Retrospective evaluation of temporary cemented, tooth and implant supported fixed partial dentures

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical performance of this method, and determine which temporary cement was the most appropriate.

Dental fixtures (Tiolox implants GmbH, Germany) were implanted and crown and bridgework applied in a private practice between 1998 and 2003. Copings made of pure gold or titanium were permanently cemented onto the prepared teeth. The bridges were attached with either conventional temporary cements (Zinc oxide/ calcium hydroxide based) or acrylic/urethane cement (IMProv) both to the copings and to the implant abutments. Complications were evaluated by a retrospective review in January 2006.

A total of 47 patients (response: 81%) with 65 fixed partial dentures could be evaluated. Removal and re-attaching without damage of the dentures was undertaken for the following reasons: for follow-up examinations (n = 31), colour corrections (n = 15), cleaning of the dentures (n = 12), treatment of peri-implantitis (n = 2), repair following ceramic fractures (n = 5), implant failure (n = 1), tooth extractions (n = 2), root canal treatments (n = 2), occlusal corrections (n = 2), or in the case of abutment loosening (n = 4). Accidental detachments with conventional temporary cements occurred more frequently and more rapidly than with IMProv (15% versus 88.7% survival rate after four years).

This method for dental implant supported fixed partial dentures is successful and efficient.