A retro-prospective long-term follow-up of Branemark single implants in the anterior maxilla in young adults. Part 1: Clinical and radiographic parameters

Background: Single implant restorations have become the primary treatment option for young adults with missing anterior teeth. Yet, long-term studies of single-implants are limited in the literature. Purpose: To report long-term survival, success, and complications in young adults with single-implants in the anterior maxilla. Materials and Methods: A group of 42 patients (mean age 20.7 years) received 53 anterior maxillary single-implants during 1996 and 1997. Data were collected at delivery of the crown, at 1-year examination, and at 14-20-year examination. Descriptive statistics, estimated cumulative survival rates, Pearson correlation test, and t-test were performed. Results: After 14-20 years, 40 out of 42 patients were examined. Two patients were lost to follow-up, two implants failed and ten original single-crown restorations were replaced. Estimated cumulative survival rates were 96.1% for implants and 80.4% for implant-supported crowns. Complications were seen in 21 patients. Mean probing depth was 4.0 +/- 1.8 mm and mean marginal bone loss was 0.1 +/- 1.1 mm. No correlation was found between marginal bone loss and probing depth, occlusal contact in maximal intercuspal position or usage of nicotine. Conclusions: Long-term prognosis of single implant treatments in the anterior maxilla in young adults must be regarded as good, with high survival and success rates.