P. POSPIECH*, C. FRASCH, P. RAMMELSBERG, : W. GERNET. (Dept. of Prosthodontics, LMU München, Germany)
New compomer luting cements promise a higher retention strength combined with good esthetics and fluoride release. Nevertheless the composite part of these materials could probably cause postoperative sensitivity. The object of this longitudinal double-blinded controlled study was to determine if there is any negative effect on the sensitivity of teeth after cementing ceramometal or telescoping crowns with a compomer cement (Dyract Cem©) compared with a well-proved zinc phosphate cement (Harvard©). 80 teeth were randomized into two groups and prepared for ceramometal or telescoping crowns according to generally accepted guidelines. Impressions were taken with a polyether material which are poured with a die stone plaster. Ceramometal Crowns with a ceramic-shoulder were fabricated so that the cement line could be more easily detected and judged. If possible two crowns were inserted into one patient following the demands of a split-mouth design. The teeth were examined preoperatively, 14 days and 6 months postoperatively. Sensitivity was scored according to a visualized analogue scale (VAS).
Results: Postoperative sensitivity to heat, cold and percussion of the teeth treated with the test material was equal or lower than with teeth treated with the control material. No other severe side or adverse effects were reported. No retention failures occurred. The negative aspect of a visible cement line at the ceramic shoulder was not observed at the test material. Conclusions: After an observation period of half a year one can conclude that the compomer luting material Dyract Cem' is a suitable material for cementing crowns with results comparable to those achieved with the control. Nevertheless further investigation is necessary to give a definitive and final assessment of this new material