Clinical experiences of implant-supported prostheses with laser-welded titanium frameworks in the partially edentulous jaw: a 5-year follow-up study

Background: Titanium frameworks have been used in the endentulous implant patient for the last 10 years. However, knowledge of titanium frameworks for the partially dentate patient is limited. Purpose: To report the 5-year clinical performance of implant-supported prostheses with laser-welded titanium frameworks in the partially edentulous jaw. Materials and Methods: A consecutive group of 383 partially edentulous patients were, on a routine basis, provided with fixed partial prostheses supported by Brånemark implants in the mandible or maxilla. Besides conventional frameworks in cast gold alloy, 58 patients were provided with titanium frameworks with three different veneering techniques, and clinical and radiographic 5-year data were collected for this group. Results: The overall cumulative survival rate was 95.6% for titanium-framework prostheses and 93.6% for implants. Average bone loss during the follow-up period was 0.4 mm. The most common complications were minor veneering fractures. Loose and fractured implant screw components were fewer than 2%. An observation was that patients on medications for cardiovascular problems may lose more implants than others (p <.05). Conclusions: The clinical performance of prostheses with implant-supported laser-welded titanium frameworks was similar to that reported for conventional cast frames in partially edentulous jaws. Low-fusing porcelain veneers also showed clinical performance comparable to that reported for conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal techniques.     

Implant-supported welded titanium frameworks in the edentulous maxilla: a 5-year prospective multicenter study

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the 5-year clinical and radiographic performance of fixed implant-supported maxillary prostheses with either welded titanium or conventional cast-gold alloy frameworks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive patients were provided with 349 osseointegrated Br?nemark system implants in the edentulous maxilla at six different implant centers. Twenty-eight of the patients received, at random, prostheses with laser-welded titanium frameworks, and the remaining 30 patients had prostheses with conventional cast-gold alloy frameworks. Clinical and radiographic data were collected for 5 years after prosthesis placement. RESULTS: The titanium and cast-gold framework groups exhibited similar cumulative survival and success rates (CSR). The 5-year implant CSR from time of placement was 91.4% and 94.0%, respectively, and from prosthesis delivery the rate was 94.9% and 95.6%, respectively. The corresponding 5-year prosthesis CSRs were 96.4% and 93.3%. One patient from each group lost all the implants and turned to complete dentures within the first year of function. Another patient with a cast-gold framework had the prosthesis replaced after 4 years, basically because of problems with the veneering material. No fractures of implant components were observed during the follow-up period. Bone loss was on average 0.59 mm (SD 0.97 mm) during 5 years, with no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Welded titanium frameworks presented a similar favorable clinical performance as conventional cast-gold alloy frameworks in fixed implant-supported prostheses in the edentulous maxilla after 5 years in function. Implant failures were concentrated in only a few patients in each study group.     

Clinical experiences with laser-welded titanium frameworks supported by implants in the edentulous mandible: a 5-year follow-up study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report the 5-year clinical performance of implant-supported prostheses with laser-welded titanium frameworks and to compare their performance with that of prostheses provided with conventional cast frameworks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On a routine basis, a consecutive group of 824 edentulous patients were provided with fixed prostheses supported by implants in the edentulous mandible. In addition to conventional gold-alloy castings, patients were at random provided with 2 kinds of laser-welded titanium frameworks. In all, 155 patients were included in the 2 titanium framework groups. A control group of 53 randomly selected patients with conventional gold-alloy castings was used for comparison. Clinical and radiographic 5-year data was collected for the 3 groups. RESULTS: All followed patients still had fixed prostheses in the mandible after 5 years. The overall cumulative success rates were 95.9% and 99.7% for titanium-framework prostheses and implants, respectively. The corresponding success rates for the control group were 100% and 99.6%, respectively. Bone loss was 0.5 mm on average during the 5-year follow-up period. The most common complications for titanium frameworks were resin or tooth fractures, gingival inflammation, and fractures of the metal frames (10%). One of the cast frameworks fractured and was resoldered. Loose and fractured implant screw components were few (< 1%). CONCLUSION: Even though the cast frameworks had a higher success rate, the overall titanium framework treatment result was well in accordance with the result of the control group. The test groups performed better after clinicians had gained some experience with the technique, and laser-welded titanium frameworks seem to be a viable alternative to conventional castings in the edentulous mandible.     

