Journal of Conservative Dentistry
Home About us Editorial Board Instructions Submission Subscribe Advertise Contact e-Alerts Login 
Users Online: 1790
Print this page  Email this page Bookmark this page Small font sizeDefault font sizeIncrease font size
 


 
Table of Contents   
CASE REPORT  
Year : 2011  |  Volume : 14  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 86-89
CAD/CAM fabricated single-unit all-ceramic post-core-crown restoration


Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai, India

Click here for correspondence address and email

Date of Submission27-Jan-2010
Date of Decision12-May-2010
Date of Acceptance21-Jul-2010
Date of Web Publication11-May-2011
 

   Abstract 

This case report explains about an innovative treatment strategy for the management of damaged anterior teeth with reduced incisal clearance by means of a single-unit all-ceramic post-core-crown zirconia ceramic restoration fabricated by Computer-aided designing and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The reinforced zirconia ceramics allow fabrication of durable esthetic restorations in cases with high functional loading and the unification of the post, core, and crown in a single unit decreases the frequency of failure by creating a monobloc effect. In addition, the use of CAD/CAM technology for designing and fabricating ceramic restorations offers the option of expeditiously preparing these high-strength all-ceramic restorations.

Keywords: CAD/CAM; Richmond′s crown; zirconia

How to cite this article:
Vinothkumar TS, Kandaswamy D, Chanana P. CAD/CAM fabricated single-unit all-ceramic post-core-crown restoration. J Conserv Dent 2011;14:86-9

How to cite this URL:
Vinothkumar TS, Kandaswamy D, Chanana P. CAD/CAM fabricated single-unit all-ceramic post-core-crown restoration. J Conserv Dent [serial online] 2011 [cited 2023 Mar 21];14:86-9. Available from: https://www.jcd.org.in/text.asp?2011/14/1/86/80730

   Introduction Top


Restoration of damaged anterior teeth has long been a test of a clinician's skill due to the inherent demand for excellent esthetics. Endodontically treated anterior teeth often have extremely thin coronal tooth structure remaining after root canal therapy and preparation for crown. [1] As such, they require a dowel and core to support the definitive restoration. [2] Use of custom cast metal post and core with all-ceramic crowns fails to achieve a satisfactory esthetic result due to the grayish discoloration caused by the metal substructure and frequent darkening of free gingival margin. [3],[4] All-ceramic restorations have gained popularity in this regard due to their excellent esthetic properties and biocompatible nature. [5,6] The new high-strength zirconia ceramics overcome the problems faced with the brittle conventional ceramics by allowing fabrication of restorations that have both excellent esthetics and ability to withstand functional loads. [7],[8],[9]

Restoration with cast metal post and core and all-ceramic crown requires ideal overjet and overbite in order to decrease the possibility of fracture of restoration under functional stresses. [10] Hence, in fractured anterior teeth with reduced incisal clearance or those requiring correction of malalignment, restoration with Richmond's crown, which is "a dowel retained crown made for an endodontically treated tooth using a porcelain facing" [11] has been suggested as an alternate restorative strategy. The following case reports present a novel method by which such teeth can be restored with a modified Richmond's crown fabricated entirely from high-strength zirconia ceramic. Such an all-ceramic single-unit post-core-crown restoration can help in the esthetic and functional rehabilitation of damaged anterior teeth. In addition, the use of computer-aided designing and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology for fabrication of the zirconia restorations allows the fabrication procedure to be carried out expeditiously and precisely. [12],[13]


   Case Reports Top


Case 1

A 19-year-old male reported with the complaint of a fractured upper front tooth following a sports injury 1 year back. A tooth-colored composite restoration was done 1 week after the trauma at a private operatory, which broke 4 months later.

Clinical examination revealed an oblique Ellis' and Davey's Class II fracture of the maxillary left central incisor and less than 1 mm of overjet and overbite between the arches [Figure 1]a. Vitality tests (thermal pulp tests, electric pulp test, test cavity) and radiographic examination were carried out. The traumatized tooth was diagnosed as nonvital and root canal treatment was advised. Based on the patient's esthetic requirement, considerations of remaining coronal tooth structure and occlusion, a decision of post endodontic restoration with a CAD/CAM fabricated single-unit all-ceramic post-core-crown was reached. Informed consent of the patient was obtained after the nature of the procedure and possible discomforts and risks had been explained.
Figure 1: Case Report 1. (a) Preoperative intraoral picture: Ellis' and Davey's Class II fracture of maxillary left central incisor with inadequate overjet and overbite, (b) Preparation of maxillary left central incisor for single-unit all-ceramic post-core-crown restoration, (c) Computer-aided designing and computer-aided manufacturing software designed three-dimensional image of zirconia ceramic restoration, (d) Postoperative view of cemented restoration, (e) Periapical radiograph following cementation of single-unit all-ceramic restoration.

