Bridges supported by free-standing implants versus bridges supported by tooth and implant. A five-year prospective...

The clinical question at issue, whether it is possible to combine implants and natural teeth via fixed bridges, is of current interest. The treatment of the subjects of this prospective study was performed between June 1984 and December 1986. This article presents the 5-year results of the study. The consecutive patient material comprised 23 patients with Applegate Kennedy Class I residual dentition in the mandible and a complete maxillary denture. All 23 patients were provided with implants ad modum Brånemark in each mandibular quadrant. One side was randomized to rehabilitation with fixed bridge between the distal tooth of the residual dentition and an implant; the other side received a free-standang bridge on 2 implants. The fixture survival rate was 88%. No difference was found between the two sides. Bridge stability was 89% for the implant bridges and 91% for the combination bridges. The change in marginal bone level at the implants was small during the 5-year follow up period (on average 0.1-0.3 mm) and with no difference between the two sides. In conclusion, it was not possible to demonstrate any higher risk of implant or prosthetic failure for tooth-implant fixed bridges compared with implant-supported bridges.