Treatment need for fixed metal ceramic bridge prostheses in patients treated by dental students in 1984-1996

Even if implant therapy is very common nowadays, treatment with conventional fixed bridge prosthesis still has indications and cannot be forgotten. Because of improved dental health more teeth can be preserved and more fixed prostheses are prepared also for the elderly. The aim of this study was to discuss the future of treatment need in fixed metal ceramic bridge prostheses based on the analysis of distribution of pontics in dentition in four different age groups during the years 1984-1996. Data were collected from the patient files. The numbers of upper lateral incisors, upper first premolars and lower first molars were analysed in years 1984-1987, 1988-1992 and 1993-1996 between and within age groups of under 34, 35-49, 50-64 years and over 65 years. As a conclusion, in the future the treatment need for fixed bridge prostheses will be highest among patients over 50 years and their most replaced teeth are, besides lower first molars, the upper first premolars.