ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the medium-term survival of Dalbo-Rotex retention elements, identify potential risk factors for complication or loss, and to consider economic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with Dalbo-Rotex retention elements in a university setting were retrospectively identified and examined. Clinical data comprised assessments of the dental, periodontal, endodontic, and prosthetic situation, including radiographic analysis. Patient satisfaction was quantified with visual analog scale questionnaires. Five-year Kaplan-Meier plots for relative survival and success rates were calculated. RESULTS: The 45 included patients had a total of 76 Dalbo-Rotex retention elements. Twelve Dalbo-Rotex elements failed and complications occurred in 42.1% of elements, equating to a survival rate of 84.2% and a success rate of 47.4% after a mean observation period of 49.2 months (SD 52.4, range 6-219 months). The 5-year cumulative survival and success rate was 62.4% (95% CI 44.0-88.4%) and 35.6% (95% CI 23.8-53.2%), respectively. Patients' self-assessment of prostheses retention was rated at 82 (IQR 40-92.2) with low pain perception at 4.5 (IQR 0-30). Probing pocket depth levels were significantly reduced in patients adhering to a regular recall interval compared with those with longer intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Chairside Dalbo-Rotex retention elements are a straightforward chairside method for prostheses retention that achieve good survival over medium-term follow up with high patient satisfaction. This technique is therefore a viable alternative to cast post copings that may be particularly valuable for patients with limited financial resources.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term (up to 20 years) outcomes of customized post copings (PC) and to evaluate potential factors influencing the risk for complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with PC-retained overdenture prostheses (OD) in a university setting were selected. Data collected included dental and periodontal parameters, periapical radiographs, and assessment of the OD design. Patient-reported satisfaction levels were evaluated using visual analog scales (VAS), and 20-year cumulative survival and success rates were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients with 81 ODs and 152 PCs were included. PC survival rate was 80.9%, and the success rate amounted to 64.5% after a mean observation period of 105.4 (± 67.9; range: 6 to 240) months. The 5-year cumulative PC rates were 91.5% for survival and 79.3% for success. Activation of matrices was more frequent with ball attachments than with cylindrical retention (odds ratio [OR] 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2 to 0.94; P = .034). Cylindrical retention was rated significantly better at 96% (interquartile range [IQR] 89.5% to 100%) compared to ball attachment at 88% (IQR 79% to 98.2%; P = .012). The risk for PC complications was higher for OD designs with coverage of the periodontal tissues compared to open designs (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.78; P = .010). CONCLUSION: Customized PCs on natural abutment teeth for the retention of ODs are a valid treatment in partially dentate patients. Correct prosthesis design and integration into a regular dental hygiene program are mandatory factors for long-term success.
