Commentary

This systematic review is the final one following three other reviews1, 2, 3 by the same group looking at the survival and complication rates of different designs of FPD. The title of the series is slightly misleading in suggesting that the data reflect a minimum of 5 years of observation, whereas the inclusion criteria for study selection in fact required a mean follow-up time of 5 years or more. The total sample size actually exposed for more than 5 years is thus reduced, although the size of the reduction is not easily discerned from the report.

The objectives, to record the survival of cantilevered FPD and the incidence of biological and technical failures, are clearly stated and reasonable, as are the definitions of the survival, success and complications. The authors point out that cantilevered FPD are likely to be found in less demanding situations with regard to loading stress. One would have to be cautious, therefore, in comparing the data presented here with other FPD or implant-supported situations.

The search strategy was thorough, but limited to studies published in the English language. Since no RCT could be found (nor, in this situation, would they necessarily be advantageous) the authors included cohort studies, both prospective and retrospective. Reports were excluded most often because of mean observation periods of <5 years, multiple reports on the same patient cohorts and unclear reporting. All but three of the 13 selected studies had sample sizes of fewer than 35 patients, and most were done in institutional settings. On the basis of the information presented, it appears appropriate to combine the selected studies.

“Survival” of an FPD was defined as simply as its presence in situ at examination. “Success” was an FPD that was unchanged and had required no intervention to the date of the examination. Biological complications included caries, loss of pulp vitality and periodontal disease progression. Technical complications included loss of retention and fractures of abutment teeth, frameworks or veneers. The rates of failure were calculated by dividing the number of events by the total exposure time (which was estimated by four different means as necessary for each study). As noted earlier, the use of data from mean follow-up times of 5 years or more will have the effect of inflating the denominator, where the period of interest is over 5 years, thus underestimating the event rate. Further, it is not possible to determine from the data presented how many patients were actually followed for as much as 10 years, so the extent to which the estimates of 10-year survival are based on regression extrapolations is not clear.

The estimated annual failure and complication rates were presented as the number of events per 100 FPD-years of exposure, (summarised at two failures and 4.6 complications per 100 FPD-years). Although these are hardly intuitively useful figures for informed consent, they may also be misleading, in view of the time-dependent nature of the sources of complication and failure.

Of the 506 FPD units reviewed, 72% were gold/resin constructions, whereas only 28% were metal/ceramic. Fortunately, the survival rates for the two material types were nearly identical, suggesting little effect of the material on survival. Technical material fracture was not reported by material used, however, so the applicability of the fracture failure information to the now-commonly used metal/ ceramic constructions is slightly in doubt.

Overall, the report estimates an encouraging 10-year survival rate for cantilevered FPD of 81.5%, and a 63% success rate free of all complications. Nevertheless, an estimated 32.6% of abutment teeth lose vitality and over 9% become carious at 10 years, a significant finding for informed consent and professional surveillance. Other biological and technical failures were less frequent. Although it is likely that cantilevered designs are chosen for what are thought to be less-stressed environments, these success rates are lower than those for conventional FPD designs.3 This too should be considered when treatment planning options are available.

Practice point

  • The estimated 10-year survival rate for cantilevered FPD (81.5%) and success rate free of all complications (63%) is encouraging. An estimated 32.6% of abutment teeth lose vitality and >9% become carious at 10 years, a significant finding for informed consent and professional surveillance.