An 18-Year Retrospective Analysis of Treatment Outcomes with Metal-Ceramic Fixed Partial Dentures

Purpose: The aim of this clinical retrospective study was to evaluate the survival and success rates of metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made by dental students over an 18-year interval. Biologic and technical complications as well as patient satisfaction were recorded. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven patients with 82 FPDs from an original group of 104 patients with 128 FPDs attended an approximate clinical 18-year follow-up examination. The mean follow-up period was 17.7 years (range: 17.1 to 21.3 years). Results: Nine FPDs were lost because of extraction of an abutment tooth, and 1 FPD was removed for esthetic reasons. Technical problems recorded included loss of cementation, fractures in the metal framework, and need for placement of a dowel in an abutment tooth. The most common clinical findings were gingival bleeding on probing and appearance of supragingival crown margins. The survival rate of the FPDs was 78%, and the established success rate was 71%. Conclusion: This 18-year follow-up of metal-ceramic FPDs in just over half of the originally treated patient group was associated with good patient satisfaction and few biologic and technical complications.