Narrow diameter titanium–zirconium tissue-level implants supporting multi-unit FDPs in the anterior area: A 5-year prospective study

Abstract

Background: Narrow diameter implants (NDIs) are used in cases of limited mesio-distal space, or if the alveolar ridge does not allow placement of a standard diameter implant. Purpose: The aim of this prospective case series study is to present the 5-year clinical-, radiological-, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of patients with partial edentulism in the anterior area of the jaws requiring the placement of two narrow diameter implants to support a 3- or 4-unit fixed partial denture (FPD). Materials and Methods: Thirty partially edentulous patients missing 3 or 4 adjacent teeth in the anterior area of the jaws were included in the study. Two titanium–zirconium tissue-level NDIs were placed in each patient in healed anterior sites (60 implants). A conventional loading protocol was performed to provide a FPD. Implant survival, success, marginal bone-level changes (MBL), clinical parameters, buccal bone stability with CBCT, adverse events and PROMs were recorded. Results: The survival and success rates for the implants were 100%. The mean MBL (±SD) after prosthesis delivery, and 5-year follow-up (mean 58.8 months; range: 36–60) was 0.12 ± 0.22 and 0.52 ± 0.46 mm, respectively. Decementation and screw loosening were the most frequent prosthetic complications, yielding a prosthetic survival and success rates of 100% and 80%, respectively. Patient satisfaction was high with a mean (±SD) score of 89.6 ± 15.1. Conclusions: The use of tissue-level titanium–zirconium NDIs supporting splinted multi-unit FPDs in the anterior area seems to be a safe and predictable treatment option after a 5-year follow-up period.