Implant Retained Prosthesis, Complications and Implant Failures: 24 Month Clinical Results

Purpose: Prosthetic complications of implant supported fixed and removable dentures as well as implant failures were evaluated retrospectively. Material and Methods: A total of 89 patients with 278 dental implants being present at all routine recalls for 24 months after loading were included. The number of dental implants used as abutments for removable and fixed removable dentures were 130 and 148, respectively. Data including prosthetic complications as well as implant loss were recorded and statistically analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher s Exact Chi-square and Mc Nemars (p 0.05). Results: All dental implant losses occured after 6 months of implantation. 66% of the implants were lost prior to loading, whereas 34% after loading. During 6, 12 and 24 months, complication ratios progressively and significantly (p 0.05) increased in removable dentures, while no significant changes were observed in fixed dentures (p 0.05). The most frequent complications were screw loosening in fixed and the need for relining in removable dentures. Conclusions: Complications may occur in implant-supported fixed and removable dentures. Considering that more complications might arise in removable dentures, periodical recalls seem to be important after denture delivery. The most critical phase for implant loss seems to be the first 6 month period after implant insertion.