Use of implant-supported prostheses in edentulous mandibles among prosthodontists in Sweden.

The aim of this study was to investigate the production of mandibular implant-supported fixed and removable prostheses among prosthodontic specialists in Sweden and to compare the results with findings in a similar study made in 2001 (17). Questionnaires regarding treatment with mandibular implant prostheses during 20011 were mailed to all specialists in prosthodontics in Sweden (n = 156, according to available data). Of the 156 questionnaires, 129 (83%) were returned and of those 114 were completed. The reported number of treatments with mandibular implant-supported prostheses varied much among the specialists. Fixed implant prostheses were more common than overdentures (means 11 and 3, median values 8 and 2, respectively). However, the range was large for both alternatives. Ten (9%) of the specialists reported no treatment with fixed implant prostheses while 29 (25%) had not made any implant overdenture during 2011. The most common anchorage system for overdentures in 2011 (as well as in 2001) was two un-splinted implants with ball attachments or Locator abutments. The most common reasons for choosing overdenture treatment instead of a fixed implant prosthesis in 2011 were the reduced cost and the patient's main wish to improve denture retention. A majority of the prosthodontists (58%) reported that patients with implant overdentures were as satisfied as those with fixed implant-supported prostheses, whereas 40% claimed they were less satisfied. Two respondents (2%) considered that overdenture patients were more satisfied than those with a fixed prosthesis. It can be concluded that the general attitude among Swedish prosthodontists towards implant overdentures has not changed much during the 10-year period between the present and the previous investigation.An overdenture is still a seldom-used option in implant treatment of patients with edentulous mandibles in Sweden. Instead, a fixed implant-supported prosthesis continues to be the preferred option,

A 5-year retrospective study of cobalt-chromium-based single crowns inserted in a private practice.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical performance of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) single crowns. Ninety restorations were placed in 55 patients, and follow-up examinations were performed annually for 5 years. Six patients (8 crowns) were regarded as dropouts. During the follow-up period, 15 (17%) crowns/abutment teeth experienced some type of complication; 8 (9%) of these were regarded as failures. The cumulative survival rate was estimated at 90.3% over 5 years, though only 3 (3%) crowns had complications that could be related to the crown material. The results suggest that Co-Cr single crowns are a promising alternative to other alloys used in fixed prosthodontics.