A 79 year old patient received 15 implants in the upper and lower jaw 24 years ago, which were treated with a fixed bridge. After 24 years one implant in the upper jaw loosened which resulted in a fracture of the bridge. The clinical and radiological evaluation showed nearly no bone-loss in the remaining 14 implants. Further, no inflammation or peri-implantitis arised. After removal of the fractured bridge in the upper jaw and implantation of 3 additional implants, a new bridge could be placed using the 24 year old implants and the new implants. This case shows a problem which may occur more and more in the next years. Luckily the manufacturer of the implants still exists and all of the parts, like abutments were still available. Further, the legal situation is not easy regarding warranty. Placement of high-grade artificial dentition on old remaining implants holds of course high risks, but cases like these have to be treated in a sufficient way. Guidelines would be helpful to support the dentist and/or maxillofacial surgeon.

Key words : long term follow-up; dental implants