A six-year follow-up of full-arch immediate restorations fabricated with an intraoral welding technique.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 6-year effectiveness of maxillary and mandibular full-arch immediately loaded prostheses fabricated using an intraoral welding technique.

METHODS: All patients received the same day of surgery a fixed, full-arch prosthesis supported by an intraorally welded titanium framework created directly in the patient's mouth using a titanium bar. Life table analysis of implant survival, complications, and any other adverse events were recorded at yearly follow-up for a period of 6 years.

RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four (86.11%) of 144 implants placed in maxillary cases and 87 (77.68%) of 112 implants placed in mandible cases completed the planned 6-year follow-up. At the 72-month follow-up, the accumulated mean marginal bone loss was, respectively, 1.39 mm (SD = 0.67) for the implants placed in the maxilla (n = 124) and 1.29 mm (SD = 0.71) for the implants placed in the mandible (n = 87). Fracturing of the composite resin superstructure was the most common adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS: After a 6-year follow-up period, the intraoral welding technique proved to be a predictable technique for successfully rehabilitating the fully edentulous patient with a fixed and immediate prosthesis.