FRONT TOOTH REPLACEMENT WITH TUBINGEN (FRIALIT(R)) IMPLANTS

127 Tubingen (Frialit(R)) implants have been clinically evaluated for a 10 year period. The implants were placed in the anterior region of t he maxillae of 101 patients to replace lost incisors, cuspids and prem olars. Seventy-seven implants were placed within 3 months after loss o f a natural anterior tooth, resulting in the preservation of the volum e of the alveolar ridge and the contour of the surrounding soft tissue s. This preservation of the volume of the alveolar ridge was due to th e fact that the Tubingen implants have conical shapes and sizes, equal to those of the roots of natural teeth. The dentine-like colour and t he biological properties of the bio-inert Al2O3 implant-material, in m ost of the cases was an advantage to the aesthetics of the prosthetic restorations and to the condition of the soft tissues in the permucosa l area. The Tubingen implant is placed with a one-phase technique impl ying special care for the temporary restorations to avoid premature lo ading. Also prevention of overloading the ceramic material by the fixe d restoration needs special attention in the construction of posts, co res and crowns. The overall survival-rate in this study with a mean fo llow-up of 4.5 years was 87%. Patient and dentist satisfaction was hig h.