Does material of endocrowns matter for successful restoration of endodontically treated teeth? Study draws comparison

The latest study stated, "With endocrowns made of the mentioned ceramics showing a high durability and success rate in the short term, they can be considered a safe choice for endodontically restoring treated teeth." The researchers noted that caries were the most common reason for the failure of the restorations, and type of restoration or tooth type had no role to play in restoration failure. 89.36% of restorations were identified as clinically excellent or good.

Endocrowns are an essential restorative option for extensively damaged teeth, offering functional and aesthetic benefits. However, the choice of material for these restorations can significantly impact their clinical performance and longevity. Faezeh Atri, associate professor, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, and colleagues aimed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of endocrowns made of zirconia lithium silicate, feldspathic, and lithium disilicate ceramics using a chairside CAD/CAM system.

For this purpose, the researchers compared the clinical outcomes of 141 endocrown restorations in the posterior teeth of 85 patients in a two-year follow-up. Restorations' efficacy was evaluated in three aspects: biological response, esthetics, and function, with the aid of the FDI guideline, and presented as descriptive analyses.

Based on the study, the researchers reported the following findings:

• The type of restorations (zirconia lithium silicate, feldspathic, and lithium disilicate) and underlying teeth (molars and premolars) play no part in restorations’ failure.
• Recurrence of caries is primarily responsible for the failure of the endocrowns.
• Secondary caries and radiolucency were observed in four teeth (2.83%).
• The clinical efficacy of 89.36% of restorations fell into the category of “clinically excellent” and “clinically good.”
• 7.09% of restorations were classified as “clinically sufficient/satisfactory,” and only 3.54% of restorations needed replacement due to having “clinically unsatisfactory” and “clinically poor” quality.

"Endocrowns made of several ceramics have been proven reliable restorations for endodontically treated premolars and molars," the researchers wrote.

With further research and advancements in material science, restorative dentistry continues to evolve, offering patients increasingly sophisticated treatment options tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

The study represents a significant contribution to the dental community, providing valuable insights that will inform clinical decision-making and enhance the quality of patient care in the realm of endocrown restorations.

Reference:

Jalali, S., Asgari, N., Pirooz, P., Younespour, S., & Atri, F. (2024). Comparison of Clinical Efficacy of CAD/CAM Endocrowns Made of Feldspathic, Zirconia Lithium Silicate, and Lithium Disilicate: A Two-year Mixed Cohort Study. Journal of Dentistry, 105019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105019