The Effect of CAD/CAM High Inlay Restoration on the Levels of MMP-2 and RANK in Gingival Crevicular Fluid in Patients with Dental Defects

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-5775.2025.08.013

Abstract：Objective: To explore the effect of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) high inlay restoration on the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with dental defects, to provide reference for further improving the clinical outcomes of dental restoration and offering more benefits to patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 85 patients who underwent dental defect restoration at The Third People's Hospital of Puyang City from October 2020 to October 2022. According to different treatment methods, the patients were divided into Group A (42 cases) and Group B (43 cases). Group A received traditional impression full-ceramic crown restoration, while Group B received CAD/CAM high inlay restoration. The restoration effects, masticatory function scores, plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), and levels of MMP-2 and RANK in gingival crevicular fluid were compared between the two groups before and after restoration. Results: After restoration, there were statistically significant differences in the restoration effects within each group (χ²=0.351, 2.720, P<0.05). Both groups showed improved masticatory function scores, with Group B showing a higher score than Group A (t=2.129, P<0.05). Both groups had decreased PLI and GI scores compared to pre-restoration, with Group A having higher scores than Group B (t=24.526, 7.848, P<0.05). After restoration, the levels of MMP-2 in gingival crevicular fluid decreased in both groups, while RANK levels increased. Compared with Group A, Group B showed more significant changes in these indicators (t=11.062, 18.964, P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with traditional impression full-ceramic crown restoration, CAD/CAM high inlay restoration provides better restoration outcomes for patients with dental defects, reduces the levels of MMP-2 and RANK in gingival crevicular fluid, improves masticatory function, and helps improve gingival conditions.