Cement- and screw-retained implant-supported prostheses: up to 10 years of follow-up of a new design.

PURPOSE This retrospective study investigated treatment outcomes over 10 years of a new prosthesis design in implant prosthodontics that uses a combined cement- and screw-retained principle. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical data of 78 implant-supported prostheses were examined. Each prosthesis incorporated at least 1 screw-retained element and 1 or more cement-retained telescopic units. One hundred twenty-four screw-retained and 161 cement-retained abutments were employed. RESULTS Of the 286 implants placed, 5 were lost prior to prosthetic loading and 4 (1.4%) were lost approximately 14 months after loading. Eight (2.8%) abutment screws were retightened and 1 gold prosthetic screw was replaced after 1,372 days following fracture. No accidental dislodgment of any prosthesis occurred. DISCUSSION The introduction of a screw retainer into a series of cement retainers permitted the use of weak cement on the telescopic abutments. This facilitated removal when required while preventing accidental dislodgment. Improved equipment and the learning curve decreased the incidence of abutment screw loosening with time. CONCLUSION The ease of retrievability, allied with the security of seating and excellent appearance, makes the combined screw- and cement-retained prosthesis valuable in implant prosthodontics.