The most common clinical complications associated with metal-ceramic and all-metal restorations are identified along with methods of minimizing or preventing them. Methods of managing the complications are described when they do occur.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the most common complications associated with single crowns
2. Identify the most common complications associated with fixed partial dentures
3. Describe caries prevention strategies through diagnostic testing of caries risk
4. Outline a plan of caries prevention for high risk individuals
5. Identify the sources of pulpal stress associated with clinical crown procedures
6. Know the three key factors that prevent loss of retention
7. Develop strategies that can be used to minimize or eliminate loss of retention
8. Describe methods that can be used to increase resistance form when deficiencies are present
9. Identify the benefit of circumferential irregularities
10. Describe where circumferential irregularities are best located

Abstract:

Knowledge of the factors that cause complications and failure in fixed prosthodontics enhances our ability to develop effective treatment plans, facilitates success, promotes optimal doctor-patient communication regarding anticipated treatment outcomes and provides early diagnosis of problems encountered during long-term maintenance. This presentation will identify the most common complications encountered with conventional single crowns and conventional fixed partial dentures and describe methods of minimizing or preventing their occurrence as well as managing the complications when they occur.

Outline:

1. The most common single crown complications
2. The most common fixed partial denture complications
3. Preventing fixed partial dentures complications
4. How to prevent caries
   1. Caries risk assessment
   2. Diagnostic testing of caries risk
   3. Caries prevention for high risk individuals
   4. Use of fluoride-releasing cements
5. Preventing pulpal necrosis
6. Preventing loss of retention through good tooth preparation
   1. What is an appropriate total occlusal convergence angle?
   2. What is the minimal occlusocervical dimension?
   3. What should the occlusocervical-faciolingual ratio be?
7. What can be done when tooth preparation deficiencies are present?
8. Guidelines for placement of created circumferential irregularities
9. Which type of circumferential irregularity produces the greatest benefit?