COMPLICATIONS IN THE TISSUE-INTEGRATED PROSTHESES COMPONENTS - CLINICAL AND MECHANICAL EVALUATION

Cases demonstrating complications in osseointegrated implant supported prostheses are described. These complications occurred in the prosthe ses framework or veneer, in the fixation screw, in the abutment post o r screw as well as in the implant body. The two main reasons for the c omplications were lack of passive fitting between the restoration and the abutment; and destructive occlusal contacts. The destructive occlu sal contacts may develop during the time of wear of the prostheses mat erial or by changes in the opposite restoration. Overloading or bendin g moments exerted on the prostheses via these occlusal contacts result ed in loosening or fracture in one of the implant-prostheses component s. The benefit of acrylic resin or composite material in reducing stre sses in the light of the possible long-term, harmful occlusal changes that might develop as a result of their wear should be considered.