental restorations.
- To assess the success of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations fabricated with titanium frameworks.
- To determine the quality and durability of titanium-based prosthodontic units over time.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical study involving 37 patients receiving 88 titanium restorations (crowns and fixed partial dentures) between 1990-1991.
- Restorations fabricated using duplication milling and electrical discharge machining of pure titanium (Procera Technology).
- Kaplan-Meier survival analysis applied to clinical follow-up data, assessing survival concerning removal and intact ceramic veneer.
Main Results:
- 100% survival rate observed for 40 pure titanium metal crowns and pontics over the follow-up period.
- A 3-year survival rate of 95% concerning removal was recorded for 107 porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) units.
- The 3-year survival rate for PFM units, considering intact ceramic veneer, was 84%, indicating potential challenges with metal-ceramic bonding or aesthetics.
- California Dental Association quality ratings were satisfactory for the majority of restorations.
Conclusions:
- Machined titanium dental restorations demonstrate suitability for clinical application, offering high survival rates for metal-only prostheses.
- While promising, challenges remain in the field of metal-ceramics, particularly concerning the long-term integrity of the porcelain veneer on titanium frameworks.
- Further research and development are needed to optimize PFM restorations to achieve survival rates comparable to all-metal titanium restorations.