Discrimination ability in patients with extensive fixed partial dentures on mandibular canine teeth

Carlson BR. Discrimination ability in patients with extensive fixed partial dentures on mandibular canine teeth. Acta Odontol Scand 1994;52:260–265. Oslo. ISSN ooO1-63S7.To study discrimination ability under different test situations, a psychophysiologic test was performed in a group of patients with 12-unit mandibular fixed partial dentures supported on the 2 canines. The cantilever segments were exchangeable. Analyses of discrimination ability were performed with regard to periodontal and endodontic status of the abutment teeth and to type of mucosal contact in cantilever regions. Discrimination ability was markedly reduced with a strongly reduced periodontal bone contact area. The endodontic status did not affect discrimination ability. A tendency towards better discrimination ability was seen when the cantilever sections without mucosal contacts were compared with those with mucosal contacts through pontics or saddles.