Replacing missing single teeth with an implant supported prosthesis: a one year prospective study

Abstract

The efficacy and long term effectiveness of the osseointegration technique in edentulous patients is well documented. However edentulous patient treatment outcomes cannot be automatically extrapolated to partially edentulous patients. A number of prosthodontic techniques have been developed for routine prescription with the single tooth space including the implant supported single crown. All may elicit changes in the mouth, some with irreversible consequences. It has been hypothesised that the single implant supported restoration does not impact adversely on the health of adjacent host tissue, while satisfying prosthodontic treatment objectives. The object of this study was to investigate the feasibility and short term treatment outcome of prescribing single implant supported crowns in a selected population group. Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed to select the patient sample. This comprised 16 patients in whom 21 two-part ITI transmucosal implants (18 maxillary, 3 mandibular) were placed. Following a healing period of at least three months in the mandible and six months in the maxilla, clinically detectable mobility or signs of peri-implant infection were not observed. Prosthetic crown abutments were subsequently attached and 20 implants have so far been loaded. The implants were assessed clinically and radiographically on the day of placing the restoration, one week, six months, twelve months and yearly thereafter. To date clinical/standardised radiographic assessments are available for 20 implants: 14 for 1 year and 6 for 6 months. Individual unattached implants were assessed using accepted success criteria. No persistent surgical or prosthodontic complications were observed. Within the time frame of this study preliminary results suggest that the employed osseointegration technique can be used for single missing teeth with predictable success.