A study of fixed prosthodontics performed at a university clinic 18 years after insertion

This study obtained information on the long-term efficiency of prosthetic rehabilitation with fixed partial dentures performed by undergraduate students. From a list of discharged patients treated from 1975 to 1976 by undergraduate students at a dental school, 101 were recalled for free clinical examinations after 6, 11, and 18 years. A total of 163 fixed partial dentures were inserted. The majority (85%) of the fixed partial dentures were acrylic resin veneer-gold restorations; 15% were metal ceramic restorations. During this study period, 14 individuals died, leaving 138 fixed partial dentures to be examined. Of these, 35 (25%) were removed after a mean of 11 years in function, which left 75% in place and functioning after 18 years. The main causes for removal included caries, periodontitis, root fracture, and endodontic complications. Fewer metal ceramic restorations than acrylic resin veneer-gold restorations were removed. The removal rate for abutments with cast posts and cores was higher than the removal rate of total abutments. There was no difference in removal frequency between fixed partial dentures with moderate cantilever extensions and those with end-supported extensions.