A rationale for rehabilitating posterior tooth loss through implant-to-tooth connection: a cohort retrospective study

Background: Many studies have investigated the connection of teeth to implants in partial fixed prostheses, with some reporting significant issues while others have shown positive outcomes in replacing missing teeth. Purpose: This clinical study aimed to assess the advantages and disadvantages of connecting teeth to implants when restoring posterior teeth in the jaws. Study design, setting, sample: This retrospective cohort study included patients who had lost teeth in the posterior region of the jaws Connecting implants to teeth was analyzed to confirm or deny this practice as researchers gave contrary considerations regarding this concept. Predictor/exposure/independent variable: The primary predictor variable was mainly the treatment protocol which is connecting implants to teeth to support fixed prosthesis. Main outcome variables: Marginal bone loss around implants and teeth supporting fixed prosthesis after 3 and 6 years in addition to implant survival rate. Analyses: Marginal bone loss was studied for teeth and implants. Furthermore, a life table was created to calculate the overall survival rates for both the implants and prostheses. Level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 78 implants were placed in 28 patients with missing posterior teeth. The implant survival rate was 100% after 6 years of use. Marginal bone loss around the teeth and implants was minimal at 3 and 6 years. Conclusions and Relevance: This study concludes that connecting implants to teeth is a viable option for replacing lost teeth, as there were no significant biological complications observed.