One-stage surgery and early loading of three implants for maxillary overdentures: a 1-year report.

BACKGROUND

Maxillary implant overdentures opposing mandibular two-implant overdentures are an underused treatment option for edentulous patients. Fewer implants, simple surgery, and short healing periods may increase patients' acceptance of this treatment concept.

PURPOSE

To determine implant success, after overdenture loading, of three narrow-diameter roughened-surface implants placed in edentulous maxillas, using a one-stage surgical procedure, a 12-week healing period, and opposing mandibular two-implant overdentures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty edentulous participants with mandibular two-implant overdentures were allocated to two groups with similar implant systems. Each group had three narrow-diameter roughened-surface implants placed into their edentulous maxillas in a one-stage surgical procedure. Standardized intraoral radiography and implant stability tests were performed sequentially at surgery, at 12 weeks (prior to loading), and at 64 weeks (after 1 year of loading with maxillary overdentures).

RESULTS

One hundred seventeen implants were placed in 39 participants. After 1 year of loading, 15 implants had failed in 11 patients, 4 implants have been "put to sleep" in 3 patients, and 1 patient has died. Data on marginal bone loss and resonance frequency analysis showed no significant differences between the implant systems. The mean marginal bone loss was 1.30 mm (+/- 0.44 mm) from surgery to 12 weeks and 0.32 mm (+/- 0.48 mm) between 12 and 64 weeks with loading. The mean implant stability quotient and resonance frequency values showed a statistically significant improvement over time, at 56.05 (5,891 Hz), 57.54 (5,981 Hz), and 60.88 (6,167 Hz) at surgery, 12 weeks, and 64 weeks, respectively. The overall success rate for all implants combined was 81%, and the cumulative survival rate was 84.61%.

CONCLUSION

In patients with mandibular two-implant overdentures, three narrow-diameter roughened-surface implants can be placed in the edentulous maxilla, using a one-stage surgical procedure, and can be loaded within 12 weeks with overdentures for 1 year.