Clinical and radiographic outcomes of implant‐supported zirconia fixed dental prostheses with cantilever extension: A proof‐of‐principle study with a follow‐up of at least 1 year

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesTo test the reliability of full zirconia implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses with cantilever extension (FDPCs) after at least 1 year of function.Materials and MethodsThirty‐five patients in need of implant‐supported single unit crowns (SUC) and FDPCs in posterior areas were enrolled. After implant placement, patients were rehabilitated with screw‐retained full‐zirconia FDPCs. Implant survival rate, pocket probing depth (PPD), presence/absence of bleeding on probing (BoP), and presence/absence of mechanical/technical complications were recorded. Mesial and distal radiographic marginal bone levels (mBLs) from baseline (i.e., recall appointment 3–6 months after implant loading [T0]) to the follow‐up examination (i.e., latest recall appointment after at least 12 months after T0 [T1]), were calculated.ResultsThirty patients with 34 FDPCs (31 SUCs and 3 FDPs) supported by 37 implants were available for analysis after a mean loading time of 2.6 ± 1.5 years (range: 13–87 months). No implants were lost. MBLs and mean PPD values did not change statistically significantly from T0 to T1 from 0.92 mm ± 0.42 to 0.96 mm ± 0.38 (95% CI: −0.07/0.17; p = .418) and from 2.99 mm ± 0.70 to 3.27 mm ± 0.71 (95% CI: −0.11/0.68; p = .25) respectively. Peri‐implant mucositis was diagnosed in 22 cases. Screw‐loosening and zirconia chipping occurred 1× in 4 patients.ConclusionWithin the limitations of the present proof‐of‐principle study, the use of full‐zirconia FDPCs in posterior areas seems a valid and safe short‐term treatment option.