Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Endocrown - A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction For Molars - JCDA - Essential Dental Knowledge PDF
The Endocrown - A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction For Molars - JCDA - Essential Dental Knowledge PDF
The Endocrown: A Different Type of AllCeramic
Reconstruction for Molars
Michel Fages, DDS, PhD; Bertrand Bennasar, DDS
Posted on October 29, 2013
Tags: endodontics restorations treatment
Cite this as: J Can Dent Assoc 2013;79:d140
ABSTRACT
The endocrown is indicated for the endodontic restoration of severely damaged molars. This monolithic, ceramic adhesive
restoration requires specific preparation techniques to satisfy criteria that are primarily biomechanical in nature: a cervical margin
in the form of a butt joint and a preparation of the pulp chamber that does not extend into the root canals. The remaining tooth
substance is thus more robust, resulting in increased longevity. This simple and efficient concept is compatible with the
philosophy of biointegrated prostheses. This type of reconstruction, which is still uncommon, should be more widely known and
used.
For many practitioners, the use of complete glass ceramic crown restorations for severely damaged and endodontically treated
molars remains problematic.1 Proposed in 1999 by Bindl and Mörmann2 as an alternative to the full postandcore supported
crown, the “endocrown” is a onepiece ceramic construction, based on concepts developed by Pissis.3In 2008, Lander and
Dietschi4 presented a clinical report on endocrowns, and, in 2009, Magne and Knezevic,5 who were concerned about the choice
of reconstruction materials, considered ceramics versus composites for endocrown molar restorations. Various studies suggested
extending the concept to maxillary premolars6 and maxillary incisors,7 but these proposals remain controversial.
The main objective is to dispense with metal and achieve an allceramic bonded reconstruction that is minimally invasive of root
canals, as the use of root canals for anchoring has been cited as an important factor in weakening the tooth.811 Thus, the
preparation for endocrowns is different from that for conventional complete crowns.12,13
The endocrown is described as a monolithic (onepiece) ceramic bonded construction1418 characterized by a supracervical19 butt
joint, retaining maximum enamel to improve adhesion. The endocrown invades the pulpal chamber, but not the root canals. It is
milled using computeraided techniques16,18 or by molding ceramic materials under pressure20,21 (Fig. 1a and b). New
generations of ceramics and adhesives may lead to a view of this therapeutic device as an alternative to conventional crownroot
anchored restorations.22,23 The specific preparation and bonding result in a particularly favourable reconstruction in terms of
biomechanics.5,24,25
NOTE: Click to enlarge images.
http://www.jcda.ca/article/d140 1/8
31/7/2015 The Endocrown: A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction for Molars | JCDA | Essential Dental Knowledge
Figure 1: An endocrown machined using computeraided design and computeraided manufacture (a).
A pressed endocrown, with sprue attached, positioned on a master mold (b).
The purpose of this paper is to describe the preparation and insertion of endocrowns as well as the materials used to achieve a
reliable and durable result.
Methods
Occlusal Preparation
The goal in preparation is to achieve an overall reduction in the height of the occlusal surface of at least 2 mm in the axial
direction. This reduction can be achieved by drilling 2mmdeep grooves as guides (Fig. 2), then using a green diamond wheel
bur to reduce the occlusal surface.
The bur is oriented along the major axis of the tooth and held parallel to the occlusal plane (Fig. 3). Its shape allows control of the
orientation of the reduction and ensures a flat surface, which determines the position of the cervical margin or “cervical sidewalk.”
The cervical margin should be supragingival; however, if clinical factors or esthetics require, the margin can follow the gingival
margin. Differences in level between the various parts of the cervical margin must be linked by a slope of no more than 60° to
avoid a staircase effect. Enamel walls less than 2 mm thick should be removed.
Figure 2: Making the guide grooves in an isolated tooth and in situ.
http://www.jcda.ca/article/d140 2/8
31/7/2015 The Endocrown: A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction for Molars | JCDA | Essential Dental Knowledge
Figure 3: Preparation of the cervical margin or “cervical sidewalk” using a wheel bur held parallel to
the occlusal plane.
Axial Preparation
This step primarily involves eliminating undercuts in the access cavity. A cylindricalconical green diamond bur with a total
occlusal convergence of 7° is used to make the coronal pulp chamber and endodontic access cavity continuous (Fig. 4). With the
bur orientated along the long axis of the tooth, the preparation is carried out without excessive pressure and without touching the
pulpal floor. Removing too much tissue from the pulp chamber walls will reduce their thickness and the width strip of enamel. The
depth of the cavity should be at least 3 mm.
