Investigation of complications in implant-supported fixed dental prostheses

Aim: The aim is to identify the presence and types of complications in fixed implant-supported prostheses, determine additional measures for future treatments, and assess patients' quality of life and satisfaction levels through OHIP-14 and VAS questionnaires. Material and Method: Between September 2019 and June 2023, a study was conducted on 186 patients who had undergone implant-supported fixed prosthetic treatment at the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, and had used their prostheses for at least 6 months. Mechanical and physical failures in the implant-supported prostheses were investigated. Among these failures, factors such as food impaction, decementation, porcelain fracture, porcelain chipping, screw fracture, screw loosening, loss of screw access filling material and abutment fracture were identified. Patients' quality of life and satisfaction were evaluated using OHIP-14 questionnaires and VAS forms, and PES and WES scoring were used for aesthetic evaluations. The data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23 and NCSS 11 programs. Results: Complications such as food impaction, decementation, and porcelain fracture were examined in 709 implants and 1036 prostheses. The complication rate stood at 37.6%, predominantly food impaction (57.1%) and decementation (21.4%). Crowns, bridges, and full-arch prostheses showed complication rates of 26.4%, 39.4%, and 57.9%, respectively. A weak negative correlation was found between complications and VAS scores, and a weak positive correlation with OHIP-14 scores. PES and WES scores were also assessed in 47 patients with anterior implant restorations, revealing average scores of 8.1 (PES), 9.29 (WES), and a total of 17.4 (PES/WES), with a moderate negative correlation to OHIP-14 Conclusion: Complications associated with fixed implant-supported prostheses have been investigated, emphasizing the importance of treatment success and patient satisfaction. The positive effects of implants on quality of life are evident. Early detection and management of complications through regular check-ups are crucial for the sustainability of treatment success. Key words: Complications, Implant-supported fixed prosthesis, Patient satisfaction, Pink aesthetic score, Quality of life, White aesthetic score.