Click here to view


Root canal treatment was performed under rubber dam isolation. Cleaning and shaping of the canal was done to size 60 K-file accompanied by copious irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (Novo Dental Products, Mumbai, India) and obturation was done with gutta-percha and AH-Plus sealer (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) by lateral condensation technique. Gutta-percha was removed with a heated endodontic condenser and post space prepared using Peeso Reamers sizes 1 to 4 while ensuring 5 mm of remaining apical gutta-percha for adequate apical seal.

Shade matching for ceramic restoration was done (Vitapan Classical Shade Guide, VITA Zahnfabric, Bad Sackingen, Germany) and tooth preparation carried out, as for an all-ceramic jacket crown with a radial shoulder finish line of 1 mm width and rounded internal line angles [Figure 1]b.

A two-step putty wash polyvinylsiloxane impression of the post space was made (Aquasil Soft Putty/Regular Set Impression material, Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany). The impression was poured with CAM-Stone N (Siladent, Goslar, Germany) for accurate opto-electronic scanning and digital impressions were made. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the preparation was done using the CEREC InLab 3D software 3.03 (Sirona Dental Systems Inc, New York, USA) providing for a 1-mm reduction of the milled prosthesis on the labial surface and incisal third of palatal surface [Figure 1]c for veneering ceramics. The zirconia coping was then milled from a Y-TZP machinable ceramic ingot (IPS e.max ZirCAD, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and sintered for 8 hours at 1500°C. The milled unit was veneered on the labial and incisal third of palatal surfaces with a sintered fluorapatite glass ceramic (IPS e.max Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) to give it a lifelike appearance.

The finished restoration was evaluated for fit, shade, and occlusion prior to cementation, gingival retraction cord placed, and the restoration luted with a dual cure composite luting agent (Variolink, Ivoclar/Vivadent, Schaan/Liechtenstein). The excess luting agent was removed with a scalpel and all accessible margins were finished using fine diamonds and polished with rubber points and diamond polishing paste. The cemented restoration was evaluated clinically [Figure 1]d and radiographically [Figure 1]e and appeared to give good esthetic and functional results.

Case 2

A 31-year-old female patient presented with a complaint of severe pain in the upper front teeth since 1 week. The pain was pricking, sharp shooting, and spontaneous. The patient gave history of trauma 9 years ago with two to three previous episodes of intermittent severe pain and swelling, which subsided on medication with analgesics and antibiotics.

Clinical examination revealed an Ellis' and Davey's Class III horizontal fracture of the maxillary left central incisor. Both central incisors were discolored and the related labial mucosa was tender on palpation. The central incisors and the left lateral incisor were also tender on percussion. Examination of occlusion revealed a decreased overjet and overbite.

Both central incisors and the right lateral incisor tested nonvital and radiographic examination revealed a fracture line involving pulp in the upper left central incisor with a diffuse periapical radiolucency of size approximately 1 cm diameter, involving the roots of the maxillary left central and lateral incisors. Root canal treatment was thus indicated for the maxillary central incisors and right lateral incisor. The upper right central incisor was planned to be restored with a heat-pressed glass ceramic jacket crown, whereas the fractured upper left central incisor was to be restored with a single-unit all-ceramic post-core-crown restoration.

Root canal treatment was carried out for all three teeth as described in Case Report 1. The teeth were irrigated with 2% chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide was placed as intracanal medicament for a period of 3 weeks. Once the drainage from the canals ceased and patient was asymptomatic, obturation of the root canals was carried out with gutta-percha and AH-plus resin sealer by lateral condensation technique.

