Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Is bone loss associated with implants placed in vascularized iliac crest bone grafts for mandibular reconstruction dependent on the prosthetic restoration modalities used?
STUDY DESIGN: Eleven vascularized iliac crest bone grafts for mandibular reconstruction were examined after ablative tumor surgery. Forty implants loaded for at least 1 year were observed for up to 6 years. Horizontal and peri-implant bone loss was assessed for 2 groups: 6 patients with implant-supported bridges and 5 patients with implant-retained overdentures.
RESULTS: Horizontal bone loss reached a steady state around 2 mm after an observation time of 2 years. Bony pockets had a depth of less than 1 mm. The described pattern was nearly independent of the prosthetic restoration modality used. The implant survival rate was 97.6%.
CONCLUSIONS: Vascularized iliac crest bone grafts are safe implant-bearing areas. Implant-retained overdentures can be used with as good a long-term efficacy as the more complicated implant-supported bridges.
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