Comparative study of peri-implantitis between implant supported bridges and splinted crowns: a retrospective study

The study was conducted to examine the prevalence and degree of peri-implantitis in implant-supported bridges compared to splinted crowns in 3-unit and 4-unit posterior edentulous areas.A total of 229 implant sites from 79 patients who had received implants at the Kyungpook National University Dental Hospital were evaluated.The observation period ranged from 2 to 12 years.Patient characteristics and implant-related factors were investigated.After surgery and prosthetic treatment, radiographic evaluations were performed.Also, to identify factors that could affect the prognosis of the implants, Fisher's exact tests and chi-square were used.In addition, the mean distance between crestal bone levels and implant platform was compared between implant-supported bridges and splinted crowns using the Mann-Whitney U test.No statistically significant differences were found in the mean distances between implant platforms and bone levels in either restoration type.The prevalence of peri-implantitis was 15% in splinted crowns and 13% in bridges, with restoration type showing no significant association.However, middle implant showed the highest rate of peri-implantitis compared to other positions.Furthermore, bone augmentation and implant sites (maxilla or mandible) showed significant association with peri-implantitis.In conclusion, restoration type does not influence the prevalence or severity of peri-implantitis, but implant position affect the rate of peri-implantitis.Clinicians should consider bone quality when choosing between implant-supported bridges and splinted crowns.