Survival of Double Crown-Retained Implant-Tooth-Supported Removable Partial Dentures: A ≥ 5-Year Clinical Follow-up Study.

PURPOSE: This retrospective clinical follow-up study assesses double-crown retained implanttooth- supported removable partial dentures (DCR-ITSRPDs) survival, evaluates abutment survival and identifies first aftercare measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The influence of various factors on the survival of the DCR-ITSRPDs and the abutments were observed in this retrospective clinical follow-up study using Kaplan-Meier estimate. In addition, the first occurred aftercare measure per prosthesis was evaluated.

RESULTS: 47 DCR-ITSRPDs were investigated (mean observation: 4.3 ± 3.8 years; max. 14.3 years) out of which three (6.4%) had to be replaced. The 5- and 10- year survival probability for DCR-ITSRPDs was 100% and 75%. A total of 297 abutments (120 natural teeth and 177 dental implants) were observed, of which 22 (7.4%; 6 teeth and 16 implants) failed. The 5- and 10-year survival probability for teeth was 90.2% and for dental implants 90.4% and 76.3%.

CONCLUSION: DCR-ITSRPDs are a successful and durable treatment option for patients with substantially reduced residual dentitions. Both, prostheses and abutments show good survival times after 5- and 10-years in function. The patient associated factors tested showed no influence on the survival of DCR-ITSRPs and abutments. Peri implant infection was the decisive factor for abutment loss, therefore, regular dental prophylaxis and examinations are of major importance.