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DOI

10.1016/j.jds.2012.02.001

First Page

261

Last Page

266

Abstract

Abstract Background/purpose Given that many patients find the cost of mandibular rehabilitation through complete overdenture implants to be beyond their financial scope, many seek a more affordable treatment. The aims of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes of single mandibular implant-retained overdentures versus that of complete dentures. Materials and methods Thirteen edentulous patients with a mean age of 71 years were enrolled in this investigation. They were treated with a single implant inserted into the mandibular midline, followed by rehabilitation with complete dentures. The mandibular dentures were adhered with a locator or magnetic attachment after 10 weeks of adaptation. Patient satisfaction was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale(VAS) questionnaire both on the day of attachment connection and 3 months later. Chewing efficiency was assessed by a sieve test before and after connecting the attachment. Within-subject comparisons were performed either by using paired-sample t -tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to test patient satisfaction and chewing efficiency (P = 0.05). Results No implants were lost nor were denture fracture found during the observation period. Significant improvements were observed in all parameters of patient satisfaction (with P values ranging from <0.001 to ∼0.043) after attachment of the mandibular dentures with a single midline implant. Furthermore, the objective chewing efficiency of patients significantly improved after implant connection (P<0.001). Conclusion Within the limitations of this preliminary prospective clinical study, single-implant-supported mandibular overdentures were a successful alternative treatment option for elderly edentulous patients.

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