Gingival response to lingual contours of bonded metal bridges: a 12-month study

Overcontouring of cast metal on the lingual surfaces of teeth used as abutments in acid-etched bridges may be responsible for plaque accumulation and inflammation of the gingiva. The purpose of this study is to assess the gingival response in acid-etched bridge abutments during a period of 12 months. The parameters used for assessment are the gingival cervicular fluid flow, plaque and gingival indices, and the free gingival margin height for both the abutments and uninvolved controls. The results of both the experimental and control sites in 17 patients were similar with no significant differences (p less than .02). The study suggests that careful contouring of the ligual surfaces of acid-etched bridges does not adversely affect the health of the adjacent gingival tissues during a 12-months of follow up.