Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to survey dentists in Germany to identify their favored materials for the fabrication of tooth-supported single crowns (SCs) depending on the location of the abutment teeth and the preparation margin.Materials and methodsThe survey included questions regarding demographic characteristics of dentists/their dental practice and preferred restorative materials for the fabrication of SCs for abutment teeth 16, 11, 34, and 36 with either supra- or subgingival preparation margins.ResultsBetween August 2019 and February 2020, 721 dentists participated in the survey; responses from 33 dentists were excluded from data analysis because the dentists did not work in Germany or provided less than one fixed dental prosthesis/month. Dentists favored ceramic materials independent of the location of the abutment tooth and preparation margin (56.6–92.2%). CAD/CAM resin composites or full metals were preferred by only a few participants. A significantly higher proportion of dentists recommended porcelain fused to metal for subgingival preparation margins than for supragingival margins (p < 0.001). Characteristics of dentists/dental practices influenced a single scenario (11 subgingival) that was dependent on the dentist’s time since graduation. When asked to specify the ceramic materials, numerous participants wrote a free response (5.7–7.8%) or did not answer (0.7–4.8%).ConclusionsDentists in Germany selected restorative materials for SCs depending on the clinical scenario. Since numerous dentists did not specify the ceramic materials, postgraduate information and education might help to extend expertise.Clinical relevanceThe results of this survey provide insight into the favored materials of dentists for the fabrication of tooth-supported SCs.
Highlights
Dentists providing restorative and prosthetic treatment are confronted with a vast and steadily increasing variety of dental materials that are available on the market
In comparison to the results presented by the Cochrane Review Group, another research group included a wider range of study designs in a systematic review on the survival and complication rates of ceramic or metal-ceramic single crowns (SC)
During a 6-month period, a total of 721 dentists participated in the survey
Summary
Dentists providing restorative and prosthetic treatment are confronted with a vast and steadily increasing variety of dental materials that are available on the market. Evidence-based statements can be given regarding their longterm performance in fixed prosthodontics [1]. A recent review by the Cochrane Review Group emphasized that only a few RCTs are available for comparisons between metal-free and metal-based restorations, concluding that there is no evidence regarding the superiority of any of these materials. The authors suggested that dentists should base their decisions on their clinical experience, the individual circumstances, and the opinion of the patient [10]. In comparison to the results presented by the Cochrane Review Group, another research group included a wider range of study designs in a systematic review on the survival and complication rates of ceramic or metal-ceramic single crowns (SC). The authors concluded that SCs fabricated from ceramics showed similar survival rates as PFMs, yet layered zirconia SCs were more prone to technical complications such as chipping of the veneer [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
