Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance and possible complications
of single zirconia crowns fabricated using an intraoral digital computer-aided design-computer-aided
manufacturing (CAD-CAM) protocol in normal and dysfunctional patients after 3 years
of follow-up.
Materials and Methods Seventy patients were included in this study. The teeth were prepared with a knife-edge
marginal design, and temporary crowns were placed. Digital impressions were taken
using optical scanning, and the frameworks were milled using the same technology.
The veneering process was performed by the same dental technician. The occlusal corrections
were made before cementation. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of survival, failures,
and complications. The marginal adaptation of the crowns was also assessed.
Results The digital protocol for single zirconia crowns resulted in satisfactory outcomes,
with high rates of survival and minimal complications after 3 years of follow-up.
The marginal adaptation of the crowns was excellent, with 93% of the restorations
achieving the ideal marginal adaptation, while 7% had minor deviations. Parafunctions
were found in 41.9% of the prosthetic rehabilitation, but no significant differences
were observed between the normal and dysfunctional groups regarding the survival and
complications of the crowns.
Conclusion The digital protocol for single zirconia crowns is a reliable and predictable treatment
option, even for patients with parafunction, when proper occlusal corrections are
performed before cementation. The use of intraoral digital CAD-CAM technologies with
optical impressions can simplify procedures, reduce the workflow time, and minimize
the variables linked to the human factor.
Keywords
digital CAD-CAM - zirconia crowns - marginal adaptation - dental prosthesis - parafunctions
