The effect of luting media on the fracture resistance of a flame sprayed all-ceramic crown

Objectives: This in vitro study investigated the effect of selected luting media on the fracture resistance of a flame-sprayed all-ceramic crown. Methods: Three groups of 10 human upper premolar teeth were prepared for crowning using a standardised technique. Flame sprayed crowns were fabricated and cemented onto the preparations using zinc phosphate (ZPC), glass polyalkenoate (GPC) or composite luting cement (CLC). During crown seating, a pressure perfusion system simulated pulpal fluid outflow equivalent to 300 mm of H2O. Compressive fracture resistance was determined for each group using a Universal Testing Machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm min−1. A group of unrestored teeth acted as a control. Results: The fracture resistance of the groups ranked as follows: ZPC>CLCmuch greater-thanGPC=unrestored teeth. The difference between the fracture resistance of ZPC and CLC groups and the control group was statistically significant. The mode of fracture between the luted crowns and natural crowns was markedly different. Conclusions: When tested in compression, a new, flame-sprayed all-ceramic crown, when luted in place using ZPC, GPC or CLC, could produce strengths comparable to or greater than natural unrestored teeth. The luting agent used significantly affected the recorded fracture loads.