Influence of occlusal reduction design on the fracture resistance and biomechanical behavior of endocrowns restoring maxillary premolars.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of different occlusal reduction design on stress distribution and fracture resistance of different endocrown systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four maxillary human premolars with endodontic treatment, prepared for endocrowns were divided into 2 groups (n = 32) according to the occlusal design: Butt joint preparation (B group) and Anatomical preparation (A group). Each group were subdivided into four groups according to ceramic systems: IPS E max CAD (EM group), monolithic zirconia (ZR group), Nacera Hyprid (NH group) and PEKKTON (PE group). After manufacturing of endocrowns and adhesive bonding the specimens were thermomechanically loaded and subsequently they were tested in a universal testing machine for evaluating the fracture resistance. The specimens failure mode was qualitatively assessed. The stress distribution in each group was assessed using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). 1-way ANOVA and the Post Hoc Tukey HSD test were used to evaluate the data (a = .05). RESULTS: The fracture resistance values between the groups showed statistically significant variations. The B PE and A PE groups had a higher ratio of fracture resistance values. Regarding failure mode, ceramic endocrowns recorded mainly irreparable failures. FEA showed that anatomical occlusal preparation have reduced the stress concentration under all endocrown systems. CONCLUSION: Endocrowns could be used to restore endodontically treated maxillary premolars. PEKKTON endocrowns with anatomical preparations revealed most appropriate restoration. The tested new endocrown systems enhanced the biomechanical performance of the tooth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The innovative endocrown systems (PEKK, Nacera Hyprid) can be seen as a promising choice for restoration of severely-destructed endodontic treated premolars, with less stress transmit to the residual tooth structure. Although the traditional endocrown technology might increase the longevity of tooth bonding, it shouldn't be used for clenching cases since the risk of failure is too great overall.

Static Loading of Different Intraradicular Preparation Depths of Trinia Endocrowns in Maxillary Canines.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the fracture resistance of canine teeth restored using TRINIA Endocrowns with three different types of preparations (2, 3, and 4 intracanal preparations). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty maxillary-extracted canines were collected. All teeth were fixed in orthodontic acrylic resin and decapitated at the level of the proximal cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). After being endodontically treated, specimens were distributed equally between 3 groups (n = 10) with different preparation depths (GT: 2 mm Intraradicular Preparation, GH: 3 mm Intraradicular Preparation, GF: 4 mm Intraradicular Preparation). Thirty TRINIA endocrowns were dry milled. After surface treatment, all endocrowns were bonded to their corresponding roots using Permaflo a dual-cure resin cement. Each specimen was then fixed in the lower part of a universal testing machine with a load cell of 5 KN, at an angle of 45 degrees to the tooth long-axis at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Failure loads were recorded in Newton's. Data were recorded, organized, and statistically investigated. RESULTS: Shapiro-Wilk tests revealed that the data were not normally distributed. Descriptive statistics revealed a high mean fracture resistance of GH (647 N), then GT (475.6 N), and finally GF (353.9 N). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference that existed between the groups being studied (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: TRINIA endocrowns with intracanal preparations of 2 and 3 mm provide more promising fracture resistance than those with intracanal preparations of 4 mm as a way of treating of root-canal-treated maxillary canines. TRINIA endocrowns (2 and 3 mm intracanal preparations) are as promising as fiber posts and all ceramic crowns in terms of fracture resistance. TRINIA endocrowns with 2 mm intracanal preparations are mostly reparable after failure, but those of 3 and 4 mm are mostly irreparable after failure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Modifying endocrowns to have intraradicular projections, simulating Nayyar core, may improve the success and longevity of endocrowns in anterior teeth. How to cite this article: Alahmad AM, Alenezi AY, Rayyan M, et al. Static Loading of Different Intraradicular Preparation Depths of Trinia Endocrowns in Maxillary Canines. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):575-580.

