Failures and length of service in fixed prosthodontics after long-term function. A longitudinal clinical study.

In this long-term clinical study, the outcome of prosthetic restorative treatment was evaluated by examining fixed partial dentures 14 years after insertion. All prosthetic treatments had been performed by private general practitioners. The investigation comprised a total of 97 patients rehabilitated with 140 fixed reconstructions with and without cantilever extension. At the time of the examination 17% (24) of the original fixed restorations had been removed completely owing to loss of retention in most cases. Other technical failures were also recorded, including framework fractures and loose retainers. The total incidence of failure, biological ones excluded, was 26%. The incidence of failure for restorations with cantilever extension, was higher than that for fixed partial dentures with a distal abutment tooth. No significant difference in the rate of technical failure or loss of serviceability was found between the different age classes. After 14 years in service, 83% of the extensive fixed partial dentures were still functioning and fully serviceable, an overall result considered to be highly satisfactory.