Wolfart Stefan, Braasch Katja, Brunzel Simone, Kern Matthias
Department of Prosthodontics, Propaedeutics, and Dental Materials, School of Dentistry, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany.
Quintessence Int. 2008 Jul-Aug;39(7):541-8.
Implant-retained overdentures are a reliable treatment option for edentulous patients, especially when only few implants can be placed. Internationally, 2 implants are considered adequate to retain an overdenture in the edentulous mandible. However, for many patients, 2 implants can be cost-prohibitive. By means of 2 clinical cases, it is shown that the insertion of a single implant in the middle of the mandible might stabilize the prosthesis and improve the oral health quality of life and the chewing function. A ball attachment with a screw-activated matrix was used to retain the overdenture. Early clinical results are promising. However, before this method can be recommended for general clinical application, long- term clinical results are needed.
