Analysis of proximal contact loss between implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses and adjacent teeth in relation to influential factors and effects. A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Objectives The aim was to analyze influential factors and effects of proximal contact loss between implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses ( FDP ) and adjacent teeth. Material and methods Ninety‐four subjects treated with 135 FDP s supported by 188 implants were included. Degree of proximal contact tightness, food impaction, and periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions were assessed in 191 proximal embrasures between implant‐supported FDP s and adjacent teeth. Potential factors influencing proximal contact loss were estimated with the generalized estimation equation ( GEE ) procedure. Results Thirty‐four percent of the proximal embrasures between implant‐supported FDP s and teeth lost a proximal contact. The proximal contact loss rate continuously increased over the follow‐up periods. A longer follow‐up period, splinted implants, and mesial aspect of proximal contact were significant factors influencing the proximal contact loss in the univariate GEE analysis, whereas a longer follow‐up period was the only significant factor in the multivariate GEE analysis. Food impaction was more frequently reported in the proximal contact loss group than the proximal contact group (odds ratio: 2.2). However, the proximal contact loss did not appear to affect the periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions. Conclusions Proximal contact loss between implant‐supported FDP s and teeth occurred frequently and increased continuously over the follow‐up period. The proximal contact loss significantly affected food impaction, but not the periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions. Proximal contact loss should be carefully monitored during follow‐up examinations in relation to food impaction.