IADR Abstract Archives

Fractography of clinically fractured all-ceramic crowns

Objectives: The use of all-ceramic restorations has been steadily increasing in the decades since the introduction of high-strength core ceramics as an alternative to metal cores. Even with high-strength ceramic cores, the crowns are susceptible to fractures during clinical function, probably being the major concern associated with all-ceramic restorations. The aim of this study was to analyze fracture patterns of clinically fractured crowns in order to determine crack initiation sites and crack propagation paths.

Methods:  Fractographic methods were used to analyze 24 all-ceramic full coverage crowns with alumina cores and feldspatic veneering ceramic. The fractured crowns were supplied by dentists in private and public practices together with information of cementation and time in function if available.

Results: The fractured crowns comprised 10 incisors, 3 premolars and 11 molars. The results revealed that all fractures had initiated in the cervical margin of the crowns and usually from the approximal area close to the most coronally placed curvature of the margin. There was no statistically significant association between the cement used and time in function.

Conclusions: Fractography of clinically failed all-ceramic crowns can provide information on the fracture risk and possibly design considerations. The results suggest that more clinically relevant in vitro test methods to study the durability of ceramic crowns should be developed.

Pan European Region Meeting
2012 Pan European Region Meeting (Helisinki, Finland)
Helisinki, Finland
2012
32
Scientific Groups
  • Øilo, Marit  ( University of Bergen, Bergen, N/A, Norway )
  • Gjerdet, Nils Roar  ( University of Bergen, Bergen, N/A, Norway )
    • Oral Session
    Dental Materials: Prosthodontics-CAD-CAM/Ceramics/Lab Materials
    09/12/2012