Implants for life? A critical review of implant-supported restorations

AimThis review critically appraises the literature on implant-supported restorations.MethodThe review was conducted in March 2007 using OVID Medline with the search terms, limited to the English Language, of implant, crown, bridge, fixed and removable partial dentures and complete dentures. From a total of 5135 papers combining implants and implant-supported restorations only 131 were found, after a thorough hand search, to be relevant to the restoration of implants.ResultsThe outcome of implant fixtures have consistently been shown to be successful over the long-term. However, the same focus of research into the restorations used to support implants has not. Where research is available to guide clinicians towards a particular technique the rigour of the research is limited.ConclusionMore emphasis by the research community on the outcome of restorations supported by implants is needed.