Pathological Findings at Crowns and Bridges – An Epidemiological Approach

Objectives: Several epidemiological studies report prevalences of crowns and fixed dental prostheses as well as prevalences of the two major oral diseases - caries and periodontitis. However, these data are seldom linked. Information is lacking on whether the restored teeth are affected by caries and/or periodontitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to extend the knowledge about prevalences of caries and periodontitis associated with crowns and fixed dental prostheses in a cross-sectional sample.
Methods: The study based on an existing dataset from a cross-sectional study conducted 2005-2008. The study design was approved by the responsible ethics committee. The sample consisted of 1,015 employees from local companies. A dental status including DMFT-index, Community Periodontal Index (CPI), restoration status and tooth mobility was recorded. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistical methods.
Results: A number of 913 complete data sets were available for analysis. The mean age of the study population was 42yr ranging from 20yr to 64yr. Crowns and fixed dental prostheses were found in 554 participants (60.7%). A number of 2,456 crowned teeth (single crowns and retainer crowns) were detected. Seventeen restorations (0.7%) showed caries at the crown margin. CPI-scores 3 and 4 were found in 472 teeth (19.2%) and 61 teeth (2.5%) respectively. A visible horizontal tooth mobility >1mm was recorded for 33 teeth (1.3%). The restorations’ time under function remained unknown for methodological reasons.

Conclusions: In our sample of a working population, crowned teeth did rarely suffer from caries and/or severe periodontitis. However, signs of moderate periodontitis affected about one fifth of the crowned teeth thus emphasizing the importance of periodontal aspects in fixed prosthetic restorations.