After 2 weeks, post space preparation was carried out for the upper left central incisor and tooth preparation was done for both central incisors for all-ceramic jacket crowns. Subsequent impression and CAD/CAM fabrication procedures for the restorations were similar to those described previously. For the upper right central incisor, a heat-pressed glass ceramic crown was prepared. At the cementation appointment, both finished restorations were tried for fit, shade matching, occlusion, and insertion sequence. The cementation protocol followed was similar to that described in Case Report 1. The cementation procedure for the glass ceramic crown on right central incisor involved the additional steps of conditioning of bonded surface with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (Porcelain Etch, Ultradent Products, Utah, USA) followed by application of silanizing agent (Monobond S, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). Patient was extremely satisfied with the excellent esthetics achieved with the all-ceramic restorations and the complete resolution of her long-standing problem.


   Discussion Top


Anterior teeth that have been severely compromised by caries or trauma have been traditionally restored with cast metal dowel-cores with porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns. [14] In light of the increasing demand for improved esthetics and better patient awareness, all-ceramic systems have gained popularity. The high-strength ceramics allow fabrication of restorations with optimal esthetics, good biocompatibility, excellent periodontal tissue response, as well as the necessary mechanical properties to withstand functional stresses. [15] The improved potential of these ceramics to bond to enamel and dentin has made metal-free restorations a clinical reality. [16] The clinical reports presented in this article take advantage of the aforementioned properties of ceramics to fabricate an all-ceramic foundation restoration and crown as a single-unit restoration.

In 1989, Kwiatkowsky and Geller [8] introduced the cast glass ceramic post and core in order to retain the color and translucency of pulpless teeth. This treatment modality achieved excellent esthetics but had poor strength and fracture toughness due to the brittle nature of glass ceramics. [17]

The zirconia ceramic materials introduced in the early 1990s are currently the strongest and toughest ceramics available for dental use. [17] They are referred to as yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) and contain zirconium oxide (94.9%) and yttrium oxide (5.1%). When subjected to stress, the tetragonal crystal phase of Y-TZP transforms to a monoclinic phase, with an associated volumetric expansion of 3-5%. This produces internal stresses that oppose the opening of cracks that commonly lead to the fracture of traditional ceramics. [18],[19] Thus, zirconia ceramics have excellent fracture toughness and resist crack propagation by stress-induced phase transformation. They also possess high flexural strength similar to that of metal posts (900 MPa). [20] Their high elastic modulus makes them less likely to fail adhesively during mastication and permits a more conservative root canal preparation, thus decreasing the chances for root fracture. [21],[22]

The superior mechanical properties and esthetics of zirconia made it a promising material for endodontic posts. [23] Unification of the post and core as a single unit was first attempted by Schweiger et al. by waxing and heat pressing a glass ceramic core directly onto a prefabricated zirconia post. [24] However, an interface still existed between the zirconia ceramic post and the glass ceramic core and therefore this treatment modality fell short of achieving a monobloc effect.

A single-unit post-core-crown restoration fabricated entirely from high-strength zirconia ceramic has various advantages over its multiple unit counterparts. When the post and core are two separate entities, flexion of the post under functional forces stresses the post-core interface, resulting in separation of the core due to permanent deformation of post. [25] Breakdown of the core eventually results in caries or dislodgement of crown. The different coefficients of thermal expansion of the various components also have a deleterious effect on the bonds between the tooth-post-core-cement-crown complex. The combined effects of thermal cycling, fatigue loading, and aqueous environment test the bond between materials and cause breakdown of the materials over a period of time. Therefore, it is desirable to unify the post, core, and crown in one material for long-term stability.[26] By decreasing the number of interfaces between components, the single unit restoration helps to achieve a monobloc effect. Also, the CAD/CAM technique offers the advantage of reducing the chair side time by reducing the number of clinical procedures involved in fabrication.

The CAD/CAM systems offer the advantage of automation of fabrication procedures with increased quality in a shorter period of time. [12],[13] They are able to minimize inaccuracies and reduce hazards of infectious cross-contamination. The machinable zirconia ceramics are extremely suitable for the fabrication of restorations by CAD/CAM technique as they can be designed and milled in their soft presintered condition and subsequently sintered to achieve their physical benefits. Although the currently available CAD/CAM systems are not programmed for the fabrication of ceramic post-core restorations, the case reports presented in this article illustrate that modified all-ceramic Richmond crown can be fabricated quickly and precisely by using CAD/CAM technology.

