Yohsuke Taira, DDS, PhD, Kiyoshi Nagano, DT, and Mitsuru Atsuta, DDS, PhD
Division of Fixed Prosthodontics and Oral Rehabilitation, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
Present report consists of a clinical evaluation of an implant-tooth supported prostheses using an intracoronal semiprecision attachment. An osseointegrated implant was inserted in the mandible as an alternative to the right second molar. The superstructure was designed as a fixed partial denture to replace the missing mandibular right first molar, and the attachment was used between the pontic and mandibular right second premolar. Although slight gingival recession was observed around the implant after 11 years of service, no accidental changes were found in the implant body, the natural tooth abutment, or the superstructure. The success resulted from certain clinical guidelines including plaque control after the completion of prosthodontic treatment. The semiprecision attachment made maintenance easy and adequately connected the implant with the natural tooth for long term. (Int Chin J Dent 2004; 4: 51-55.)
Key Words: biomaterial, implant-tooth support, prognosis, superstructure.