title: Fixed restorations supported by Morse-taper connection implants: a retrospective clinical study with 10-20 years of follow-up.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Rehabilitation with implant-supported fixed prostheses is a predictable modality to restore lost function and esthetics; however, fixed restorations are subject to biological and prosthetic complications, which may represent a problem in the long-term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival and complication rates of fixed restorations supported by Morse-taper connection implants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 1992 and December 2002, 49 patients (age range 22-70 years), were included in this study. The restorations involved 58 fixed reconstructions (15 single crowns [SCS], 29 partial prostheses, 14 full-arches), supported by 178 Morse-taper connection implants with a follow-up ranging from 10 to 20 years. Outcomes such as implant survival, marginal bone loss, frequency of biological and prosthetic complications as well as "complication-free" survival of restorations were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 20-year overall cumulative implant survival was 97.2%. A few biological (3.4%) and prosthetic (10.3%) complications were reported. The "complication-free" survival rate of restorations was 85.5%. No statistically significant differences were observed among patients' gender, age, smoking or parafunctional habits, prosthesis site and type.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Satisfactory "complication-free" survival rates can be achieved after 20 years for fixed restorations supported by Morse-taper connection implants, with minimal marginal bone loss and complications.
authors: Department of Surgical and Morphological Science, Dental School, University of Varese, Varese, Italy.
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Mangano
authors: Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors: Flavia
authors: F
authors: Iaculli
authors: Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors: Adriano
authors: A
authors: Piattelli
authors: Department of Surgical and Morphological Science, Dental School, University of Varese, Varese, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Mangano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D059605:Dental Implant-Abutment Design / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003757:Dental Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants
keywords: Morse-taper implant-abutment connection; complications; dental implants; implant-supported dental prosthesis; survival