Prospective 3-year study of cross-arch fixed partial dentures in patients with advanced periodontal disease

Statement of problem. Several choices exist for the treatment of advanced p eriodontal disease. One is a combined periodontal and prosthetic treatment that includes cross-arch fixed partial dentures (FPDs). However, the Outcom es of such therapy have been reported mainly from studies in Scandinavian c ountries. Purpose. The aims Of this study were: (1) to longitudinally evaluate, after periodontal and prosthodontic treatment that included cross-arch FPDs, tre atment outcomes in Korean patients Who Suffered from severe periodontitis; and (2) to evaluate the patients' treatment assessments and the FPDs after 3 years, Material and methods. This survey included 39 Korean patients provided with 50 FPDs, Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at the time of delivery of the FPDs and at the 3-year follow-up examinations. The pros theses were divided into 3 groups according to design (end abutments, unila teral cantilever, and bilateral cantilevers) and die amount of supporting t issues at the time of insertion. On average, only 26% of die total original periodontal tissue remained Lit the time of insertion. The FPDs consisted of 11 to 14 units, With a mean of 5 to 7 abutments in die 3 groups, The mea n periodontal ligament area of dic abutments was 79% of the total ligament area of the replaced teeth. Results. At the 3-year follow-up examination, the FPDs were stable in all p atients, who in general displayed good oral hygiene and had healthy periodo ntal conditions. The change in periodontal ligament area over the 3-year ob servation period was negligible (1 mm(2) per dental unit) and showed no sta tistically significant difference in relation to FPD design. Most patients were satisfied with the function of their FPDs with respect to mastication, phonetics, hygiene, esthetics, and chewing comfort. A few patients stated that they were careful with the FPDs and avoided certain foods (for example , raw peanuts and grilled squid) because they felt insecure with the cantil ever segments. Most patients reported that they would choose the same treat ment again. Conclusion. patients with advanced periodontal disease demonstrated Success ful Outcomes over a 3-year period and reported satisfaction with combined p eriodontal and restorative treatment that included cross-arch FPDs.