Abstract

Fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have a high survival rate, however they are often  associated with biological and technical complications. Crowns may be utilized to improve appearance of discolored or malformed teeth. They are also utilized to confer protection and to restore form and function to teeth which may be compromised due to loss of tooth structure. The loss of tooth structure may occur due to caries, endodontic procedures, erosion, abrasion, attrition or trauma. Crowns are also indicated as retainers for fixed partial dentures. A fixed partial denture (FPD) is a dental prosthesis that is luted to natural teeth or dental implant abutments for primary support
Objective: To evaluate the choice of crowns in patients undergoing fixed partial dentures. This was a descriptive cross sectional study. The study sample comprised of patients who had received crowns and fixed partial dentures between the year 2011 and 2016.
Materials and methods: A close ended interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic data, oral hygiene practices, pain/sensitivity associated with prosthesis, level of satisfaction with the prosthesis, frequency of dental visits and presence of systemic illnesses. Clinical examination was conducted to evaluate the quality of crowns and FPDs using the California Dental Association (CDA) criteria where prostheses were classified as ‘excellent’, ‘acceptable’, ‘to be corrected’ or ‘to be replaced’. The periodontal health of crowned and abutment teeth was evaluated by measurement of gingival scores, periodontal attachment loss, periodontal probing depth and mobility. The crowned teeth and FPD abutments were radiographically evaluated for presence of dental caries, periapical radiolucency, widening of the periodontal ligament space, root filling, intracanal posts and bone loss.
Results: Sensitivity to thermal stimuli, porcelain fractures and defective margins were the most common complications associated with FPDs. The success rate for FPDs was 65.3%.
Conclusion: The success rate for FPDs determined as 65.3% and that for crowns determined as 56.7% was lower than the success rate reported in other studies. The position and design of FPDs had a significant influence on the success rate whereas the level of training of the clinician and length of service had a significant influence on the success rate of the crowns. Porcelain fractures, defective margins and loss of retention were the most common complications associated with both crowns and fixed partial dentures, additionally sensitivity was common among fixed partial dentures.