Assessment of periodontal status among patients with fixed prosthetic reconstructions

Aim: Recognizing the importance of periodontal health for teeth with fixed prosthetic constructions, the main goal of the present study was to assess the periodontal health of respondents who underwent fixed prosthetic reconstructions in one region of the Republic of North Macedonia. Materials and Methods: Research was conducted in five dental offices. For each patient, the following parameters related to the supporting teeth of the fixed prosthetic reconstructions were determined: oral hygiene habits, periodontal pockets depth and clinical loss of attachment, presence of gingival recession, degree of gingival inflammation and presence of local irritating factors that can affect the supporting tissues of the teeth wearing the prosthetic devices. Results: After processing the data, it was noted that the percentage of subjects who did not brush their teeth was 20%. Most of the subjects had moderate gingival inflammatory changes. The average value for periodontal pocket depth was 5.5 ± 0.7 mm, and for clinical loss of attachment, it was 4.2 ± 0.2 mm. The presence of gingival recession was visually determined in 31.66% of subjects. The most commonly predisposing factor was inadequate modelling of the fixed prosthodontic appliances. Forty-eight point thirty-three percent of the subjects had vertical bone loss confirmed by radiographic changes. Conclusion: Periodontal problems among patients that wear fixed prosthetic reconstructions are significantly pronounced, due to insufficient maintenance of oral hygiene by the patients, as well as irregular dental examinations. It is of great importance that the fixed prosthetic reconstructions are properly made and properly adapted.