Implant-supported mandibular telescopic prostheses in oral cancer patients: an up to 9-year retrospective study.

PURPOSE The aim of this retrospective study was to present the results of implant-supported telescopic prostheses in the mandible after removal of malignant tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1991 and 2000, 24 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (16 irradiated, eight nonirradiated) underwent mandibular rehabilitation with implant-supported telescopic prostheses. A total of 111 dental implants were placed. Treatment complications were observed. The cumulative survival rates of the implants and prostheses were evaluated by lifetable analysis. RESULTS Within a mean follow-up period of 30 months (1 to 108 months), only three implants failed. All other implants are still in function. Of 24 patients, 23 were satisfied with their implant-supported telescopic restorations. Soft tissue, implant, or prosthetic complications occurred very rarely. The cumulative implant survival rate was about 97% and the cumulative prosthesis survival rate was about 95% at 9 years. CONCLUSION Implants and implant-supported telescopic maxillofacial prostheses can successfully remain in function over a long period. Increased implant and prosthetic complications should not be expected. Therefore, telescopic implant attachments seem to be very useful as a treatment option for prosthetic restoration of the mandible in tumor patients.