Survival rates and prosthetic complications of implant fixed complete dental prostheses: An up to 5-year retrospective study

Statement of problem: Implant fixed complete dental prostheses (IFCDPs) are widely used in the rehabilitation of completely edentulous patients, yet limited information is available on the relationship between prosthetic complications and patient-associated and prosthesis-associated risk factors. Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the prosthetic complication and survival rates of IFCDPs after a mean observational period of 3.5 years. Material and methods: Eligible participants were identified by an electronic health record review. The study consisted of a review of the dental record and a single-visit study appointment when a comprehensive examination was performed, including a review of the medical and dental history, clinical and radiographic examination, intraoral photographs, patient satisfaction questionnaire, and occlusal analysis. Prosthodontic parameters and risk factors were assessed, including time with the prosthesis in place, bruxism, occlusal device use, prosthesis material, number of implants, cantilever length, and mode of prosthesis retention. Association between these prosthodontic parameters and risk factors and the observed prosthetic complications was assessed. Results: A total of 37 participants (mean age 62.35 ±10.39 years) with 48 IFCDPs were included. Thirty-eight prostheses were metal-acrylic resin (MR group), whereas 10 were metal-ceramic (MC group). Five of the 48 prostheses failed during the follow-up period, a cumulative prosthesis survival rate of 88%. Minor complications were more frequent than major complications. The most frequent minor complication was loss of screw access hole material (5.18%/year), whereas the most frequently observed major complication was major wear of the prosthetic material (5.85%/year). A significant association was found between not wearing an occlusal device and minor chipping, loss of access hole material, and framework fracture. Minor chipping was significantly associated with bruxism, whereas the opposing dentition significantly affected the total number of prosthetic complications. Conclusions: High survival rates were observed with both MR and MC IFCDPs. No significant difference was found between MR and MC groups in terms of patient satisfaction, as well as total number of prosthetic complications.