Endocrown restorations in premolars: influence of remaining axial walls of tooth structure and restorative materials on fatigue resistance.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the remaining tooth structure and different CAD/CAM materials on the fatigue performance and failure mode of endodontically treated premolars restored with endocrowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety maxillary premolars were endodontically treated and assigned into 6 groups (n = 15) according to the number of remaining axial walls (four, three, and two) and restorative materials (ultra-translucent zirconia 5Y-PSZ [KATANA UTML] and lithium disilicate [IPS e.max-CAD]). The specimens were subjected to cyclic fatigue loading test (initial load 200 N; 20 Hz). An incremental step load of 100 N per 10,000 cycles was applied until failure. The fatigue failure load (FFL) and number of failure cycles (CFFs) data were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Kaplan-Meier test (α = 0.05). Failed specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope 25 × and failure modes were determined. RESULTS: FFL and CFF were significantly influenced by restorative material (p < 0.05). 5Y-PSZ endocrowns showed significantly higher FFL when compared with lithium disilicate. The number of remaining walls did not affect the fatigue behavior or failure mode of the specimens. Of the lithium disilicate restorations, 51% had repairable failures, while 95% 5Y-PSZ restorations had non-repairable failures. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia endocrowns showed better FFL than lithium disilicate endocrowns, regardless of the number of remaining axis walls. Lithium disilicate and 5Y-PSZ endocrowns showed FFL higher than the normal masticatory loads. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Restoring endodontically treated premolars with endocrown could be a promising treatment, regardless of the remaining axial walls. However, precaution should be taken in material selection since it affects the fatigue resistance and failure mode.

Comparative evaluation of internal fit and marginal gap of endocrowns using lithium disilicate and polyether ether ketone materials - an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of material and occlusal preparation design on the internal fit and marginal gap of endocrowns made of Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and lithium disilicate. METHODS: 32 endocrowns were fabricated on prepared mandibular molars and divided into two groups (n = 16) according to the material. Group L: lithium disilicate and Group P: PEEK. Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups (n = 8) according to the occlusal preparation design: full occlusal coverage (LF and PF) and partial occlusal coverage (LP and PP). Samples were analyzed using microcomputed tomography (µCT) with a voxel size of 6 µm to evaluate internal fit, and an optical microscope was used to evaluate the marginal gap. Data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Numerical data were described as mean and standard deviation and compared using the ANOVA test. The level of significance was set at α P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: All groups' internal fit and marginal gaps values were within the acceptable clinical range. However, the lithium disilicates group recorded statistically significantly higher mean internal gap values than the PEEK groups. Regardless of the material, the difference between the two occlusal designs was not statistically significant in both internal fit and marginal gap records. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, PEEK endocrown restorations revealed better internal fit and marginal gap than lithium disilicate endocrown restorations. The marginal and internal fit of both lithium disilicate and PEEK endocrown restorations were within the clinically acceptable range. The occlusal preparation design had no influence on the internal fit and marginal gap of the endocrown restoration.

Effect of pulp chamber depth on failure load and mode of failure of CAD/CAM endocrowns.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of pulp chamber depth on the failure load and mode of failure of CAD/CAM endocrowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty mandibular molars were sectioned above the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), followed by root canal treatment. Teeth were sectioned at a level of 1.5 mm above the CEJ, arranged from the lowest to the highest depths, and divided into three groups (n = 10): group SE: Shallow pulp chamber (1.42 to 2.17 mm); group IE: Intermediate pulp chamber (2.25 to 3.17 mm); group DE: Deep pulp chamber (3.33 to 5.17 mm). CAD/CAM endocrowns were fabricated by milling lithium disilicate ceramic blocks and were cemented using resin cement. Teeth were embedded in acrylic resin at 2 mm below the CEJ, and a compressive load was applied to create a 45-degree angled functional loading simulation until the occurrence of failure. RESULTS: The mean failure loads were highest in group DE (1893.75 ± 496.08 N) compared with groups IE (1103.71 ± 254.59 N) and SE (1084.63 ± 240.92 N), with statistically significant differences between group DE and both groups IE and SE (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) revealed a strong positive correlation between the pulp chamber depth and failure load of the endocrowns. The failure mode for all samples was catastrophic failure. CONCLUSION: The pulp chamber depth affected the failure load of the teeth restored with endocrowns. The failure loads were higher in teeth with a greater pulp chamber depth. (Int J Comput Dent 2023;26(1): 31-0; doi: 10.3290/j.ijcd.b3818295).

Present status and future directions: The restoration of root filled teeth.

