Failure rates of restorations for single-tooth replacement

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Replacing a single missing tooth involves various prosthetic options.
• Traditional fixed partial dentures, resin-bonded prostheses, and single-tooth implants are common choices.
• Understanding the long-term failure rates of these restorations is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the failure rates of traditional fixed partial dentures, resin-bonded prostheses, and single-tooth implant restorations for single missing tooth replacement.
• To review existing literature on the longevity and complications associated with each restoration type.
• To provide evidence-based information for treatment planning single tooth restorations.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Studies reporting failure rates and causes for fixed partial dentures, resin-bonded prostheses, and single-tooth implants were analyzed.
• Data on longevity, success rates, and reasons for failure were extracted and compared.

Main Results:

• Failure rates for traditional fixed partial dentures are difficult to ascertain due to limited longevity data, with reported failures ranging from 3% over 23 years to 20% over 3 years, primarily due to caries and complications.
• Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures show more research but have unpredictable retention, with failure rates varying widely (10% over 11 years to 54% over 11 months), mainly due to debonding.
• Single-tooth implant restorations, under stricter protocols, show favorable short-term success (0% to 9% failure over 3-6.6 years), though long-term data is pending.

Conclusions:

• Each restoration option for a single missing tooth presents distinct failure patterns and rates.
• Traditional fixed partial dentures are susceptible to caries and complications.
• Resin-bonded prostheses face challenges with retention, while implant restorations offer promising short-term outcomes that require long-term validation for definitive comparison.