Prevalence of Different Techniques Used in Implant Supported Fixed Prosthesis

Objectives: Differences in pattern and structures of dental implant result in different treatment options, so that clinicians use several techniques and materials for implant restorations. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of techniques used for treating partially edentulous patients with implant supported prosthesis. Methods: A questionnaire was designed containing all the variety of different techniques used to treat patients with implant supported prosthesis. The reliability and validity of this questionnaire was evaluated by 2 prosthodontists. Copies of the questionnaire were sent to105 professors of Iranian Dental Schools via Email. Results: In analysis of the 78 questionnaire that were sent back, 67 of the participants (85.9%) preferred Cement.R and 6 (7.7%) preferred Screw.R. 59 of the professors (75.6%) used restorations jointed together and 10 (12.8%) preferred separate restoration. Most of them, (67 people, 85.9%), used Delayed loading for maxillary and mandibular implants. Also, most of them used Coping open and Stock tray technique for impression. Solidarization technique was the least preferred. Addition silicon was the most preferred material. 73 people (93.6%) preferred Metal ceramic restorations and 50 of the participants (64.1%) used precious and 17 of them (21.8%) used nonprecious alloys. Only 31 people (39.7%) preferred Metal Free restorations anf 26 of them (33.3%) preferred using Ceramic restorations and 4 of them (5.1%) preferred Composite restorations. Finally, 65 of the respondents (83.3%) were against using Mini Implants in treatment of patients with implant supported prosthesis and only 9 of them (11.5%) agreed with the treatment. Conclusions: The most preferred final restoration type was Cement.R, Delayed loading was the most used loading technique in Maxillary and Mandibular implants, Metal Ceramic Restoration was the most preferred and used restoration material. The majority of the respondents were against using Mini implants.