Front tooth replacement with Tübingen (Frialit®) implants

Abstract

127 Tübingen (Frialit) implants have been clinically evaluated for a 10 year period. The implants were placed in the anterior region of the maxillae of 101 patients to replace lost incisors, cuspids and premolars. Seventy-seven implants were placed within 3 months after loss of a natural anterior tooth, resulting in the preservation of the volume of the alveolar ridge and the contour of the surrounding soft tissues. This preservation of the volume of the alveolar ridge was due to the fact that the Tübingen implants have conical shapes and sizes, equal to those of the roots of natural teeth. The dentine-like colour and the biological properties of the bio-inert Al2O3 implant-material, in most of the cases was an advantage to the aesthetics of the prosthetic restorations and to the condition of the soft tissues in the permucosal area. The Tübingen implant is placed with a one-phase technique implying special care for the temporary restorations to avoid premature loading. Also prevention of overloading the ceramic material by the fixed restoration needs special attention in the construction of posts, cores and crowns. The overall survival-rate in this study with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years was 87%. Patient and dentist satisfaction was high.