The purpose of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the performance of 3-unit bridges on teeth with 3-unit bridges on implants, evaluating survival of the bridges, survival of the teeth or implants, condition of the hard and soft tissues surrounding the supports, complications and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) after a mean observation period of at least 1 year. A literature search was conducted using a combination of the search terms: fixed partial denture and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). An electronic search for data published until January 2017 was undertaken using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. Eligibility criteria included clinical human studies, either randomised or not, interventional or observational, which evaluated the results of 3-unit FDPs on either 2 implants or 2 abutment teeth. The search identified 1686 unique references. After applying eligibility criteria, 66 articles were included in the analysis. A total of 1973 3-unit FDPs were supported by teeth, and 765 were implant-supported. No significant differences were found either in the survival of the supporting abutments (P = .52; 99% vs 98.7% survival per year) or in the survival of the prostheses (P = .34; 96.4% vs 97.4% survival per year). Both treatments show an almost equally low complication rate, but there is a low level of reporting of hard and soft tissue conditions and PROM. It is concluded that implant-supported 3-unit FDPs seem to be a reliable treatment with survival rates not significantly different from the results of teeth-supported 3-unit FDPs.

Background Implant‐supported restorations in the posterior region are subjected to various complications that could be prevented by changing either the design or the material. Purpose The aim of this prospective case series study was to evaluate full‐zirconia implant‐supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments in the molar region of the maxilla and mandible and their effect on hard and soft peri‐implant tissues, during a 1‐year follow‐up period. Materials and Methods Thirty consecutive patients with a single missing molar, sufficient bone height, and implant site free of infection were included. Each patient was to receive a parallel‐walled implant with conical connection according to a two‐staged surgical protocol. After 3 months, a full‐contour screw‐retained zirconia restoration with angulated screw channel abutment was provided. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed 1 and 12 months after placement of the restoration. Patients' satisfaction was scored prior to treatment and after 12 months with the restoration in function. Primary outcome measure was success of the restoration. Results All patients could be evaluated after 12 months. Success of the restorations was 100%. From loading to the 12‐month follow‐up, the mean marginal bone loss was 0.16 mm (SD: 0.26). Mean scores for plaque, calculus, peri‐implant mucosa, bleeding, and pocket probing depth were low, depicting healthy peri‐implant conditions. Patients' satisfaction was high and had improved after treatment. Conclusion Full‐contour zirconia implant‐supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments in the molar region have an excellent clinical performance after 1 year of function.

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