Prevalence of fixed partial dentures & their complications in OPG radiographs from Herat, Afghanistan (2023-2024)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), including crowns and bridges, are widely used to restore function and aesthetics in partially edentulous patients. While international studies have documented their prevalence and complications, there is limited epidemiological data from Afghanistan. Understanding the distribution and performance of FDPs in Herat provides valuable insight into local oral health needs and aligns regional findings with global standards. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed 800 panoramic radiographs (OPGs) randomly selected from 10,842 images recorded at the Razi Radiography Center between 2023–2024. Inclusion criteria required patients aged 20 years or older with complete demographic data and acceptable image quality. Data were processed using SPSS version 26 and Chi-square tests were applied to assess the relationship between age and the presence of fixed prostheses, as well as between cantilever and secondary caries in abutments, focusing on the presence of restorations, secondary caries, apical radiolucency, and cantilever prostheses. Result: Among the study population, 45.25% had at least one fixed prosthesis (95% CI : 42-49). Individuals aged 30 years had the highest presence among participant. Secondary caries beneath FDPs were present in 25.87% of cases, with most patients exhibiting only one lesion. Apical radiolucency was detected in 13.50% of individuals. Cantilever restorations were relatively uncommon, observed in 11.25% of participants, with most cases limited to a single unit. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between the presence of FPDs and the age of patients and also between presence of cantilever prosthesis and the secondary caries of abutments tooth. Conclusion: The findings indicate that FDPs are prevalent in Herat and generally perform well, with complication rates comparable to international reports. While most restorations function without major issues, a subset of patients experienced caries or periapical pathology, underscoring the importance of proper prosthesis design, clinical expertise, and patient education. Broader multicenter studies are recommended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of prosthetic outcomes in Afghanistan.