Implant-supported laser-welded titanium and conventional cast frameworks in the partially edentulous law: a 5-year prospective multicenter study

PURPOSE: This study evaluated and compared the clinical performance of laser-welded titanium fixed partial implant-supported prostheses with that of conventional cast frameworks in the partially edentulous jaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients provided with Br?nemark system implants were arranged into two groups. Twenty-one patients (group A) were provided with a conventional cast ceramometal framework in one side of the jaw and a laser-welded titanium framework with low-fusing porcelain in the other side. In group B, 21 patients received a titanium framework prosthesis to replace a conventional implant prosthesis. Clinical and radiographic data were collected for 5 years. RESULTS: Four implants and one titanium framework were lost during the follow-up period. The two framework designs did not show any significant differences with regard to implant or prosthesis survival (P > .05). Few clinical complications were observed. In group A, marginal bone loss after 5 years was similar for both prosthesis designs, with an average of 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. Basically, no bone loss was observed on average in group B. Furthermore, no significant relationship was observed between marginal bone loss and placement of prosthesis margin or prosthesis design. CONCLUSION: Except for an insignificant tendency toward a slightly higher incidence of small chips of porcelain veneers, laser-welded titanium frameworks presented an overall similar clinical performance as conventional cast frameworks in partial implant situations after 5 years.     

A comparison of laser-welded titanium and conventional cast frameworks supported by implants in the partially edentulous jaw: a 3-year prospective multicenter study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective multicenter study was to evaluate and compare the clinical performance of laser-welded titanium fixed partial implant-supported prostheses with conventional cast frameworks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two partially edentulous patients were provided with Br?nemark system implants and arranged into 2 groups. Group A was provided with a conventional cast framework with porcelain veneers in one side of the jaw and a laser-welded titanium framework with low-fusing porcelain on the other side. The patients in group B had an old implant prosthesis replaced by a titanium framework prosthesis. The patients were followed for 3 years after prosthesis placement. Clinical and radiographic data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Only one implant was lost, and all prostheses were still in function after 3 years. The 2 framework designs showed similar clinical performance with few clinical complications. Only one abutment screw (1%) and 9 porcelain tooth units (5%) fractured. Four prostheses experienced loose gold screws (6%). In group A, marginal bone loss was similar for both designs of prostheses, with a mean of 1.0 mm and 0.3 mm in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. No bone loss was observed on average in group B. No significant relationship (P > 0.05) was observed between marginal bone loss and placement of prosthesis margin or prosthesis design. CONCLUSION: The use of laser-welded titanium frameworks seems to present similar clinical performance to conventional cast frameworks in partial implant situations after 3 years.     

Clinical experience of CNC-milled titanium frameworks supported by implants in the edentulous jaw: a 3-year interim report

Background: The use of computer numeric controlled (CNC)‐milled titanium frameworks is a new technique for framework fabrication, and few clinical reports have been made on this treatment modality. Purpose: The goal of this study was to report the clinical performance of implant‐supported prostheses with CNC‐milled titanium frameworks in the edentulous jaw and to compare the results with prostheses provided with conventional cast frameworks during the first 3 years of function. Materials and Methods: A consecutive group of 126 edentulous patients were provided by random distribution with 67 prostheses with CNC‐milled titanium frameworks in 23 upper and 44 lower jaws and 62 conventional prostheses with gold‐alloy castings in 31 upper and 31 lower jaws. Radiographic 1‐year data and clinical 3‐year data were collected for both the titanium and control group. Results: One prosthesis was lost in each group owing to loss of implants, and the overall 3‐year prosthesis cumulative survival rate was 98.2% for both groups. Patients with smoking habits experienced significantly more implant failures than nonsmokers (p =.006). Few problems were observed. No metal fractures were seen in the test group, whereas two frameworks and one abutment screw fractured in the control group. Resin veneer fractures were the most common complication, with a slightly higher incidence observed in the control group. Conclusions: Computer numeric controlled‐milled titanium frameworks can be used as an alternative to conventional castings in the edentulous jaw, presenting clinical performance similar to that of conventional cast frameworks during the first 3 years of function.     

