Esthetic and Functional Posterior Rehabilitation With Lithium Disilicate Ceramics for the Replacement of Gold Alloy and Metal-Ceramic Restorations: A Clinical Case With a 10-Year Follow-Up.

Abstract

This case report illustrates a clinical scenario of a patient with insufficient crowns, gold onlays and localized tooth pain in the posterior teeth, treated with partial and full coverage lithium disilicate restorations. A female patient presented in the clinics, complaining about tooth pain and unesthetic metal restorations. After a thorough examination, diagnosis and treatment plan, the existing restorations were removed, and a defect-oriented preparation was done to preserve as much as possible of the remaining tooth structure. Final partial and full coverage lithium disilicate restorations were delivered. After a 10-year follow-up no biological complications were observed. Nevertheless, one major chipping was observed in one of the upper molars. This technical complication was resolved with the fabrication of a new ceramic restoration. Lithium disilicate ceramic posterior full- or partial-coverage restorations are a reliable and predictable treatment option not only for the replacement of tooth structure lost due to caries but also for the replacement of insufficient restorations. The following key factors are to be considered to pursue long-term success with ceramic restorations: patient selection, minimal invasive tooth preparation, appropriate material selection and cementation. Nevertheless, complications are to be expected, and the patient should be informed accordingly.