Abstract
Objective To assess survival rates for fixed partial dentures and their abutments.
Data sources Medline search 1966–1996 for studies reporting on the longevity of fixed partial dentures (FPD) (bridges, fixed partial dentures, crown & bridgework, survival and longevity). References of identified articles were also searched. Only articles in English were included and 35 were identified.
Study selection Studies were included which contained data allowing calculation of annual survival, with a minimum follow-up period of 3 years, defined failures so as to allow classification, identified patient, provider and examiner status. The FPDs were predominantly conventional (less than 50% cantilever and less than 25% nonfull coverage retainers). Of the 35 initially identified only 8 matched these criteria.
Data extraction and synthesis Kaplan-Meier modelling was used to back-calculate annual survival probability and the studies combined using a meta-analytical Bayesian model to derive overall annual survival.
Results Three categories of survival were derived. A narrow definition of failure i.e. loss or removal of the FPD, a broader definition i.e. including FPDs which had technically failed or needed replacement, and whether the abutment teeth had survived. Results are shown in the table below.
Conclusions Less than 15% of fixed partial dentures were removed or in need of replacement at 10 years, whereas one third were removed or in need of replacement at 15 years. Less than 5% of abutments were removed at 10 years.
Scurria M S, Bader J D, Shugars D A. Meta-analysis of fixed partial denture survival: prosthesis and abutments. J Prosthet Dent 1998; 79: 459–464
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Address: M S Scurria, Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Funding: Supported By NIDR Research Grant RO1DE11878
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Creugars, N. Two-thirds of fixed partial prostheses (bridges) last 15 years. Evid Based Dent 1, 19 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6490013
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6490013