Artificial crowns and fixed partial dentures 18 to 23 years after placement.

Patients receiving artificial crowns and fixed partial dentures at a prosthodontic clinic were examined 18 to 23 years after treatment. The long-term results were good, especially for the metal ceramic restorations: 79% remained unchanged and only 3% had been removed. The success rate for the gold-resin restorations was less favorable: 43% remained unchanged and 33% had been removed. The use of one cantilever extension unit had not negatively influenced the results for the fixed partial dentures. Generally, those abutment teeth that had been removed during the observation period had received previous endodontic treatment before restorations had been placed. Endodontic complications on abutment teeth were more frequent in the mandible than in the maxillae.