Retrospective clinical evaluation of 2‐ to 6‐unit implant‐supported fixed partial dentures: Mean follow‐up of 9 years

BACKGROUND: Implant-supported fixed partial dentures (ISFPDs) are one of the most common options to rehabilitate partially edentulous patients. PURPOSE: To assess the clinical outcomes of ISFPDs. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients treated with ISFPDs with 2 to 6 prosthetic units at one specialist clinic. Implant/prosthesis failure and technical complications were the outcomes analyzed. RESULTS: Six hundred and forty-two patients with 876 ISFPDs (2241 implants) were included, followed up for 108.0 +/- 76.2 months. Eighty-eight prostheses and 112 implants (26 before, 86 after prosthesis installation) failed. The estimated CSR of ISFPDs at 30 years was 72.7%. Smokers presented lower implant survival than nonsmokers. Two hundred and ninety-nine ISFPDs (33.2%) presented technical complications. Bruxism was a factor to exert a higher risk of screw and implant fracture, and ceramic chipping. ISFPDs with cantilever presented higher risk of failure, and screw loosening/fracture. Prostheses supported by implants with internal abutment connection or with two pontics had higher risk of presenting ceramic chipping. Extension of the prosthesis did not seem to exert influence on prosthesis failure/complications. CONCLUSIONS: ISFPDs presented good long-term prognosis. Implant failure was the main reason for ISFPD failure. The results suggest that bruxism and the presence of cantilever may contribute to the increased rate of mechanical complications and prosthesis failure.