Clinical longevity of obturators in patients with jaw defects; a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The primary objective of the current retrospective clinical study was to determine the survival time of obturators while analyzing possible influencing factors. Materials and Methods This retrospective clinical cohort study analysed the influence of various clinical factors on the survival probability of obturators and their follow-up measures using Kaplan-Meier estimate. Results 76 patients with a total of 115 obturators were included in the study (47 men and 29 women, mean age 58.1 ± 18.1 years). The mean observation time was 3.0 ± 4.5 years (maximum 26.3 years). 40.9% (47) of all obturators observed had to be replaced. The survival rate after 5 years was 79.5% for telescopic-crown-retained tooth-supported obturators, 86.9% for telescopic-crown-retained implant-supported obturators, 58.8% for removable full denture obturators, 22.1% for clasp retained obturators and 0.0% for splints. Type of attachment, attendance in a regular follow-up and defect cause showed a significant influence on the survival of the obturators (p < .05). Conclusions The findings obtained in this observation support the recommendation of use of implant-supported obturators. Telescopic-crown attachments, either tooth or implant-supported seem to be favorable in terms of their survival times. Attendance in a strict follow-up program seems to have major influence on the longevity of the obturators. Clinical Relevance: The use of implant-supported obturators to cover permanent oral and maxillofacial defects can be highly recommended. Also, the use of telescopic-crown attachments seems to be favorable in terms of their survival times. Clasp retained obturators and surgical splints should be used primarily as temporary restorations due to their lower survival times.