Figure 4: Axial preparation using a cylindroconical drill to make the coronal pulp chamber continuous
with the access cavity.
Polishing the Cervical Band
The bur used in this step has the same taper as the one used in axial preparation, but a larger diameter and a finer particle size. It
should be guided around the entire surface of the cervical band to remove microirregularities and produce a flat, polished surface
(Fig. 5). The margin line should appear as a regular line with a sharp edge (Fig. 6a and b).
http://www.jcda.ca/article/d140 3/8
31/7/2015 The Endocrown: A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction for Molars | JCDA | Essential Dental Knowledge
Figure 5: Polishing the cervical band.
Figure 6: Cervical margin before (a) and after (b) polishing.
Preparation of the Cavity Floor
The entrance to the pulpal canal is opened. Gutta percha is removed to a depth not exceeding 2 mm to take advantage of the
saddlelike anatomy of the cavity floor. This should be done with a nonabrasive instrument to maintain the integrity of the canals
entrance. No drilling of dentin is carried out.
Cleaning the Pulp Chamber
Ultrasound is recommended to clean the pulp chamber and its floor thoroughly. Abrasion is not indicated.
Bonding
Adhesives such as selfadhesive RelyX Unicem (3M, St. Paul, Minn.) or composites such as Multilink (Ivoclar, Schaan,
Liechtenstein) are used for bonding the endocrown to the prepared tooth (Fig. 7).
Figure 7: Prepared tooth (a), endocrown (b) and final result after bonding (c).
http://www.jcda.ca/article/d140 4/8
31/7/2015 The Endocrown: A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction for Molars | JCDA | Essential Dental Knowledge
Discussion
Longevity and Effectiveness
In an evaluation of adhesively placed endocrowns after 2 years, Bindl and Mörmann2 concluded that “the overall clinical quality of
the endocrowns was very good.” In another 2year evaluation, Bernhart et al.14 concluded that endocrowns “represent a very
promising treatment alternative for endodontically treated molars.” In 2012, Biacchi and Basting26compared the fracture strength
of 2 types of full ceramic crowns: indirect conventional crowns retained by glass fibre posts and endocrowns. They concluded that
endocrowns were more resistant to compressive forces than conventional crowns. More recently, finite element analysis
highlighted the role of endocrowns in stress distribution.27
Indications and Contraindications
The endocrown is suitable for all molars, particularly those with clinically low crowns, calcified root canals or very slender roots.
The endocrown is contraindicated if adhesion cannot be assured, if the pulpal chamber is less than 3 mm deep or if the cervical
margin is less than 2 mm wide for most of its circumference.
Choice of Materials
Glassceramic: Glassceramic has the advantages of biocompatibility and biomimicry,15 and its wear coefficient is close to that of
the natural tooth.16 In addition, the single interface of a 1piece restoration enhances cohesion.
Bonding Agent: The bonding material constitutes the critical interface between the restoration and the prepared tooth.21 In
addition to its adhesive properties, its modulus of elasticity is important as it must be able to absorb pressure, just as the dentin
enamel junction (DEJ) does.22 The interface includes all prepared surfaces. Products that must be photopolymerized require the
use of a highpower lamp that must be able to reach lighttriggered initiators on the pulpal floor, under layers of ceramic that
sometimes exceed 7 mm.
Preparation
The pulpal chamber cavity ensures retention and stability. Its shape — trapezoidal in mandibular molars and triangular in
maxillary molars — enhances the restoration’s stability.
There is no need for additional preparation. The saddle form of the pulpal floor enhances stability. This anatomy, along with the
adhesive qualities of the bonding material, makes it unnecessary to attempt further use of post involving root canals. Actually the
root canals do not require any specific shape; therefore they are not weakened by the drilling11 and they will not be subject to the
stresses associated with the use of post.8,9 The compressive stresses are reduced, being distributed over the cervical butt joint
and the walls of the pulp chamber.
Conclusion
The preparation for endocrowns is rational and simple and can be performed quickly. Root canals are not involved in the process,
and the procedure is less traumatic than alternatives. The supragingival position of the cervical margin preserves the marginal
periodontium, facilitates impression taking and maintains the solid substance of the remaining tooth. The allceramic monolithic
type construction, made by pressure molding or machining, endows the endocrown with mechanical strength. From a
biomechanical standpoint, the restoration allows adaptation to strains at the bonded joint. These forces are distributed over the
cervical butt joint (compression) and axial walls (shear force), thus moderating the load on the pulpal floor. The endocrown fits
perfectly with the concept of biointegration and belongs among the restorative options for posterior endodontically treated and
badly damaged molars.
