Novel method for using a single impression and additive technologies to fabricate a metal post and core and metal coping

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate a novel method that uses a single impression, facilitated by additive technologies, to fabricate a metal post and core and metal coping. METHODS: Twenty-four human single-rooted teeth were divided into two groups-one for use with a conventional two-appointment method (CT group) and the other for a novel, one-appointment method (OA group). The CT group required separate impressions and cast models for the metal post and core and coping. In contrast, the OA group used a novel single-impression method to obtain both the metal post and core and metal coping. Silicone replica technique was used to assess marginal and internal adaptation of the copings in each group. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test (α = 0.05). Additionally, three-dimensional digital evaluation was used for comparison of teeth and coping internal areas. RESULTS: The mean marginal gap did not significantly differ between the CT group (83.77 ± 51.84 µm) and OA group (77.09 ± 31.65 µm) (P = 0.8835). However, the CT group had significantly larger internal gaps (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that it is feasible to fabricate a metal post and core and metal coping from a single impression.