CLINICAL EVALUATION OF CONVENTIONAL LITHIUM DISILICATE SINGLE CROWNS ISSUED IN A TEACHING INSTITUTION

Objectives: There are various developments which have been made in relation to the use of ceramic materials in dentistry, especially in the construction of all porcelain crowns. To investigate the clinical performance and clinical survival rate of lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press) material utilized in single crowns as well as assessment of the periodontal health status of these crowns.
Methods: A cross-sectional design on the clinical performance of IPS e.max Press single crown was utilized. A total of 47 suitable patients with 88 crowns issued by students at the Dental Centre of University of Malaya, were recruited. Modified United States Public Health Service evaluation criteria (USPHS) was used. For periodontal parameters, Plaque Index (PI), gingival recession, Modified Papillary Bleeding Index (MPBI) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were used for comparison between the crowns and contralateral natural sound teeth (control)
Results: The distribution of the crowns according to the tooth types was 8 premolars, 1 molar, 76 incisors, and 3 canines. 96.6% of IPS e.max Press crowns were rated satisfactory. The rate of survival at mean evaluation time of 3 years was 95.1% and at two years was 100%. There were no differences in mean gingival recession (p=0.182) and mean plaque scores (p=0.102) between crowns and contralateral natural teeth (control). The crowns had higher mean Modified Papillary Bleeding Index (MPBI) p=0.000 and Probing Pocket Depth( PPD) p=0.051 as compared to contralateral sound teeth.
Conclusions: IPS e.max Press crowns can achieve satisfactory clinical performance. These crowns have enhanced survival rate along with reduced risk of fractures and minimal dentinal sensitivity. Plaque retention and gingival recession were almost similar to the contralateral natural sound teeth.