Restoration of periodontally compromised dentitions using cross-arch bridges. Principles of perio-prosthetic patient management

doi:doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.727

British Dental Journal 203, 189 - 195 (2007)
Published online: 25 August 2007 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.727

Subject Categories: Patient management | Periodontology | Restorative dentistry

Restoration of periodontally compromised dentitions using cross-arch bridges. Principles of perio-prosthetic patient management

S. Kourkouta¹, K. W. Hemmings² & L. Laurell³

Prosthetic rehabilitation is often part of the corrective therapy in cases of advanced periodontal disease.
Although implant treatment is sometimes indicated and successfully applied in such cases, it may not always be the treatment of choice.
Cross-arch bridges have a record of low complications and can serve this group of patients well.
The application of alternative materials to gold, such as cobalt/chromium, is associated with favourable biomechanical properties and reduced production costs.

Severe periodontal disease often leads to tooth loss, necessitating prosthetic rehabilitation to restore function and aesthetics. The concept of perio-prosthetic treatment using extensive bridges of cross-arch design was introduced approximately 30 years ago. Long term follow-up studies have shown that teeth with reduced periodontal support can be used as abutments for extensive fixed prostheses, provided periodontal disease has been treated successfully, and an effective recall programme has been instituted to prevent periodontal disease recurrence. Low complication rates have been reported with these extensive constructions.

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Honorary Consultant, Conservation Department, Eastman Dental Hospital & Institute, 256 Gray's Inn Road, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Conservation Department, Eastman Dental Hospital & Institute, 256 Gray's Inn Road, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
Senior Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Periodontology, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London

Correspondence to: S. Kourkouta¹ e-mail: styliani.kourkouta@uclh.org