Survival and complication rates of polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network single- tooth restorations with an observation period of up to three years

This study evaluated the clinical performance of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) material for up to 3 years. Patients (N=286) received 581 indirect restorations as crowns (417), overlays (131), and inlays/veneers (33) fabricated using the PICN (VITA Enamic) by CAD/CAM procedures using intraoral scanning (Cerec Omnicam) and milling systems (Cerec MC XL). The restorations were evaluated annually and in case of complications. Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimate. Complications were classified as biological or technical failures. Until final recall (mean observation period: 18.3 months) with a dropout rate of 4.8%, 3 biological and 10 technical complications were observed. The overall success rate of the placed restorations was 97.7%. Biological complications included pulpitis and pulp necrosis. Technical complications were debonding (n=7) and fracture (n=3). PICN materials can be used as an alternative to lithium-disilicate or zirconium dioxide for single tooth reconstructions, providing that early failures included debonding and fractures.