Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of In-Ceram Alumina fixed partial dentures (FPD) performed in a general dental practice from 1992 to 1996.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted as a retrospective assessment of up to 9 years of patient records and a clinical follow-up examination of patients treated with In-Ceram Alumina FPDs. In 37 patients, 42 FPDs had been inserted during the selected period. After randomized selection, 16 patients with 18 FPDs were examined clinically. The most common restorations comprised two and three units. Cantilever extensions were present on 64% of the FPDs. Sixty-two percent of the FPDs extended into the posterior region.
Results: The mean time in function for the 42 FPDs was 76 months (range 2 to 110 months), with 86% being followed for > 5 years. No adverse effects to either periodontal or pulpal tissues were recorded. The technical quality was very good, and patient satisfaction very high. Five FPDs fractured during the observation period, resulting in a total failure rate of 12%. Two of these FPDs fractured as a consequence of external trauma. Excluding these, the total survival rate during the observation period was 93%. Cumulative survival rate according to life table analysis was 93% after 5 years and 83% after 10 years.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the In-Ceram Alumina short-span FPD is a viable prosthetic alternative.