Surface Texture and Clinical Performance of Milled BioHPP Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Single Posterior Crowns Veneered with Two Different Techniques: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate surface texture (ST) and clinical performance (CP) of milled biocompatible high-performance polymer (BioHPP) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) single posterior crowns veneered with two different techniques. Materials and methods: A total of 32 patients requiring posterior crowns were divided randomly into two equal groups (n = 16) according to the veneering technique used. The manual group included patients receiving milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual layering, and the computer-aided designing (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) group included patients receiving milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with CAD/CAM composite resin [high impact performance composite (HIPC)]. Surface texture and CP were evaluated at cementation time and every 6 months for 1-year follow-up period. Results: Both veneering techniques performed comparably in terms of maintaining ST and CP for 1-year follow-up. Regarding ST, the results (p = 0.8993) indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the survival patterns between the two groups over the study period. Also, for CP, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.9999) between the CAD/CAM composite resin veneered and manually veneered BioHPP PEEK copings over the study period. Conclusion: Milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual veneering and CAD/CAM composite resin veneering showed clinically accepted ST and CP after 1 year of follow-up. Clinical significance: Polyetheretherketone veneered crowns are a valid treatment option for restoring posterior endodontically treated teeth when properly finished and polished following the manufacturer’s recommendation.