This systematic review analyses the difference of the mean marginal bone loss (MBL) 1 year after implantation depending on the fixation of the restoration. 889 publications on controlled clinical trials were identified, and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 studies were selected. Related to fixed restorations, the lowest MBL was 0.05±0.67 mm and the highest 1.37±0.5 mm. The MBL for removable restorations ranged from 0.13±0.35 mm to 1.03±0.65 mm. Three studies analyzed the MBL around implants of overdentures in the lower jaw. The estimate for this restoration type was 0.476 mm (95% CI: -0.305 to 1.258). 19 randomized controlled studies dealt with restorations which were fixed to the implants. The estimate for the mean MBL was 0.459 mm (95% CI: 0.325-0.593). There was a decrease in 1-year implant survival with an increase of 1 mm MBL (-0.083%; 95% CI: -0.179 to 0.0123; p=0.083) in fixed restorations. The difference in MBL between fixed and removable restorations was 0.363 mm (95% CI: -0.319 to 1.044; p=0.279). This systematic review indicates that implants with fixed and with removable restorations lead to comparable MBL.
Keywords: dental implants; fix and removable restorations; marginal bone loss; systematic review.