Medium-Term Observation of Dalbo-Rotex Retention Elements: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: To investigate the medium-term survival of Dalbo-Rotex retention elements, identify potential risk factors for complication or loss, and to consider economic factors.

Materials and methods: Patients treated with Dalbo-Rotex retention elements in a university setting were retrospectively identified and examined. Clinical data comprised assessments of the dental, periodontal, endodontic, and prosthetic situation, including radiographic analysis. Patient satisfaction was quantified with visual analog scale questionnaires. Five-year Kaplan-Meier plots for relative survival and success rates were calculated.

Results: The 45 included patients had a total of 76 Dalbo-Rotex retention elements. Twelve Dalbo-Rotex elements failed and complications occurred in 42.1% of elements, equating to a survival rate of 84.2% and a success rate of 47.4% after a mean observation period of 49.2 months (SD 52.4, range 6-219 months). The 5-year cumulative survival and success rate was 62.4% (95% CI 44.0-88.4%) and 35.6% (95% CI 23.8-53.2%), respectively. Patients' self-assessment of prostheses retention was rated at 82 (IQR 40-92.2) with low pain perception at 4.5 (IQR 0-30). Probing pocket depth levels were significantly reduced in patients adhering to a regular recall interval compared with those with longer intervals.

Conclusions: Chairside Dalbo-Rotex retention elements are a straightforward chairside method for prostheses retention that achieve good survival over medium-term follow up with high patient satisfaction. This technique is therefore a viable alternative to cast post copings that may be particularly valuable for patients with limited financial resources.