Surveys of full–coverage restorations made of titanium at Matsumoto Dental University Hospital

Considering the presence of metal allergies and the sharp rise in the prices of precious metals, full–coverage restorations made of titanium have been covered by Japanese insurance since June 1, 2020. The clinical application of these restorations is expected to increase in the future. However, due to its high melting point and high affinity to oxygen at high temperatures, titanium has not been widely used in prosthetic clinical practice. This study aimed to survey the actual use of full–coverage metal restorations at Matsumoto Dental University Hospital. Patients who had full–coverage metal restorations placed on their molars from June 1 to December 28, 2020, were consecutively enrolled, and data on the type of metal, placement site, and time were recorded. Besides, the dentists who used titanium restorations (Ti–Rs) were given a questionnaire. We asked them to rate their impressions of Ti–Rs in comparison with full–coverage restorations made of Ag–Pd–Cu–Au alloy (Pd–R) in six categories, including occlusal adjustment, polishing, and luting operations. In all, 338 molars received full–coverage metal restorations. Ti–R was used in 33 cases and Pd–R in 305 cases; 14 upper and 19 lower, 12 first molars, 18 second molars, and 3 third molars received Ti–Rs, while 137 upper and 168 lower, 174 first molars, 174 second molars, and 3 third molars received Pd–Rs. Seven dentists responded to the questionnaire survey. Many dentists stated that Ti–R was more challenging to use than Pd–R for occlusal adjustment, polishing, and adjustment time. On the other hand, most of them stated that the luting process was similar for both. Besides, Ti–R was favorably evaluated in terms of metal allergy. The number of patients who received Ti–Rs increased during the study period, suggesting that Ti–Rs will be a commonly used metal allergy–friendly prosthetic in the future. We plan to continue the survey and study the prognosis

Surveys of Full–coverage Restorations Made of Titanium at Matsumoto Dental University Hospital in 2021

Summary Full–coverage restorations made of titanium have been covered by Japanese health insurance since June 1,2020,considering the sharp rise in the prices of precious metals and presence of metal allergies.We expect clinical applications of titanium restorations to in -crease in the future.However, due to its high melting point and high affinity for oxygen at high temperatures, titanium has not been widely used in prosthetic clinical cases.We reported the actual use of full–coverage metal restorations surveyed from medical records and dental technician slips at Matsumoto Dental University Hospital in 2020.This study aimed to survey it in 2021.Patients who had full–coverage metal restorations placed on their molars from January 4 to December 29,2021 were consecutively enrolled, and data on the type of metal, placement site, and time were recorded. In all, 627 molars received full–coverage metal restorations.A titanium crown (Ti–R)was used in 192 cases, and a 12% Au–Pd–Ag alloy crown (Pd–R) in 435 cases;99 upper and 93 lower teeth, and 92 first,93 second,and seven third molars received Ti–Rs,208 upper and 227 lower teeth,233 first,197 second,and five third molars received Pd–Rs.The number of patients who received Ti–Rs in 2021 was higher than in 2020,suggesting that Ti–Rs will be a widely used for metal allergy–friendly prosthetics in the future.We plan to continue the survey and study the prognosi