CNC‐Milled Titanium Frameworks Supported by Implants in the Edentulous Jaw: A 10‐Year Comparative Clinical Study

Background: No long‐term clinical studies covering more than 5 years are available on Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) milled titanium frameworks. Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic performance of implant‐supported prostheses provided with CNC titanium frameworks in the edentulous jaw with prostheses with cast gold‐alloy frameworks during the first 10 years of function. Material and Methods: Altogether, 126 edentulous patients were by random provided with 67 prostheses with titanium frameworks (test) in 23 maxillas and 44 mandibles, and with 62 prostheses with gold‐alloy castings (control) in 31 maxillas and 31 mandibles. Clinical and radiographic 10‐year data were collected for the groups and statistically compared on patient level. Results: The 10‐year prosthesis and implant cumulative survival rate was 95.6% compared with 98.3%, and 95.0% compared with 97.9% for test and control groups, respectively (p > .05). No implants were lost after 5 years of follow‐up. Smokers lost more implants than nonsmokers after 5 years of follow‐up (p < .01). Mean marginal bone loss in the test group was 0.7 mm (SD 0.61) and 0.7 mm (SD 0.85) in the maxilla and mandible, with similar pattern in the control group (p > .05), respectively. One prosthesis was lost in each group due to loss of implants, and one prosthesis failed due to framework fracture in the test group. Two metal fractures were registered in each group. More appointments of maintenance were needed for the prostheses in the maxilla compared with those in the mandible (p < .001). Conclusion: The frequency of complications was low with similar clinical and radiological performance for both groups during 10 years. CNC‐milled titanium frameworks are a viable alternative to gold‐alloy castings for restoring patients with implant‐supported prostheses in the edentulous jaw.     

Clinical experiences of CNC-milled titanium frameworks supported by implants in the edentulous jaw: 1-year prospective study

Background: A new type of titanium framework has been introduced, but so far no clinical reports have been made in this treatment modality. Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the clinical performance of implant‐supported prostheses with computer numeric controlled (CNC)‐milled titanium frameworks in the edentulous jaw and to compare the results with prostheses provided with conventional cast frameworks during the first year of function. Material and Methods: A consecutive group of 65 patients with 67 prostheses were provided with CNC‐milled titanium frameworks in 23 upper and 44 lower jaws. During the same period, 61 consecutive patients were treated on a routine basis with 31 upper and 31 lower conventional gold alloy casting prostheses. Clinical and radiographic 1‐year data were collected for both the test and control groups. Results: A total of 14 of 729 inserted implants were lost during the follow‐up period (1.9%). All prostheses were functioning after 1 year except a conventional prosthesis with a cast framework, which was replaced by an implant‐supported over‐denture due to implant loss. The 1‐year cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 100% and 97.8% for CNC prostheses and implants, respectively. The corresponding CSR for the control group was 98.3% and 98.3%, respectively. Few problems were reported in both groups, and the clinical and the radiologic performances were similar for both groups. No mechanical complications except some resin veneer fractures (n = 6) were observed. The mean marginal bone loss for the test group during the first year in function was 0.4 mm (SD = 0.35) and 0.4 mm (SD = 0.33) in the upper and lower jaws, respectively. A similar pattern of bone reaction was also observed in the control group. Conclusion: CNC‐milled titanium frameworks can be used as an alternative to conventional castings in the edentulous jaw, presenting similar clinical and radiologic performances as conventional cast frameworks during the first year of function.     

