Fixed prosthodontic failure. A review and discussion of important aspects

In order to justify the time and expense involved in complex restorative treatment there is an expectation of a favourable result and long-term success. Longevity in fixed prosthodontics is not only dependent upon the precision and skill with which the work is carried out, but also to a large degree upon a proper assessment and diagnosis and the utilization and implementation of valid principles of design. This paper reviews the literature in an attempt to determine the incidence of failure and the reasons for, and types of, failures that occur. There is a consideration of some factors important in preoperative assessment and a detailed discussion of various aspects of design for fixed prosthodontic restorations.