Restoration of Morphologically Compromised and Endodontically Treated Molars

Abstract

This study evaluated the 4-year clinical performance of IPS Empress II ceramic onlay restorations on extensively restored, endodontically treated molars. A sample of 53 morphologically compromised and endodontically treated molar teeth were restored with IPS Empress II ceramic onlays cemented with a dual cured luting composite. The molars were evaluated by two experienced clinicians in accordance with the modified United States Public Health Service criteria at baseline and 6-month recalls up to a 4-year observation period. The analyses were carried out using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. Four failures were noted. Two onlays debonded; one was reinserted and reluted while the other resulted in lost coronal hard tissue and was restored with a fiber reinforced post-and-core system followed by a full ceramic crown restoration. The third failure resulted from secondary caries and fracture of the remaining enamel and was restored with a full ceramic crown. The fourth failure was extracted. None of the onlays exhibited wear, fracture of antagonist teeth, or dimensional change at proximal contacts. Within the limitations of this study's design and short 4-year observation period, IPS Empress II ceramic onlay restorations demonstrated promising results with a 92.5% success rate.