Appropriate case selection is, however, a paramount criterion for ensuring clinical success. This treatment modality is indicated for the management of severely compromised anterior teeth requiring post-core restorations where esthetics is a prime concern and there is reduced incisal clearance. Due to the higher cost of the all-ceramic restorations and the poor retrievability of ceramic posts, these restorations are indicated only in cases with good clinical prognosis and high esthetic value.

Both cases presented in this report have been followed up over a period of 6 months with no evidence of fracture, debonding, or change in esthetic qualities. Long-term follow-up and longitudinal clinical studies will add to the credibility of this new restorative strategy.


   Conclusions Top


The all-ceramic single-unit post-core-crown restoration is a promising treatment modality for the esthetic restoration of severely damaged anterior teeth. The use of CAD/CAM technique for the construction of occlusal contact entirely in high-strength zirconia ceramic decreases the chance of failure of the restoration due to fracture while providing an anterior tooth restoration with excellent esthetic properties.

 
   References Top

1.Schwartz RS, Robbins JW. Post placement and restoration of endodontically treated teeth: A literature review. J Endod 2004;30:289-301.  Back to cited text no. 1
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
2.Koutayas SO, Kern M. All-ceramic post and cores: The state of the art. Quintessence Int 1999;30:383-92.  Back to cited text no. 2
[PUBMED]    
3.Christensen GJ. Why all ceramic crowns? J Am Dent Assoc 1997;128:1433-5.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.Blatz MB. Long term clinical success of all-ceramic posterior restorations. Quintessence Int 2002;33:415-26.  Back to cited text no. 4
[PUBMED]    
5.Segal BS. Restorative assessment of 546 all ceramic anterior and posterior crowns in a general practice. J Prosthet Dent 2001;85:544-50.  Back to cited text no. 5
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
6.Fradeani M, Redemagni M. An 11-year clinical evaluation of leucite reinforced glass ceramic crowns. Quintessence Int 2002;33:503-10.  Back to cited text no. 6
[PUBMED]    
7.Luthardt RG, Holzhüter M, Sandkuhl O, Herold V, Schnapp JD, Kuhlisch E, et al. Reliability and properties of ground Y-TZP zirconia ceramics. J Dent Res 2002;81:487-91.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.Kwiatkowski S, Geller W. A preliminary consideration of the glass-ceramic dowel post and core. Int J Prosthodont 1989;2:51-5.  Back to cited text no. 8
[PUBMED]    
9.Tinschert J, Zwez D, Marx R, Anusavice KJ. Structural reliability of alumina, feldspar, leucite, mica and zirconia based ceramics. J Dent 2000;28:529-35.  Back to cited text no. 9
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
10.Fernandes AS, Dessai GS. Factors affecting the fracture resistance of post-core reconstructed teeth: A review. Int J Prosthodont 2001;14:355-63.  Back to cited text no. 10
[PUBMED]    
11.Glossary of prosthodontic terms. J Prosthet Dent 2005;94:10-92.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.Luthardt RG, Holzhüter MS, Rudolph H, Herold V, Walter MH. CAD/CAM machining effects on Y-TZP zirconia. Dent Mater 2004;20:655-62.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.Barnfather KD, Brunton PA. Restoration of the upper dental arch using lava all-ceramic crown and bridgework. Br Dent J 2007;202:731-5.  Back to cited text no. 13
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
14.Leempoel PJ, Eschen S, De Haan AF, Van't Hof MA. An evaluation of crowns and bridges in general dental practice. J Oral Rehabil 1985;12:515-28.  Back to cited text no. 14
[PUBMED]    
15.Neiva G, Yaman P, Dennison JB, Razzoog ME, Lang BR. Resistance of fracture of three all ceramic systems. J Esthet Dent 1998;10:60-6.  Back to cited text no. 15
[PUBMED]    
16.Kato H, Matsumura H, Tanaka T, Atsuta M. Bond strength and durability of porcelain bonding systems. J Prosthet Dent 1996;75:163-8.  Back to cited text no. 16
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
17.Rosenblum MA, Schulman A. A review of all-ceramic restorations. J Am Dent Assoc 1997;128:297-307.  Back to cited text no. 17
[PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]  
18.Evans AG, Heuer AH. Review-transformation toughening in ceramics: Martensitic transformation in crack-tip stress fields. J Am Ceram Soc 1980;63:241-8.  Back to cited text no. 18
    
