Statement of problem: Few estimates of the probability of various outcomes associated with replacement of missing teeth with fixed partial dentures have been reported. Existing longitudinal studies have reported widely disparate results for the survival of fixed partial dentures, but these studies have used different definitions of failure and varying periods of follow-up.
Purpose: This study used meta-analysis to formulate annual probability estimates for three categories of fixed partial denture or abutment survival.
Methods: A systematic review of the English language literature since 1960 identified eight studies that met the preset inclusion criteria. Estimated annual survival proportions were back-calculated based on the Kaplan-Meier model and these proportions were combined through a fixed effects model meta-analysis. The probabilities and corresponding 95% confidence intervals at 5, 10, and 15 years for the three categories of survival are reported.
Results: For the aggregate population represented by the limited longitudinal studies available, this meta-analysis indicated that less than 15% of fixed partial dentures were removed or in need of replacement at 10 years; whereas, nearly one third were removed or in need of replacement at 15 years. Less than 5% of abutments were removed at 10 years.