Evaluation of the clinical outcome of posterior Inlay retained Zirconia fixed dental prosthesis - An invivo study

Fixed dental prostheses (FDP) with full coverage retainers, have been the standard for replacement of a single missing tooth. Conventional full-crown preparation designs for FDPs have been reported to require a removal of up to 67.5% to 75.6% of coronal tooth structure, which in many cases is sound and unaffected. Such extensive preparations have resulted in post procedural sensitivity/ pain of the abutment teeth, open margins especially in the interproximal regions, improper proximal contacts resulting in food impaction and improper occlusal morphology and contacts resulting in compromised chewing efficiency. This all indicates the need for a more conservative approach in replacing missing dentition.

Since minimally invasive dentistry has been considered to be a rational approach in the current diagnostic and treatment planning regimen, the desire for inlay-retained fixed partial dentures (IRFPD) to preserve tooth structure and restrict abutment preparation has increased. Various materials like Resin-based composite block materials, High-strength heat-pressed lithium-disilicate ceramics, Yttria partially stabilized zirconium-oxide ceramic (YPSZ) have been used as a core material for fabrication of IRFPD. YPSZ has high flexural strength of 900-1000 MPa making it a suitable esthetic posterior FDP material. Other than few case reports, there is a scientific lacuna in studies reporting the clinical performance of inlay retained FDP. This study attempts to evaluate the 12 months clinical performance of Zirconia, inlay retained, fixed dental prosthesis.