Redefining Posterior Restorations with the Endocrown Concept: Case Report

Background: Endodontically treated teeth with moderate to extensive cavities typically require full-coverage restorations to restore both anatomical integrity and functional performance effectively. In contemporary clinical practice, indirect adhesive restorations for posterior teeth are increasingly favored due to their superior marginal adaptation and ability to maximize tissue preservation. Various restorative strategies have been developed to optimize survival rates and enhance clinical outcomes. Posterior minimal invasive restorations are nowadays a very common treatment option in clinical practice. It is considered a suitable solution for cases of cavities with extended coronal destruction.

Aim: This study aims to highlight the principle of tooth preservation in endodontically treated teeth while detailing the critical considerations for preparation design and material selection tailored to individual clinical cases.

Case Description: This study presents a clinical case involving a 25-year-old female patient who experienced recurrent fractures of her coronal restoration. After a comprehensive examination, she was diagnosed with localized periodontitis affecting the maxillary molar (tooth 26). The patient was treated using a hybrid ceramic endocrown, specifically chosen to meet her clinical requirements and to enhance the longevity of the restoration.

Clinical Significance: The decision to implement minimally invasive restorations must be approached with careful consideration of multiple factors, including the remaining tooth structure, the design of the preparation, the choice of materials, and the bonding technique employed. Achieving an optimal balance between preserving tooth tissue in endodontically treated molars and ensuring adequate thickness of the restorative material is essential for the long-term success and durability of the treatment.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the endocrown can be considered a reliable and innovative esthetic solution for endodontically treated molars, which has all the biological and esthetic advantages of ceramic minimal invasive restorations.