The adaptation of implant-supported superstructures to the alveolar crest: a follow-up of 49 cases

A prospective clinical and radiographic study has been carried out in 49 patients with a total of 252 implants. In a mixture of 17 edentulous mandibles, 20 edentulous maxillas, nine partial edentulous cases, and three single-tooth cases, prosthetic treatments were aimed at getting as close an adaptation as possible between gingival tissues and superstructure. The shortest possible abutments were used, and the implants were surgically positioned subcrestally. The results during a 5-year follow-up showed a success rate of 98.9% for fixtures in the lower jaw and 96.3% for the upper jaw with a total success rate of 97.3%. The marginal bone reduction during five years with closely adapted superstructures was 0.11 mm in the mandible and 1.1 mm in the maxilla. Our results support the use of close gingivally adapted superstructures, although oral hygiene controls and instructions are regularly advisable.