Clinical experiences with laser-welded titanium frameworks supported by implants in the edentulous mandible: a 10-year follow-up study

Background: Long‐term follow‐up studies for more than 5 years are not available on laser‐welded titanium frameworks. Purpose: To report and compare 10‐year data on implant‐supported prostheses in the edentulous mandible provided with laser‐welded titanium frameworks and conventional gold alloy frameworks. Materials and Methods: Altogether, 155 patients were consecutively treated with prostheses at abutment level with two generations of fixed laser‐welded titanium frameworks (test groups). A control group of 53 randomly selected patients with conventional gold alloy castings was used for comparison. Clinical and radiographic 10‐year data were collected for the three groups. Results: All patients followed‐up for 10 years (n=112) still had fixed prostheses in the mandible (cumulative success rate CSR] 100%). The overall 10‐year cumulative success rate (CSR) was 92.8 and 100.0% for titanium and gold alloy frameworks, respectively. Ten‐year implant cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 99.4 and 99.6% for the test and control groups, respectively. Average 10‐year bone loss was 0.56 (SD 0.45) mm for the titanium group and 0.77 (SD 0.36) mm for the control group (p < 0.05). The most common complications for titanium frameworks were resin or veneer fractures, soft tissue inflammation, and fractures (12.9%) of the metal frame. Loose and fractured implant screw components were below 3%. Conclusion: Excellent overall long‐term results with 100% CSR could be achieved with the present treatment modality. Fractures of the metal frames and remade prostheses were more common for the laser‐welded titanium frameworks, and the first generation of titanium frameworks worked poorly when compared with gold alloy frameworks during 10 years (p < 0.05). However, on average more bone loss was observed for implants supporting gold alloy frameworks during 10 years. The reasons for this difference are not clear.     

Early laser-welded titanium frameworks supported by implants in the edentulous mandible: a 15-year comparative follow-up study

Background: Comparative long‐term knowledge of different framework materials in the edentulous implant patient is not available for 15 years of follow‐up. Purpose: To report and compare a 15‐year retrospective data on implant‐supported prostheses in the edentulous mandible provided with laser‐welded titanium frameworks (test) and gold alloy frameworks (control). Materials and Methods: Altogether, 155 patients were consecutively treated with abutment‐level prostheses with two early generations of fixed laser‐welded titanium frameworks (titanium group). Fifty‐three selected patients with gold alloy castings formed the control group. Clinical and radiographic 15‐year data were collected and compared for the groups. Results: All patients who were followed up for 15 years (n = 72) still had a fixed prosthesis in the mandible at the termination of the study. The 15‐year original prosthesis cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 89.2 and 100% for titanium and control frameworks (p = .057), respectively (overall CSR 91.7%). The overall 15‐year implant CSR was 98.7%. The average 15‐year bone loss was 0.59 mm (SD 0.56) and 0.98 mm (SD 0.64) for the test and control groups (p = .027), respectively. Few (1.3%) implants had >3.1‐mm accumulated bone loss after 15 years. The most common complications for titanium frameworks were resin or veneer fractures and soft tissue inflammation. Fractures of the titanium metal frame were observed in 15.5% of the patients. More patients had framework fractures in the earliest titanium group (Ti‐1 group) compared to the gold alloy group (p = .034). Loose and fractured implant screw components were few (2.4%). Conclusion: Predictable overall long‐term results could be maintained with the present treatment modality. Fractures of the metal frames and remade prostheses were more common in the test group, and the gold alloy frameworks had a tendency to work better when compared with welded titanium frameworks during 15 years. However, on the average, more bone loss was observed for implants supporting gold alloy frameworks.     

