Clinical Evaluation of Complications in Implant-Supported Dentures: A 4-Year Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Implants that can be used in the prosthetic rehabilitation of full and partial edentulous patients are now frequently used due to advances in dentistry. Despite advanced methods of applications, failures and complications can still be seen. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical prosthetic values and complications that occurred during 4-year follow-up in implant-supported restorations.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 40 patients who received oral rehabilitation with an implant-supported prosthesis. A total of 162 implants were placed: 99 in the maxilla and 63 in the mandible. The prosthetic and surgical data were recorded. Data including prosthetic complications and implant loss were recorded and statistically analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.
RESULTS: In total, 159 implants (98.14%) survived, 3 implants (1.86%) failed, and 100% of the protheses were successful. There were 62 dental implants used as abutments for removable dentures and 97 for fixed dentures. The most frequent prosthetic complications after placement of an implant-supported prosthesis were loss of retention, mucositis, abutment screw loosening, and fracture. Patient satisfaction after prosthesis use was also evaluated, showing that satisfaction was systematically increased.
CONCLUSIONS: To minimize the frequency of complications, protocols must be established from diagnosis to the completion of treatment and follow-up of implant-supported prostheses, especially in terms of adequate technical steps and careful radiographic evaluation of the components.

Keywords: Dental Implantation, Dental Implants, Single-Tooth, Dental Impression Technique