This narrative review will focus on a number of contemporary considerations relating to the restoration of root filled teeth and future directions for research. Clinicians are now more than ever, aware of the interdependence of the endodontic and restorative aspects of managing root filled teeth, and how these aspects of treatment are fundamental to obtaining the best long-term survival. To obtain the optimal outcomes for patients, clinicians carrying out endodontic treatment should have a vested interest in the restorative phase of the treatment process, as well as an appreciation for the structural and biomechanical effects of endodontic-restorative procedures on restoration and tooth longevity. Furthermore, the currently available research, largely lacks appreciation of occlusal factors in the longevity of root filled teeth, despite surrogate outcomes demonstrating the considerable influence this variable has. Controversies regarding the clinical relevance of minimally invasive endodontic and restorative concepts are largely unanswered with respect to clinical data, and it is therefore, all too easy to dismiss these ideas due to the lack of scientific evidence. However, conceptually, minimally invasive endodontic-restorative philosophies appear to be valid, and therefore, in the pursuit of improved clinical outcomes, it is important that the efficacies of these treatment protocols are determined. Alongside an increased awareness of the preservation of tooth structure, developments in adhesive bonding, ceramic materials and the inevitable integration of digital dentistry, there is also a need to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment philosophies and techniques with well-designed prospective clinical studies.

Fracture resistance of root canal-treated molars restored with ceramic overlays with/without different resin composite base materials: an in vitro study.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different restorative protocols on fracture resistance of root canal-treated molars. 48 mandibular first molars were used and divided into six groups (n = 8); G1 (negative control): teeth kept intact. G2 (positive control): teeth had root canal treatment and standard MOD cavity preparations but kept unrestored. G3: prepared as G2 and directly restored with VitaEnamic ceramic overlays (CO). G4: as G3, but the pulp chamber was restored first with smart dental restorative (SureFil SDR flow = SDR) bulk-fill flowable composite base. G5: as G3, but the pulp chamber was restored first with SonicFill (SF) bulk-fill composite base. G6: as G3, but the pulp chamber was restored first with a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) base. All samples were subjected to thermocycling between 5 °C and 55 °C in a water bath for a total of 2000 cycles with 10 s dwell time. Then specimens were individually mounted on a computer-controlled testing machine with a load cell of 5 kN, and the maximum load to produce fracture (N) was recorded. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (P = 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.001). Teeth restored with FRC and ceramic overlays had the highest load-bearing capacity. Pulp chamber restoration with either FRC or SDR before ceramic overlay fabrication provided significantly better tooth reinforcement than ceramic overlay alone (P < 0.001). Fracture modes were analyzed to determine the type of fracture as repairable or catastrophic, where FRC + CO and SDR + CO groups had favorable fracture modes that were mostly repairable. When restoring root canal-treated molars with overlays, the pulp chamber should be sealed with either FRC or SDR to ensure the best possible fracture resistance. The clinical relevance of the study is that a new simple restorative protocol is presented to enhance the survival of root canal-treated molars using ceramic overlays.

Clinical research on restorations using CAD/CAM-fabricated monolithic zirconia endocrowns and post and core crowns after up to 5 years.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical status of monolithic zirconia CAD/CAM endocrowns and crowns on post and core buildups in endodontically treated molars after 5 years of clinical service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 670 patients who received restorations for excessive defects at Ansteel Group Hospital from 2012 to 2015 were selected and randomly divided into two groups: 334 patients in the endocrown group and 336 in the post and core crown group. All the treatments were performed using a digital CAD/CAM system. The prostheses restorations at 1, 3, and 5 years after treatment were evaluated using the USPHS (United States Public Health Service) criteria and satisfaction questionnaire. In addition, the time cost of tooth preparation was recorded by the clinicians. RESULTS: Most of the patients in both groups reported grade A at the after-treatment follow-ups. Gingival health, food impaction, marginal accuracy, and general satisfaction at 3 and 5 years after treatment in the endocrown group rated higher (P < 0.05) than in the post and core crown group. There was no statistical difference in other indicators between the two groups at all observational after-treatment timepoints (P > 0.05). The time cost of tooth preparation in the post and core crown group was significantly higher than that in the endocrown group. CONCLUSION: A CAD/CAM scanning system combined with a monolithic zirconia endocrown restoration was rated very positively by the participants. Endocrown restorations are a significantly superior choice compared with post and core crowns in clinical application. (Int J Comput Dent 2022;25(3):287-294; doi: 10.3290/j.ijcd.b2599661).

