I Naert1, S Gizani, D van Steenberghe. 1. Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oral Pathology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The results of the implant overdenture treatment in the maxilla remains inferior to those in the mandible. Different reasons have been alluded to, such as bone quality and quantity, number of implants, as well as the prosthesis design. PURPOSE: To investigate the latter, a new design for the rehabilitation of the resorbed maxillae was set up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients were selected and provided with four endosseous maxillary implants, splinted with a rigid-cast bar. RESULTS: After a mean loading time of 3 years, six implants were lost; three at abutment and another three shortly after abutment connection, resulting in a cumulative success rate of 88.6% at year 4. A mean marginal bone loss of 0.3 mm was observed within the first year. After the first year, the marginal bone level, the attachment level, and the Periotest scores hardly changed. The main prosthetic complication was the frequent need to renew or to activate the attachments. A strong improvement in patient satisfaction was observed when compared with the old conventional denture. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, the outcome confirmed that, on a medium-term base, implant-retained hinging overdentures on four implants were promising.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The results of the implant overdenture treatment in the maxilla remains inferior to those in the mandible. Different reasons have been alluded to, such as bone quality and quantity, number of implants, as well as the prosthesis design. PURPOSE: To investigate the latter, a new design for the rehabilitation of the resorbed maxillae was set up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients were selected and provided with four endosseous maxillary implants, splinted with a rigid-cast bar. RESULTS: After a mean loading time of 3 years, six implants were lost; three at abutment and another three shortly after abutment connection, resulting in a cumulative success rate of 88.6% at year 4. A mean marginal bone loss of 0.3 mm was observed within the first year. After the first year, the marginal bone level, the attachment level, and the Periotest scores hardly changed. The main prosthetic complication was the frequent need to renew or to activate the attachments. A strong improvement in patient satisfaction was observed when compared with the old conventional denture. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, the outcome confirmed that, on a medium-term base, implant-retained hinging overdentures on four implants were promising.