Ceramic implant abutments for short-span FPDs: a prospective 5-year multicenter study.

PURPOSE: A prospective, randomized, controlled 5-year multicenter study evaluated the long-term clinical function of CerAdapt ceramic abutments compared to titanium abutments on Brånemark implants supporting short-span fixed partial dentures (FPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, 105 Brånemark implants were placed in a total of 32 patients at three different clinics; 103 implants remained after initial healing. Fifty-three ceramic and 50 titanium abutments were connected to support 36 FPDs, 19 on ceramic and 17 on titanium abutments. RESULTS: Thirty patients with 29 FPDs were examined after 5 years. There was a cumulative success rate of 97.2% for FPDs (94.7% for ceramic and 100% for titanium abutment-supported FPDs). One of 53 ceramic and none of 50 titanium abutments failed, giving survival rates of 98.1% and 100%, respectively. There was a mean marginal bone loss of 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm, respectively, for ceramic and titanium abutments. Soft tissues around abutments and adjacent teeth appeared healthy, and no significant differences were recorded for mucosal bleeding and plaque between ceramic and titanium abutments. Crown margins at FPD insertion were positioned as follows: 21% submucosally, 33% at the mucosal margin, and 46% supramucosally. Changes in mucosal level were recorded at 12% of the abutments, with 73% of all changes recorded at ceramic abutments. There was a balance between more or less exposed crown margins during the first 2 years, in contrast to the 2- to 5-year period, when all changes meant less exposed margins. CONCLUSION: Safe long-term functional and esthetic results can be achieved with CerAdapt alumina ceramic abutments on Brånemark implants for short-span FPDs.