Fixed implant-supported prostheses in the edentulous maxilla. A five-year follow-up report

Seventy-six patients were consecutively treated with fixed prostheses supported by osseointegrated implants in the edentulous maxilla and followed up for 5 years. The mean bone quality and resorption indices were 3.1 and 2.7 at the time of implant placement, respectively. Altogether, 449 standard Brånemark implants were placed. Two patients resumed to complete dentures, and the cumulative implant and prosthesis survival rates were 92.1% and 95.9% for 5 years, respectively. The mean marginal bone level was 0.6 mm below the reference point at the time of placement and 1.2 mm below the same point 5 years later. Speech problems was the most frequent complaint during the first year of function, while resin fractures caused most adjustments during the follow-up period. No implant, abutment or gold alloy screws were found to be fractured, and only 4 patients had their prostheses re-tightened due to loose gold alloy screws.