Comparative Evaluation of Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Material used for Fixed Partial Prosthesis Placed on Vital & Non-vital Abutments on the Periodontal Status – A Two Year Retrospective Follow-up

Objective: Sound periodontal foundation of abutment teeth is essential for successful restorative therapy and also for long-term success of prosthodontic restorations. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) has been a popular choice of novel esthetic material in fixed prosthodontics over the last few decades. The present study aimed to assess the long term effect and tissue responses of fixed partial prosthesis using PFM material on vital and non- vital abutments on the periodontal parameters both clinically and radiographically.

Methodology: Following ethical committee approval, the study group comprised of 86 abutment teeth in 41 systemically healthy patients (24 males and 17 females) aged between 18 – 45 years who had received 3 unit fixed prosthesis made of PFM, having equigingival margins using vital and non-vital abutments. The following parameters were assessed at baseline, phase 1, 3 and 4 (1 year follow up) – CAL, Probing depth, Distance between CEJ/ cervical crown margin and alveolar crest of the abutment teeth (radiograph).

Results: Statistical analysis carried out by SPSSV22 software revealed no significant changes in probing depth and CAL (p>0.05) and significant changes in radiographic bone levels (p<0.05) in vital abutments whereas significant changes in probing depth and CAL from baseline to the end of 2 years (p<0.05) with no changes in radiographic parameters (p>0.05) with non vital abutments. However, significant differences were observed between vital and non vital abutments with regard to probing depth at the end of 2years, CAL and radiographic bone levels at 6months, 1 year and 2 years (p<0.05)

Conclusion: The response of the periodontal tissues to the PFM material used on fixed prosthesis on both vital and non vital abutment teeth although favorable, were marginally better in vital abutments.