[Effects of the resin base and retention depth on fracture resistance of molars restored with nano-ceramic endocrowns].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of resin base and different retention depth on the fracture resistance of mandibular molars restored with nano-ceramic endocrowns. METHODS: Forty mandibular molars selected and randomly divided into 5 groups: ① The control group which was consisted of intact teeth, ② the non-resin base group, ③ the 2 mm retention depth group, ④ the 3 mm retention depth group, ⑤ the 4 mm retention depth group, respectively. After tooth preparation, in vitro root canal therapy was conducted, which was followed by endocrown design, production and adhesive of groups ②-⑤. All the samples were under load (N) of the universal mechanical testing machine after embedding. The fracture pattern of each sample was observed under stereomicroscope. Then the microstructure of the fracture surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The fracture loads of each group were respectively: the control group fracture load was (3 069.34±939.50) N; experimental groups: fracture load of (2 438.04±774.40) N for the group without resin base; fracture load of (3 537.18±763.65) N for the group with 2 mm retention depth. The fracture load of the retention depth 3 mm group was (2 331.55±766.39) N; the fracture load of the retention depth 4 mm group was (2 786.98±709.24) N. There was statistical significance in the effect of resin base and different retention depth on the fracture loads of molars restored with nano-ceramic endocrown (P < 0.05). Repairable fractures in each group were as follows: control group 2/8, non-resin base group 1/8, retention depth of 2 mm group 1/8, retention depth of 3 mm group 2/8, and retention depth of 4 mm group 0/8. The effects of the retention depth and the presence of resin base on the fracture resistance of the resin nano-ceramic endocrowns were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed more arrest lines and small twist hackles on the fracture surface of the restorations with resin base (retention depths of 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm), with cracks extending towards the root. In addition to the characteristics above, more transverse cracks parallel to the occlusal surface, pointing outwards from the center of the pulp cavity retention, were also observed on the fracture surface of the non-resin base restorations. CONCLUSION: When molar teeth with nano-ceramic endocrowns are restored, resin base and the retention depth of 2 mm help the teeth to obtain optimal fracture strength.

Two-Year Survival of Ceramic Endocrowns and Partial Coverage Ceramic Restorations with Fiber Post: A 2-Year Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the 2-year survival rates of endocrowns and partial coverage ceramic restorations (PCCR) with fiber posts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty (40) participants fulfilled the elegibility criteria, and they were randomly allocated in 2 groups: Endocrown or PCCR+post. The survival rates were assessed based on USPHS modified and radiographic examinations. A Chi-square test was used to assess the distribution of characteristics between groups. Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests were used to estimate the survival rate. To evaluate the association between survival of the restorations and the explanatory variables, the Multivariate Cox regression model was used. Only variables presenting p⟨0.20 were maintained in final model (α= 0.05). RESULTS: The highest 2-year survival rates were recorded for the Endocrown group (100%), whereas the PCCR+post group exhibited the lowest performance (66.7%). Most of the restoration failures was due to lack of marginal adaption, fracture, and recurrent caries. Cox Regression unadjusted analysis showed that only type of restoration presented a significant effect (p⟨0.20). Thus, adjusted analysis was not performed. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrowns appear to be a promising conservative restorative option and to be feasible and reliable approach restoring endodontically.

Marginal and Internal Adaptation of Lithium Disilicate Endocrowns Fabricated By Heat-Pressable and Subtractive Techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and to compare the marginal and the internal fit of milled (MLE) and heat-pressed lithium disilicate endocrowns (PLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty mandibular molars were prepared following the circumferential butt margin endocrown preparations; the cervical margin is parallel to the occlusal surface without ferrule design. A digital scan of molars was made using an intraoral digital scanner. The samples were separated into two groups (n = 15 per group); MLE: endocrowns were milled using LDS blocks and a 5-axis milling machine, PLE: endocrowns were heat-pressed using lost wax technique and LDS ingots. Marginal and internal adaptation were assessed using a replica technique and a stereomicroscope, selecting 32 measurements on each endocrown. Data were analyzed with one-way repeated measures ANOVA, two-way repeated measures ANOVA, student's t-test and paired student t-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Statistically significant interactions were recorded between fabrication technique and region (p < 0.05), F (1.97, 27.69) = 5.462. Group MLE displayed significantly smaller gaps than PLE in all regions (p < 0.001). The largest gap was observed at the pulpal floor in both groups. The internal gap was significantly larger than the marginal gap in MLE group (p < 0.001), while no statistically significant difference was observed in PLE group (p = 0.082). CONCLUSION: Heat-pressed and milled lithium disilicate endocrowns are clinically suitable, but the milled technique displayed a better fit than heat-pressed technique when marginal and internal adaptation were examined.

