Long-term outcomes and complication rates of tooth-implant-supported fixed dental prostheses: A retrospective cohort study

Purpose: To examine the factors influencing the risk of biological and technical complications in tooth-implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (T-I-FDPs), focusing on location, configuration, and the impact of existing dental health conditions.

Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, accompanied by a follow-up clinical and radiological examination, involving 58 patients (37 women, 21 men; mean age: 63.4 years) who had received 68 T-I-FDPs at least 5 years earlier, at the Department of Prosthodontics, Centre of Oral Rehabilitation, Region Östergötland, Sweden. Correlations between implant placement specifics, arrangement of teeth and implants, and the presence of root-filled teeth on the incidence of complications were analyzed.

Results: The analysis highlighted significant complication risk variance, based on the location in the jaw of the implant, with reduced risk for mandibular placements (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.37). Complex arrangements (HR 2.46) and the presence of root-filled teeth (HR 1.48) were associated with higher complication rates.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that anatomical considerations and preexisting dental health significantly influence the risk of complications in T-I-FDPs. Mandibular implant placements showed a reduced risk of complications compared to maxillary placements. The presence of root-filled teeth and complex prosthesis configurations were associated with higher complication rates. These findings highlight the need for customized treatment strategies to mitigate risks and enhance long-term outcomes for patients with T-I-FDPs.