AWARENESS ON MONOLITHIC ZIRCONIA CROWN AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS

Introduction: From the solid blocks of zirconia which is polymorphic material, monolithic zirconia crowns are milled and are sintered over 1500 degrees celsius. Using computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique, monolithic zirconia crown restoration is fabricated. These crowns are primarily used for posterior restoration. The main aim of this survey is to create awareness on monolithic zirconia crowns among dental students. Materials and method: Self-administrated questionnaire was designed based on awareness of monolithic zirconia crowns. The questionnaire contained 11 questions which were shared through Google forms link. The study population included 100 dental students belonging to the 18 - 25 age group. The statistics done using SPSS software, chi square test was done to check the association and a p value of 0.05 was said to be statistically significant. The survey has been completed in the month of February 2021. Results: The survey results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. 100% participants actively responded to the questions. 60% think it is safe to use monolithic zirconia crowns, 32% responded no and 7% responded maybe. Chi square analysis was done between gender and their opinion on whether zirconia crowns are corrosive resistant, where 45% out of 59% males and 14% out of 42% females strongly believe that zirconia crowns are corrosive resistant. Results were statistically significant. Hence male have a stronger opinion that zirconia crowns are corrosive resistant than females (Pearson's chi square value =18.621, df =2, P value = 0.000(<0.05). Conclusion: From the survey, it was evident that the majority of the participants were aware of monolithic zirconia crown and feel it is a viable option for restoration of single posterior teeth. Success rate was higher as they have superior mechanical properties along with high flexural strength and high fracture toughness are seen.