Implant restoration of partially edentulous ridges: a review of 121 Nigerian patients.

Objective: Because of increasing health awareness, many Nigerian patients are demanding that their lost tooth/teeth be replaced with dental implants. This study reports the pattern and distribution of implant replacement of lost tooth/teeth in a private dental practice in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective review of implant replacement of lost tooth/teeth over a period of 6 years at Schubbs Private Dental Clinic, Lagos, was carried out. Data analysis included age, sex, occupation, habits and medical condition of patients, augmentation procedure, technique of implant placement (immediate vs conventional loading) tooth/teeth replaced, and follow-up period.

Results: A total of 227 implants (Bicon, Boston, MA) with complete superstructure were placed in 121 patients(males = 68, females = 53; age range: 15-74 years). Majority of the patients were of high socioeconomic class. Ten (8.3%) patients had immediate implants and 111 (91.7%) undergone 2-stage implant procedures. The highest number (39.2%) of implants was placed in the molar region, and the replacement of the canines was the lowest (3.1%). Success rate over a period of 6 years was 96%. Of the 9 (4%) implants that failed, 2 were repeated and remained functional till date.

Conclusions: Dental implant therapy as a means of tooth replacement is gaining popularity among Nigerian social upper class. Success rate in this series is comparable with previous reports from Europe and America.