Long‐term follow‐up of cross‐arch fixed partial dentures in patients with advanced periodontal destruction: evaluation of occlusion and subjective function

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate occlusal factors in fixed partial dentures (FPDs) still in service for more than 10 years, and to assess the patients' opinions regarding oral function with these constructions. Thirty-four patients with 43 FPDs were examined clinically concerning occlusion and by means of a questionnaire on functional aspects. The most common occlusal contact pattern was group function (51% on both sides, 7% on one side) while canine protected occlusion was recorded in 16% on both sides, 7% on one side. Balanced occlusion (19%) was mainly found when the FPD occluded against a complete denture and when there were few abutments and a small amount of abutment supporting tissue. The number and intensity of the occlusal contacts were assessed by means of thin occlusal sheets (50 microns). On average, one occlusal contact was observed on each dental unit with antagonist. The average number of sheets that could be introduced between the antagonists when the patient bit hard in the intercuspal position was two without significant differences between different areas (anterior/posterior) or type of dental unit (abutment, pontics, cantilever section). In the cantilever sections there were looser contacts (more interocclusal sheets) more distally. The great majority of patients were satisfied with the function of their FPDs (mastication, phonetics, aesthetics, comfort, and hygiene). Subjective function was not significantly influenced by FPD design, occlusal factors or number of FPD units. The only significant difference observed was that patients with a small amount of supporting tissues said they had more difficulties with hard foods than the others had. Although a stable occlusion was found in all FPDs, none of the other occlusal parameters examined were related to the long-term results.