Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of removable partial dentures (RPDs) retained (but not supported) by dental implants.
Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 32 consecutive patients who received implant-retained RPDs. Each patient received one to four endosseus implants; the sample included a total of 64 implants. Follow-up was conducted for a minimum of 8 years, during which satisfaction, implant survival, and prosthetic success were evaluated.
Results: Patient satisfaction systematically increased. The implant success rate was 93.75%, and 100% of the prostheses were successful.
Conclusion: Implant-retained RPDs are a reliable intermediate solution that can reduce biological and economic costs while maintaining implant treatment benefits and the ease of RPD procedures.
© 2011 by the American College of Prosthodontists.