Clinical Results and Technical Complications of Posterior Implant‐Supported Modified Monolithic Zirconia Single Crowns and Short‐Span Fixed Dental Prostheses: A 2‐Year Pilot Study

Purpose The purpose of this clinical trial was to investigate the clinical outcomes of implant‐supported modified monolithic zirconia single crowns (SCs) and short‐span fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after a follow‐up of 2 years. Materials and Methods Twenty‐seven patients in need of implant‐supported SCs or 3‐unit FDPs in the posterior maxilla or mandible were consecutively selected for this study. A total of 56 modified monolithic zirconia prostheses including 44 SCs (8 screw‐retained, 36 cement‐retained) and twelve 3‐unit FDPs (5 screw‐retained, 7 cement‐retained) were included in this study. All patients were followed at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years after placement of the modified monolithic zirconia prostheses. During the follow‐up period, all prostheses were evaluated with clinical and radiographic examinations. The following technical parameters were assessed: framework fracture, fracture of veneering porcelain, screw loosening, loss of retention because of prosthesis de‐cementation and opposing tooth fracture. Results No implant was lost during the follow‐up period, yielding a 2‐year implant survival of 100%. One FDP failed because of framework fracture. The overall prosthesis survival rate was 98.2% after 2 years of clinical service. During the study, 5 complication events were observed in 3 SCs and one FDP, including one fracture of veneering porcelain and 2 screw loosenings in 3 SCs, and loss of retention and opposing tooth fracture in the same FDP. Therefore, the complication‐free rate of prostheses was 91.1%. Conclusion According to the results of this study, the modified monolithic zirconia design used in this study resulted in a favorable short‐term outcome for posterior implant‐supported SCs and 3‐unit FDPs.