Material-related complications in implant-supported fixed dental restorations. A systematic review

Aim: A large variety of dental materials are available for the production of implant-supported fixed restorations. Materials with different properties are likely to behave differently during clinical function, which may result in different prevalence and types of complications. The aim of the present review was to summarise, analyse and discuss the prevalence and types of complications or failures related to dental materials in implant-supported restorations. Materials and methods: A strategy was set up using the PICO format and the search was performed using the PubMed database, including a hand search of reference lists. Two independent reviewers selected papers based on a set of criteria. The number of events of complications was summarised. Results: The initial search produced 2764 titles. After application of criteria, 47 publications were selected for analysis. Seventeen studies reported on 1447 single crowns and 30 studies reported on 2190 fixed dental prostheses. The most common complications were fracture or chipping of the veneer material, loss of retention and lost access hole fillings. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, and large variation in number of restorations per material group, no conclusive correlation between type of material and type of technical complication and/or failure could be established. Conclusions: The review did not succeed in providing convincing evidence to answer the question concerning a possible relationship between restoration materials and prevalence of technical complications in implant-supported restorations.