Abstract
Using a standardized radiographic procedure for a paralleling technique, the five-year changes of crestal bone height after superstructures placement around Branemark implant fixtures were assessed. The mean crestal resorption after superstructures placement was -0.20 mm for the first year, while the annual resorption was -0.07 mm, as a mean, for the following four years. This quantity of bone resorption was less than that reported in past literature. These results strongly suggested that follow-up examination for the first one year is extremely important.
The difference of bone resorption in terms of type of teeth missing, gender, maxilla or mandible, opposing teeth, and smoking habit, revealed no significant differences, although slight differences were observed between maxilla and mandible, as well as opposing teeth condition (natural teeth and removable prostheses).
