Evaluation of endosseous implant abutments as a base for fixed prosthetic appliances. A preliminary clinical study.

In the present 2-year report nineteen Linkow blade implants with a total of twenty-seven perforating posts were assessed. All implants included were considered functionally successful and served as abutments for fixed prosthetic appliances. Periodontal probe and radiographic measurements of bone loss around the perforating implant posts, and registration of plaque and gingival index scores were performed every 6 months. During the first 4-6 weeks after implantation a vertical bone loss approximating an average of 1-2 mm occurred in the neck area of the implants. After this initial resorption, bone loss proceeded at a slower rate. The mean annual crest reduction was approximately 0.1 mm from the first to the fourth examination, as assessed from radiographic measurements. Periodontal probe measurements, showing a mean annual crest reduction of 0.2 mm, usually exhibited higher values than corresponding radiographic measurements at both implants and abutment teeth. At implants there was a significant positive correlation between plaque and gingivitis after 18 and 24 months, but not before that time. No correlation was seen between gingival index scores and the degree of bone resorption.