Stability of the Screw Joints in Patients with Implant-Supported Fixed Prostheses in Edentulous Jaws: A 1-Year Follow-up Study

Stability of the Screw Joints in Patients with Implant-Supported Fixed Prostheses in Edentulous Jaws: A 1-Year Follow-up Study
March/April 2004
Anders Ekfeldt, LDS, Odont Dr/PhD/Anders Eriksson, LDS/Lars-?÷ke Johansson, LDS
International Journal of Prosthodontics, Volume 17, Issue 2
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Purpose:The purpose of this follow-up study was to evaluate the stability of the screw joint in edentulous patients 1 year after treatment with implant-supported fixed prostheses (Br?ïnemark system).
Materials and Methods:A total of 20 patients were included, 10 treated in the maxilla and 10 in the mandible. The fixed prostheses were removed approximately 1 year after insertion, and the stability of the screw joints was evaluated using a rating scale based upon the CDA quality evaluation criteria of dental care.
Results:All implant-supported fixed prostheses were recorded as stable before the prosthetic screws (gold screws) were unscrewed. Çƒ?Unacceptable looseningÇƒ? was observed in 4% of the prosthetic screws and in 29% of the abutment screws.
Conclusion:In this study, only a few of the prosthetic screws showed unacceptable loosening after 1 year of function. The clinical relevance of the observed high occurrence of loose abutment screws could be questioned, as all fixed prostheses were initially recorded as stable. Int J Prosthodont 2004;17:177ÇƒÏ180.