REPLACEMENT OF MAXILLARY AND MANDIBULAR MOLARS WITH SINGLE ENDOSSEOUSIMPLANT RESTORATIONS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

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.