A retrospective multicenter evaluation of single tooth implant experience at three centers in the United Kingdom.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Implant treatment in the United Kingdom has been provided mainly in specialist, regional dental hospitals. However, increasingly, general dentists are providing implant-supported prostheses in a private office setting.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the nature, timing, and frequency of complications associated with single tooth implant therapy in a dental hospital and two dental offices.

METHODS

The dental records of 58 patients provided with 76 implants during the period of 1989-95 were reviewed retrospectively. Fifty-three single tooth crowns on implants were placed by general dentists and 23 by specialists in the dental hospital.

RESULTS

Implant survival rate was 96%. Twenty-eight guided bone regeneration procedures were required, including 13 unplanned ones. Prosthodontic complications included the need for recontouring of three crowns and the recementation of three crowns. Only two abutment screws required retightening. Peri-implant soft tissue inflammation occurred around six crowns and recession around two.

CONCLUSION

The single tooth implant-supported crown appears to be an effective and durable restorative treatment with a relatively low prevalence of postoperative complications.