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.