Fig. 2 — Zirconia-based restorations solved the soft-tissue sensitivity reaction shown in Fig. 1 and provided an optimum esthetic result. One of the most valuable characteristics of full-ceramic restorations is the reduction or elimination of soft-tissue adverse reactions related to metal containing restorations. |
Removing either full-zirconia or zirconia-based restorations is moderately to extremely difficult depending on the thickness of the zirconia. This is one of the most significant reasons that a cement of only moderate strength, such as resin-modified glass ionomer, should be used. Research in our group, Clinicians Report, has shown that such cement is adequate for routine use with zirconia restorations. Removal often requires wearing out several diamond burs for even a single crown, using copious water spray, and a light, intermittent, sawing action.
• Lithium disilicate (IPS e. max)
These popular, tooth-colored, monolithic restorations for single-tooth restorations are strong and growing in acceptance. Depending on the size and type of the tooth-colored IPS e.max restoration, I suggest different cementation techniques.
If the restoration replaces only a part of the coronal portion of the tooth, such as an onlay, the retention offered by the configuration of the tooth preparation is usually minimal, and strong cement is indicated. In such situations, I suggest selectively acid etching the enamel areas only, placing the two 1-minute applications of glutaraldehyde, sucking off the remaining glutaraldehyde, placing a self-etch primer on the tooth preparation, and cementing with a resin cement such as Ivoclar Multilink Automix or Kuraray Clearfil Esthetic Resin Cement.
Other popular self-etch-containing resin cements for these situations are 3M ESPE RelyX Unicem 2 and Kerr Maxcem Elite. Use of either of these eliminates the need for a separate application of self-etch primer. This selective etch concept reduces or eliminates postoperative tooth sensitivity, which is a frequent complaint with this type of partial coronal tooth structure restoration.
If the IPS e.max restoration is a full crown, and the tooth preparation has acceptable retentive characteristics, I suggest using resin-modified glass ionomer cement to allow easier removal of the restoration if necessary. Removal of IPS e.max restorations is moderately to extremely difficult, which is one of the major reasons for using moderate strength cement for full-crown tooth restorations.
• Other less frequently used tooth-colored indirect restorations
Other restoration types, such as leucite reinforced ceramic (example – IPS Empress), feldspathic ceramic, polymer and aluminous ceramics, are best cemented with strong resin cement as suggested for onlays in the previous section. I suggest the following procedure:
- Sandblast or hydrofluoric acid etch the internal of the restoration.
- Place silane on the internal of the restoration.
- Selectively acid etch the tooth preparation enamel.
- Accomplish two 1-minute applications of glutaraldehyde.
- (If using self-etching resin cement, omit this step.) Place self-etch bonding material on the entire preparation surface, including the total-etched portion.
- Seat the restoration with resin cement as described previously.
None of the materials in this section are difficult to remove. The suggestion to use resin cement is primarily related to the relative weakness of the restorations when compared to the other tooth-colored restorations described.
In conclusion, for my cementation suggestions, the cement for any situation is related to numerous factors, including need for restoration strength enhancement, potential for postoperative tooth sensitivity, color of cement if using a very translucent restoration, and ease of removal when necessary. Use good judgment on each type of restoration.
Our course, “Faster, Easier, Higher Quality Dentistry” is the most useful course offered by Practical Clinical Courses. I teach this fast-paced and exciting course, identifying the 10 most successful clinical techniques and the most successful materials for typical general practices. Our next dates for the course are June 21-22 in Provo, Utah. Also, our DVD “Complex Oral Rehabilitation” (V1934) shows cementation technique in detail, as well as all other aspects of full-mouth rehabilitation. For more information, contact PCC at (800) 223-6569 or visit the website at www.pccdental.com.
In this monthly feature, Dr. Gordon Christensen addresses the most frequently asked questions from Dental Economics® readers. If you would like to submit a question to Dr. Christensen, please send an email to [email protected].
Gordon Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD, is a practicing prosthodontist in Provo, Utah. He is the founder and director of Practical Clinical Courses, an international continuing-education organization initiated in 1981 for dental professionals. Dr. Christensen is a cofounder (with his wife, Rella) and senior consultant of CLINICIANS REPORT (formerly Clinical Research Associates).
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