Ten-year survival rate for cantilevered fixed partial dentures

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Evidence-Based Dentistry

Background:

• This study systematically reviewed cohort studies to evaluate the survival and success rates of cantilever fixed partial dentures (FPD).
• The review focused on studies with a mean follow-up of over 5 years and clinical examination of patients.
• No randomized controlled trials comparing cantilever FPD with non-cantilever FPD were identified.

Discussion:

• Cantilever FPD demonstrated a 10-year survival rate of 81.8% and a success rate of 63%.
• Biological complications included caries (3.1%), loss of vitality (32.6%), and periodontitis (1%).
• Technical complications encompassed abutment tooth fracture (2.4%), loss of retention (16.1%), and material complications (5.9%).

Key Insights:

• The survival and success rates for cantilever FPD are significantly lower than for conventional FPD.
• Frequent biological and technical complications are associated with cantilever FPD reconstructions.
• Long-term data suggests considerable risks of failure and complications with cantilever FPD designs.

Outlook:

• Further research, particularly randomized controlled trials, is needed to directly compare cantilever and conventional FPD outcomes.
• Improved clinical guidelines may be necessary to mitigate the risks associated with cantilever FPD.
• Understanding complication patterns can inform treatment planning and patient selection for FPD.