A clinical report on the 18-month cumulative survival rates of implants and implant prostheses with an internal connection implant system.

Titanium implants have been successful in both dentulous and edentulous patients. The original Brånemark titanium implants were introduced with external hex connections between implants and abutments. Successes and failures/complications with both the biology and mechanics of this connection system have been reported. In an attempt to improve the predictability and success of implant/abutment connections, internal connections between implants and abutments were developed significantly differently from external implant/abutment connections in terms of size, surface area, and geometry. Forty-five consecutive partially edentulous patients were treated with 83 implants (Osseotite Certaina). The implants were allowed to heal for at least 8 weeks without occlusal loading. All were restored with single, nonsplinted restorations. The implants were loaded with fully functional occlusions for at least 1 year. Recall appointments were scheduled at 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months after implant placement. Eighty-two of the 83 implants were clinically stable and considered to be osseointegrated 18 months after occlusal loading for a cumulative survival rate (CSR) (implants) of 100%. All of the abutment screws and restorations were non-mobile 18 months after occlusal loading for a CSR (prostheses) of 100%. This internal implant/abutment connection was clinically successful and should benefit restorative dentists involved in implant dentistry by decreasing the number of maintenance visits and problems associated with dental implant treatment.