Clinical and microscopic findings in edentulous patients 3 years after incorporation of osseointegrated implant-supported bridgework.

15 mandibular fixed prostheses supported by osseointegrated titanium implants were examined 3 years after insertion. No implants had been lost after 3 years and all prostheses were present and continuously functional. The morphotypic analysis of the microbial plaque taken from titanium implants adjacent to clinically inflamed tissues was different from that described of the dental plaque associated with sites of gingival inflammation. Radiographs demonstrated early horizontal bone loss adjacent to osseointegrated fixtures and occasional continuing horizontal bone loss at some sites during the 1st and 2nd years after prosthesis installation. All fixtures remained integrated after 3 years of function supporting fixed prostheses. Minor differences between the results of this study and earlier studies may reflect differences in surgical technique.