19.Christel P, Meunier A, Heller M, Torre JP, Peille CN. Mechanical properties and short term in vivo evaluation of yttrium-oxide-partially-stabilized zirconia. J Biomed Mater Res 1989;23:45-61.  Back to cited text no. 19
[PUBMED]    
20.Kosmac T, Oblac C, Jevnikar P, Funduk N, Marion L. The effect of surface grinding and sandblasting on flexural strength and reliability of Y-TZP zirconia ceramic. Dent Mater 1999;15:426-33.  Back to cited text no. 20
    
21.Freedman G, Glassman G, Serota K. Endo-aesthetics. Part I. Intra-radicular rehabilitation. Ont Dent 1992;69:28-31.  Back to cited text no. 21
    
22.Trushkowsky RD. Coronoradicular rehabilitation with a carbon-fiber post. Compend Contin Educ Dent Suppl 1996;20:S74-9.  Back to cited text no. 22
[PUBMED]    
23.Meyenburg KH, Luthy H, Scharer P. Zirconia posts: A new all ceramic concept for non vital abutment teeth. J Esthet Dent 1995;7:73-80.  Back to cited text no. 23
    
24.Schweiger M, Frank M, Cramer von Clausbruch S, Holand W, Rheinberger V. Mechanical properties of a pressed ceramic core to a zirconia post. Quintessence Dent Technol 1998;21:71-7.  Back to cited text no. 24
    
25.Libman WJ, Nicholls JI. Load fatigue of teeth restored with cast posts and core and complete crowns. Int J Prosthodont 1995;8:155-61.  Back to cited text no. 25
[PUBMED]    
26.Ahn SG, Sorensen JA. Comparison of mechanical properties of various post and core materials. J Korean Acad Prosthodon 2003;41:288-99.  Back to cited text no. 26
    

Top
Correspondence Address:
Thilla Sekar Vinothkumar
No. 14/D-1, A.E. Koil Street, New Washermanpet, Chennai 600 081, Tamil Nadu
India
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/0972-0707.80730

Rights and Permissions


    Figures

  [Figure 1]

This article has been cited by
1 Anatomic CAD-CAM post-and-core systems: A mastication simulation study
Ali Altitinchi, Alabbas Hussein, Siggi Saemundsson, Wendy Clark, Lee Culp, Taiseer A. Sulaiman
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 2022;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
2 Customized Post and Cores Fabricated with CAD/CAM Technology: A Literature Review
Faisal D al-Qarni
International Journal of General Medicine. 2022; Volume 15: 4771
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
3 Finite Element Study of PEEK Materials Applied in Post-Retained Restorations
Hao Yu, Zhihong Feng, Ling Wang, Senay Mihcin, Jianfeng Kang, Shizhu Bai, Yimin Zhao
Polymers. 2022; 14(16): 3422
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
4 Polyether ether ketone – As an alternative biomaterial for Metal Richmond crown-3-dimensional finite element analysis
J Aparna, Subhabrata Maiti, P Jessy
Journal of Conservative Dentistry. 2021; 24(6): 553
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
5 Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD / CAM) Post and Core - A Review
Nor Faharina Abdul Hamid, Nurul Jannah Zulkefle, Tengku Fazrina Tengku Mohd Ariff, ZuryatiAb Ghani, Rohana Ahmad
Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. 2021; 10(36): 3143
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
6 ENDOCROWN : AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH FOR RESTORING OF ENDODONTICALLY TREATED TEETH – A CASE REPORT
Alakesh Singha
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. 2020; : 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
7 RICHMOND CROWN - FOR RESTORATION OF BADLY MUTILATED POSTERIOR TEETH : A CASE REPORT
Yadav Chakravarthy, Swetha Chamarthy
Journal of Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare. 2015; 2(30): 4500
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
8 The effect of post length and core material on root fracture with respect to different post materials
Bekir Murat Kaya,Gulfem Ergun
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 2013; 71(5): 1063
[Pubmed] | [DOI]



 

Top
 
 
 
  Search
 
 
    Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
    Email Alert *
    Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  
 


    Abstract
    Introduction
    Case Reports
    Discussion
    Conclusions
    References
    Article Figures

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed8818    
    Printed215    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded363    
    Comments [Add]    
    Cited by others 8    

Recommend this journal