THE AUTHORS
Dr. Fages is assistant lecturer, department of prosthodontics, dental faculty, University of Montpellier 1,
France.
http://www.jcda.ca/article/d140 5/8
31/7/2015 The Endocrown: A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction for Molars | JCDA | Essential Dental Knowledge
Dr. Bennasar is assistant lecturer, department of prosthodontics, dental faculty, University of Montpellier
1, France.
Correspondence to: Dr. Michel Fages, 11 av. Célestin Arnaud, 34110 la Peyrade, France. Email: mifages@wanadoo.fr
The authors have no declared financial interests in any company manufacturing the types of products mentioned in this
article.
This article has been peer reviewed.
References
1. Zahran M, ElMowafy O, Tam L, Watson PA, Finer Y. Fracture strength and fatigue resistance of allceramic molar crowns manufactured with
CAD/CAM technology. J Prosthodont. 2008; 17(5): 3707.
2. Bindl A, Mörmann WH. Clinical evaluation of adhesively placed Cerec endocrowns after 2 years — preliminary results. J Adhes Dent.
1999;1(3):25565.
3. Pissis P. Fabrication of a metalfree ceramic restoration utilizing the monobloc technique. Pract Periodontics Aesthet Dent. 1995;7(5): 8394.
4. Lander E, Dietschi D. Endocrowns: a clinical report Quintessence Int. 2008;39(2):99106.
5. Magne P, Knezevic A. Simulated fatigue resistance of composite resin versus porcelain CAD/CAM overlay restorations on endodontically treated
molars. Quintessence Int. 2009;40(2):12533.
6. Lin CL, Chang YH, Chang CY, Pai CA, Huang SF. Finite element and Weibull analyses to estimate failure risks in the ceramic endocrown and
classical crown for endodontically treated maxillary premolar. Eur J Oral Sci. 2010;118(1): 8793.
7. Zarone F, Sorrentino R, Apicella D, Valentino B, Ferrari M, Aversa R et al. Evaluation of the biomechanical behavior of maxillary central incisors
restored by means of endocrowns compared to a natural tooth: a 3D static linear finite elements analysis. Dent Mater. 2006;22(11):103544.
Epub 2006 Jan 10.
9. Fernandes AS, Dessai GS. Factors affecting the fracture resistance of postcore reconstructed teeth: a review. Int J Prosthodont.
2001;14(4):35563.
10. Nagasiri R, Chitmongkolsuk S. Longterm survival of endodontically treated molars without crown coverage: a retrospective cohort study.
J Prosthet Dent. 2005;93(2):16470.
11. Fernandes AS, Dessai GS. Factors affecting the fracture resistance of postcore reconstructed teeth: a review. Int J Prosthodont. 2001;
14(4):35563.
12. Goodacre CJ, Campagni WV, Aquilino SA. Tooth preparations for complete crowns: an art form based on scientific principles. J Prosthet Dent.
2001 Apr;85(4):36376.
13. Schillingburg HT, Hobo S, Whitsett LD, Jacobi R, Brackett SE. Fundamentals of fixed prosthodontics. Chicago: Quintessence; 1997.
14. Bernhart J, Bräuning A, Altenburger MJ, Wrbas KT. Cerec3D endocrowns — twoyear clinical examination of CAD/CAM crowns for restoring
endodontically treated molars. Int J Comput Dent. 2010;13(2):14154.
15. Höland W, Schweiger M, Watzke R, Peschke A, Kappert H. Ceramics as biomaterials for dental restoration. Expert Rev Med Devices.
2008;5(6):72945.
16. Qin F, Zheng S, Luo Z, Li Y, Guo L, Zhao Y, Fu Q. Evaluation of machinability and flexural strength of a novel dental machinable glassceramic.
J Dent. 2009;37(10):77680. Epub 2009 Jun 16.
17. Messer RL, Lockwood PE, Wataha JC, Lewis JB, Norris S, Bouillaguet S. In vitro cytotoxicity of traditional versus contemporary dental ceramics.
J Prosthet Dent. 2003;90(5):4528.
18. Vitablocs MarkII for Cerec. Materials sciences and clinical studies. Brea, Cal.: Vident; 2009. [accessed 2013 Aug 27] Available:
http://www.jcda.ca/article/d140 6/8
31/7/2015 The Endocrown: A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction for Molars | JCDA | Essential Dental Knowledge
http://vident.com/wpcontent/uploads/2009/01/cerecmarkii.pdf.
19. Donovan TE, Chee WW. Cervical margin design with contemporary esthetic restorations. Dent Clin North Am. 2004;48(2):vi, 41731.
