A Prospective Study of Immediately Loaded Single Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: Long-Term Results, 15 Years Follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the long term predictability of simplifying mandibular overdenture treatment using single-stage surgery and immediate prosthetic loading of a single implant to provide a more affordable treatment option.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with a mean age of 68 years with problematic mandibular dentures were treated. A single implant (Brånemark TiUnite Mk lll) was placed into the mandibular midline, achieving primary stability. A ball attachment was placed, and the retentive cap incorporated into the existing denture. The patients were recalled at 3 and 12 months and at 3, 5, 10 and 15 years. Clinical assessments, radiographs and resonance frequency analysis were recorded. All complications, failures, maintenance, and reasons for failure to follow-up were noted. Visual analogue scale questionnaires were used to record patient satisfaction (analysis of variance P<.05).

RESULTS: One implant did not achieve sufficient primary stability to be immediately loaded and was, therefore treated with a two-stage delayed loading protocol. Of the 28 patients receiving immediately loaded implants, 14 patients were available for follow-up at 15 years. Implant survival remained at 100% throughout the study. Patient satisfaction was high, with a significant increase in all comfort and functional parameters (P values ranged from <.001 to .07) throughout the 15 year period.

CONCLUSIONS: These 15-year results indicate that immediate loading of a single oxidized surface implant used to retain a mucosa-borne overdenture is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective treatment with high levels of patient satisfaction long term.