Clinical outcome of translucent zirconia and metal-ceramic posterior crowns in a digital workflow: A 5-year prospective randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of translucent monolithic zirconia (TMZ) and metal-ceramic (MC) posterior crowns fabricated with digital workflow over a 5-year observation period.

Materials and methods: Fifty-two patients, in need of a posterior crown, were included in the study and randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either TMZ or MC crowns (n = 30 each). The restorations were fabricated with a digital workflow and cemented with resin cement. The clinical outcomes and periodontal parameters were assessed at baseline and yearly for 5 years. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Friedman test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: The survival rate at 5 years was 100% for both groups. Mechanical complications were detected in the MC group due to minor ceramic chipping. No biological complications were observed. All crowns were assessed as satisfactory in both groups. A significant variation in gingival index (GI) scores was observed in both groups throughout the observation period.

Conclusions: Translucent monolithic zirconia may be considered a reliable alternative to MC posterior crowns within the assessed follow-up period. The digital workflow provided satisfactory clinical performance.