[Use of casting inlays with pulp chamber retention to restore extensive damaged crowns of molars.]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of casting inlays with pulp chamber retention to restore extensively damaged crowns of molars. METHODS: After root canal treatment, sixty-one extensively damaged molar crowns were restored by casting inlays with pulp chamber retention. All the patients revisited after treatment at regular intervals and routine clinical examinations were performed. RESULTS: During the follow-up period from 1 to 5 years, all the 61 restorations functioned well. However, gingivitis, secondary caries or food impaction due to ill-fitting margins of prosthesis were observed in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: Casting inlays with pulp chamber retention is a simple, economic and effective method to restore extensively damaged crowns of molars. Strict choices of indication, precise preparations of the teeth and well-made prosthesis are the key points for long-term successful restorations.

Liu XH, Ma L.

Department of Stomatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China.E-mail:LLXj0518@sina.com.