[Some characteristics of distal cantilever bridges on the basis of two representative studies (in Hungary)]

In Hungary a dental epidemiological study was performed by a team of calibrated dentists of the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry (Semmelweis University, Budapest) in 1985-89 for the first and in 2003-2004 for the second time. Probands were selected randomly from the population attending the compulsory lung screening examinations. Oral inspection was done under artificial light. Data were immediately entered into computer on the spot. In the first epidemiological study after the examination of 9991 people we have found 1625 cantilever bridges, in the second study we examined 4606 people, and we have found 878 cantilever bridges. In 1989 66.9% of the cantilever bridges replaced missing tooth on the mesial and 33.1% on the distal end. In 2004 44.5% of the cantilever bridges replaced missing tooth on the mesial and 55.5% on the distal end. In both investigations one pontic distal cantilevers were the majority of restorations. In the study of 1989 we have found the highest number of the bridges with one distal pontic supported by two abutments. In the 2004 study the most frequently found one pontic distal cantilever bridges were supported by more then two abutments. Both investigations found the most distal cantilever bridges in the upper jaw replacing the first molar (32%, 38%), then the second molar (20%, 28%), and first premolar (18%, 20%). On the lower jaw distal cantilever pontics were replacing first molars in most of the cases (61%, 59%), then second premolars (19%, 24%) and first premolars (8%, 9%). In both investigations most frequently free end saddle (74%, 83%), remaining teeth (19%, 16%), crowns and artificial teeth distally from the cantilever pontic have been found.