Validation of dental implant systems through a review of literature supplied by system manufacturers

Statement of problem. The use of endosseous implants to support and retain dental prostheses has become a routine treatment option in many dental practices. Although physical, mechanical, and chemical differences exist among implant systems, survival claims are similar. Purpose of study. This review solicited literature from six implant manufacturers that was thought, by their standards, to be pertinent to the validation of their implant system. Methods. The literature was reviewed and categorized. Conclusion. On the basis of the literature supplied by the manufacturers, only one implant system demonstrated scientifically valid long-term success.