Implants as Surveyed Crowns for Implant-Assisted Removable Partial Dentures: A Long-Term Case Series Study

To evaluate the long-term outcomes and assess the risk factors associated with marginal bone loss (MBL) for implant-assisted removable partial denture surveyed crowns (IARPDSCs).

A total of 51 implants were placed in 14 partially or fully edentulous patients and restored using IARPDSCs. Implant crowns or bridges served asabutments for removable partial dentures (RPDs) to enhance their esthetics, comfort, and function. All patients attended regular follow-up appointments every 3 to 6 months for up to 12.5 years, which included professional cleaning and oral hygiene reinforcement. The collected data included patient demographics, treatment modality, arch restoration, Kennedy classification, RPD connection and retention design, opposing dentition, implant characteristics (location, connection type, and diameter), and any complications. The clinical assessments included plaque score, bleeding on probing, probing depth, marginal tissue recession, and keratinized mucosa width. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors influencing the MBL of implants in IARPDSCs.

One implant failed during follow-up; thus, the implant survival rate was 98%. All patients were satisfied with their prostheses and reported only minor complications. Univariate analysis showed a significantly higher MBL in maxillary implants than in mandibular implants (P = .045). Multiple regression analysis revealed that bruxism (P = .002) and maxillary implants (P = .013) were significantly associated with a higher MBL. Female sex (P = .051) and anterior implants (P = .058) exhibited an association with higher MBL.

Within the limitations of this retrospective clinical study, IARPDSCs demonstrated predictable long-term success in carefully selected and well-maintained patients.