title: Use of separate single-tooth implant restorations to replace two or more consecutive posterior teeth: a prospective cohort study for up to 1 year.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal and prosthodontic complications of multiple freestanding implants in the posterior jaws for up to 1 year of function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients received 20 implants posterior to canines. Two or more implants were consecutively inserted to each patient. Single crowns were delivered onto the implants. Marginal bone loss, implant mobility, probing depth, and screw loosening were examined to evaluate the clinical success of such restorations for maximum 1 year of functional loading.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the implants performed well during the observation period. Neither periodontal nor prosthodontic complications were found except a slight porcelain chipping. While the marginal bone level was on average 0.09 mm lower around the implant after 6 months of loading, it was 0.15 mm higher after 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the limits of this investigation, separate single-tooth implant restorations to replace consecutive missing teeth may clinically function well in the posterior jaw.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Section of Dentistry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Sungnam, Gyeonggi, Korea.
authors.forename: Min-Jung
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: In-Sung
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Yeo
authors.forename: Young-Kyun
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Yang-Jin
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Yi
authors.forename: Jae-Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yang