Effect of Inlays, Onlays and Endocrown Cavity Design Preparation on Fracture Resistance and Fracture Mode of Endodontically Treated Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fracture resistance and failure modes of endodontically treated mandibular molars restored with different designs of inlays, onlays and endocrowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted mandibular third molars (n = 180) were used. An access cavity was prepared on the occlusal surface of each tooth and the roots were obturated with gutta percha. All specimens were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 30/group) according to the cavity design and the restoration material used. C: control group without access cavity preparation. IE: MOD inlay preparation with EverX Posterior (GC Europe) in the pulp chamber. IG: MOD inlay preparation with G-aenial Universal Flo (GC America) in the pulp chamber. OE: onlay preparation with EverX Posterior (GC Europe) in the pulp chamber. OG: onlay preparation with G-aenial Universal Flo (GC America) in the pulp chamber. EC: endocrown with an empty pulp chamber. All restorations were fabricated with CAD/CAM system using CERASMART® (GC Dental products Europe, Belgium) CAD/CAM blocks. Specimens were thermal-cycled and were subjected to a compressive load applied at 30° angle relative to the long axis of the tooth with a universal testing machine. Results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc tests. Chi-square test and Fisher Exact tests were used for the comparisons among groups. RESULTS: The mean fracture strength was significantly different between the groups (p < 0.001); it was significantly highest for intact teeth, followed by endocrowns (p = 0.021). The strength was significantly lower for inlays (with G-aenial Universal Flo and EverX Posterior), intermediate for onlays with EverX Posterior followed by onlays with G-aenial Universal Flo. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrowns exhibited higher fracture resistance than other tested composite resin groups. Endocrowns and onlays showed a more favorable failure mode than inlay restorations.

A Thorough Analysis of the Endocrown Restoration: A Literature Review.

AIM: The aim of this literature review is to determine whether endocrowns are a reliable alternative for endodontically treated teeth with extensive loss of tooth structure, the indications and contraindications of this restorative choice, the principles that should be followed for tooth preparation and which material is most appropriate for endocrown fabrication. BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth with severe coronal destruction has always been a challenge for the dental clinician. Until recently, the fabrication of a metal-ceramic or all-ceramic full-coverage crown along with a metal or glass fiber post has been the "gold standard" proving its efficacy via numerous clinical studies. With the development of CAD/CAM technology and the evolution of dental materials, new minimally invasive techniques have been introduced with less need for adjustments and less incorporation of structural defects. One of them, the "monoblock technique," proposed by Pissis in 1995, was the forerunner of endocrown restoration, a term used by Bindl and Mörmann to describe an all-ceramic crown anchored to the internal portion of the pulp chamber and on the cavity margins, thus obtaining macromechanical retention provided by the axial opposing pulpal walls and microretention attained with the use of adhesive cementation. REVIEW RESULTS: Endocrowns require a decay-oriented preparation taking advantage of both the adhesion and the retention from the pulp-chamber walls, they are strongly indicated in endodontically treated molars in cases where minimal interocclusal space and curved or narrow root canals are present and they should be manufactured from materials that can be bonded to the tooth structure. CONCLUSION: Endocrowns are a reliable alternative to traditional restorative choices, given that the clinicians respect the requirements and indications describing this technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Traditional restorative techniques demanding tooth substance removal and minimizing the opportunity for reinterventions should be reconsidered.

Fracture resistance of teeth restored with endocrowns: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated teeth restored with lithium disilicate endocrowns of different crown thicknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 endodontically treated permanent mandibular first molars were sectioned horizontally 2 mm above the highest point of the cemento-enamel junction. The specimens were divided into three groups, and each group was restored with lithium disilicate (IPS e-max press) endocrowns of different crown thicknesses (3, 4.5, and 6 mm, respectively). After cementation, specimens were stored in room temperature for 72 hours, followed by subjecting them to compressive strength testing until failure. The fracture loads and the failure mode were recorded. Statistically analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in the fracture resistance between the three groups with the highest fracture resistance in the 3 mm group, followed by the 4.5 mm group, and the least in the 6 mm group (P < .05). Most of the failures were accompanied with tooth fracture (90% in 3 mm group, 100% in 4.5 mm group, and 80% in 6 mm group). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the crown thickness of the endocrowns reduced the fracture resistance of restored teeth. Minimum fracture loads for all teeth restored with endocrowns were significantly higher than the maximum occlusal forces reported in the literature. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Fracture resistance and mode of failure of lithium disilicate (IPS e-max press) endocrowns varies widely between crown thicknesses. Clinicians should be cautious with crown thickness for endocrown restorations.

