Retrospective Clinical Evaluation of Non-Engaging Abutments Used for Multi-Unit Screw-Retained Fixed Prosthesis

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This retrospective study aimed at evaluating the clinical performance of non-engaging abutments in multi-unit implant-supported prostheses and assessing the influence of abutment combinations and clinical variables on biological and technical outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: Forty patients with 90 implants and 40 fixed dental prostheses were involved. The study population was divided into three groups: 17 patients (8 males, 9 females) in the first group, 16 patients (7 males, 9 females) in the second, and 7 patients (2 males, 5 females) in the third. All patients received multi-unit implant restorations in a private practice between January 2021 and December 2023, and each prosthesis was in function for one year after delivery, with a mean follow-up of 2.17 ± 0.32 years. Restorations involved non-engaging abutments alone or in combination with engaging abutments or multi-unit abutments. Clinical parameters included implant and prosthesis survival rates, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, marginal bone loss, and the prevalence of biological and technical complications. For the comparison between the three groups, the analysis of variance was used to compare group means. When appropriate, Tukey's post hoc test was applied for multiple comparisons. The significance level was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. <b>Results</b>: The implant and prosthesis survival rates were both 100%. Mean marginal bone loss was 0.53 ± 0.33 mm, and mean probing pocket depth was 4.2 ± 0.75 mm. No cases of peri-implantitis were observed. Mucositis prevalence was 11.11% at the implant level. No significant differences were found among different abutment combinations for biological outcomes or complications. The technical complication rate was 5%. <b>Conclusions</b>: Non-engaging abutments demonstrated favorable short-term clinical outcomes with minimal biological and technical complications. They may represent a reliable option for the restoration of multi-unit prostheses, although long-term studies are needed.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Dentistry Journal
Published
2025-11-10
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13110525
Primary Topic
Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Retrospective Clinical Evaluation of Non-Engaging Abutments Used for Multi-Unit Screw-Retained Fixed Prosthesis

Paolo De Angelis, Margherita Giorgia Liguori, Alberto Staffieri, Paolo Francesco Manicone et al.
Dentistry Journal
Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
article

Retrospective Clinical Evaluation of Non-Engaging Abutments Used for Multi-Unit Screw-Retained Fixed Prosthesis

Paolo De Angelis, Margherita Giorgia Liguori, Alberto Staffieri, Paolo Francesco Manicone, Edoardo Rella, Davide Piccirillo, Alessandro Donato Tescione
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This retrospective study aimed at evaluating the clinical performance of non-engaging abutments in multi-unit implant-supported prostheses and assessing the influence of abutment combinations and clinical variables on biological and technical outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: Forty patients with 90 implants and 40 fixed dental prostheses were involved. The study population was divided into three groups: 17 patients (8 males, 9 females) in the first group, 16 patients (7 males, 9 females) in the second, and 7 patients (2 males, 5 females) in the third. All patients received multi-unit implant restorations in a private practice between January 2021 and December 2023, and each prosthesis was in function for one year after delivery, with a mean follow-up of 2.17 ± 0.32 years. Restorations involved non-engaging abutments alone or in combination with engaging abutments or multi-unit abutments. Clinical parameters included implant and prosthesis survival rates, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, marginal bone loss, and the prevalence of biological and technical complications. For the comparison between the three groups, the analysis of variance was used to compare group means. When appropriate, Tukey's post hoc test was applied for multiple comparisons. The significance level was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. <b>Results</b>: The implant and prosthesis survival rates were both 100%. Mean marginal bone loss was 0.53 ± 0.33 mm, and mean probing pocket depth was 4.2 ± 0.75 mm. No cases of peri-implantitis were observed. Mucositis prevalence was 11.11% at the implant level. No significant differences were found among different abutment combinations for biological outcomes or complications. The technical complication rate was 5%. <b>Conclusions</b>: Non-engaging abutments demonstrated favorable short-term clinical outcomes with minimal biological and technical complications. They may represent a reliable option for the restoration of multi-unit prostheses, although long-term studies are needed.

Dentistry JournalVol. 13(11)
University of L'Aquila (IT), Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (IT)
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Openalex Percentile: Top 52%
Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.