title: An 18-year retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes with metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this clinical retrospective study was to evaluate the survival and success rates of metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made by dental students over an 18-year interval. Biologic and technical complications as well as patient satisfaction were recorded.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-seven patients with 82 FPDs from an original group of 104 patients with 128 FPDs attended an approximate clinical 18-year follow-up examination. The mean follow-up period was 17.7 years (range: 17.1 to 21.3 years).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine FPDs were lost because of extraction of an abutment tooth, and 1 FPD was removed for esthetic reasons. Technical problems recorded included loss of cementation, fractures in the metal framework, and need for placement of a dowel in an abutment tooth. The most common clinical findings were gingival bleeding on probing and appearance of supragingival crown margins. The survival rate of the FPDs was 78%, and the established success rate was 71%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This 18-year follow-up of metal-ceramic FPDs in just over half of the originally treated patient group was associated with good patient satisfaction and few biologic and technical complications. Int J Prosthodont 2011;24:314-319.
authors.forename: Ritva
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Napankangas
authors.forename: Aune
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raustia
mesh_terms: D002516:Ceramics; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003779:Denture Design; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D008670:Metals