10-year periodontal response to resin bonded bridges

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term (10 years +/- 15 months) periodontal response to resin bonded bridges (RBRs). A total of 103 patients who had RBRs bonded between 1980 and 1984 were recalled. Periodontal evaluations were made by two clinicians for all abutment teeth and for selected control teeth with intact, non-restored lingual surfaces. Periodontal indices consisted of: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival recession, probing depth, and loss of attachment. Paired t tests indicated no significant difference in overall GI between experimental and control sites, but a significant difference in PI and probing depth with experimental sites (abutment teeth) showing higher PI and greater probing depths. Significant differences were found in overall recession and attachment loss, again with more recession and attachment loss observed on the abutment teeth as compared to the controls. Site specific analyses for PI, probing, and loss of attachment showed small but significant differences between experimental and control teeth in 15 of 21 sites. Although these findings may be statistically significant, the clinical impact for resin bonded restorations functioning for over 10 years is minimal and is comparable to periodontal response to other types of restorations.