Complications associated with implant-retained removable prostheses.

Implant-supported removable prostheses improve patients' satisfaction with treatment and quality of life. Improvements in the implant's surface and in attachment elements have made this treatment method very successful. However, some biological and mechanical complications remain. Mechanical complications associated with implant-supported overdentures and implant-supported removable partial dentures are loss of retention of attachment systems, the need to replace retention elements and to reline or repair the resin portion of the denture, and implant fracture. Despite their success, implant-supported removable prostheses require periodic maintenance.