[The effect of bedding type on implant and abutment tooth in tooth/implant-supported bridgework]

17 distal extension cases were treated with IMZ implants supporting a fixed-removable bridge connected to a natural tooth abutment with a precision attachment. Instead of the polyoxmethylene internal shock absorber an identically dimensioned titanium element was incorporated in the implants of every second patient. Patients were monitored on a recall schedule. Implant and tooth mobility, pocket probing depth, and bone loss were the parameters evaluated. The results after a mean incorporation time of 16.5 months indicate that, at least during this initial time of function, there are no differences between a mobile and rigid bedding of the superstructure on the implants.