Risk of endodontic treatment after insertion of conical crown retained dentures: a longitudinal study

A longitudinal study was performed to assess the frequency of endodontic treatment after incorporation of conical crown retained dentures. The study population consisted of all patients being treated with conical crowns at the Academy of Advanced Dental Studies Karlsruhe during the years 1983-1989. The material comprised 655 patients with 1983 vital abutment teeth. The cases were included in a computer based documentation system for recording clinical relevant events. Event analysis by use of the Kaplan-Meier method revealed, that the probability of not being involved in endodontic treatment decreased to 0.67 within an observation period of five years. Patients in the oldest age-group (above 65 years) showed a significantly higher risk of endodontic complications than younger patients. Molars exhibited a less pronounced risk than premolars and anterior teeth. The results confirmed the necessity of regular follow-up examinations after prosthetic procedures.