Functional and esthetic considerations for single-tooth Ankylos implant-crowns: 8 years of clinical performance.

Abstract

Following the loss of an anterior natural tooth, the mucogingival complex begins to collapse. The early placement of endosseous dental implants can prevent or reduce the extent of this collapse. If there is a long interval between the loss of the natural tooth and the placement of the implant prosthetic replacement, this collapse tends to increase significantly. This paper will report on the clinical success of this implant product in the fabrication of esthetic, functional, and harmonious replacements for missing single, natural teeth for a period of 8 years. A total of 275 single Ankylos implant tooth restorations in the anterior and posterior jaw regions were placed and monitored for 8 years. Of these, 264 implants were restored using the titanium Balance abutments, and only 11 were restored using ceramic abutments. The final restorations were either metal-ceramic or full-ceramic crowns and were cemented with glass ionomer cement. The survival rate was 98.2%, with only 5 implants being lost during the healing phase. There were no other implant losses in the postloading period that averaged 3.2 years. To date, there have been no mechanical complications associated with the prosthetic components (ie, screw loosening, screw breaking, or crown breaking) for either the titanium or the ceramic abutments. Experience with the Ankylos system with single-tooth replacement indications may be considered positive with regard to the esthetic and functional results of the treatment. The lack of mechanical complications and problems with the hard and soft tissue in the loading phase of the implants suggests the functional safety of the tapered connection between implant and abutment.