Effect of controlled oral hygiene procedures in patients with fixed prostheses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of frequent recall appointments for a professional oral prophylaxis, specificaly for patients with fixed prostheses. By a dental hygienist the prophylaxis was repeated every month for a test group and twice a year for a control group (24 subjects). All patients were reexamined at 6- and 12-month intervals to reevaluate the oral health. This study demonstrated that careful professional cleaning of the teeth of patiens with fixed prostheses once every month is sufficient to maintain satisfactory oral hygiene. For the private practitioner it hardly seems realistic to organize a recall program once every month. However, professional clearning twice a year cannot guarantee oral health in all patients with fixed prostheses. Therefore further examinations over a longer period of time are necessary to determine reasonable recall intervals for the successful establishment and maintenance of oral health.