Three-Year Analysis of Fixed and Removable Telescopic Attachment-Retained Implant-Supported Dental Prostheses: Survival and Need for Maintenance.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of fixed implant-supported dental prostheses (FISDPs) and removable ISDPs (RISDPs) retained by telescopic attachments, the factors influencing survival, and the type and number of maintenance treatments required during the observation period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective clinical study is based on patients who were provided with ISDPs between 2004 and 2010. Patient sex, type of prosthesis, location, opposing dentition, and the effect of continuous follow-up on the probability of a favorable outcome, as well as the number of maintenance treatments, were analyzed. A statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A sample of 233 patients with 157 FISDPs and 76 RISDPs supported by a total of 567 implants was randomized and included in the analysis. The mean observation period was 15.9 ± 15.4 months (maximum, 66.0 months). During the observation period, 3.9% of prostheses (7/157 FISDPs and 2/76 RISDPs) ceased to function and 2.3% of implants (13 implants) were lost. The mean survival time was 59.7 ± 2.3 months, with a survival probability of 90.2% after 3 years. Prostheses in the mandible showed significantly higher survival rates than those in the maxilla. Maintenance treatments had to be performed at an earlier stage for patients with RISDPs than for patients with FISDPs. In patients with a conventional removable prosthesis in the opposing arch, the time until maintenance was needed was significantly shorter. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of a retrospective study, it can be concluded that the FISDPs and RISDPs show equally good survival rates after 3 years in function. RISDPs showed a greater and earlier need for maintenance treatments during the first years in function.

Long-span fixed dental prostheses not meeting Ante's law: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of long-span fixed dental prostheses (LSFDPs) not meeting Ante's law. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This study is based on the data of 36 patients who received 41 LSFDPs. The mean survival time of the LSFDPs was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier technique. The influence of the factors (gender, localization, number of abutments, Kennedy Class, dentition of the opposing jaw) were analyzed (log-rank test and Cox regression; P < .05). RESULTS: During the observation period, 22.0% (n = 9) of the LSFDPs ceased to function. The calculated outcome probability after 3 years was 88.3%, and 57.4% after 5 years. The only significant difference in the mean survival time could be found in LSFDPs with two abutment teeth in comparison with LSFDPs with three and more abutment teeth. Although all of the patients were invited to an oral health and maintenance program regularly, only 13.8% attended. CONCLUSION: The results, taken together with data from the literature, indicate that the patient's compliance is a crucial factor in the successful implementation of a LSFDP, whereas other factors are of minor importance.