Comparative study of cemented versus screwed prosthesis on the marginal bone stability around dental implants

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• The choice between cemented and screw-retained implant crowns is debated regarding peri-implant bone stability.
• Both methods are widely used in clinical practice for single-implant restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of cemented versus screw-retained single-implant crowns on peri-implant bone stability over 24 months.
• To evaluate the incidence of excess cement and its correlation with bone loss in cemented restorations.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 68 patients with 38 cemented and 38 screw-retained single-implant crowns in posterior sites.
• Radiographic assessment of marginal bone loss at 24 months post-placement.
• Clinical evaluation for excess cement in cemented restorations.

Main Results:

• Screw-retained crowns exhibited significantly lower mean marginal bone loss (0.68 ± 0.29 mm) compared to cemented crowns (1.12 ± 0.34 mm) at 24 months (p<0.001).
• Excess cement was found in 34% of cemented cases, showing a strong positive correlation with marginal bone loss (r=0.71, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Screw-retained single-implant crowns demonstrate superior peri-implant bone preservation.
• Screw retention is associated with fewer biological complications, supporting its use for evidence-based clinical selection.