20. Mrazek WR. Laboratory procedures for fabricating pressable allceramic restorations. J Dent Technol. 1997;14(4):106.
21. Mrazek WR. Laboratory procedures for fabricating pressable allceramic restorations. J Dent Technol. 1997;14(3):2131.
22. Bindl A, Richter B, Mörmann WH. Survival of ceramic computeraided design/manufacturing crowns bonded to preparations with reduced
macroretention geometry. Int J Prosthodont. 2005;18:21924.
23. Guarda GB, Gonçalves LS, Correr AB, Moraes RR, Sinhoreti MA, CorrerSobrinho L. Luting glass ceramic restorations using a selfadhesive
resin cement under different dentin conditions. J Appl Oral Sci. 2010;18(3):2448.
24. Slangen P, Corn S, Fages M, Cuisinier FJ. Prosthodontic crown mechanical integrity study using Speckle Interferometrie In: Osten W,
Kujawinska M, editors. Fringe 2009: 6th International Workshop on Advanced Optical Metrology. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer; 2009. pp. 7348.
25. Zaslansky P, Friesem AA, Weiner S. Structure and mechanical properties of the soft zone separating bulk dentin and enamel in crowns of
human teeth: insight into tooth function. .J Struct Biol. 2006;153(2):18899. Epub 2005 Dec 9.
26. Biacchi GR, Basting RT. Comparison of fracture strength of endocrowns and glass fiber postretajned conventinal crowns. Oper Dent.
2012;37(2):1306.
27. Hasan I, Frentzen M, Utz KH, Hoyer D, Langenbach A, Bourauel C. Finite element analysis of adhesive endocrowns of molars at different height
level of bucally applied load. J Dent Biomech. 2012; 3:1758736012455421.
Gallery of all Figures in article.
Comments:
Dr Ravi Agarwal November 06, 2013
The design seems to be innovative and good. But the longevity of such crown is very important.
I would like to ask that in preoperative photograph since there was adequate tooth structure. So Post and core followed by crown
could be the option. In this we are reducing the tooth structure and making it week.
How this design is superior to the normal standard technique?
Kindly enlighten us with the new knowledge.
Thank you.
Dr Michel Fages November 15, 2013
Click here for photo of the initial clinical situation.
The advantages of this technique are multiples. It is very simple to perform an endocrown preparation. A solid tooth structure is
preserved. The transmission of stress to the pulpal floor is reduced, because of the cervical sidewalk, and more important, the
root canals are not prepared. From a mechanical point of view this preparation is very interesting. In a very recent finite elements
study authors concluded: « Ceramic endocrowns in molars caused the lowest stress levels in dentin compared to posts and
cores. Molars restored with endocrowns are less prone to fracture than those with posts. Under physiological loads, ceramic
endocrowns ideally cemented in molars should not be demaged or debonded. The highest equivalent stresses occurred in molar
restored with FRC post. The unfavorable molar reconstructions in biomechanical terms are an FRC posts with a composite
cores.” (3DFinite element analysis of molars restored with endocrowns and posts during masticatory simulation. Dejak B,
Młotkowski A. Dent Mater. 2013 Oct 21.)
Sincerely yours,
Dr Michel Fages
http://www.jcda.ca/article/d140 7/8
31/7/2015 The Endocrown: A Different Type of All-Ceramic Reconstruction for Molars | JCDA | Essential Dental Knowledge
Dr. Chris De Luca March 05, 2014
How about a final radiograph showing intimate fit of endocrown. I would be very concerned with marginal fit at the mesial aspect
since it appears to be, from the photos, just into the sulcus. Very tricky to catch on an optical impression.
Name: *
Email: *
Comments: *
Please type the characters you see in the picture below.
Submit
All fields marked with an asterisk * are mandatory.
Comments submitted in response to articles may be published in CDA Essentials magazine.
JCDA.ca reserves the right to review, edit, refuse or delete any comment.
© 2015 Canadian Dental Association
ISSN: 14882159
Disclaimer: JCDA Oasis supports clinical decisions; however, it does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. JCDA Oasis is
intended to serve as a rapidly accessible, initial clinical reference resource and not as a complete reference resource.
All statements of opinion and supposed fact are published on the authority of the author who submits them and do not necessarily express
the views of the Canadian Dental Association.
The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted to JCDA Oasis.
Publication of an advertisement does not necessarily imply that the Canadian Dental Association agrees with or supports the claims therein.
Furthermore, CDA is not responsible for typographical errors, grammatical errors, misspelled words or syntax that is unclear, or for errors in
translations.
http://www.jcda.ca/article/d140 8/8