A 5-year longitudinal study of cantilevered fixed partial dentures compared with removable partial dentures in a geriatric population

Prosthesis function and dental conditions were observed for 5 years in 27 elderly patients treated with mandibular cantilevered fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and in 26 elderly patients treated with distal-extension removal partial dentures (RPDs). All patients were treated with a complete upper denture. The patients were assigned randomly into two treatment groups that had the same composition with regard to sex, age, and distribution of teeth. The patients were under supervised oral hygiene and prosthodontic care. Clinical examination of prostheses, masticatory system, periodontal status, and caries was carried out yearly. Oral hygiene was good, and the periodontal status was maintained in both groups. Caries was observed six times more frequently in the RPD group than in the group with fixed restorations, however. Occlusal and functional conditions deteriorated in the RPD group only. Eight of 42 fixed partial dentures (19%) failed; of these, six were recemented with composite resin. Generally the need for dental and prosthetic follow-up treatment was more pronounced in the RPD group than in the FPD group.     

All-ceramic inlay-retained fixed partial dentures: preliminary results from a clinical study

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of zirconia-based all-ceramic fixed partial dentures anchored by inlays. METHODS: A total of thirty FPDs, manufactured using a zirconia frame and veneered with press ceramic, were anchored by use of inlay retainers. All FPDs were designed to replace one missing molar and were adhesively luted by use of one of two different resin cements. Documentation included failures and other complications, plaque accumulation, and aesthetic and functional performance. Statistical analysis was performed using a cox-regression model. RESULTS: During the 12 months observation period a total of thirteen clinically relevant complications occurred-four delaminations of the veneer and six decementations. Three FPDs had to be replaced because of a fracture of the framework. The cement chosen, the location, and the design of the retainer had no statistically significant effect on the occurrence of complications. During the observation period, accumulation of plaque on the abutment teeth was not significantly greater than on reference teeth. Postoperative sensitivity did not differ significantly between the different luting cement groups. The aesthetic and functional performance of the FPDs was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Improved adhesion between resin cement and inlay retainer is desirable before general recommendation of all-ceramic inlay-retained FPDs. Use of different luting cements seems to have no effect on the occurrence of complications.     

Proximal contour modifications for fixed partial dentures: a clinical report

An often-neglected aspect of fixed prosthodontics is the contour of the tooth adjacent to the cast restoration. The adjacent surfaces should be surveyed to reveal compatibility with the path of insertion of the restoration. Adjacent contacts may have to be altered to permit the placement of the fixed partial denture and to ensure proper contact size/shape and embrasure size. The need for guide planes on teeth adjacent to fixed partial denture abutments in fixed prosthodontics is described.     

Tooth-implant and implant supported fixed partial dentures: a 10-year report

PURPOSE: The use of implants for prosthetic rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients is increasing. However, the possibilities of placing implants in the posterior part of the mandible are often limited. The purpose of this longitudinal study with 10 years of follow-up was to evaluate the use of short implants supporting fixed partial dentures (FPD) in the posterior part of the mandible, and to compare implant supported FPDs to tooth-implant supported FPDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient material comprised 23 patients with residual mandibular anterior teeth, and each patient received FPDs unilaterally. On one side the FPD was supported by two implants, and on the other side by one implant and one tooth, thus permitting intraindividual comparison. The distribution of the two types of FPDs in each jaw was randomized. Implant success rates, marginal bone changes, and mechanical complications were studied. RESULTS: The tooth-implant connection did not demonstrate any negative influences on the overall success rates for the 10-year period, nor were the shorter implants found to be less favorable. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that a prosthetic construction supported by both a tooth and an implant may be recommended as a predictable and reliable treatment alternative in the posterior mandible.     

Contemporary all-ceramic fixed partial dentures: a review

High-strength all-ceramic systems for fixed partial dentures (FPDs)have become available for replacing missing teeth. New core materials have been developed and have evolved in the last decade,with yttrium tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP)-based materials being the most contemporary. With the emphasis on the use of computer-assisted design/computer assisted-manufacturing technology, various production techniques have been developed for enhancing the fabrication of consistent and predictable restorations in terms of strength, marginal fit, and esthetics. Although initial results are limited, results reported in scientific abstracts of ongoing clinical studies assessing the long-term success of three unit all-ceramic FPDs and anecdotal evidence published in peer reviewed articles on the use of Y-TZP-based restorative systems are encouraging. This article reviews the evolution and development of materials and technologies for all-ceramic FPDs.     

New approach to bonding all-ceramic adhesive fixed partial dentures: a clinical report

This clinical report describes the use of intraoral silica coating and silanization in an alternative bonding procedure for a 3-unit, all-ceramic, resin-bonded fixed partial denture.     

Retainer design for posterior resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: a technical report.

This article describes a new posterior preparation and retainer design for resin-bonded fixed partial dentures to resist eccentric loading, using a noble alloy (a silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy), a recently developed metal adhesive conditioner (Metaltite), and an adhesive resin-luting agent (Super-Bond C&B).     

Tooth preparations designed for posterior resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: a clinical report

Numerous designs for posterior resin-bonded fixed partial dentures have been reported in the dental literature, but a methodical technique is still lacking. A groove, plate, and strut approach involving minimal preparation of posterior abutments to receive a resin-bonded fixed partial dentures is presented. The essential clinical and laboratory procedures are illustrated.     

Long-span, fixed-movable, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: a retrospective, preliminary clinical investigation

PURPOSE: Long-span, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have been associated with higher debonding rates than short-span prostheses. The use of modified nonrigid connectors that allow movement between the abutments in long-span resin-bonded prostheses may reduce harmful interabutment forces that stress the metal framework and resin-bonded interface. This preliminary investigation aimed to evaluate the longevity of long-span resin-bonded FPDs of 4 or more units with a modified nonrigid connector and increased extension of the retainer framework around the major abutment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients attended a clinical examination; each had been provided with 1 or more resin-bonded FPD of 4 or more units (43 prostheses). For each patient, the following data were recorded: gender, age, cementation date, and endodontic treatment, if performed. Data regarding the occurrence of any debondings and patient expectations were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean service life for the 43 prostheses was 46.9 months (SD 22.0), with a range of 12 days to 87 months. Three prostheses had debonded, resulting in a clinical retention rate of 92.2%. CONCLUSION: Long-span resin-bonded FPDs incorporating nonrigid connectors that allow independent movement between the major and minor retainer, combined with increased framework extension on the major abutment, appear successful in the short term. Further research is required to determine their long-term efficacy.     

Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: ten-year follow-up

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the survival rate of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures delivered between 1993 and 2003 in the Department of Prosthodontics of the University of Turin and in several private practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis took into consideration the following variables: preparations, metallic alloys, metal preparation and conditioning of the inner surfaces, isolation during cementation, type of cement, kind of prostheses, number of abutments, and number of missing teeth included in the prostheses. RESULTS: The estimated survival probability for the first debonding or failure was 85% after 5 years and 71% after 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dental dam during cementation reduced the risk of debonding. No differences in survival rate were found for the other parameters.