A clinical evaluation of fixed bridges, 10 years following insertion

In this long-term clinical study, the condition of extensive fixed bridges was investigated 10 years after cementation. From the records of the Swedish Insurance System (Gothenburg branch) the individuals were randomly selected. All restorative treatment had been performed by private general practitioners. The investigation comprised a total of 238 bridges making 1606 units, 944 abutment and 662 pontics. Seven bridges had been removed and in a further nine cases the bridge had been separated and units removed. Loose retainers were detected at thirty (3%) abutments. In 14.5% of the surfaces a deficiency in marginal adaptation was found. An open margin seemed to be the most serious defect and was often related to caries in contact with the margin of the crown. Caries and fillings in relation to the margin were detected in 8.1% of the surfaces. Porcelain bonded to gold restorations were significantly more often overcontoured in the interproximal space compared with acrylic resin veneer gold bridges. In the investigation the caries status has been also thoroughly reported. Abutment teeth, presumed to be vital, had a prevalence of 10% radiographically visible periapical lesions. Finally, 93.3% of the bridges cemented 10 years prior to the investigation were still in function without any parts being removed.