Laser-welded titanium frameworks supported by implants in the partially edentulous mandible: a 10-year comparative follow-up study

Background: Comparative long‐term knowledge of different framework materials in the partially edentulous implant patient is not available. Purpose: To report and compare 10‐year data on free‐standing implant‐supported partial prostheses with laser‐welded titanium (test) and conventional gold alloy (control) frameworks. Materials and Methods: Altogether, 52 partially edentulous patients were consecutively provided with laser‐welded prostheses (n = 60) in the partially edentulous lower jaw (test group). A control group of 52 randomly selected patients with gold alloy castings (n = 60) was used for comparison. Clinical and radiographic 10‐year data were retrospectively collected and evaluated for both groups. Results: The overall 10‐year implant cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 93.0% (loaded implants, 96.4%), with a 10‐year implant CSR of 91.5 and 94.7% for test and control implants, respectively (p > .05). Out of a total of 22 lost implants, 17 implants (77.3%) were shorter than 10 mm. The overall 10‐year prosthesis CSR was 93.7%, with a corresponding 10‐year CSR of 88.4 and 100% for test and control groups, respectively (p < .05). Average 10‐year bone loss was 0.46 mm (SD 0.47) and 0.69 mm (SD 0.53) for the test and control groups (p < .001), respectively. Only 1% of the implants had >3 mm accumulated bone loss after 10 years. Altogether, 10 of the prostheses in both groups had implant component mechanical problems (8.3%). None of the frameworks or implants fractured, but more fractures of porcelain veneers were observed in the test group (p < .05). Conclusion: The protocol of implant treatment in the partially edentulous jaw functioned well during 10 years, although prosthodontic maintenance was required. However, laser‐welded titanium frameworks presented more problems as compared with gold alloy frameworks. More loaded implants were lost (p < .05), and higher incidence of porcelain chipping was noted in the test group (p < .05). However, bone loss was on an average lower for the test group during the 10 years of follow‐up (p < .001).     

Precision of CNC-milled titanium frameworks for implant treatment in the edentulous jaw

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report was to describe a new technique to fabricate one-piece, implant-supported titanium frameworks by means of a computer numeric-controlled (CNC) milling technique, and to compare the fit of these frameworks with conventional cast prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 20 patients who were provided with 5 standard Br?nemark implants each in the edentulous mandible. The fit of the first 10 prostheses with CNC-milled frameworks was measured by means of a 3-dimensional photogrammetric technique. The distortion of the center point of the framework cylinders was measured in relation to the master cast replicas. These measurements were compared with 10 randomly selected routine prostheses with cast frameworks. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups. The 3-dimensional distortion of the cylinders in the completed prostheses ranged from 3 to 80 microns; no passive framework was observed. More distortion was observed in the horizontal plane (x and y axes) as compared to the distortion in the vertical direction (z axis). CONCLUSION: The precision of fit of the first CNC-milled prostheses presented a comparable fit to the conventional cast frameworks. Consequently, this new technique could be a valid option for the routine fabrication of frameworks for implant prostheses.     

Immediate function with fixed implant-supported maxillary dentures: a 12-month pilot study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Immediate occlusal loading of dental implants in the edentulous mandible has proven to be an effective, reliable, and predictable procedure. There is little long-term data available on similar treatments in the edentulous maxilla. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 12-month implant survival after immediate loading of 4 to 6 implants with fixed screw-retained prostheses in edentulous maxillae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients, edentulous or with remaining teeth to be extracted in the maxilla, received 4 to 6 implants (n=111). The patients were restored with screw-retained fixed provisional prostheses supported by palladium-alloy frameworks within 24 hours after surgery. Insertion torques for implants were at least 40 Ncm. Implants, grouped as tapered or cylindrical screws, were placed in healed bone or extraction sockets. Implants were also classified as either vertical or off-angle. Definitive prostheses were placed after a mean healing time of 18 weeks. Radiographic examinations were made at the time of placement of provisional prostheses and 12 months later. Between-groups bone resorption was compared using 2-way ANOVA (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The mean follow-up time for all of the patients was 20 months (range, 13 to 28 months). The cumulative implant survival rate at the 12-month follow-up visits (after surgery) was 92.8%; the prostheses survival rate was 100%. No significant differences were found between the survival of tapered or cylindrical screw-type implants placed in postextraction sockets versus those in healed edentulous sites or between vertical and off-angle placed implants. Eight implants failed during the first 3 months, 5 of which were the most distal implants. The mean reduction in marginal bone height over the 12-month observation period was 0.84 mm (CI 95%; 0.68-0.99 mm). CONCLUSIONS: In this study with 12-month follow-up, 4 to 6 implants were sufficient to successfully support fixed implant screw-retained prostheses in the edentulous maxillae of 21 patients.     

