W. Becker et Be. Becker, REPLACEMENT OF MAXILLARY AND MANDIBULAR MOLARS WITH SINGLE ENDOSSEOUSIMPLANT RESTORATIONS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY, The Journal of prosthetic dentistry, 74(1), 1995, pp. 51-55
This retrospective report presents findings on 22 patients with 24 imp
lants replacing single molars with implant-supported restorations. Pat
ients with known bruxism habits were not considered for single-molar i
mplant replacement. The patients underwent follow-up for an average of
24 months. The cumulative success rate was 95%, which reflects the lo
ss of one 5 x 6 mm wide implant. Eleven implants were placed in edentu
lous ridges, and 13 were placed in extraction sockets. Most of the imp
lants were placed in type B and C bone quantity and type 2 and 3 bone
quality. All implants were restored on abutments with nonrotating gold
cylinders. The occlusion for all. restorations was developed to minim
ize centric contacts and lateral interferences. The frequency of gold
retaining-screw loosening was obtained for 21 patients. The gold retai
ning screws loosened in eight implants between one and three times (38
%). No incidence of crown or implant fracture occurred. Within the lim
its of this study, replacement of single-tooth molars by implant-suppo
rted restorations was predictable; however, a high incidence of gold s
crew loosening was seen.