OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term survival and complication rates of posterior three-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) fabricated from a glass-infiltrated zirconia reinforced alumina ceramic (In-Ceram Zirconia).

METHODS: Fifty-eight patients received 65 FDPs. Twelve FDPs replaced the second premolar (8 in the maxilla, 4 in the mandible), and 53 replaced the first molar (19 in the maxilla, 34 in the mandible). The In-Ceram Zirconia ceramic frameworks were designed and milled using the Cerec CAD/CAM system. The minimum dimension of the proximal connectors of the frameworks was 12 mm(2) and 16 mm(2) for premolars and molars, respectively. After milling and glass infiltration, the frameworks were veneered with a feldspathic ceramic. All FDPs were cemented with glass-ionomer cement. The patients were recalled 6-12 months after placement, and then annually. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the survival and complication rates of the FDPs.

RESULTS: The mean observation time was 9.7 years. Six patients with 6 FDPs were regarded as dropouts. Using the Kaplan-Meier method the 10-year cumulative survival rate was 93.6%. In a worst-case scenario, in which the 6 missing FDPs are considered as failed, the 10-year survival rate would be 84.6%.

CONCLUSION: Three-unit posterior FDPs made from In-Ceram Zirconia presented a 10-year survival rate similar to that reported for conventional FDPs. However more technical and biological complications were reported.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Three-unit posterior FDP made from In-Ceram Zirconia may be a viable treatment modality, taking the strict adherence to the manufacturer's recommendations into consideration.