Dynamics of the state of supporting implants of covering and fixed prostheses in the complete absence of teeth

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The functional duration of implant prostheses in the complete absence of teeth is insufficiently represented in the special literature. Hence, the experience of using such prostheses of various designs over 20 years is summarized. AIM: To analyze the effectiveness of implant prostheses in the complete absence of teeth in terms of peri-implant tissue status MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study examined 23 patients with fixed dentures on 4 implants after 5 years and 30 patients with fixed dentures on 6 implants after 10 years from the manufacture date. Overdentures on 4 implants with rigid attachments were analyzed in 24 patients after 10 years and with elastic attachments in 28 patients after 20 years. Additionally, 20 years ago, 73 patients received overdentures with bar fixation on 2 implants. The evaluation criteria include the detection of mucositis, peri-implantitis with 1/3 and 1/2 bone resorption, and implant removal. RESULTS: When summarizing the state of implants over 20 years, the following results were obtained: removable dentures are more effective with rigid attachments on a bar and 4 implants and less effective on 2 implants (47.9% and 65.2% of implant removals, respectively); fixed prostheses with complete absence of teeth (experience of 10 years of use) are preferred with support for 6 implants (28.3% of removals vs. 42.4% with support for 4 implants). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the proportion of removed implants is 50% of the installed ones. The functional average period of fixed prostheses on 6 implants in the absence of teeth is 10 years (on 4 implants is 5 years) and removable prostheses on 24 implants with elastic and rigid attachments is 5 years.