[Application of Bränemark system's multi-unit abutment: report of 37 consecutive cases]

To evaluate the short-term clinical effect and advantages of Bränemark system's multi-unit abutment used for standard or MK III implants supported fixed prosthodontics.

Routine clinical examinations and preparations, including panoramic tomography, periapical radiograph and surgical guide plate, were performed in 37 cases with multiple lost teeth. A total of 117 Bränemark system's implants were placed using a two-stage surgical approach. Multi-unit abutment connection was performed 3-6 months after implant installation. All superstructure prosthetic appliances were porcelain-fused-to-golden metal bridges.

The follow-up period for the implants was 12 to 24 months. The total survival rate was 95.7%. Two implants were lost at second-stage surgery (the survival rate was 98.29% for first-stage), and 3 implants were lost after loading (the survival rate was 97.43% for second-stage). The other 112 implants function uneventfully. There were no bone loss around implants, no abutment and gold cylinder screw loosen.

The multi-unit abutment, on basis of collecting all the merits of the traditional abutment, was further designed in a simplified way, which not only expands its clinical application, operate easily, but also enhance its whole superstructure. It is more suitable for implant supported fixed prosthodontics with high success rate and more advantages than the traditional abutment.