Complications of Fixed Partial Prosthesis in Nepal Police Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Fixed partial dentures (FPDs) are commonly used prosthetic treatments, yet their long-term success is often compromised by biological, mechanical, and aesthetic complications. Limited data exists on failure patterns and severity in South Asian populations, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nepal. 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Nepal Police Hospital from March to May 2025, evaluating 75 patients with FPD complications.  Statistical analysis included chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests (SPSS v.24), with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: The study found Class IV (combined) failures to be most prevalent (33.3%), followed by Class III (32.0%). FPDs in use for ≥5 years showed significantly higher rates of Class IV failure (43.8% vs. 25.6%, p=0.03, OR=2.27). Zirconia prostheses demonstrated lower Class IV failure rates (27.3%) compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) (34.4%), though this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.75). Females exhibited higher rates of class IV failures (40.9%) than males (30.2%), but this trend was not significant (p=0.42).

Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of monitoring FPDs beyond five years of service, as they are at significantly higher risk for severe class IV complications. While zirconia prostheses showed promising results, further research with larger samples is needed to confirm their advantages. These insights can guide clinical decision-making and patient education, particularly in resource-limited settings.