Shunji Fukushima

Clinical Survey of Fixed Partial Dentures. (Part II).

In order to have general information on fixed partial dentures, 159 fixed bridges in 100 patients, who visited first the Dental Clinic of Tsurumi University, were examined regarding the retainers, pontics, length of service and causes of failures. In addition, the findings were compared with those of the previous report in 1979.The following results were obtained:1. Band crowns decreased drastically in 12 years, from 65% to 10%. On the contrary, full cast crowns and porcelain fused to metal crowns increased from 19% to 51% and from 3% to 21% respectively.2. The gingival surface of the pontic consists of metal in 68% of all bridges, although consisting of resin in 68% in 1979.3. The saddle type pontic decreased remarkably from 71% to 34% and the sanitary ridge-lap type pontic increased from 6% to 43%.4. The total of fixed partial dentures for one missing tooth (78%) and for two missing teeth (18%) amounted to 96%, while 87% in 1979.5. Tearing and breakage of resin and porcelain facing showed the highest frequency of all failures and the occlusal perforation of metal followed.