Risk Factors Associated with Complications in Fixed Partial Dentures

Background/Objectives: Fixed partial dentures (FPD) are intended to restore the impaired functions of the dento-maxillary system (DMS) following the onset of partial edentulism. The objectives of this study were to determine the association of risk factors represented by caries predisposition (DMFT index - decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth), oral hygiene, bruxism and smoking with FPD complications. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 428 patients who presented to the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova for various complications related to FPD. Biological, technical, and aesthetic complications were identified in terms of their frequency and their association with risk factors, including caries predisposition quantified by the DMFT index, oral hygiene, bruxism, and smoking status. Associations were assessed using Pearson's chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests (two-sided, α = 0.05), performed in IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The DMFT index showed elevated values, 16.41 ± 4.43 in subjects aged ≤45 years and 18.39 ± 4.89 in subjects aged >45 years. Oral hygiene was satisfactory in a percentage of 75.82%, bruxism was present in 38%, and 40.52% were smokers. Regarding FPD complications, 94.77% were biological, 86.27% were technical, and 85.62% were aesthetic. Conclusions: Caries predisposition, assessed by the DMFT index, and smoking were associated with a higher frequency of biological complications. Bruxism and smoking were associated with technical complications, while unsatisfactory oral hygiene and smoking were associated with aesthetic complications.