Clinical Significance
The use of endocrowns rather than conventional restorations for endodontically compromised teeth appears to offer
The restoration of endodontically treated teeth that have had a significant portion of their coronal material destroyed is challenging. These teeth are weak as a result of the removal of the pulp and surrounding dentin, so intraradicular posts with or without core materials may be needed to strengthen the restoration. However, the use of posts involves the removal of additional sound tissue, which further compromises tooth performance. An alternative to consider is endocrown restorations. These
The literature search screened the PubMed (Medline), Lilacs, Ibecs, Web of Science, BBO, Scielo, and Scopus databases. Eight studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria; 3 were clinical trials and 5 were in vitro studies. The 5 in vitro studies were assessed in the meta-analysis.
The 3 clinical trials (published between 1999 and 2014) evaluated a total of 55 teeth and showed success rates for endocrowns between 94% and 100%, with follow-up periods from 6 to 36 months. Two endocrown failures occurred, the result of secondary caries.
The 5 in vitro studies (published between 2008 and 2015) assessed a total of 102 teeth, with sample sizes in each study between 20 and 48 teeth. The focus was the fracture strength of endocrowns, along with failure modes, marginal continuity,
Compared to conventional restorations, endocrowns appear to perform better. The conventional restorations tested included intraradicular posts, direct composite resin, and inlay/onlay methods. The small sample sizes and lack of information about endocrown use in anterior teeth are limitations the clinician should take into account when making clinical decisions. Clinical Significance The use of endocrowns rather than conventional restorations for endodontically compromised teeth appears to offer
Sedrez-Porto J A, Oliveira da Rosa WL, da Silva AF, et al: Endocrown restorations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dent 52:8-14, 2016
Reprints available from T Pereira-Cenci, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal Univ of Pelotas, R. Gonçalves Chaves, 457 Room 508, Pelotas, 96015-560 RS, Brazil; e-mail: [email protected]