[The late results with a fixed denture in less well-off adults. A retrospective study]

In this retrospective study 141 patients were re-examined after having been treated with at least two crowns or one fixed bridge each at the Cantonal Public Dental Clinic of Zurich (Volkszahnklinik) between 1974 and 1984. After an average "wearing time" of more than 9 years, 88% of the crowns and 92% of the bridges were still in function. 4 patients had already lost all their reconstructions incorporated in the "Volkszahnklinik" and were not examined clinically. 115 (84%) of the remaining 137 patients were satisfied with their reconstructions. The mean papillary bleeding index (PBI) was significantly higher on crowned teeth compared to the untreated teeth. The mean probing depth of the crowned premolars and incisors was also significantly higher compared to that of the natural teeth. The results of the study show that the success rate of fixed reconstructions fitted at the Cantonal Public Dental Clinic of Zurich are within the ranges reported by other similar institutions.