Year : 2015

Volume : Volume 5

Issue : Issue 1

Address for correspondence :
Dr. K Rohan Kumar
kandukurirohan69@gmail.com

Abstract

Aims and objectives:  The purpose of this study was to  evaluate the load bearing capacity of four unit spanned Zirconia copings, and compare with NiCr  metal coping  for fixed partial denture frameworks and its feasibility to use it in the  posterior region . Materials and methods: Total 20 samples,10 zirconia and 10 NiCr four unit fixed partial denture framework  with a uniform 0.8-mm-thick core, connector dimension 4*4mm and chamfer finish line  and pontics with anatomic form were constructed, artificial aging was performed for zirconia samples to mimic the the oral environment conditions. All the samples were tested for load bearing capacity using universal testing machine.  Results: The fracture resistance was recorded, tabulated and analyzed statistically. The results showed NiCr metal frameworks have higher load bearing capacity than zirconia frameworks and were statistically significant (NiCr -2117.60 N, Zirconia- 1251.70 N), and the values of zirconia showed twice the load bearing capacity seen the posterior molar region.  Conclusion: Fixed partial dentures fabricated from zirconia following the proper design parameters and aging protocols are capable of withstanding the mastigatory forces in the posterior molar regions of the oral cavity, although further prolonged aging experiments and prospective clinical trials are required to prove their fitness for clinical use.

Keywords: zirconia bridge, zirconia coping, All ceramic FPD, Flexural strength of zirconia.