Long-term effects on chewing with mandibular fixed prostheses on osseointegrated implants.

Twenty-seven edentulous patients with denture adaptation problems were first given optimal conventional complete dentures and then a fixed prosthesis on osseointegrated dental implants in the lower jaw (and a complete maxillary denture). Masticatory function was evaluated by means of a questionnaire, a comminution test for chewing efficiency, and bite force measurements on four occasions: with the original (I) and optimal complete dentures (II) and 2 months (III) and 3 years (IV) after insertion of the fixed mandibular prosthesis on implants. No significant improvement of masticatory function was found after conventional denture treatment. After insertion of the fixed mandibular implant bridge, a marked improvement of the patients' assessment of their chewing ability and of the results of the chewing efficiency test and the bite force measurements was recorded. The test results were further improved after the 3-year observation period, which indicates that adaptation to the new prosthetic situation is a gradual process.