Prospective evaluation of 2,549 Morse taper connection implants: 1- to 6-year data.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to evaluate the implant survival, the implant-crown success, and the prosthetic complications of 2,549 Morse taper interference-fit connection implants. METHODS A total of 2,549 Morse taper connection implants were inserted in 893 patients from January 2003 until December 2008. At each annual recall, clinical, radiographic, and prosthetic parameters were assessed. The implant-crown success criteria included the absence of pain, suppuration, and clinical mobility; an average distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone contact <2 mm from initial surgery; and the absence of prosthetic complications at the implant-abutment interface. Prosthetic restorations were fixed partial prostheses (462 units); fixed full-arch prostheses (60 units); single crowns (531 units); and overdentures (93 units). RESULTS The cumulative implant survival rate was 98.23% (97.25% maxilla, 99.05% mandible). The implant-crown success was 92.49%. A few prosthetic complications at implant-abutment interface were reported (0.37%). After 6 years, distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone contact was 1.10 mm (± 0.30 mm). CONCLUSION The use of Morse taper connection implants represents a successful procedure for the rehabilitation of partially and completely edentulous arches.