Implant Inclination and Cantilever Length Are Not Associated with Bone Loss in Fixed Complete Dentures: A Prospective Study.

PURPOSE:To investigate whether the inclination of the most distal implant and the cantilever length influence marginal bone loss in implant-supported fixed complete dentures (ISFCDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS:A novel method using computed tomography images was developed to measure the mesiodistal implant inclination. The cantilever length was measured during ISFCD fabrication. Radiographs were obtained after ISFCD installation at 1 and 3 years after loading. RESULTS:A total of 30 subjects with 62 implants were included. Accumulated marginal bone loss was 0.35 ± 0.49 mm. No significant association was found between marginal bone loss and cantilever length or implant inclination. CONCLUSION:Implant inclination and cantilever length do not seem to affect marginal bone loss.