Vogler J A, Stummer A-L, Walther K-A, Wöstmann B, Rehmann P. Survival of teeth treated with post and core - A retrospective study of more than 1000 cases with observation periods up to 18 years. J Dent 2023; 138: 104723.

What is the difference between success and survival?

Survival time - the length of time between placement

In this study of patients treated at university clinics with a PC, 735 patients were identified who received 1,053 PCs between 2004 and 2022. Seventy percent received 1 PC. Treatment was carried out by students under supervision or by experienced dentists, using a standardised procedure.

The cumulative mean survival time was 11.74 years with a ten-year survival rate of 59%. Commonest reason for extraction was root fracture within five years of fitting as an abutment to a crown-retained removable partial denture, possibly due to the axial forces exerted on the crown on removal of the denture. Other risk factors for extraction included type of coronal restoration, bone attachment and the age of the patient.