Method: This retrospective study is conducted in a dental clinic that utilizes the Direct Metal Laser- Sintering (DMLS) CAD/CAM technique to fabricate metal-ceramic FPD since 6 years. The evaluation was taken during the periodical hygiene recall and follow-up.
The FPDs were categorized in: 1) Single Dental Crown (1 dental unit) 2)Small Bridges (1-3 units) 3)Wide Bridges ( >3 units). An Evaluation Form was completed, using USPHS criteria to estimate quality and conditions of FPDs: Framework Fracture, Veneering Fracture, Occlusal Wear, Marginal Adaptation, Anatomical Form (Alfa (A) to Delta (D) scale).
A soft tissue and abutment analysis were also conducted to assess: Plaque Index (PLI), Bleeding on Probing (BoP), Gingival Recession (REC). Moreover the satisfaction of every patient was measured with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with 10 levels.
Result: This study is actually in progress. 136 patients with a total of 200 fixed dental prosthetic units (469 dental units) were examined until now. The mean observation period is 26,3±14,7 months (maximum: 67 months; minimum: 3 months). There were no framework fractures. Eight patients present “veneering failures''; four of these patients are affected by bruxism and parafunctional habits. 1 'wide bridge' (4 dental units) failed as a result of extraction after endodontic disease. The success rate is now 98,00%. The satisfaction rate is: 8,65 ±0,97
Conclusion: Within the limitations of these preliminary results, DMLS FPDs are promising. Success rate is comparable to that found for cast metal-ceramic dental prostheses. Longer observation period and more dental units examination are required to validate these results.