Complications after treatment with implant-supported fixed prostheses: a retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to retrospectively evaluate the frequencies of different complications, as well as the number of visits to dentists because of such complications, after treatment with implant-supported fixed prostheses.


METHODS
The study group comprised 75 patients who had been treated with implant-supported fixed prostheses 3 years earlier. All case records were scrutinized, and notes of complications in association with implants and superstructures were registered.


RESULTS
The most common intervention made was occlusal adjustment/selective grinding of the prostheses. Complications in association with both implants and superstructures were fairly common. The most frequent complication was fractures of the acrylic resin matrix, including artificial acrylic resin teeth. Consultations because of periimplant mucosal inflammation were much more common among women compared to men, while complications that could be attributed to heavy loading tended to be more common in men.


CONCLUSIONS
Complications with both implants and superstructures are fairly common after treatment with implant-supported fixed prostheses. Regular follow-ups to maintain optimal function in these patients are thus mandatory.
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, The Institute for Postgraduate Dental Education, Jönköping, Sweden. catharina.gothberg@ltjkpg.se
Catharina
C
Göthberg
Tom
T
Bergendal
Tomas
T
Magnusson
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001732:Bite Force; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D019554:Dental Restoration Wear; D003824:Denture, Complete / Q000009:adverse effects; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019558:Occlusal Adjustment; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013499:Surface Properties; D014093:Tooth, Artificial
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D015921:Dental Implants