Statement of problem: When 1 retainer of a definitive fixed partial denture (FPD) becomes loose, the clinician has the option of either sectioning and removing the FPD or attempting removal of the intact cemented retainer. Excessive force during attempted FPD removal may irreversibly damage dentition.
Purpose: This study evaluated the type and frequency of complications that may accompany the removal of definitive cemented FPDs with a single loose retainer.
Material and methods: Participants included 22 patients with a definitive cemented FPD with complete cast crown coverage castings in which 1 retainer became loose and the other retainer remained cemented. Cemented FPD retainers were removed using 1 of 2 attachments supplied with a crown removal system (Dentco). The patient and FPD characteristics, type of attachment, number of attempts before removal, condition of removed FPD, and condition of the abutment teeth were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results: Clinical findings recorded prior to FPD removal showed that 41% of patients were unaware they had a loose FPD retainer and 82% reported no discomfort associated with the loose retainer. Caries were noted on 50% of the teeth with a loose retainer. Damage resulting from attempted removal of the cemented retainer included minor porcelain fracture (9%), minor core chipping (14%), minor incisal edge chipping of tooth preparations (27%), and major damage to the abutment tooth (4%).
Conclusion: Retrieval of an intact FPD and recementation was possible 64% of the time.