Retrospective study on the 7.5-year survival of resin-bonded dental prostheses in single missing second premolar cases

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to report retrospectively the clinical results of cast metal slot-retained resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) used in the restoration of single missing second premolar teeth, as this kind of prostheses provides acceptable clinical outcomes in a minimally invasive and esthetic treatment for the average patient requiring cheaper and faster treatment alternative for a single missing posterior tooth. However, the data present in the literature are scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical follow-up was reported up to 7.5 years in nine different cast metal slot-retained RBFDPs patients of both genders between 21 and 49 years of age. Routine clinical controls were performed 6 and 12 months after treatment, followed by regular intervals every year afterward. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimation method was used to determine the overall and functional survival rates and times of the RBFDPs at the end of the observation period. RESULTS At the end of the follow-up, all of the RBFDPs were still functional with a mean follow-up of 6.7 years. The Kaplan-Meier estimation for the overall survival was calculated as 89% for up to 7.5 years with one failure due to debonding. The functional survival rate was 100% with the lowest and highest observation periods being 5.8 and 7.5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this retrospective clinical study, it seems that the design and cementation regimen used for the RBFDPs presented can guarantee clinical success in the restoration of single missing second premolar teeth.