Tooth-implant supported fixed prostheses: A retrospective multicenter study

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective multicenter study on implants co mbined with natural teeth was to investigate the implant survival rate and loss of marginal bone, as well as indications and complications pertinent t o this form of implant therapy. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 185 implants in 111 patients from six different clinics in Sweden. Gatherin g of data, which were taken from patient records, followed a strict protoco l. The registrations included indications for treatment, failure of implant s, radiographs from baseline and follow-up, and information on complication s. Results: The cumulative implant survival was found to be 95.4% (standard error 4.5%) up to 3 years of follow-up. The marginal bone level at baselin e was lower in the maxilla compared with the mandible (P = .015), but any f urther loss did not differ between the jaws. The most severe complication o ther than loss of osseointegration (6/185) or periimplant infections (4/183 ) was intrusion of the abutment teeth, which occurred in 5% of the cases. I n all instances, the intrusion was seen in constructions with nonrigid form s of connection between the implants and teeth. Conclusion: The tooth-impla nt supported prosthesis using the Branemark system is in the short term an equally predictable treatment as the completely implant-supported prosthesi s concerning implant survival and loss of marginal bone. When combining imp lants and teeth, a rigid form of connection should be used to prevent tooth intrusion.