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Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the longevity and clinical
performance of fixed partial dentures (FPD) 30, 20, and 10 years after insertion. Materials
and Methods: A total of 289 FPDs were inserted in 1966/67, 1976/77, and 1986/87. For
patients with FPDs presumably still in function, an evaluation according to the CDA criteria
was made. Results: For 64 of the FPDs (22%), no information was available. Seventy-nine
patients with 94 FPDs (33%) were clinically examined, and 44 of the FPDs (15%) were
reported to be still in function by the patients’ current clinicians. The remaining 87 FPDs
(30%) were considered lost to follow-up. These FPDs had either been removed for various
reasons—in most cases dental caries, lost retention, or fractured abutment teeth—or the
patient could not be contacted. Eighty-four percent of the FPDs inserted in 1966/67 were
still in function after 20 years, compared to 64% of those inserted in 1976/77. Apart from an
increase in wear and discoloration, the oldest FPDs had excellent marginal fit and anatomic
shape. Conclusion: The survival rate of 30-year-old FPDs was high; 53% remained in
function after 30 years. Based on the CDA criteria, 78% of the restorations were rated
satisfactory in all subgroups. The FPDs placed in 1966/67 obtained the highest ratings in
color, anatomy, and margin integrity. Int J Prosthodont 2003;16:283–289.
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