The Influence of Different Designs, Materials and Cements on the Success and Survival Rate of Endocrowns. A Systematic Review.

The aim is to evaluate the success and survival rate of endocrowns and the influence of design, material and cements. A search of clinical trials of endocrowns was performed using three databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, CochraneLibrary), complemented by a manual search. The search resulted in 2,718 studies, six of which were included for analysis. The follow-up times were 2-12 years. Feldspathic porcelain was the material of choice cemented with different adhesive resin cement systems. Designs varied significantly. In total, the six studies represented 471 endocrowns. Thirty-six of these failed. Most common failures were loss of retention and fracture. Due to insufficient information on timing of events and drop-out, no statistical analysis was performed. No conclusive correlation between design, material, cement and success or survival of endocrowns could be established. Signs of differences in survival rates between molar and premolar endocrowns were noted, with a tendency towards higher survival rates for molar endocrowns. Feldspathic ceramic endocrowns with adhesive cementation demonstrate promising clinical performance. These conclusions are however based on a limited number of studies of comparatively low quality. Further studies are thus needed to verify the conclusions and to provide guidance in the clinical decision on best choice of materials, design and cements.

Evaluation of Marginal and Internal Adaptation of Endocrowns Fabricated from Three Different CAD/CAM Materials.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study aimed to compare the internal and marginal discrepancies of endocrowns fabricated from different ceramics before and after adjustment. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-six endocrowns were fabricated from lithium disilicate (IPS e-max CAD), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (Suprinity), and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Enamic) using a CEREC intraoral scanner and milling unit. A reference point matching scan protocol was used to measure the endocrowns fit. The mixed ANOVA was used to analyze the data, and α=0.5 was considered as the significance level. RESULTS: There was no significant interaction between the fabrication materials and adjustment (P⟩0.05). Type of the materials did not change discrepancies at cavosurface, line angle, cavity wall, and pulpal floor (P⟩0.05). On the contrary, adjustment significantly decreased the discrepancies at all four sites (P⟨0.001). There were significant differences between every two sites before adjustment (P⟨0.001). After adjustment, except for cavosurface and cavity wall (P=0.058), the differences between other sites remained significant (P⟨0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IPS e-max CAD, Suprinity, and Enamic endocrowns were not significantly different regarding internal and marginal discrepancies. However, it is suggested that these materials be adjusted to fall in a clinically acceptable range to minimize the risk of caries and periodontal disease.

Clinical performance of CAD/CAM-fabricated monolithic zirconia endocrowns on molars with extensive coronal loss of substance.

OBJECTIVE: To clinically evaluate computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-fabricated molar endocrowns after 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years of clinical service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 289 patients with 321 molars (267 patients with one endocrown, two patients with two endocrowns, and ten patients with three endocrowns) exhibiting extensive coronal loss of substance participated in the study. Endocrown preparations were scanned, and endocrowns designed and machined with the Cerec CAD/CAM system. The endocrowns were adhesively seated using a composite luting agent, and assessed using clinical United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria at baseline, 6 months, and 1, 2, and 3 years after placement. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire. RESULTS: None of the 289 endocrowns failed during the observation period. The high clinical rating criteria (97.2%) and the high satisfaction percentage (98.0%) remained practically unchanged (P > 0.05) throughout the follow-up assessments at 6 months and after 1, 2, and 3 years. CONCLUSION: Monolithic zirconia endocrown restorations represent an effective method of restoring posterior teeth after root canal therapy. Based on the short-term observation period of the present study, monolithic zirconia endocrowns can be considered a reliable restoration for endodontically treated molars with extensive coronal loss of substance.

