A Retrospective Service- Evaluation of Implant Success, Survival, Periimplant Health and Prosthetic Complications in a Cohort of Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the success, survival, peri-implant health and prosthetic complications in head and neck cancer patients receiving oral rehabilitation utilising dental implants between 2008 and the present day. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Service evaluation. Survival Group: Retrospective review of records to determine implant survival and prosthetic complications. Success Group: Examination to determine implant success and health. RESULTS: Survival Group: 260 implants in 81 individuals, median follow up 49.2 months. 89.3% implant survival at 96 months, no further failures up to 133 months. 40.9% individuals required repair or remake of prosthesis by 72 months - mostly denture re-lines. Success group: 164 implants in 48 individuals, median follow up 56 months. Peri-implant mucositis detected in 22% of fixtures (37.5% individuals); peri-implantitis in 12.8% (25% individuals); 33.3% fixtures exhibiting periimplantitis at 120 months. Previous smoking significantly associated with development of peri-implantitis (HR 2.372, p=0.032, 95CI:1.232, 93.317). Compromised survival (e.g. peri-implantitis), absolute (not in mouth) or clinical failure estimated to occur in 28.1% fixtures at 101 months, mostly due to peri-implantitis. CONCLUSIONS: There is a large burden of ongoing care in this cohort, requiring interventions to improve peri-implant health and maintain complex prostheses. Oral rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance in this cohort is complex and multi-disciplinary.