Implant-supported fixed prostheses in the edentulous maxilla. A 2-year clinical and radiological follow-up of treatment with non-submerged ITI implants

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the survival rate of non-submerged solid-screw ITI dental implants with a rough (titanium plasma sprayed, TPS) surface in the edentulous maxilla after 1 and 2 years of loading. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-five patients (mean age 64 years) with edentulous upper jaws received five-seven implants and, after a mean healing time of 6.9 months, screw-retained implant-supported fixed prostheses. A total of 146 ITI solid screw TPS implants were inserted. The diameter of 56% of the implants was smaller (3.3 mm) than the standard (4.1 mm) and the diameter of the rest (44%) was standard. The bone quantity of the majority of the patients was low and the bone quality poor. Clinical parameters were registered at baseline and at two annual follow-ups. Radiological examinations and assessments were also made at these times. RESULTS: Mean marginal bone level at baseline was measured at a point 4.52 mm (range 1.45-7.70, SD 1.2) apical of the reference point. Mean bone loss from baseline to 1 year of loading was 0.24 mm (SD 0.9, P=0.002) and from 1 year to 2 years of loading 0.15 mm (SD 0.4, P<0.001). Five implants failed, four of which were early failures prior to loading. One implant failed shortly after bridge installation. The cumulative survival rate was 96.6% after 1 and 2 years. CONCLUSION: ITI TPS solid-screw implants in combination with fixed prostheses had successful survival rates and were found to be a viable treatment alternative in the edentulous maxilla.     

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of small-diameter (3.3-mm) implants followed for 1-7 years: a longitudinal study

Implants with a small diameter may be used where bone width is reduced or in single-tooth gaps with limited mesiodistal space, such as for the replacement of lateral maxillary or mandibular incisors. The purpose of the present longitudinal study was to compare the prognosis of narrow implants (3.3-mm-diameter) to standard (4.1-mm-diameter) implants. Over a 7-year period, 122 narrow implants were inserted in 68 patients to support 45 partial fixed prostheses (PFD) and 23 single-tooth prostheses (ST). Furthermore, 120 patients received 208 standard implants and were restored with 70 PFD and 50 ST, respectively. Clinical and radiographic assessment data were provided. Six (1.8%) out of 330 implants failed. Cumulative survival and success rates were calculated with life-table analyses processed by collecting clinical and radiographic data. For narrow implants, the cumulative survival rate was 98.1% in the maxilla and 96.9% in the mandible. The cumulative success rate was 96.1% in the maxilla and 92% in the mandible. Conversely, standard-diameter implants showed a cumulative survival rate of 96.8% in the maxilla and 97.9% in the mandible. The cumulative success rate was 97.6% in the maxilla and 93.8% in the mandible. Cumulative survival and success rates of small-diameter implants and standard-diameter implants were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Type 4 bone was a determining failure factor, while marginal bone loss was not influenced by the different implant diameters. The results suggest that small-diameter implants can be successfully used in the treatment of partially edentulous patients.     

