A clinical evaluation of fixed-bridge restorations supported by the combination of teeth and osseointegrated titanium implants.

The present paper reports on the result of the use of osseointegrated titanium fixtures and teeth as combined abutments for fixed-bridge restorations in 10 partially dentate patients. In these patients, the remaining teeth were too few or too unfavourably distributed in the jaws to serve as sole abutments for fixed bridgework. Titanium fixtures ad modum Brånemark were therefore implanted in suitable positions and used as abutments in combination with the remaining teeth. Evaluations at periods of 6 to 30 months postoperatively revealed good clinical results. Some tissue reactions, however, were also observed, indicating the presence of certain clinically significant differences in the functional behaviour of tooth abutments and titanium fixture abutments. These reactions and differences are discussed.