PROBLEMS WITH PROSTHESES ON IMPLANTS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Prosthetic parameters for implant success have not been well defined b ut should include patient satisfaction and prosthesis maintenance, inc luding adjustments and repairs. In addition, differences between fixed and removable implant-supported prostheses (ISPs) should be quantifie d. This study retrospectively evaluated both patient satisfaction and maintenance for 156 patients. Removable ISPs averaged almost three tim es as many adjustments per prosthesis (2.1 versus 0.8 per ISP) and mor e than twice as many repairs (1.9 per removable ISP versus 0.9 per fix ed ISP). The most common adjustments were to the contour of both types of prosthesis, and the most frequent repairs involved the retentive c lips with removable ISPs and the gold screws with fixed ISPs. The inci dence of repeat repairs was more than twice as high with removable pro stheses compared with fixed prostheses. However, the repairs to opposi ng dentures most often needed were for conventional dentures opposing fixed ISPs. The vast majority of repairs were needed within the first year of service. Despite the high maintenance needed. patients were sa tisfied with both types of ISP, with the exception of limited satisfac tion with cleansability, particularly with fixed restorations. The hig h incidence of early repairs, and the greater potential for a removabl e ISP requiring adjustment and repair, should be considered both when discussing options with the patient and when estimating treatment and maintenance costs before the commencement of implant therapy.