Objective To analyse the factors affecting the clinical performance and those influencing the survival of resin-retained bridgework provided at a UK dental teaching hospital between 1994 and 2001. Design A prospective analysis of restorations provided at a single centre using case notes with all patients invited for review to corroborate findings. Setting Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Bristol Dental Hospital and School, Bristol, United Kingdom. Subjects and methods Between January 1994 and December 2001, data regarding 1,000 consecutive resin-retained bridges provided at Bristol Dental Hospital and School were recorded. Data was available for 805 patients at the time of the study. Following invitation, 621 patients attended for a review appointment. Life table and Kaplan-Meir survival analysis were carried out for all restorations provided. Results The five-year and ten-year survival rates estimated by the life-table method are 80.8% (95% confidence interval 78.0-83.6%) and 80.4% (95% confidence interval 77.6-83.2%) respectively. The median survival cannot be estimated for this study as the survival probability remains above 80% even at the longest follow-up. Analysis of clinical variables influencing survival revealed that design of the restoration and experience of the operator providing the restoration were significant factors. Resin-retained bridges made with minimal tooth preparation are shown to be superior in terms of longevity than those for which other types of tooth preparation is made. Patient satisfaction with their treatment was high.
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