Abstract
Aim: To assess the nature, timing and frequency of complications associated with implant therapy and to assess maintenance requirements of implant-supported prostheses.
Design: Retrospective analysis.
Setting: The Dental Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Method: Dental records of 60 patients provided with implant-supported prostheses were examined. Data were compiled on the number of fixtures placed per patient, the type of prosthesis provided, complications during the surgical and prosthodontic phases, and peri-implant soft tissue complications.
Results: 66 prostheses were placed on 236 fixtures over a 6-year period. Surgical complications included fixture loss (n = 6), dysaesthesia (n = 12), and the need for a guided tissue regeneration procedure (n = 10). Common maintenance requirements were tightening of components (n = 11), clip replacement (n = 7) and repair of conventional prostheses opposing implant supported prostheses (n = 7). Plaque control was unsatisfactory with almost half of the subjects requiring intensive oral hygiene instruction and scaling at the first post placement review.
Conclusions: Prosthodontic maintenance requirements were high, particularly during the first year. Surgical complications were relatively infrequent. A case was made for a rigorous oral hygiene programme to reduce the potential for fixture loss through neglect. The financial cost associated with the maintenance of implant-supported prostheses should be incorporated in their overall funding
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Allen, P., McMillan, A. & Smith, D. Complications and maintenance requirements of implant-supported prostheses provided in a UK dental hospital. Br Dent J 182, 298–302 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4809371
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4809371
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