Complications and maintenance requirements of implant-supported prostheses provided in a UK dental hospital.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the nature, timing and frequency of complications associated with implant therapy and to assess maintenance requirements of implant-supported prostheses.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis.


METHODS
The Dental Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne.


METHODS
Dental records of 60 patients provided with implant-supported prostheses were examined. Data were compiled on the number of fixtures placed per patient, the type of prosthesis provided, complications during the surgical and prosthodontic phases, and peri-implant soft tissue complications.


RESULTS
66 prostheses were placed on 236 fixtures over a 6-year period. Surgical complications included fixture loss (n = 6), dysaesthesia (n = 12), and the need for a guided tissue regeneration procedure (n = 10). Common maintenance requirements were tightening of components (n = 11), clip replacement (n = 7) and repair of conventional prostheses opposing implant supported prostheses (n = 7). Plaque control was unsatisfactory with almost half of the subjects requiring intensive oral hygiene instruction and scaling at the first post placement review.


CONCLUSIONS
Prosthodontic maintenance requirements were high, particularly during the first year. Surgical complications were relatively infrequent. A case was made for a rigorous oral hygiene programme to reduce the potential for fixture loss through neglect. The financial cost associated with the maintenance of implant-supported prostheses should be incorporated in their overall funding.
Allen
P F
PF
Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne.
McMillan
A S
AS
Smith
D G
DG
D016734:Dental Clasps; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000209:etiology; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D017269:Dental Prosthesis Repair / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D006801:Humans; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom