Complications associated with tooth supported fixed dental prosthesis amongst patients visiting University College of Dentistry Lahore

ABSTRACT

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the complications associated with tooth supported fixed dental prosthesis amongst patients reporting at University College of Dentistry Lahore, Pakistan. An interview based questionnaire was used on 112 patients followed by clinical oral examination by two calibrated dentists. Approximately 95% participants were using porcelain fused to metal prosthesis with 60% of prosthesis being used in posterior segments of mouth. Complications like dental caries, coronal abutment fracture, radicular abutment fracture, occlusal interferences, root canal failures and decementations were more significantly associated with crowns than bridges [p=0.000]. On the other hand esthetic issues, periapical lesions, periodontal problems, porcelain fractures and metal damage were more commonly associated with bridges [p=0.000]. All cases of dental caries reported were associated with acrylic crown and bridges, whereas all coronal abutment fractures were associated with metal prosthesis [p=0.000]. A significantly higher number of participants who got their fixed dental prosthesis from other sources i.e. Paramedics, technicians, dental assistants or unqualified dentists had periapical lesions, decementations, esthetic issues and periodontal diseases. This association was found to be statistically significant [p=0.000]. Complications associated with fixed dental prosthesis like root canal failures, decementations, periapical lesions and periodontal disease were more significantly associated with prosthesis fabricated by other sources over the period of 5 to 10 years