[Complete removable denture retained by symphyseal implant].

INTRODUCTION: Edentulous patients often hope for stable and retentive prostheses. In very unfavorable anatomophysiological circumstances, the implant-retained removable full denture is a simple and reliable option that considerably optimizes the prosthetic balance. We present the case of one of those patients taken in charge in our department.

OBSERVATION: A full edentulous 82 years old male patient was referred for a prosthetic rehabilitation. He presented with a negative mandibular crest and a very tonic peri-prosthetic musculature in the anterior region. He refused a bone augmentation surgery; we performed a piezographic mandibular prosthesis retained by a single symphyseal implant in a lingual position. The denture was stable and retentive. Comfort and masticatory efficiency were satisfactory and the psychological integration of the prosthesis was improved.

DISCUSSION: Several studies focusing on octogenarian patients concluded that a complete removable denture retained by a single symphyseal implant is a simple, efficient and cost-effective option. Studies including more patients are needed.