A prospective study of implant-supported full-arch yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal mandibular fixed dental prostheses: three-year results.

PURPOSE: The development of high-strength oxide ceramic materials has led to increased interest in all-ceramic fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Success rates reported in clinical studies for all-ceramic FDPs based on high-strength oxide ceramic materials reportedly approach those of porcelain-fused-to-metal FDPs. These reconstructions, however, are still of limited size and have mainly concerned FDPs supported by natural teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of multiunit all-ceramic FDPs supported by dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients received mandibular yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) FDPs manufactured according to the Cercon technique and supported by four Astra Tech implants. Nine patients received 10-unit FDPs and one patient received a 9-unit FDP. The FDPs were cemented with Panavia F 2.0 onto individually prepared titanium abutments. The FDPs were evaluated at baseline and after 12, 24, and 36 months.

RESULTS: At the 3-year follow-up, all FDPs were in use, and all patients were fully satisfied with their treatment. None of the reconstructions had fractured. Superficial chip-off fractures of the veneering porcelain were, however, observed in nine patients (34 of 99 units, 34%).

CONCLUSION: Results from this 3-year study suggest that implant-supported full-arch Y-TZP FDPs manufactured according to the Cercon technique should be viewed as a treatment alternative cautiously. A better understanding of the factors resulting in chip-off fractures is needed, together with longer follow-up studies involving larger numbers of patients, before the material and technique can be recommended for general use.