Immediate loading of implants in the edentulous maxilla: use of an interim fixed prosthesis followed by a permanent fixed prosthesis: a 32-month prospective radiological and clinical study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the survival rate of splinted and immediately loaded Straumann sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched, solid-screw dental implants in the edentulous maxilla after 32 months of loading.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 63 years) with edentulous maxillae received 168 implants (six each) and an implant-supported fixed interim prosthesis within 24 hours after surgery. After a mean healing time of 15 weeks, the patients received permanent screw-retained prostheses. Clinical and radiological examinations were made at implant placement and after 8, 20, and 32 months of loading. All permanent prostheses were removed at the 32-month follow-up; implant stability was checked with a torque device, and the implant stability quotient was determined with resonance frequency analysis.
Results: Mean marginal bone loss from baseline to 8 months after loading was 1.6 mm (SD 1.16; p  = .094), from 8 to 20 months 0.41 mm (SD 0.63; p  = .094), and from 20 to 32 months 0.08 mm (SD 0.49; p  = .039). The 32-month cumulative survival rate was 98.2%.
Conclusions: The 32-month survival of solid-screw implants – immediately loaded within 24 hours after placement – was similar to survival rates reported for solid-screw implants with conventional loading. Immediate loading and splinting of implants in the edentulous maxilla is a viable treatment alternative.     

Steri-Oss种植体支持固定和可摘义齿修复牙列缺失患者的临床回顾研究

目的：研究十年观察期内用Steri-Oss种植体修复牙列缺失患者种植体生存率和影响因素。方法：自1995-2006年,共有57例无牙颌患者接受种植与修复治疗,共353颗Steri-Oss种植体。其中81颗种植体（22.95%）做固定修复,272颗种植体（77.05%）做可摘义齿修复,观察性别、种植体部位和修复类型对种植体成功率的影响。结果：其中有9例病人24颗种植体脱落,种植体成功率93.20%,女性病人的种植体生存率略低,但性别没有显著的差异（P〉0.05）。累计的种植体生存率上颌骨92.64%,略低于下颌骨93.68%,但统计学上的没有显著差异（P〉0.05）。种植体支持的固定修复的十年成功率是97.5%,种植体固位的可摘义齿成功率99.02%,累计的种植体生存率在可摘与固定义齿修复之间没有显著性差异（P〉0.05）。结论：确认了种植体支持无牙颌病人修复学中长期成功率。种植体固位的可摘全口义齿治疗方式在种植体生存率上和种植体支持的固定义齿的结果是相同的。     

Immediate versus delayed loading of dental implants in edentulous maxillae: a 36-month prospective study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare survival rates and radiographic outcomes of immediate and delayed implant loading in edentulous maxillae. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine patients in need of maxillary full-arch treatment were randomized into two groups: test group (n = 34) treated following the Columbus Bridge Protocol with 4 to 6 implants loaded within 24 hours and a control group (n = 15) treated following the ad modum Branemark protocol with 6 to 9 implants loaded a mean 8.75 months after surgery. Two hundred sixty implants (test: n = 163, control: n = 97) were placed, and subjects were treated with screw-retained full-arch prostheses. Bone levels were measured at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 years and analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: All patients appeared at all scheduled recall visits. No differences in cumulative survival rates were found between groups at 36 months. Ten implants (6.1%) failed in the test group; four (4.1%) failed in the control group. At 36 months, no prosthetic failures were detected. Significantly less bone loss was found in the test group at all time intervals (P < .001). The average bone level from the implant-abutment connection was 1.3 mm in the test group and 1.9 mm in the control group at 12 months, 1.5 mm and 2.2 mm at 24 months, and 1.6 mm and 2.3 mm at 36 months, respectively. Conclusion: In the edentulous maxilla, the Columbus Bridge Protocol involving immediate loading of implants placed in both healed and fresh extraction sites exhibited equivalent implant survival and less marginal bone loss at 3 years compared to the conventional two-stage delayed loading protocol. Int J Prosthodont 2011;24:294-302.     

