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Purpose:The aim of this prospective study was to report long-term treatment
outcomes (prosthetic and implant related) of edentulous patients treated with implantsupported
fixed prostheses who participated in the first clinical implant study in North
America. Materials and Methods:Forty-five patients were treated with Brånemark
implants supporting a total of 47 fixed prostheses (42 mandibular and 5 maxillary)
between 1979 and 1984. All patients were recalled regularly for comprehensive
prospective clinical and radiographic assessments. Results:Thirty-one patients (33
prostheses) attended a final recall visit in 2002; 71% of patients had been followed for
20 years (range 18 to 23 years), with overall prosthetic plan and implant outcome
success rates of 84% and 87%, respectively. Mean marginal bone loss around the
implants after the first year of loading was small (0.05 mm/year), with high individual
variations. Poor oral hygiene, smoking history, and implant position appeared to be
predictors of marginal bone loss. Prosthetic maintenance was ongoing and included
fractured components and replacement of prostheses; the longevity of a fixed
prosthesis for this group of patients was 8.39 ± 5.30 years. Conclusion:This study
confirmed the overall long-term treatment outcome success of patients treated with
fixed prostheses supported by Brånemark implants. Successful osseointegration with
small mean bone loss was maintained as study patients aged, although prosthetic
maintenance was required. The latter consideration should be discussed with all
patients seeking such treatment. Int J Prosthodont 2004;17:417–424.
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