Biologic complications in short implant-assisted versus conventional partial dentures

Area of Science:

• Prosthodontics
• Dental Implantology
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• Removable partial dentures are common for Kennedy Class I edentulism.
• Short implants offer a less invasive option for denture support.
• Biologic complications are a concern for both conventional and implant-assisted prostheses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare biologic complications between conventional removable partial dentures (CRPDs) and short implant-assisted removable partial dentures (IARPDs).
• To evaluate implant survival and peri-implant outcomes in patients with Kennedy Class I edentulism.
• To assess the efficacy of IARPDs as a treatment alternative.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 33 participants with Kennedy Class I edentulism.
• Participants received either CRPDs or IARPDs supported by two short implants.
• Biologic complications, implant survival, and marginal bone level changes were monitored over a mean 34-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Non-implant biologic complications occurred in 44.7% of CRPD abutment teeth and 21.4% of IARPD abutment teeth (not statistically significant).
• Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis affected 42.9% and 10.7% of implants, respectively.
• Implant survival was 81.2%, with most marginal bone loss occurring before prosthetic loading.

Conclusions:

• Both CRPDs and IARPDs are viable treatment options for Kennedy Class I edentulism.
• No significant difference in biologic complication incidence was observed between the two groups.
• Short implant-assisted removable partial dentures present a promising alternative for managing distal-extension edentulism.