Artificial crowns and fixed partial dentures 18 to 23 years after placement

Area of Science:

• Prosthodontic dentistry
• Dental materials science

Background:

• Long-term survival of dental restorations is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Evaluating the longevity of artificial crowns and fixed partial dentures informs clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term clinical outcomes of metal-ceramic and gold-resin restorations.
• To identify factors influencing the success and failure of fixed prosthodontic treatments.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients receiving artificial crowns and fixed partial dentures.
• Follow-up examination 18 to 23 years post-treatment.
• Evaluation of restoration status (unchanged, removed) and abutment tooth complications.

Main Results:

• Metal-ceramic restorations demonstrated high success rates: 79% unchanged, 3% removed.
• Gold-resin restorations showed lower success: 43% unchanged, 33% removed.
• No negative impact of cantilever extension units on fixed partial denture results; endodontic complications more frequent in mandible.

Conclusions:

• Metal-ceramic restorations offer superior long-term predictability compared to gold-resin.
• Pre-existing endodontic treatment on abutment teeth may increase complication risk.
• Mandibular abutment teeth are more prone to endodontic complications in fixed prosthodontics.