Analysis of internal defects in all-ceramic crowns using micro-focus X-ray computed tomography

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine all-ceramic crowns for internal defects using micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (microCT). Mono-ceramic CAD/CAM crowns, ceramic-core CAD/CAM crowns, and heat-pressed ceramic crowns were used as specimens. The microCT images of the specimens were obtained and analyzed using a 3D volume rendering software. Mono-ceramic CAD/CAM crowns contained almost no pores, while ceramic-core CAD/CAM crowns contained pores only in the porcelain veneer area. Heat-pressed ceramic crowns had lots of pores in the cusps and the area around them. Results of this study indicated that internal pores in all-ceramic crowns could be observed non-destructively using microCT, and that CAD/CAM all-ceramic crowns contained fewer pores than crowns fabricated using manual techniques.