Full-arch restoration of the jaw with fixed ceramo-metal prosthesis: late implant placement

BACKGROUND: The completely edentulous patient has few treatment options in conventional dentistry. When implants are considered, treatment plans range from a 2-implant overdenture to a completely implant-supported prosthesis. Fixed prosthesis is often the preferred selection of the edentulous patient. This study assesses the 5-year cumulative survival rate of implants placed to support full-arch fixed restoration. METHODS: During 1990 to 1995, 171 implants were placed in 22 completely edentulous jaws of 20 patients. All patients were discharged wearing immediate dentures. The implants were analyzed as to the number of implants per jaw, implant location, length, and diameter. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative survival rate was 89.9%. The mean number of implants per jaw was 7.7 for the maxilla and 8 for the mandible. In the maxilla, the preferred implant locations were the canines, centrals, laterals, and first premolars; in the mandible, they were the canines, laterals, and first molars. The mean implant length was 14.2 mm for the mandible and 13.2 mm for the maxilla. The mean implant diameter was 3.6 mm for the maxilla and 3.8 for the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that fixed full-arch ceramo-metal restorations can be a predictable implant treatment modality for the edentulous patient.     

On the role of number of fixtures, surgical technique and timing of loading

AIMS: The aims of this thesis were to analyze reduced number of implants supporting full arch fixed mandibular prostheses and fixed partial dentures (FPDs), non-submerged healing and early loading in the edentulous mandible. A further aim was to evaluate fit of Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) milled I-Bridge frameworks. MATERIAL & METHODS: Paper I. One hundred and nineteen patients rehabilitated with full arch mandibular prostheses supported by four implants were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. Paper II. A total of 178 patients provided with FPDs supported by two (n=92) or three implants (n=122) of whom 123 were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 9.4 years. Paper III. Early and delayed loading of full arch mandibular prostheses were evaluated in 109 patients, 54 with delayed loading and 55 with early loading, with a mean follow-up of 3.6 years. Paper IV. Submerged and non-submerged implant placement for supporting fixed prostheses in the edentulous mandible were evaluated after five years in 29 patients. Paper V. The precision of fit of CNC-milled I-Bridge frameworks was evaluated using two different implant systems. RESULTS: Paper I. The five-year cumulative survival rate (CSR) for implants was 99.1% and for prostheses 100%. Mean bone loss from baseline to five-year follow-up was 0.5 mm. No indication could be found that the number of supporting implants influenced the prosthetic complications. Paper II. The five-year implant and prosthesis CSR was 97.7% for two-implant supported FPDs and 97.3% for three-implant supported FPDs. Mean bone loss at five years was 0.4 mm. Significantly more prosthetic and abutment screw loosening were seen in two-implant supported FPDs. Paper III. Five-year CSR for implants was 94.4% and 92.5% for prostheses in early loading, and 97.9% and 98.0% in the delayed loading group. More prostheses needed adjustment or replacement in the early group, but patients treated with early loading were more pleased with the treatment procedure. Paper IV. Five-year CSR survival rate was 99.4%. Three implants fractured in one patient. Mean bone loss at five years was 0.7 mm in submerged implants and 0.5 mm in non-submerged implants. Paper V. All frameworks demonstrated clinically acceptable fit with mean distortion values within 23 microm (x-axis), 26 microm (y), 4 microm (z- axis) and 34 microm (3-D) for all frameworks. Control frameworks displayed greater levels of distortion than frameworks produced in a strict test situation. CONCLUSION: A reduction of the number of supporting implants to four implants in full arch mandibular prostheses and two implants in three unit FPDs in partial edentulous jaws resulted in the same clinical outcome as when more implants are used. Non-submerged implant placement in the edentulous mandible was as predictable as submerged, but early loading of implant-supported mandibular prostheses incurred more prosthetic complications. Computer numerical controlled milled frameworks presented levels of precision of fit within limits considered to be clinically acceptable and superior to earlier published results on cast frameworks.