Mandibular overdentures anchored to single implants: a five-year prospective study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

It is unknown what minimum number of implants are required to satisfactorily support and retain a mandibular overdenture.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a treatment modality by using mandibular overdentures anchored to single implants in a geriatric patient population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 74.2 years were treated with single implants inserted at the mandibular midline according to the standard two-stage surgical technique. O-Ring or ball attachments were connected to the implants and served as overdenture anchorage. Implant success rate, improvement of oral comfort and function, condition of the peri-implant soft tissues, Periotest values, and the interproximal marginal bone level were evaluated for up to 5 years after delivery of the overdentures.

RESULTS

None of the implants were lost during the follow-up period. A mean marginal bone loss of 1.42 +/- 0.56 mm was noted at 60 months. Plaque Index was consistently high around the abutments at all reevaluation intervals but was associated with a low Gingival Index. Pocket Depth averaged 2.41 +/- 0.17 mm for the entire follow-up period. Remarkable improvement of oral comfort and function were evidenced with the overdenture treatment.

CONCLUSION

Rehabilitation with mandibular overdentures anchored to a single implant can be a therapeutic alternative for elderly patients experiencing discomfort and functional difficulties with conventional mandibular dentures.