Clinical Evaluation of Fixed Dental Prosthesis Failures in Indian Population: An In Vivo Study

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of causes of fixed dental prosthesis failures in Indian population. Materials and method: A total of 158 patients were selected for the study who reported to the OPD of the Department of prosthodontics, Karnavati School of Dentistry, with complaints related to fixed dental prosthesis (FDP). Site and condition of the prosthesis and its abutments were evaluated and the cause of failure was classified accordingly by John J. Manappallil's classification. Results: Majority of failures (32.27%) were found to be class III failure followed by class VI failure (24.05 %). 13.29 % failures were Class IV, 12.65 % failures were identified as class II, 12.02 % failures as class V and 5.69 % failures were categorized in class I failure. Conclusion: Though earlier literature reported caries as the most common cause of fixed dental prosthesis failure, however present study reported class III failures, which include unserviceable restorations due to defective margins, technical failures or esthetic considerations as the most common cause. Therefore proper design of prosthesis is of utmost importance and should be kept in mind during fabrication of FDP.