Single-tooth replacement: is a 3-unit fixed partial denture still an option? A 20-year retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Dental Prosthodontics
• Clinical Dentistry
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Fixed partial dentures (FPDs) are common tooth replacement solutions.
• Understanding long-term FPD survival is crucial for clinical decision-making.
• Undergraduate university clinics provide valuable data for long-term retrospective studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy of 3-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs).
• To determine the frequencies and causes of FPD failures over a 20-year period.
• To compare survival rates based on tooth vitality and location.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 134 3-unit FPDs in 98 patients over 20 years.
• Failures categorized as irreversible or reversible, and biologic or technical/patient-related.
• Supportive maintenance programs were offered to all patients.

Main Results:

• Overall 20-year survival rate for 3-unit FPDs was 73.1%.
• Significantly higher survival for vital teeth (96.3%) vs. root canal-treated (69.3%) in the mandible (P=.036).
• Caries was the main failure reason (38.1%), followed by complications in the maxilla vs. mandible.

Conclusions:

• 3-unit FPD survival over 20 years is favorable and comparable to other single-tooth replacement options.
• Reversible complications may predict future irreversible FPD failure.
• Further research should compare FPDs with alternative tooth replacement modalities.