Osseointegrated implants for single-tooth replacement: progress report from a multicenter prospective study after 3 years.

After 3 years, 82 of the original 92 patients remain in this prospective multicenter study of single-tooth restorations supported by Brånemark implants. Since the 1-year follow-up, 6 more patients have been lost, but no additional implants have failed in those patients examined at the 3-year follow-up visit. After 1 year of function, 97.2% of the implants survived in 88 patients, and between the 1- and 3-year follow-up, 100% survived in 82 patients, giving a 3-year cumulative success rate of 97.2%. No changes were observed in the status of gingivitis, pocket depth, periodontal pocket bleeding index, and tooth and implant mobility from those reported after 1 year. Marginal bone resorption remained at a low level--less than 0.1 mm annually during the second and third years. Abutment screw loosening continued, but at a significantly reduced rate from that reported after 1 year. When used, gold rather than titanium abutment screws remained secure.