Biomechanical behavior of all-ceramic endocrowns fabricated using CAD/CAM: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: This study performed a systematic review to assess the biomechanical behavior of all-ceramic endowcrowns fabricated using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth. STUDY SELECTION: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched by operators specializing in health sciences databases searches to answer the following focused question based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) format: "Whether all-ceramic CAD/CAM endocrowns (Intervention) used to restore human endodontically treated teeth (Population) exhibit superior fracture resistance (Outcome) compared to non-CAD/CAM all-ceramic or non-ceramic endocrowns (Comparison)." The methodological quality assessment was performed using previously conducted systematic reviews of in vitro studies. The outcomes were expressed as the mean ± the standard deviation (SD). RESULTS: Seventeen in vitro studies were included. The materials used in these studies were lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, polymer-infiltrated ceramic, zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic, resin/hybrid nanoceramics, zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics, and feldspathic ceramic. The fracture resistance of endocrowns using different ceramics varied as follows: (i) IPS e.max CAD (2863.62 ± 51.47 N), (ii) Vita Enamic (1952 ± 378 N), (iii) Vita Suprinity (1859 ± 588 N), (iv) Cerasmart (1981 ± 169.5 N), (v) LAVA Ultimate (2484 ± 464 N), (vi) Celtra Duo (1618.30 ± 585.00 N), and (vii) Cerec Blocs (236.29 ± 32.12 N). CONCLUSIONS: CAD/CAM all-ceramic endocrowns can withstand occlusal forces in the posterior region. All-ceramic endocrowns improve the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth. Lithium disilicate crowns were commonly and successfully used in the included studies. More in vitro investigations that implement uniformity in material and measurement approaches are required to strengthen the evidence currently available in the literature regarding the durability of all-ceramic endocrowns.

The Influence of Ferrule Design and Pulpal Extensions on the Accuracy of Fit and the Fracture Resistance of Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Endocrowns.

The study aimed to assess the marginal, axial, and internal adaptation, as well as the fracture resistance of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) endocrowns with varying pulpal inlay extensions and marginal geometry. Sixty extracted maxillary first molar teeth were divided into six groups (n = 10) according to pulpal inlay extension and marginal configuration. The first three groups (J2, J3, and J4) utilized prepared teeth for endocrowns without ferrule design and 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm pulpal extensions, respectively. The second three groups (F2, F3, and F4) utilized prepared teeth with 1 mm shoulder margins and 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm pulpal extensions. The endocrowns were fabricated from ZLS blocks using CAD/CAM milling technology. After cementation, the specimens underwent thermal aging for 5000 cycles and were evaluated for marginal adaptation. Using a universal testing machine, the fracture resistance was tested under quasistatic loading (1 mm/min). Two-way ANOVA and the Tukey's post hoc test were employed for data analysis (p ≤ 0.05). The results of this study revealed that endocrowns without ferrule exhibited superior fracture strength than a 1 mm ferrule design p < 0.05, irrespective of the inlay depth. All designs with and without ferrule and all inlay depths showed clinically acceptable marginal and internal fit. The conventional endocrown design without ferrule and 2 mm inlay depth showed the lowest surface gap. The pulpal surface showed the highest discrepancy among all groups compared to the other surfaces. Endocrowns without ferrule are more conservative and have higher fracture strength than 1 mm ferrule designs; extending the inlay depth showed a significant increase in fracture resistance of the 1 mm ferrule design, but not for the conventional design without ferrule and 2 mm inlay depth. All groups exhibited a high auspicious fracture strength value for molar endocrown restorations.

The influence of Zircos-E® etchant, silica coating, and alumina air-particle abrasion on the debonding resistance of endocrowns with three different preparation designs.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the debonding resistance of three different endocrown designs on molar teeth, using three different zirconia surface pretreatments. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ninety human mandibular first molars were divided into three main groups: endocrowns without ferrule, with 1 mm ferrule, and with 2 mm ferrule. The subgroups were defined by their surface pretreatment method used (n = 15): 50 µm alumina air-particle abrasion, silica coating using 30 µm Cojet™ particles, and Zircos-E® etching. The endocrowns were fabricated using multilayer zirconia ceramic, cemented with self-adhesive resin cement, and subjected to 5000 thermocycles (5-55°C) before debonding. The data obtained were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: All test specimens survived the thermocyclic aging. The results indicated that both the preparation design and the surface treatment had a significant impact on the resistance to debonding of the endocrowns (p < .001). The 2 mm ferrule followed by the 1 mm ferrule designs exhibited the highest debonding resistance, both were superior to the endocrown without ferrule. Zircos-E® etching and silica coating yielded comparable debonding resistance, which were significantly higher than alumina air-particle abrasion. All endocrowns demonstrated a favorable failure mode. CONCLUSIONS: All designs and surface treatments showed high debonding resistance for a single restoration. However, ferrule designs with Zircos-E® etching or silica coating may represent better clinical options compared to the nonferrule design or alumina airborne-particle abrasion. Nonetheless, further research, including fatigue testing and evaluations with different luting agents is recommended.