Charlotte Jensen1, Caroline M Speksnijder2, Gerry M Raghoebar3, Wouter Kerdijk4, Henny J A Meijer1,3, Marco S Cune1,5. 1. Department of Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics and Biomaterials, Center for Dentistry and Oral Hygiene, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. 2. Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands. 3. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. 4. Department of Public and Individual Oral Health, Center for Dentistry and Oral Hygiene, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. 5. Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Special Dental Care, St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with a Kennedy class I situation often encounter problems with their removable partial denture (RPD). PURPOSE: To assess the functional benefits of implant support to RPDs, the clinical performance of the implants and teeth and to determine the most favorable implant position: the premolar (PM) or molar (M) region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty subjects received 2 PM and 2 M implants. A new RPD was made. Implant support was provided 3 months later. In a cross-over model, randomly, 2 implants (PM or M) supported the RPD during 3 months. Masticatory performance was assessed using the mixing ability index (MAI). Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed. Non-parametric statistical analysis for related samples and post hoc comparisons were performed. RESULTS: Masticatory performance differed significantly between the stages of treatment (P < .001). MAI-scores improved with implant support although the implant position had no significant effect. No complications to the implants or RPD were observed and clinical and radiographical parameters for both implants and teeth were favorable. Higher scores for bleeding on probing were seen for molar implants. CONCLUSIONS: Implant support to a Kennedy class I RPD significantly improves masticatory function, regardless of implant position. No major clinical problems were observed.
BACKGROUND:Patients with a Kennedy class I situation often encounter problems with their removable partial denture (RPD). PURPOSE: To assess the functional benefits of implant support to RPDs, the clinical performance of the implants and teeth and to determine the most favorable implant position: the premolar (PM) or molar (M) region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty subjects received 2 PM and 2 M implants. A new RPD was made. Implant support was provided 3 months later. In a cross-over model, randomly, 2 implants (PM or M) supported the RPD during 3 months. Masticatory performance was assessed using the mixing ability index (MAI). Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed. Non-parametric statistical analysis for related samples and post hoc comparisons were performed. RESULTS: Masticatory performance differed significantly between the stages of treatment (P < .001). MAI-scores improved with implant support although the implant position had no significant effect. No complications to the implants or RPD were observed and clinical and radiographical parameters for both implants and teeth were favorable. Higher scores for bleeding on probing were seen for molar implants. CONCLUSIONS: Implant support to a Kennedy class I RPD significantly improves masticatory function, regardless of implant position. No major clinical problems were observed.