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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcome
of a prospective 5-year longitudinal multicenter test of a simplified implantology concept
comprising an abutment-free implant system (Cresco) and a new method for fabrication of
passively fitting superstructures, the Cresco Ti Precision method. Materials and Methods:
The tests were carried out at three different centers. Sixty partially or completely edentulous
patients were restored by fixed implant-supported superstructures fabricated according to
the Cresco Ti Precision method. In all, 215 Cresco implants were placed for the support of
the superstructures. For various reasons, eight patients (13%) could not be followed through
the 5 years. The radiographic measurements were recorded from radiographs exposed
perpendicular to the implants. Results: The initial implant failure rate (during the healing
phase) was 2%, and the survival rate after loading was 98%. The mean peri-implant bone
loss was 0.29 mm (SD 0.57). Of the measured sites, 71% showed a crestal bone loss of less
than 0.5 mm. Very few mechanical complications were observed. This was attributed to the
passively fitting superstructures. Conclusion: The results from the present multicenter test
demonstrated that the abutment-free Cresco implantology concept is a reliable alternative
method for implant-supported fixed prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous and partially
edentulous jaws. Int J Prosthodont 2003;16:554–562.
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