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The performance of conventional, fixed bridgework, retained by partial coverage crowns
Journal of the Irish Dental Association
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Partial coverage fixed bridges have a 76.5% ten-year survival rate, with failures mainly due to loss of retention. This suggests full coverage retainers are better for heavily restored teeth.
Area of Science:
- Restorative Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Partial coverage fixed bridges are commonly used dental prostheses.
- Assessing the long-term survival and failure modes of these restorations is crucial for clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the survival rate and failure reasons of partial coverage retained fixed bridges.
- To compare the longevity of partial coverage fixed bridges with other restorative options.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed 248 partial coverage fixed bridges placed in 211 patients at an undergraduate dental clinic.
- Survival data was collected over a service period of 1 to 19 years.
- A life table analysis was used to calculate the ten-year survival percentage.
Main Results:
- A total of 20 out of 211 (9.5%) bridges failed during the study period.
- The primary reasons for failure were loss of retention (80%) and secondary caries (20%).
- The calculated ten-year survival rate for short-span, partial veneer retained prostheses was 76.5% +/- 5.99%.
Conclusions:
- Partial coverage fixed bridges demonstrate a moderate ten-year survival rate, comparable to resin-bonded bridges.
- The findings suggest that conventional partial coverage retainers may not be ideal for intact teeth.
- Full coverage retainers offer a more predictable long-term outcome for heavily restored abutment teeth.