Lithium disilicate endocrowns for molars: A case series with short-term follow-up

Background Endocrowns have emerged as a conservative restorative option for endodontically treated posterior teeth with extensive coronal destruction. Advances in adhesive dentistry have reduced reliance on intraradicular posts, favouring restorations that preserve radicular dentin and utilise the pulp chamber for retention. Although the use of endocrowns in molars is well documented, additional clinical reports detailing standardized preparation designs, adhesive protocols, and short-term outcomes remain valuable for guiding clinical decision-making. Case series This case series describes the management of three endodontically treated permanent molars restored with lithium disilicate ceramic endocrowns. All teeth presented with extensive coronal structure loss and adequate pulp chamber depth for macromechanical retention. A standardized preparation design incorporating a butt-joint cervical margin, circumferential enamel preservation, and a pulp chamber depth of approximately 4 mm was employed. Endodontic therapy was completed using rotary nickel–titanium instrumentation, sodium hypochlorite-based irrigation, and warm vertical obturation. Endocrowns were fabricated from lithium disilicate ceramic and adhesively luted using a resin cement following hydrofluoric acid etching (20 s) and silanization. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed at 6 and 12 months. Outcomes At the final follow-up, all restorations remained intact, functional, and asymptomatic. Marginal adaptation was satisfactory, periodontal tissues were healthy, and no radiographic evidence of periapical pathology or restorative failure was observed. Conclusion Within the limitations of this short-term case series, lithium disilicate endocrowns demonstrated favourable clinical and radiographic performance in endodontically treated molars. These cases illustrate a reproducible clinical protocol and emphasise biomechanical and adhesive considerations rather than comparative efficacy. Clinical Significance Lithium disilicate endocrowns provide a conservative, adhesive-based restorative alternative for severely compromised molars, eliminating the need for intraradicular posts while preserving radicular dentin and supporting predictable short-term outcomes when appropriate case selection and bonding protocols are employed.